The National Design Academy is a Design School based in Nottingham, England. We specialise in offering interior design courses via online distance learning. Students can come to us with no existing interior design qualifications and study flexibly, starting at our Level 3 Diploma and working all the way to BA (Hons) Interior Design - whilst being able to continue to earn whilst they learn.
All our courses are validated and accredited, and the Foundation Degree and BA (Hons) are validated by Staffordshire University.
This course is a great introduction into interior design which provides you with a validated and accredited interior design course equivalent to A-Level (level 3). The course provides access to higher education and you don't need any previous qualifications to enrol!
What's unique about our courses is it's flexibility. You can choose your preferred start date and work at a pace which suits you. It allows people who want to re-train or try something new, work around family and job commitments, as well as giving the opportunity to gain a wealth of on-the-job experience.
There are two study options to choose from; the part-time distance learning option where the all course modules are completed at home, or you can opt for the two week intensive studio course which is a "fast-track" route, comprising of week one and the final week ‘in studio’ with four weeks of self study at home, is fantastic for those who want to push onto higher education courses or kick-start a career/business in interior design.
NDA student Joanna Ford used everything she'd learned from the NDA Diploma course to set up an Interior Design practise in Australia. Find out how Joanna swapped life as an accountant to do what she'd always loved - Interior Design.
Perfect for design enthusiasts who already have relevant experience and want to seriously break into Interior Design related areas, or work towards a BA (Hons) Interior Design. The FdA enables you to follow a variety of career paths such as a freelance designer, setting up your own practice, design journalism, exhibition design and visual merchandising. The possibilities are endless! Students need to hold a level 3 in an art and design based subject – or one of the NDA Diplomas, in order to gain entry to the FdA.
If your sights are set on achieving a degree level qualification, after you've successfully completed the Foundation Degree (equivalent to years 1 and 2 full time study at university), you can progress onto the BA top-up course (year 3) to complete the degree. All FdA students are guaranteed a place on the BA (Hons) which will take approximately 12-18 months to complete.
Current student Karen Lane successfully completed the Foundation Degree course last year and is now tackling the BA (Hons) - as well as setting up her own business. Read Karen's story about how she left college without any formal qualifications, but was determined to become a great Interior Designer.
Our BA (Hons) course is completely flexible which allows you to fit studying alongside work or family commitments. It's also listed within the 'listed bodies' of Recognised UK Degrees, ensuring your qualification is Nationally and Internationally recognised.
To enrol on the BA course you'll need to have achieved either Foundation Degree in Interior Design, HND/HNC in Interior Design (HNC students may require access additional FdA Modules), an equivalent qualification or extensive experience in the interior design profession with a strong portfolio. Students who have completed qualifications other than the NDA's Foundation Degree, may need to access additional FdA Modules.
Students who complete their degree can look forward to a beautiful graduation ceremony in the picturesque Italian gardens of Trentham, held by Staffordshire University.
Do you enjoy making soft furnishings for your own home or for friends and family? Would you like brush up on your skills and gain a professional qualification, start your own business or develop the ones you already have? The Diploma in Professional Curtain Making and Soft Furnishings, like all our courses, gives you control and flexibility over your study so it's easy to balance with everyday life.
You have the choice to study part-time through distance learning or opt for the studio intensive "fast-track" course, comprising of week one and the final week ’in studio’ with four weeks of self study at home, is fantastic for those who want to push onto higher education courses or kick-start a career/business in interior design. You don't need to have any previous qualifications to start on the course, just basic sewing and machine skills.
Two of our previous students completed the Soft Furnishings Diploma at the same time and decided to set up a business together, Grasshoppers Interiors. Read how the Sharon and Debbie developed their business and how the course helped them achieve success.