You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

• interior design
• art and design
• interior architecture
• spatial design

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You could complete a college course, which may help you afterwards with applications for design assistant jobs or university courses. Examples include:

• interior design
• art and design
• T Level in Craft and Design

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

You could apply to do a Furniture Design Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, which may lead into an interior design assistant role.

Entry requirements

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

You could start as an interior design assistant with a company. With further training and qualifications you could become an interior designer.

You'll need:

• design skills and knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• customer service skills
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• knowledge of building and construction
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to work well with others
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

As an interior designer, you could:

• work with clients to understand their ideas and what they want
• advise on use of space, colour schemes, fabrics, fittings and furniture
• prepare detailed 2D and 3D plans using design software
• provide estimates for materials, work and timescales for different design options
• find suppliers of fittings, furniture, fabrics, and wall and floor coverings
• draw up instructions for contractors, or act as a project manager from start to finish

You could work in an office, from home, in a creative studio or at a client's business.