Bachelor of Interior Design

The Interior Design major offers a comprehensive and dynamic curriculum designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required to create functional, aesthetically appealing, and sustainable interior environments. The program combines theoretical study with hands-on practical experience, preparing students for successful careers in a variety of design disciplines.
Students begin by gaining a strong foundation in design principles, including an understanding of space planning, form, color, light, and material selection. The curriculum integrates both traditional and cutting-edge design techniques, offering exposure to the latest tools and technologies used in the industry. In addition to core design skills, students explore topics such as design history, cultural influences, and sustainability practices, allowing them to consider the broader impact of their work on the built environment.
Through a mix of lectures, studio-based projects, and real-world case studies, students develop their ability to solve complex design problems, balance aesthetic considerations with functional requirements, and create spaces that promote well-being and enhance quality of life. The program also emphasizes critical thinking, research methods, and collaborative teamwork, preparing graduates to effectively communicate and execute design concepts within diverse settings.
A strong focus on sustainability and ethical design practices is woven throughout the curriculum, encouraging students to consider the environmental and social implications of their design choices. Students also engage in experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and design competitions, providing practical insights into the industry and enhancing their professional networks.
By the time they graduate, students are well-prepared to enter the field as creative, knowledgeable, and forward-thinking interior designers, ready to contribute to residential, commercial, hospitality, and institutional design projects that prioritize innovation, sustainability, and the improvement of quality of life.

Message from the Department Director

Society and the built environment are shaped by interior designers in both an aesthetic and functional sense. Through this program, students gain a comprehensive understanding of interior design principles across a variety of contexts. The curriculum is carefully designed to provide in-depth knowledge of key elements such as space, form, color, material, and light while integrating sustainability and innovation as core values. Students engage in a multifaceted learning experience that combines design theory, research, and hands-on studio work enhanced by advanced digital tools, including Building Information Modeling (BIM), virtual reality, and parametric design. Emphasizing human-centered and inclusive design, the program explores how spaces influence behavior, accessibility, and well-being. A global and cultural perspective encourages students to design environments that are contextually appropriate and socially responsive. Collaboration with disciplines such as architecture, engineering, and art fosters teamwork and communication skills reflective of professional practice. Moreover, ethical awareness, research-based decision-making, and community engagement are integral parts of the learning process, empowering students to use design as a tool for positive social change. With a focus on residential, commercial, and hospitality spatial design, graduates are prepared to create meaningful environments that promote environmental responsibility, cultural relevance, and occupant well-being.

Mission

Graduating professionals equipped with, design thinking, leadership, and research skills, in the field of Interior Design to foster creativity and sustainability.

Goals

Expose interior design students to the market through a variety of activities.
Create an environment the foster creativity in the interior design field.
Prepare professional interior designers who contribute to the dynamic interior design field.
Create for interior design students a variety of opportunities geared towards entrepreneurship, the community and research.

Why choose this Bachelor Program at Dar Al-Hekma University?

Acclaimed by national and international evaluators, the program fills the need of the industry with qualified and creative graduates.
The international faculty members of the program provide it with a rich multicultural and diverse environment.
The program has studio-based learning blended with theory and the latest trends and issues in interior design to foster students' creativity and critical thinking.
Research exploration is encouraged through courses and involvement in research forums.
The program provides its students with practical and field experiences in the industry.
Students are provided with local and international exposure through departmental exhibitions, internship trainings, industry guest speakers, participation in local and international interior design expositions and competitions, international trips, and a design symposium every two years.

Graduate Attributes

Acclaimed by national and international evaluators, the program fills the need of the industry with qualified and creative graduates.
The international faculty members of the program provide it with a rich multicultural and diverse environment.
The program has studio-based learning blended with theory and the latest trends and issues in interior design to foster students' creativity and critical thinking.
Research exploration is encouraged through courses and involvement in research forums.
The program provides its students with practical and field experiences in the industry.
Students are provided with local and international exposure through departmental exhibitions, internship trainings, industry guest speakers, participation in local and international interior design expositions and competitions, international trips, and a design symposium every two years.

