Entry requirements, funding and how an online MA compares with campus study.
A master's is a different decision from a first qualification. If you are starting out, the diploma and degree routes are the right ones. An MA is for people already qualified and working who want to move into design management or take on more senior practice, and the main obstacle is usually not ability but time — most candidates cannot afford to stop working for a year.
That is the problem studying online solves. The programme is not a timetabled campus course delivered over video; it is designed from the start to be studied in the hours you have, with generous completion windows and flexible options in line with the regulations of the academy's academic partner.
| Route | What it is for | Awarded or accredited by |
|---|---|---|
| Level 3 Diploma | Core skills and a working portfolio. The fastest route to a recognised qualification and first client work. | AIM Qualifications |
| BA (Hons) degree | The professional qualification for working in practice and larger commercial projects. | De Montfort University Leicester |
| MA degree | Design management and senior roles. | De Montfort University Leicester |
A master's in interior design normally requires an undergraduate degree. Relevant professional experience and a strong portfolio are also considered, and portfolios are assessed individually where an applicant's background is non-standard. Students completing a National Design Academy BA (Hons) degree can progress directly to the MA. International applicants may need to evidence English language ability.
Eligibility depends on residency and prior study. The admissions team can confirm your position before you commit to anything.
Because the course is delivered online with flexible start arrangements, you are not tied to a single September intake. Full detail is on the how to apply page.
Can you study an interior design master's degree online?
Yes. The National Design Academy delivers an MA in interior design entirely online, with the degree awarded by De Montfort University Leicester. There are no exams and no requirement to attend campus. Assignments are submitted online and tutor-assessed, and study is arranged around your existing work rather than fixed timetabled teaching, which is why most students on the programme are already working in design or a related field.
What are the entry requirements for an interior design MA?
A master's degree in interior design normally requires an undergraduate degree, though relevant professional experience and a strong portfolio are also considered. National Design Academy students who complete a BA (Hons) degree can progress directly to the MA, and progression scholarships are available to students continuing their study. International applicants may need to evidence English language ability. The admissions team assesses portfolios individually where an applicant's background is non-standard.
Who awards the National Design Academy MA degree?
All National Design Academy degrees are awarded by De Montfort University Leicester. The certificate does not state that the course was studied online, so the qualification is presented in exactly the same terms as one earned on campus. Level 3 Diplomas at the academy are separately accredited by AIM Qualifications.
Is an online master's in interior design worth it?
It depends what you want it for. An MA is the route into design management and senior practice rather than a first job in the industry, so it suits people already qualified and working who want to move up rather than in. Because the National Design Academy programme is studied online, students keep earning while they study, which changes the economics considerably compared with leaving work for a campus course. If you are starting out instead, a Level 3 Diploma and a BA (Hons) degree are the appropriate steps.
How do I apply for an interior design masters in 2026?
Apply directly through the National Design Academy rather than through UCAS, as postgraduate applications are handled by the academy's admissions team. You will be asked for evidence of your previous qualification and a portfolio of work. Because the course is delivered online with flexible start arrangements, you are not tied to a single September intake in the way a campus programme would require.
Can I get a postgraduate loan for an interior design masters?
Eligible students can apply for a UK postgraduate student loan to cover master's degree tuition, so fees do not need to be paid upfront. The National Design Academy also offers progression scholarships to students continuing from one of its degrees to the MA. Funding eligibility depends on your residency and prior study, and the admissions team can confirm your position before you commit.
What is the difference between a diploma, a BA and an MA in interior design?
A Level 3 Diploma builds core design skills and a working portfolio, and is the fastest route to a recognised qualification and first client work. A BA (Hons) degree is the professional qualification for working in practice and taking on larger commercial projects. An MA is a postgraduate qualification aimed at design management and senior roles. National Design Academy students can move through all three, with a guaranteed degree place offered to successful Professional Diploma students.
How long does an online interior design MA take?
Because the course is studied online rather than to a fixed campus timetable, the duration flexes with the hours you can commit each week. Modules carry generous maximum time allocations, and flexible options are available in line with the regulations of the academy's academic partner, De Montfort University Leicester, for students who need extra time, a holiday or a break from study.
See the postgraduate course detail, or talk to admissions about entry requirements and funding.
View all coursesUK students pay approximately 50% of the full course fee – the balance is funded by the UK Government’s Adult education budget (AEB).
The National Design Academy is the only design school to be able to offer this funding as our Diplomas are all fully accredited by AIM Qualifications.