Overview
Note: The BCIT Bachelor of Interior Design is Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) Accredited!
The purpose of the Bachelor of Interior Design program is to develop graduates who combine research and critical thinking to generate creative solutions that support human behaviour within the interior environment.
Students will work on studio projects that include healthcare environments, ageing in place, multi-use designs, and public spaces. Aspects of cultural histories, socioeconomics, human behaviour, sustainability and global citizenship will be explored and incorporated into their design solutions. Students will expand their knowledge of related fields through discussions with building specialists in electrical, carpentry, plumbing and HVAC trades. The program includes a field study component where students will explore a location of interest for 8 – 10 days as part of the program. In addition, students will take business and communications courses to develop leadership, marketing and professional written and oral communication skills. Students will also choose several general education electives to complete their Bachelor’s Degree.
Two additional options are available to students in this program: a co-op and an opportunity to study abroad for a term. These options have limited openings, and interested students will need to go through an application process.
The Program
Students must complete the Diploma in Interior Design before starting the Bachelor of Interior Design.
The Goals of the Bachelor of Interior Design Program:
- Generate creative solutions to complex design problems that support human factors within the interior environment.
- Apply creative, critical, analytical, and strategic thinking skills in all phases of the design process.
- Use current industry-specific software to communicate ideas and documents digitally.
- Apply current sustainable practices to the built interior environment, including indoor air quality and sustainable circular economy.
- Incorporate evidence-based research techniques into design solutions.
- Engage in multi-disciplinary collaboration, teamwork and consensus building.
- Demonstrate the attitudes, traits, and values of professional responsibility, accountability, and ethics within the context of the interior design field.
- Incorporate a global perspective, with consideration to socio-economic, cultural, environmental, design, organizational and societal structures.
- Demonstrate leadership skills and effective business practices.
- Apply theories of human behaviour and factors, including psychology, ergonomic and anthropometric principles, and be cognizant of diverse social and cultural norms.
- Apply appropriate codes, standards, and guidelines to creative design solutions.
- Design the interior environment to enhance the health, safety, welfare, and performance for the building occupants.
- Apply a variety of communication techniques and technologies appropriate to a range of purposes & audiences.
- Prepare in-depth written reports using appropriate terminology, research, graphics, and supporting documents.
The program is delivered in a standard fall and winter term full-time format, commencing in September each year. The schedule is fixed, and students are block registered.
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Entrance Requirements
Application processing
Applications are accepted from October 1st* to April 15th*.
We recommend that you apply early. All supporting documents must be submitted by the application deadline.
*or next business day
Entrance requirements
Admission to this program is competitive. Successful applicants held a Full-Time Diploma in Interior Design at BCIT or exceeded entrance requirements, including the Part-Time Diploma in Interior Design at BCIT.
Competitive Entry: Two-step process
Preference will be given to applicants with a BCIT Diploma in Interior Design that are continuing on through full-time studies.
Step 1: Meet the following entrance requirements
- English language proficiency: Category 2 – English Studies 12 (67%) or equivalent
- Post-Secondary: one of the following options:
Option 1: BCIT Interior Design diploma* with:- 65% in COMM 2320 and all INTD courses
- 65% in INTD 3260 - Revit for Interior Design
- 50% in ENGL 1177 - Academic Writing
- 50% in LIBS 7001 - Critical Reading and Writing
- 6.0 credits of General Education electives [PDF]
Option 2: Non-BCIT Interior Design diploma or degree with:- Completion of a Diploma in Interior Design from another public or private post-secondary institution in Canada with a 65% minimum grade in all interior design courses. The credential must be no less than 60 credits in interior design or related coursework that culminates in a diploma or degree.
- Complete the following form for submission with your online application:
Applicants who have completed post-secondary studies outside of Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand will require a comprehensive evaluation of their credentials by the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES). Credential evaluation reports from other Canadian services may be considered. These reports must include course-by-course evaluations and GPA calculations.
