Can I do a degree?

What you do next will depend very much on how much you want to use interior design as part of your career. The British Interior Design Association (BIDA) has a useful list of interior design courses and degrees, but according to Learndirect: “There are no set qualifications to become an interior designer, but most have completed an art or design-based higher education course.” So if you’re hoping for a career in this industry it sounds like you’re already on the right path.

Do remember that interior design is a combination of many skills that can be used in other careers, so even if you opt to follow this career path now, you’ll have lots of useful and transferable skills in the future.

Once you’ve passed your Higher National Diploma (HND) you’ll have different options. Many people go straight into the world of work, applying the skills they’ve learned on their courses to their chosen field. However, you can also convert your qualification to a bachelor’s degree. HNDs allow you access onto the second year of a degree course.

Although you’re currently studying interior design, you have qualifications in a wide range of subjects, so you can consider studying a variety of subjects at university. Your existing qualifications mean you have quite a few options open to you.

To get more of a focus on your next step, you may find it useful to take a look at www.myworldofwork.co.uk. My World of Work is a web service provided by Skills Development Scotland that offers tools and job information to help people discover more about themselves and the future world of work.

You may also find it useful to contact Careers Scotland on 0845 8502 502 to discuss your skills and what courses and careers are suited to you.