Level 3
Level 3 Diploma in Interior Design with SEND Support Package for schools and local authorities
EXCELLENT
4.6 of 5 on 209 Reviews
Online Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design
(Interior Design Pathway)
Flexible, Inclusive Learning for Future Interior Designers
Our Online Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design with a focus on Interior Design is a flexible, fully inclusive course tailored for creative students of all backgrounds, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or who require alternative education provision.
Perfect for learners aiming to pursue careers in interior design, spatial planning, commercial or residential design, this course is accessible in accordance with the UK Equality Act 2010 and meets key national education and safeguarding standards including the Children and Families Act 2014, Education Act 1996, SEND Code of Practice, and Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
To meet the diverse needs of learners, we offer two distinct pathways:
A self-contained, fully accredited course open to all students, including those with SEND. This route provides a high-quality, creative curriculum delivered online and fully compliant with the UK Equality Act 2010—ensuring fair and equal access for every learner.
Designed to support schools, local authorities and other educational bodies in meeting their statutory duties, this enhanced option includes a full support package to ensure learners with additional needs receive the care and structure they require. The support package includes:
Dedicated SENDCO support
EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) assistance
Enhanced DBS-checked staff
Annual reviews and impact tracking
Fast-track onboarding and induction
Live attendance and engagement reports
Termly academic and wellbeing reports
Participation in multi-agency meetings (e.g. CIN, TACs)
Full GDPR compliance
Public liability insurance
UKRLP registered provider status
Structured collaboration with schools, carers, and families
Targeted interventions and outcome monitoring
We partner with local authorities across the UK and can be formally named on EHCPs as a trusted provider.
Our interior design diploma is delivered entirely online by experienced professionals from the design industry and the education sector. Students gain practical skills, creative confidence, and a competitive edge through:
Live, one-to-one online tuition
Real-world design briefs and industry-relevant projects
Development of a professional portfolio to support university, apprenticeship, or employment pathways
Study flexibly:
Full-time over one academic year
Part-time over two years (no additional fee)
OCAD is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our programmes are built with accessibility in mind, ensuring that every learner—regardless of background or ability—can thrive in a supportive, digitally enabled environment.
Begin Your Interior Design Career Today
Enrol now to gain a nationally recognised creative qualification in interior design—delivered through a flexible, accessible online learning model that supports individual learners, schools, and educational authorities alike.
This exciting online course has a strong practical focus, developing not just knowledge and understanding of interior design and design theory, but also professional design skills. Successful graduates earn a Foundation Diploma qualification that is equal to 3 A Levels and is nationally accredited by the UK’s largest vocational awarding body, SEG ABC Awards. The course is taught over one academic year and can be extended if required for an additional fee.
Equally valuable, graduates achieve a specialist portfolio that expresses their personal brand of interior design, enabling access to top universities and employment as a professional qualified interior designer.
Entry Criteria
To enrol on the Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Graphic Design Pathway), applicants must meet the following criteria:
Mature students (aged 19+) do not need formal qualifications, but must demonstrate a basic ability in drawing or painting and a strong motivation to succeed. If you’re unsure of your level, you’re encouraged to submit a sample of your work for feedback.
Study Options & Start Dates
Course Requirements
To participate, students will need:
Progression & Qualifications
Level 3 or Level 4? Explained
The qualification awarded is a Level 3 Diploma, which prepares students for entry to university and is eligible for local authority funding. It is recognised as a further education (FE) qualification and carries UCAS points, making it suitable for students progressing to higher education.
As part of the course, students will complete a final graded unit at Level 4, giving them valuable experience at a higher academic level. This Level 4 unit will appear on the final transcript, but the overall award remains at Level 3.
While the exam board also offers a full Level 4 Foundation Diploma, this does not carry UCAS points and is not typically recommended for students seeking university admission. If desired, students can discuss the Level 4 route after enrolment.
Next Step
Apply now or contact us with your portfolio for a free eligibility review.