Read more about how to meet BCIT’s entrance requirements
Step 2: Department assessment
Applications will be reviewed and assessed by the program area when the entrance requirements are complete. Applicants may be contacted for the following:
Option 1: BCIT Diploma in Interior Design* with:- Currency in the BC Building Code (Part 3) and computer skills (completed within three years of the program start date). Applicants lacking these requirements will need to take applicable bridging courses:
- A meeting with the program head or assigned instructor for an assessment. Applicants will need to bring:
- Official transcript, or ICES report, and course outlines
- A list of related work experience (if applicable)
- Portfolio of work
- Demonstration of currency in the BC Building Code (Part 3) and computer skills (completed within three years of the program start) including AutoCAD and Sketch Up. Applicants lacking these requirements will need to take applicable bridging courses.
- Completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- Portfolio submission (see details below)
- Interior Design Entrance Project (see details below)
Portfolio Requirements
Number of pieces and content:
- Portfolio to include a resume and maximum of ten double-sided pages. Portfolio pieces are to be student projects from former education or industry related work and should demonstrate a cross section of skills. A maximum of two pages of design related work such as: photography, fashion, art work, sculpture, graphics, painting, etc. could be included in portfolio (any piece which demonstrates a highly-developed design aesthetic)
Presentation of work:
- Portfolio may not be larger than 11”X17". Work should be reduced to fit this format.
- Present portfolio in a clear, neat, professional manner. Label each page and include a note for each piece of work submitted explaining why you have included it.
- Student projects or industry related work must include details of the work completed by the individual. Credit when necessary must be given to team members in a project.
Submission details:
Portfolio to be submitted digitally via email to BCIT_Interior_Design_Entrance_FTS@bcit.ca by April 15th, no later than 3:30pm.
- Submissions must be a single PDF file.
- Do not use any links in your PDF file or email.
- Compress your PDF file to appropriate file size to be sent via email.
- Name your PDF using this format: INTD_BID_LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_PORTFOLIO.pdf.
Interior Design Entrance Project
An Interior Design Entrance Project will be given to all applicants on one day only. This will take place the first Friday in May from 1-5 pm. Attendance is mandatory.
If you are eligible to take the Entrance Project, please contact us at BCIT_Interior_Design_Entrance_FTS@bcit.ca for further instructions one week before the exam.
Students who are continuing on from BCIT’s full-time diploma will be exempt from submitting a portfolio and Interior Design Entrance Project. Please contact us at BCIT_Interior_Design_FTS@bcit.ca for forms required.
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants. A valid study permit is required prior to starting the program.
Students enrolled in this program must complete the mandatory work component to qualify for graduation. A co-op work permit is required prior to starting the work component.
Transfer credit
If you completed General Education electives at another public post-secondary institution, you may be eligible for transfer credit. For more information, contact Program Advising at program_advising@bcit.ca or 604-434-1610.
To apply for Interior Design transfer credit, please contact the Program Assistant.
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
September each year.
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT e-mail addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We'll send you an e-mail when a new message is posted. It's important to watch for these e-mails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
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Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.
For more information on full-time tuition and fees, visit:
Books & supplies
$3,500 per year (general estimated cost includes Adobe Creative Cloud, SketchUp Pro, and Podium). All costs are subject to change.
In addition, all students prior to the first term of the Bachelor of Interior Design are required to purchase a laptop computer suitable to run software used in their courses. The purchased laptop must support Revit.
A mandatory field trip in the spring term of level 6, costing approximately $3,000, is not included in the general estimated cost. A passport or visa may be required for field trips.