Student Achievements Data

AY/Year	Total Graduates Year	Completion Rate AY	Employment Rate AY	Graduate Continuing Education Rate AY	Retention Rate AY
AY 2023-2024 / 2023	17	75%	47-57%	3%	73%
AY 2022-2023 / 2022	35	75%	47-57%	3%	86%
AY 2021-2022 / 2021	27	81%	79%	4%	86%
AY 2020-2021 / 2020	36	74%	100%	4%	85%

Admission Requirements

Programs	Required English	Required Certificate Percentage	Qudurat Test Score	Other Admission Requirements
Bachelor of Design in Interior Design	TOEFL: 61 or above IELTS: 5.5 or above	80%	No Qudurat Test required	None

For further details about admissions, click here

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

Knowledge

Identify design within a historical, socio-political, economic, and cultural context with the use of codes and regulations.
Explain design elements, principles, terminologies, and theories related to Interior Design sustainability and universal practices.

Skills

Analyze spatial requirements and effectively plan interior spaces to meet functional, aesthetic, and regulatory requirements.
Develop solutions that respond creatively to site-specific conditions, environment and historical context, and client preferences by using research methods and multiple design processes.
Utilize industry-standard software and tools for drafting, modeling, and rendering interior spaces.
Communicate design ideas clearly through verbal presentations, written reports, and visual representations to variety of audience.

Values

Recognize the significance of ethical principles, codes and social responsibility when creating Interior Design space.
Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in diverse experiences in the interior design field.

Plan of Study

Download POS AY 2024-2025

Download POS AY 2025-2026

Plan of Study AY 2025-2026

Year One
Semester – Fall			Semester – Spring
Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours	Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours
ISLS XXXX	Islamic Studies	3	COMM 1302	Communication Skills II	3
ARAB XXXX	Arabic Studies	3	BSID 1330	Introduction to History of Architecture and Design	3
COMM 1301	Communication Skills I	3	BARC 1301	Technical Drawing	3
BGDM 1310	Introduction to Digital Design and Layout	3	BGDM 1320	Free Hand Drawing	3
MATH 2302	Geometry	3	BARC 1400	Fundamentals of Design	4
		0			0
		0			0
		0			0
Total Credit Hours		15	Total Credit Hours		16

Year Two
Semester – Fall			Semester – Spring
Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours	Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours
GELE 3301	Leadership and Emotional Intelligence	3	GEAI 2301	Artificial Intelligence	3
BARC 2311	Computer Aided Design 1: Architecture Drafting	3	BSID 2310	3D Modeling and Rendering	3
BARC 2331	Materials and Methods of Building Construction I	3	BARC 2321	Environmental Design 1	3
BSID 2331	Interior Design Principles	3	BSID 2233	History of Interior Design	2
BSID 2232	Environmental Psychology and Behavior	2	BSID 2320	Material and Finishes	3
BSID 2300	Studio I: System and Design Thinking	3	BSID 2301	Studio II: Housing Design	3
		0			0
		0			0
Total Credit Hours		17	Total Credit Hours		17

Year Three
Semester – Fall			Semester – Spring
Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours	Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours
XXXX XXXX	Free Elective	3	GERM 3301	Research Methods	3
BARC 4313	Computer Aided Design III: Advanced Computational Modeling	3	BSID 3322	Furniture Design	3
BSID 3321	Lighting for the Interior	3	BSID 3334	Professional Practices and Ethics	3
BSID 3402	Studio III: Entertainment and Event Design	4	BSID 3403	Studio IV: Work-Place Design	4
BSID XXXX	Program Elective	3	BSID 3340	Internship	3
		0			0
		0			0
		0			0
Total Credit Hours		16	Total Credit Hours		16

Year Four
Semester – Fall			Semester – Spring
Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours	Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours
ENTR 3301	Entrepreneurship & Design Thinking	3	ARAB XXXX	Arabic Studies	3
ISLS XXXX	Islamic Studies	3	BSID 4451	Capstone II: Interior Design Project	4
BSID 4350	Capstone I: Interior Design Thesis	3	BSID 4323	Heritage Conservation	3
BSID 4404	Studio V: Mixed Occupancy Design	4	BSID 4335	Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design	3
BSID XXXX	Program Elective	3	BBBF 1101	Basic Body and Brain Fitness	1
		0	BSID XXXX	Program Elective	3
		0			0
		0			0
Total Credit Hours		16	Total Credit Hours		17