Level 3 or Level 4?
The qualification that students will receive is a Level 3 Diploma. Level 3 qualifications are FE (further education) and prepare for University. LEAs fund students up to this level and the qualification carries UCAS points for entry into HE (higher education).
There is a final graded unit which is actually a Level 4 unit, which helps students prepare for HE, as it gives experience at this slightly higher level. This unit shows on your transcript for the qualification (the sheet that breaks down all units, credits and grade) as a Level 4 unit. However, the qualification is awarded as a Level 3 qualification overall.
The exam board do offer a Level 4 foundation diploma, but it does not carry any UCAS points whatsoever, so it is unlikely to be useful to any of our students. (This is because Level 4 is seen as HE and not FE.) If students want to go for a Level 4 version of the course, they can, but this is to be discussed once enrolled, as it will mean no UCAS points! The degree that students go on to study will be level 4+, so there is no need to gain a Level 4 qualification at this stage.
When you enrol in one of our online interior design courses in the UK, you’ll gain access to a personalised Online Studio – a dedicated digital workspace where you can manage and complete all aspects of your coursework.
Within your Online Studio, you’ll find:
This platform is designed to make learning flexible, accessible, and engaging—allowing you to progress at your own pace while receiving the guidance you need to succeed.
Your Digital Portfolio
As you complete your projects, you’ll upload photographs and digital versions of your work to your e-portfolio. This digital portfolio forms a key part of your assessment and showcases your creative development.
Each submission receives constructive, friendly written feedback from your tutor, providing you with clear next steps and encouragement to refine and improve your work.
Dedicated One-to-One Support
All students receive ongoing personal support from a qualified and experienced tutor. You’ll have access to live, one-to-one online sessions where you can:
This personal interaction ensures you feel supported throughout your creative journey.
Peer Interaction and Community
Although learning is online, you’re never alone. Students can choose to:
This optional community feature fosters inspiration, collaboration, and a true sense of belonging within our creative learning environment.
Join our online course today and start building your future in design with expert guidance, peer support, and a professional portfolio that opens doors to university and industry
The course is divided into three key stages, each designed to help you build confidence, develop practical skills, and specialise in your chosen creative pathway.
🎨 1. Exploratory Stage
The Exploratory Stage is the starting point of your creative journey. This phase introduces you to the foundations of art and design, allowing you to work across a variety of disciplines to discover your strengths and interests.
You will gain hands-on experience using different materials, techniques, and digital tools. Emphasis is placed on drawing and photography as essential starting points for all creative work.
You will choose three projects from the five disciplines below, including Photography, which is mandatory:
This stage helps broaden your understanding of creative practices while giving you the chance to experiment and build a strong foundation for specialisation.
🧭 2. Pathway Stage
In the Pathway Stage, you’ll select one specialist area from the Exploratory Stage to explore in greater depth.
Your tutors will guide you through a review of your exploratory work and help you identify where your strengths and interests align. You will then focus on your chosen creative pathway, developing a more advanced skillset and building work that reflects your personal style and goals.
The final decision is yours, with full support from your course tutors.
🏁 3. Confirmatory Stage
The Confirmatory Stage is the final phase of the diploma and the only component that contributes directly to your final grade.
You will produce a Final Major Project (FMP) based on a subject of your choosing. With guidance from your tutor, you will first submit a Statement of Intent, outlining your concept, aims, and creative approach.
Your FMP is entirely practical and can take any creative form, including but not limited to:
This is your opportunity to showcase your individuality, creativity, and professional potential as an emerging artist or designer.
Ready to start your creative journey? Enrol today and begin building a portfolio that opens the door to university and industry success.
Annual course fees (renewable if required following annual review): £10,000 GBP – Must be able to communicate in English both verbally and in writing.
Annual course fees (renewable if required following annual review): £10,000 GBP – Must be able to communicate in English both verbally and in writing.
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