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
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Courses
Class hours
8:30 am - 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
Program matrix
Level 5 (Fall) | Credits | ||
---|---|---|---|
INTD 5100 | Research Methods | 3.0 | |
INTD 5110 | Systems and Trade Liaison | 3.0 | |
INTD 5300 | Degree Studio A: Inclusive Environments | 7.0 | |
INTD 5310 | Interior Construction Detailing | 3.0 | |
Level 6 (Winter) | Credits | ||
INTD 6300 | Degree Studio B: Cultural Exploration | 7.0 | |
INTD 6370 | Field Study for Interior Design | 3.0 | |
Electives (6.0 credits): Complete 6.0 credits of Program/General Education Electives* |
|||
Level 7 (Fall) | Credits | ||
COMM 7520 | Proposal Writing for Interior Design | 3.0 | |
INTD 7340 | Professional Practice | 3.0 | |
INTD 7500 | Capstone Proposal | 5.0 | |
LIBS 7002 | Applied Ethics | 3.0 | |
Electives (3.0 credits): Complete 3.0 credits of Program/General Education Electives* |
|||
Level 8 (Winter) | Credits | ||
COMM 8520 | Professional Communication Skills for Interior Design | 2.0 | |
INTD 8370 | Industry Experience | 2.0 | |
INTD 8500 | Capstone Project | 9.0 | |
MKTG 6431 | Digital Marketing Strategy | 3.0 | |
*Program/General Education Electives | Credits | ||
All Program/General Education Electives are offered within the program. If you completed General Education electives at another public post-secondary institution, you may be eligible for transfer credit. For more information, contact the Bachelor of Interior Design department. |
|||
BSCI 5200 | Acoustic Science and Ecology | 3.0 | |
Co-op Work Term (optional) | Credits | ||
To be completed between Level 6 and Level 7. | |||
INTD 6990 | Interior Design Co-operative Education Workterm 1 | 32.0 | |
INTD 7990 | Interior Design Cooperative Educational Workterm 2 | 16.0 | |
Total Credits: | 65.0 |
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
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Program Details
Program length
2 years full-time (after completion of the Diploma in Interior Design).
This program commences in September each year.
Students must complete the Bachelor Degree component of the program within 5 years.
Please note that this program cannot be completed through distance education. All courses are classroom-based and require attendance at BCIT’s main campus in Burnaby, BC.
Grading
Students will be required to achieve a passing grade of 65% in each of the Interior Design and COMM courses within the degree program.
Program delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
The program will be offered at BCIT’s Burnaby.
The face-to-face delivery will give students access to facilities such as design studios and collaborative work spaces for group work, which will support the practical aspects of project development. As well, field trips will be integrated into the program to expose students to the field of interior design.
Program location
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
Program structure
Courses | Credits |
Studio and Capstone Project
INTD 5300, 6300, 8500 |
23.0 |
Research
INTD 5100, 7500 |
8.0 |
Systems and Components
INTD 5110, 5310 |
6.0 |
Field Study
INTD 6370 |
3.0 |
Business, Marketing & Communications
MKTG 6431, COMM 7520, COMM 8520, INTD 7340 and INTD 8370 |
13.0 |
Liberal Studies and General Education Electives | 12.0 |
Total credits | 65.0 |
Co-operative education
Optional 8 month work experience Co-op option:
- 32 additional credits
- Students will graduate with a Co-op option
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Graduating & Jobs
Accredited Status
The interior design program leading to the Bachelor of Interior Design is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, www.accredit-id.org, 206 Grandville Avenue, Suite 350, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503 USA.
The CIDA-accredited program prepares students for entry-level interior design practice, for advanced study, and to apply for membership in professional interior design organizations. The Bachelor of Interior Design granted by the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam). For more information about NCIDQ Exam eligibility visit: https://www.cidq.org/paths.
Job Opportunities
BCIT’s Bachelor of Interior Design graduates will be able to apply for jobs at Interior Design and Architectural firms across Canada, the USA and abroad. They will also have a direct path to becoming a Registered Interior Designer in Canada and are eligible to write the NCIDQ exam upon completion of the required work experience.
Student Achievements
Graduation Rates
The CIDA Accredited Bachelor of Interior Design at BCIT is a Four-year program: It is based on the completion of the Two-year BCIT Diploma in Interior Design, with an additional two years of study to earn the Bachelor Degree.
2022 Graduates
100% of the students enrolled in the Bachelor Degree component graduated within the scheduled time frame. Note: no students took part in the Co-operative work experience for their Bachelor Degree component.
All graduates took between 2.5 to 5 years to complete the Diploma program. (i.e. None of the graduates completed the Diploma component of the program in two years.)
2021 Graduates
100% of the students enrolled in the Bachelor Degree component graduated within the scheduled time frame.
- 82% of the Degree program graduates completed the Bachelor component in two years.
- 18% of the Degree program graduates took part in Co-operative work experience where they worked in the industry for one year, extending their completion to three years.
18% of these graduates had completed the Diploma component of the program in two years, and the remaining students took between 2.5 to 4.5 years to complete the Diploma program.