Elective Courses
CODE	Course Name
BSID 3360	Building Codes and Universal Design
BSID 3361	Multidisciplinary Design
BSID 3362	Design Emerging Topics
BSID 3363	Design for Special Populations
BSID 4364	Advanced Digital Rendering Techniques
BSID 4365	Digital Sketching Techniques
BSID 4366	Health Care Design
BARC 4311	Landscape Architecture
BARC 5326	Construction Management
BGDM 2322	Introduction to Digital Photography
BGDM 3326	Printmaking

Courses Requirements & Credits
Requirements	Credits
Free Electives	3
University Requirement	19
Ministry Requirement	12
Program Elective Requirements	9
Design Common Requirements	19
Major Core Requirements	68
Total Credit Hours for Graduation	130

Career Prospects

The program equips students with the necessary skills that qualify them for a variety of career paths/jobs in the market including, but not limited to:

Interior Designer
Interior Design for Real Estate Branding
Sustainability Consultant
Design Project Manager
Furniture and Product Designer
Architectural and Design Consultant
3D Visualization Specialist
Retail Design Specialist
Real Estate Investment Consultant
Hospitality Design Specialist
Interior design academicians
Residential design
Commercial design
Exhibition design
Hospitality and entertainment design
Medical and educational design
Office design
Lighting design
Color consultant
Furniture design

Current POS:
Interior Design Course Description

University Requirements

Course Code: COMM 1301
Course Name: Communication Skills I
Credit Hours: 3 (3,0)
Prerequisite: N/A

Course Code: COMM 1302
Course Name: Communication Skills II
Credit Hours: 3 (3,0)
Prerequisite: COMM 1301

Course Code: GELE 3301
Course Name: Leadership and Emotional Intelligence
Credit Hours: 2 (2,0)
Prerequisite: N/A

Course Code: GEAI 2301
Course Name: Artificial Intelligence
Credit Hours: 3 (3,0)
Prerequisite: N/A

Course Code: BBF 1101
Course Name: Brain and Body Fitness
Credit Hours: 1 (1,0)
Prerequisite: N/A

Course Code: ENTR 3301
Course Name: Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking
Credit Hours: 3 (3,0)
Prerequisite: N/A

Program Requirements

Course Code : BGDM 1310
Course Name: Introduction to Digital Design and layout
Credit Hours: 3 (1,3)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Description:
This course focuses on essential technical skills and digital graphics as a medium required to develop and communicate design ideas to others in the design profession. It covers many discrete modules that provide the foundation of the necessary skills for designers. Students are introduced to raster and vector graphics and mix between them in publishing packages.

Course Code: MATH 2320
Course Name: Geometry
Credit Hours: 3 (3,0)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Description:
This course introduces the essential elements of geometry, with a focus on Euclidean Geometry. It also explores the properties of different shapes in two-dimensional and three-dimensional geometry. It emphasizes the implementation of geometry in different disciplines.

Course Code: BSID 1330
Course Name: Introduction to the History of Architecture and Design.
Credit Hours: 3 (3,0)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Description:
This course provides an overview of architecture and design from prehistory to the present. It examines key works of architecture and design from a variety of perspectives, including historical, cultural, and aesthetic. Issues addressed include the role of patronage, the changing role of the architect and designer, the function and symbolic meaning of architecture and design as well as influential architectural and design techniques and processes and distinguishing principles and characteristic formal elements associated with significant architectural and design movements. In conjunction with analyses of individual works, comparisons of architecture and design across time and culture will highlight meaningful similarities and differences between civilizations and cultures, thereby providing insights into their beliefs and values.

Course Code: BARC 1301
Course Name: Technical Drawing
Credit Hours: 3 (1,4)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Description:
This course aims at developing drafting skills required for design and related courses. It focuses on measuring and documenting architectural spaces. The course covers the representation of buildings into two and three-dimensional architectural drawings.

Course Code: BGDM 1320
Course Name: Freehand Drawing
Credit Hours: 3 (1,3)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Description:
The course is an introduction to freehand drawing and sketching. It develops graphic communication skills using various mediums. This course focuses on the practical development of drawing abilities using different freehand techniques. It enhances freehand drawing competences required in the fields of art and architecture conceptualization and presentation.

