How to write a great UCAS personal statement for an Interior Design degree

The three UCAS personal statement questions you'll have to answer are:

1. Why do you want to study this course or subject?
2. How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject? 
3. What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

Each question has a 350 character minimum (about 70 words), with an overall limit of 4,000 characters for your entire personal statement. That's around 700-800 words, which means you've got room for plenty more than 70 words for each question.

This UCAS personal statement format is a great opportunity for you to outline your motivations and experience, as well as convey your creativity. Universities want to see more than just a list of your academics qualifications. This is your chance to express your passion for design and inject a personal touch into your UCAS application.

Some people can struggle to get started with their personal statement and that's a completely normal feeling. It can sometimes feel like an intimidating task, so we’ve broken down each question to show you how to craft compelling responses that are tailored to Interior Design degrees. 

UCAS Personal Statement Question 1: 
Why do you want to study this course or subject? 

This is your chance to express your passion for design. Think about what how your creative journey began and what motivates you to study Interior Design at university. 

• Reflect on how your passion for design started and how it’s grown over time. 
• Use examples of designers, artists or buildings that have inspired you. 
• Pinpoint an areas of Interior Design that you have a particular interest in (such as sustainable design or retail design). 
• If you like to learn about design in your spare time explain how and why you do so. 
• Not everyone knows what job they want to do once they finish university, but if you have a career path in mind this is a good opportunity to highlight it. 

My interest in interior design began when I became more aware of how spaces such as hotels and museums are carefully designed to shape the experience of visitors. Studying Interior Design at university will give me the opportunity to understand how environments can influence the way people interact with their surroundings.
Example answer for question one of the UCAS personal statement

UCAS Personal Statement Question 2: 
How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject? 

This section is about your academic preparation for university. How have your school or college experiences helped you build technical skills and knowledge that you will use as part of an Interior Design degree? 

• If you’re studying design at college, explain what you’ve studied and why you want to explore it in more detail at university 
• You should also highlight other subjects that you can connect to an Interior Design degree. For instance, learning about human behaviour in Psychology or the design programmes used as part of Graphic Design.
• Mention any coursework or projects you’ve worked on that relate to design and creativity.
• Also include any online courses you may have taken to improve your skills or knowledge.

My Design & Technology coursework involved reviewing design briefs, using CAD software and creating scaled drawings. This helped me understand the importance of requirement gathering and technical accuracy.
Example answer for question two of the UCAS personal statement

UCAS Personal Statement Question 3: 
What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful? 

This is where you highlight any personal projects, work (paid or voluntary) and other activities that show your initiative, dedication, and creativity. 

• Mention any design projects you have worked on.
• Make reference to any design discussion communities you engage with. Perhaps you post regularly on YouTube, blog about design or are active in online forums. 
• Mention any other work experience or volunteering you do. 
• Think beyond just design techniques. Highlight any transferable skills that you think will benefit you on an Interior Design degree. This includes things such as time management, working in teams, communication or problem-solving. 

When I worked part-time in a small clothing shop I was given an opportunity to assist with visual displays and window arrangements. This developed my awareness of spatial planning, coordination and presentation.
Example answer for question three of the UCAS personal statement

Final tips for strong answers 

• Be specific: Don’t just say you're passionate about design. Explain why you're passionate about design. 
• Use examples: Back up every point with a evidence and explain why it’s relevant. 
• Keep it relevant: Focus on experiences that relate clearly to design and creativity. 
• Be yourself: Authenticity matters. Universities want to get to know you, so don’t feel compelled to sound overly formal. 
• Proofread: Read your answers out loud. If you can get feedback from a teacher. 

This new UCAS format for 2026 onwards gives you the chance to break down your personal journey into clear sections. If you’re applying for an Interior Design degree, it means showcasing your creativity and commitment.  

Be honest, be specific and, most of all, be passionate. 

More advice for Interior Design applicants

• How to make a perfect interior design portfolio for university

Want more support about UCAS personal statements? Meet the UCA Admissions Team at one of our upcoming Open Days for one-to-one advice. 

Related courses

• Interior Design BA (Hons)
• Studio Practice (Interior Design) (top-up) BA (Hons)