Bachelor of Interior Design
The Bachelor of Interior Design is a four-year programme that prepares students for interior design, space planning and interior architecture. Students study interior design, space planning, materials, lighting, colour theory and computer-aided design. The programme combines creative design with technical skills for interior environments.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 286,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,144,000 for the whole course.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ or above, plus 4 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 3 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Overhead Transmission Technician, at 10 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Students develop competencies in interior design, space planning, material selection, lighting design, 3D modelling and project management. They learn to design interior spaces, select materials, create 3D models and manage design projects. The programme covers design theory, materials, lighting, CAD, sustainability and professional practice.
In Kenya, interior design is a growing field with demand from construction, hospitality, retail and residential sectors. Kenya's construction boom and real estate development create opportunities. Graduates find roles in interior design firms, architectural firms, construction companies, furniture companies and as independent designers.
Teaching is delivered through lectures, design studio sessions, computer laboratory sessions, industrial attachment and design projects. Students create design concepts, use CAD software, build models and undertake industrial attachment. The programme includes a final-year design project.
Graduates pursue careers as interior designers, space planners, design consultants, furniture designers and project coordinators. Some work for design firms or architectural companies. Others join construction companies or establish independent practice.
This programme is ideal for individuals with creativity, spatial awareness and interest in design and aesthetics.
What you study
10 subjects- Interior Design Principles and Theory
- Space Planning and Design
- Materials and Finishes
- Lighting Design
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
- Colour Theory and Application
- Furniture Design
- Building Systems for Interiors
- Sustainable Interior Design
- Professional Practice and Project Management
Modules
12 in the programmeIntroduction to Interior Design
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to Interior Design: Fundamentals of interior design, principles and design process Covers design principles, creative processes, and practical project development.
Design Drawing and Graphics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Design Drawing and Graphics: Technical drawing, sketching and graphic communication for design Covers design principles, creative processes, and practical project development.
Colour Theory and Application
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Colour Theory and Application: Colour principles, psychology and application in interior design Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Space Planning and Design
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Space Planning and Design: Space planning principles, layout design and functional space organisation Covers design principles, creative processes, and practical project development.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
AutoCAD, SketchUp and 3D modelling for interior design. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests,...
Materials and Finishes
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Materials and Finishes: Interior materials, finishes, textures and material selection Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Lighting Design
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Lighting Design: Lighting principles, types, design and lighting for interior spaces Covers design principles, creative processes, and practical project development.
Furniture Design
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Furniture Design: Furniture design principles, construction and custom furniture Covers design principles, creative processes, and practical project development.
Building Systems for Interiors
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Building Systems for Interiors: HVAC, plumbing, electrical and building systems for interiors Covers construction technology, materials science, and project execution.
Sustainable Interior Design
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Sustainable Interior Design: Sustainable materials, green design and environmental considerations Covers design principles, creative processes, and practical project development.
Professional Practice and Project Management
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Professional Practice and Project Management: Professional practice, contracts, project management and business Covers project lifecycle, resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder engag...
Final Year Design Project
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Final Year Design Project: Comprehensive interior design project demonstrating all skills Covers design principles, creative processes, and practical project development.
Specialisations
Lighting Design
Specialization in Lighting Design, preparing graduates for careers such as interior-designer. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Hospitality Design
Specialization in Hospitality Design, preparing graduates for careers such as interior-designer. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Sustainable Design
Specialization in Sustainable Design, preparing graduates for careers such as interior-designer. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Furniture Design
Specialization in Furniture Design, preparing graduates for careers such as interior-designer. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Commercial Interior Design
Specialization in Commercial Interior Design, preparing graduates for careers such as interior-designer.
Residential Interior Design
Specialization in Residential Interior Design, preparing graduates for careers such as interior-designer.
A day as a student
A typical day combines morning lectures on design theory or materials with afternoon design studio sessions or computer laboratory work. Students may create design concepts, use CAD software, build 3D models, select materials or work on design projects.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Creative and fulfilling career in design | Building a client base takes time |
| Growing demand from Kenya's construction and real estate | Design software and equipment can be expensive |
| Opportunity for independent practice | Income can be project-based and variable |
| Diverse career paths in residential, commercial and hospitality | Some clients may have limited budgets affecting design scope |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 73 art and design coursesAnnual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.
The fine print
UoN 286K, Egerton 255K, Maseno 204K/yr (uonbi.ac.ke, egerton.ac.ke, newsblaze). Private: unverified.
Students may access HELB loans and county bursaries. Some design firms and construction companies offer internship stipends.
Funding options
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
LoanKsh 60,000
National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF)
Bursary
County Government Bursaries
Bursary
Scholarships
3 recordedHigher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students placed by KUCCPS in public universities
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties
Scholarships you could apply for
10 usable where it is taught- Equity Group Foundation Wings to Fly
Closes 28 February 2027FullEquity Bank
Full secondary + university
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullAga Khan Foundation
Full university study
- KCB Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullKCB Bank
Full tuition + stipend
- Mombasa Cement Scholarship
Closes 31 May 2027PartialMombasa Cement Ltd
KES 100,000 per year
- Safaricom Foundation ICT Scholarship
Closes 30 June 2027FullSafaricom Foundation
Full tuition + internship
- Family Bank Foundation Education Support
Closes 30 June 2027PartialFamily Bank
KES 80,000 per year
- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Relevant diploma or equivalent qualification
When it next starts
Taught at 3 institutionsIncluding Maseno University, University of Nairobi, Kirinyaga University.
Including Maseno University, University of Nairobi, Kirinyaga University.
Including Maseno University, University of Nairobi, Kirinyaga University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsIndustrial Attachment Report
Coursework10% of the mark
Design Studio and Project Work
Coursework30% of the mark
Final Examination
Coursework40% of the mark
Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs)
Coursework20% of the mark
Accreditation
Commission for University Education (CUE)
InstitutionalRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesDesign Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 250,000
Provides interior design consulting to clients
Project Coordinator
Moderate demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 200,000
Coordinates interior design projects from concept to completion
Interior Designer
Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 300,000
Designs interior spaces for residential, commercial and hospitality
Space Planner
Moderate demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 200,000
Plans and optimises interior space layouts
Furniture Designer
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 200,000
Designs custom furniture and furnishings
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as interior designers, space planners, design consultants, furniture designers and project coordinators in interior design firms, architectural firms, construction companies, furniture companies and independent practice.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Overhead Transmission TechnicianEngineering10Low exposure
- Desalination Systems EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- District Cooling EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- HighVoltage Substation EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Hydrogen Systems EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Microgrid Control EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Subsea Cable EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Traction Power EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
Tools you will learn
QGIS
Design
Google Earth Engine
Analytics
AutoCAD
DesignPrimary
ETABS
Structural analysis
MS Project
Project management
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Interior design is just about decorating
Interior design involves space planning, technical systems, materials, lighting and project management.
There are no jobs in interior design in Kenya
Kenya's construction and real estate boom creates demand for interior designers.
Interior design is not a serious profession
Interior design requires technical knowledge, creativity and professional practice.
Interior design is the same as architecture
Interior design focuses on interior spaces while architecture covers entire buildings.