Course Code: BARC 1400
Course Name: Fundamentals of Design
Credit Hours: 4 (2,4)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Description:
This course is an introduction to the fundamental elements and principles of two and three- dimensional design. It focuses on the development of visual design-thinking tools and skills, and the design process to develop essential design skills needed for solving art and architecture problems. It cultivates a variety of communication skills other than the traditional drawing and sketching methods.

Major Core Requirements

Course Code: BARC 2311
Course Name: Computer Aided design 1: Architecture Drafting
Credit Hours: 3 (3,0)
Prerequisite: BARC 1301
Course Description:
This course introduces Computer Aided Design (CAD) for digital drafting of 2D drawings required in the architectural field. The course enables students to use tools and techniques of the CAD software to translate hand drafted drawings into digitally drafted drawings from basic geometries to fully technical architectural drawings.

Course Code: BARC 2331
Course Name: Materials and Methods of Building Construction I
Credit Hours: 3 (3,0)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Description:
This course focuses on different type of materials used in construction and different constructional systems. It stresses the relationships between architectural concepts and building technology and covers common construction methods and construction details. The course also focuses on technical drawing skills that are required in the construction field.

Course Code: BSID 2331
Course Name: Interior Design Principles
Credit Hours: 3 (3,0)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Description:
This course focuses on introducing the interior design profession and its relationship to other allied fields. It focuses on contemporary developments and philosophical approaches, including processes relevant to interior design as well as basic principles and concepts of aesthetics.

Course Code: BSID 2232
Course Name: Environmental Psychology and Behaviour
Credit Hours: 3 (3,0)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Description:
Adopts a cognitive-behavioral perspective on the intersection of people and both built and natural environments. Examines how environments may be designed to meet human cognitive, physical, and social needs across the lifespan. Applies theory to practice through environmental analysis. Fulfills core Social and Behavioral Sciences requirement.

Course Code: BSID 2300
Course Name: Studio I: System and Design Thinking
Credit Hours: 3 (1, 4)
Prerequisite: BARC 1400
Course Description:
This course introduces spatial experiences through small-scale conceptual projects within various contexts and narratives that engage and inform users. It emphasizes the fundamentals of interior design processes, creative principles, and applications. The course also focuses on aesthetic awareness, design abilities, and creativity.

Course Code: BSID 2310
Course Name: 3D Modeling and Rendering
Credit Hours: 3 (1,4)
Prerequisite: BARC 2311
Course Description:
This course introduces three-dimensional computer-aided modeling and rendering techniques required for visual presentations of interior design projects. It explores the different lighting techniques and materials in enhancing the presentation of three-dimensional interiors.

Course Code: BARC 2321
Course Name: Environmental Design I
Credit Hours: 3 (3,0)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Description:
This course explores the number of strategies designers use to understand, evaluate and create both built and virtual environments. It addresses conceptual principles of lighting, acoustics and ventilation and focus on context and contextual issues. The course generates design solutions that are both conceptually innovative and commercially viable.

Course Code: BSID 2233
Course Name: History of Interior Design
Credit Hours: 2 (2,0)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Description:
This course focuses on the influence of art and design movements on the development of contemporary interior design and architectural styles. It explores the progression and evolution of furniture styles, decoration, and interior environment design from the nineteenth century until the present, in addition to the work of key interior designers and architects.

Course Code: BSID 2320
Course Name: Materials and Finishes
Credit Hours: 3 (1,4)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Description:
This course focuses on the materials and components of interior architecture and design. It explores the use of materials, finishes, and textiles and their methods of selection, application, specification, cost estimation, and maintenance. It provides the knowledge and skills to construct effective materials and sample boards.

Course Code: BSID 2301
Course Name: Studio II: Housing Design
Credit Hours: 3 (1, 4)
Prerequisite: BSID 2300
Course Description:
This studio course focuses on the local domestics needs through research, programming, analysis, conceptualization, and interior environment design. Projects include exercises in spatial organization and human factors, emphasizing the people quality of life and well-being.

Course Code: BARC 4313
Course Name: Computer Aided Design III: Advanced Computational Modeling
Credit Hours: 3 (1,4)
Prerequisite: BSID 2310
Course Description:
This course provides the student with an advanced understanding of 3D graphic creation and modeling. Students will learn advanced techniques of rendering, texturing, and lighting, mapping, and modeling realistic environments and complete 3D scenes. Students will also engage with the latest practices of the wider 3D entertainment industry to develop specific skills for 3D modeling. They will be introduced to the latest software, plugins and augmented reality programs to develop and produce photo-realistic presentations as well as virtual walk throughs.