2020 Graduates
95% of the students enrolled in the Bachelor Degree component graduated within the scheduled time frame.
- 85% of the Degree program graduates completed the Bachelor component in two years.
- 10% of the Degree program graduates took part in the Co-operative work experience where they worked in the industry for one year, extending their completion to three years.
5% of the Degree program graduates completed the Bachelor component in three years.
25% of these graduates had completed the Diploma component of the program in two years, and the remaining students took between 3 to 5 years to complete the Diploma program.
2019 Graduates
100% of the students enrolled in the Bachelor Degree component graduated within the scheduled time frame.
- 88% of the Degree program graduates completed the Bachelor component in two years.
- 12% of the Degree program graduates took part in the Co-operative work experience where they worked in the industry for one year, extending their completion to three years.
30% of these graduates had completed the Diploma component of the program in two years, and the remaining students took between 3 to 4 years to complete the Diploma program.
Retention Rates (Third Year to Fourth Year)
2021 Intake
94% of the students who enrolled in the fall of 2021 returned for September 2022 to complete their Fourth Year of study, putting attrition at 6%. Note: Three of the students went on a one-year Cooperative Education experience and will return to complete their final year in September 2023.
2020 Intake
95% of the students who enrolled in the fall of 2020 returned for September 2021 to complete their Fourth Year of study, putting attrition at 5%. Note: due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, students did not go out on a Co-operative work term.
2019 Intake
88% of the students who enrolled in the fall of 2019 returned for September 2020 to complete their Fourth Year of study, putting attrition at 12%. Note: due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, students did not go out on a Co-operative work term.
2018 Intake
95% of the students who enrolled in the fall of 2018 returned for September 2019 to complete their Fourth Year studies or their Co-op year, putting attrition at 5%. Note: Three of these students went on a one-year Cooperative Education experience and returned to complete their final year in September 2020.
Accepted into Graduate Programs
April 2022 Graduates: None accepted
April 2021 Graduates: One student was accepted for 2021
April 2020 Graduates: None accepted
April 2019 Graduates: One student was accepted for 2020 and one for 2021
April 2018 Graduates: One student was accepted for 2018 and one for 2021
Job Placement
April 2022 Graduates: 81% employed as of November 2022
April 2021 Graduates: 78% employed as of November 2021
April 2020 Graduates: 53% employed as of September 2020
April 2019 Graduates: 71% employed as of September 2019
April 2018 Graduates: 80% employed as of July 2018
Note: results are from the previous graduating years and are subject to industry and occupational trends. The data above includes only the Bachelor of Interior Design graduates.
Data as of November 2022
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2020-2022 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2019-2021 graduates and for Degree 2017-2019 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
Professional associations
Students may apply for a student membership with the Interior Designers Institute of BC (IDIBC).
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Faculty, Advisors & Staff
- Tiia Manson, Program Head, Bachelor of Interior Design
- Manon Pace, Program Head, Diploma in Interior Design
- Grace Rodrigues Sikich, Program Head, Certificate in Interior Design Fundamentals
- June Fong, Faculty
- Kathryn Lange, Faculty
- Robin McIntosh, Faculty
- Sharon Hollingsworth, Faculty
- Taurra Boucher, Faculty
- Wayne DeAngelis, Faculty
Advisory committee
- Angie Tilley, Govan Brown & Associates
- Cheryl Broadhead, BYU Design
- David Boucher, Ste. Maire Studio
- Jason Lamb, Stantec
- Jennifer Heffel, HB Design Inc.
- Jessica Kim, Perkins and Will
- Julie Campbell, SSDG Interiors Inc.
- Liz Elliott, Heritage Office Furnishings Ltd.
- Meryl Dyson, Shaw Industries/Commercial Brands
- Sally Mills, Kasian Architecture Interior Design & Planning Ltd.
- Scott Andrews, SmartDesign Group
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Contact Us
Program Assistant Part-time Studies (1st and 2nd Year)
Tel: 604-456-8150
Email: Interior_Design@bcit.ca
Program Assistant Full-time Studies (2nd, 3rd and 4th year)
Tel: 604-456-1125
Email: BCIT_Interior_Design_FTS@bcit.ca
Questions or comments?
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