
- COURSE: Degrees; Undergraduate Degree
- MODE: Full-Time
- DURATION: 3 years
- NQF LEVEL: 7
- CREDITS: 360
- SAQA ID: 87306
Overview
The IIE BA Degree in Interior Design has specifically been designed to meet the requirements of the challenging and expanding fields of Interior Design such as corporate, retail, hospitality, exhibition and residential design.
This qualification provides students with a clear understanding of three-dimensional design analysis, scale/proportion, spatial sequence and other architectural components. Students are encouraged to develop a thorough and imaginative approach to creative problem solving in the context of any human environment.
Lateral design approaches are developed in which briefs are solved at a variety of levels and with an integrated experimental approach to problem solving. Design briefs encourage students to engage with design influences such as: economics, ergonomics, anthropometrics, sustainability, inclusivity, cultural influences, social context and location.
Students will also be introduced to ideation and visualization techniques, the interior design process, research, theories, perspectives and history of interior design, interior design construction and detailing, material studies, professional practice and computer-aided draughting and building information management tools presently used in design practice.
Modules:
Year 1
- Creative Development 1
- Design Studies 1
- History of Architecture and Design 1
- Ideation and Visualisation 1A & 1B
- Interior Design 1A & 1B
- Interior Design Construction 1
Year 2
- Contextual Studies for Interior Design 2
- Design Studies 2
- Interior Design 2A & 2B
- Interior Design Construction 2A & 2B
- Interior Design Technology 2A & 2B
Year 3
- Contextual Studies for Interior Design 3
- Interior Design 3A & 3B
- Interior Design Construction 3A & 3B
- Interior Design Professional Practice 3A & 3B
- Introduction to Research
Please note:
IIE-Vega does not require a portfolio as part of the application process to study design. That’s because our primary focus is on how our students think and how collaborative they are as creative solution seekers. The development of an industry-ready portfolio becomes a core focus once you enrol and engage hands-on with any one of our design programmes.
You are welcome to make an appointment with your campus Contact Navigator if you are not sure which design course would suit you best. Ideally you should attend one of our GenV workshops at any of our IIE-Vega campuses to explore the different programmes on offer.
Tuition Fees
First year fee for new registrations starting in 2023
R116 000 Full Settlement Total Fee
R123 800 Instalment Total Fee (10 Monthly Instalments)
A *Pre-Registration Fee of R2 000 and *Deposit of R16 568 are included in the Total Fee.
*Refundable if admission criteria for the qualification is not met.
Please note:
- Applications for the 2024 intake are subject to a non-refundable application fee of R700.
- You will be required to complete a new contract annually which will include fees for that year.
- Returning students can obtain the 2023 fees from their Relationship Navigator.
Entry Requirements
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with Degree admission- A minimum of 30% for English, 40% for Mathematics or 60% for Mathematical Literacy/Technical Maths; OR
- A National Certificate (Vocational) NC(V) with Degree admission – A minimum of 50% in English on either First Additional Language or Home Language level AND Mathematics 50% or Mathematical Literacy/Technical Maths, with a minimum of 60%; OR
- A Senior Certificate (SC) (with endorsement) or equivalent with at least 33.3% for English, 40% for Mathematics on the HG; OR at least 60% for Mathematics on the SG; OR
- A Senior Certificate (Amended) SC(A) with degree admission with at least 40% for Mathematics on the HG; OR at least 60% for Mathematics on the SG. A minimum of 30% in LOLT in NSC/ SC(a) OR with a min. of 33.3% in SC.
- For international qualifications: An USAf Exemption Certificate is required and meeting the relevant Maths and English requirements.
- Alternatively, a cognate Higher Certificate or cognate 240 credit Diploma OR an Advanced Certificate OR 360 credit Diploma may satisfy the minimum admission requirements to degree studies. If discipline not cognate at least 20% of credits must be academic literacy or numeracy related.
Senate Discretionary Admission
Mature Age Exemption: A USAf Exemption Certificate is required
- Candidates having attained the age of 23 before or during the first year of registration with a Senior Certificate with a minimum of 40% in at least four higher or standard grade subjects, at least three of which shall have been passed simultaneously and one of which shall be a recognised higher grade subject; OR
- Candidates must have attained the age of 45 before or during the first year of registration.
- An USAf exemption Certificate is required.
Senate Discretionary Mature Age Admission for students with a Senior Certificate with endorsement
- Candidates 23 years and older at point of registration, with an endorsed Senior Certificate can be accepted on a senate discretionary mature age admission. Their academic progress will be tracked and reported at Senate. An USAf Exemption Certificate is not required.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
- Where candidates do not satisfy the formal admission requirements for this qualification, The IIE may consider an admission application in terms of the Credit Accumulation and Transfer, Recognition of Prior Learning and Qualification Completion Policy (IIE010).
USAf approved cognate foundation programme
- Candidates who have completed an USAf approved cognate foundation programme from a registered and accredited provider may be admitted.
- An USAf Exemption Certificate is required - the Office of the Registrar will facilitate, on behalf of the student, an application for degree admission to USAf, once the student has provided proof of payment to USAf.
Transfer students
- Candidates who have successfully completed at least 120 credits on the first year of a cognate degree may be admitted. The additional Maths/Math Lit/Technical Maths criteria falls away. However, if a student completed less than 120 credits, the admission criteria on the NSC or equivalent apply.
OQSF qualifications
- Candidates with an OQSF Level 5 cognate qualification may be admitted, provided the OQSF qualification has at least 120 credits at NQF Level 5. An USAf Exemption Certificate is required - the Office of the Registrar will facilitate, on behalf of the student, an application for degree admission to USAf, once the student has provided proof of payment to USAf.
- Corporate Designer
- Retail Designer
- Hospitality Designer
- Residential Designer
- Exhibition Designer
Alumni

Bernadine Pretorius
Class of 2014
Bernadine is an Interior Architect at Heartspace Interior Design. During her studies at Vega she learnt how to prepare her work to visually sell her ideas to clients.
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Kayla Rynhoud
Class of 2017
Kayla is an Interior Designer. Vega prepared her for the stress and reality of the working world as she was able to equip herself for the creative industry.
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Tuami Zulu
Class of 2014
Tuami is the director of Proportion Studio of Design. Vega prepared him for the working world and he recommends it as it “touched on multiple subjects and activities that prepare someone to be industry ready.”
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