Course Code: BSID 3321
Course Name: Lighting for the Interior
Credit Hours: 3 (1,4)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Description:
This course focuses on acoustics and lighting design and application for interior spaces. It provides an in-depth analysis of the psychological, functional and sustainable aspects of light pertaining to task, function and effectiveness. The course also emphasizes the communication of lighting designs and concepts through RCPs and related specifications.

Course Code: BSID 3402
Course Name: Studio III: Entertainment and Event Design
Credit Hours: 4 (1,6)
Prerequisite: BSID 2301
Course Description:
This course emphasizes space utilization for an optimal user experience. It also focuses on using critical thinking skills in solving various design problems and spatial scenarios for a successful design. It introduces the skills required to design a functional experience while analyzing specific visual and spatial problems for the users.

Course Code: BSID 3322
Course Name: Furniture Design
Credit Hours: 3 (1,4)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Description:
The course covers the basic skills of concept development, three-dimensional fabrication, and presentation techniques appropriate to furniture design and object-making for application in the interior environment.

Course Code: BSID 4323
Course Name: Heritage Conservation
Credit Hours: 3 (3,0)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Description:
This course covers architecture, interior design, and decorative arts within the cultural, technological, and social contexts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from ancient times through the 19th century. It raises awareness about Saudi heritage conservation and contemporary adaptations to ensure the preservation of the local cultural identity.

Course Code: BSID 3403
Course Name: Studio IV: Work-Place Design
Credit Hours: 4 (1,6)
Prerequisite: BSID 3402
Course Description:
This course explores the elements, factors, and design solutions of an office interior, focusing on workplace innovation. It emphasizes space planning approaches that support flexible, sustainable, and interdisciplinary corporate design solutions supported by smart office systems.

Course Code: BSID 3340
Course Name: Internship
Credit Hours: 3 (1,4)
Prerequisite: Complete a minimum of 60 credits and manual approval.
Course Description:
This course focuses on practical work experience in an interior design firm under the direct supervision of firm personnel. This practical experience provides an opportunity to explore the business processes and activities that facilitate the transition from education to professional practice.

Course Code: BSID 4350
Course Name: Capstone I: Interior Design Thesis
Credit Hours: 3 (3,0)
Prerequisite: Complete a minimum of 60 credits and manual approval.
Course Description:
This course emphasizes evidence-based design solutions through research. It focuses on choosing, proposing, and researching a capstone project while addressing the needs of the community and reflecting innovation, sustainability, as well as ethical and cultural sensitivity. The course emphasizes the selection of an appropriate research methodology and the generation of a suitable program aligning with regulatory guidelines.

Course Code: BSID 4404
Course Name: Studio V: Mixed Occupancy Design
Credit Hours: 4 (1,6)
Prerequisite: BSID 3403
Course Description:
Advanced design of an interior environment of complex scope and scale to meet the needs of specific clients and prepare students for the practice of the profession. Addresses current issues of design and integrates all aspects of the curriculum.

Course Code: BSID 4451
Course Name: Capstone II: Interior Design Project
Credit Hours: 4 (1,6)
Prerequisite: BSID 4340
Course Description:
This course provides an in-depth analysis of the complex design exercise building on the research conducted in the Capstone I: Interior Design Thesis course. It focuses on designing a large-scale project to serve the community and generating a professional and feasible design proposal. The course emphasizes the effective presentation and defense of the capstone project to a wide audience, including professionals from the industry.

Course Code: BSID 4334
Course Name: Professional Practices and Ethics
Credit Hours: 3 (3,0)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Description:
This course introduces concepts related to setting up and managing a productive design firm. It focuses on legal, financial, management, marketing, administrative, and ethical issues and concerns encountered by practicing designers.

Course Code: BSID 4335
Course Name: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Credit Hours: 3 (3,0)
Prerequisite: N/A
Course Description:
The course will expand students' awareness of the relationship between ecology and the built environment. It exposes the student to sustainable design utilizing skills and knowledge obtained in all previous BID courses.