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Why study interior design?
Design functional, inspiring spaces that shape how people live, work and connect.
Shape the spaces where we live, work, play and learn with Mount Royal University’s CIDA-accredited Bachelor of Interior Design in Calgary. Rooted in design theory, building systems and emerging technologies, this program builds the creative and critical thinking skills for today’s design challenges. Through hands-on studio projects and a 450-hour paid internship, you’ll gain experience and prepare for a rewarding career in interior design. If you want to study interior design in Canada, this program equips you to create purposeful, functional spaces.
Program highlights
- Tackle design challenges in collaborative, hands-on studio projects
- Graduate with a professionally recognized credential in interior design
- Gain industry experience through a 450-hour paid internship
- Access our Interior Design facilities where you will have your own dedicated desk and work space
Career possibilities
What jobs can I get with an interior design degree?
Launch your career in interior design across a variety of industries. Graduates often work in design studios, architecture firms or establish their own practices. Potential roles include:
Curriculum and courses
What courses will I take in interior design?
Develop your creative, technical and professional skills through a carefully designed interior design curriculum featuring hands-on courses and studios. This training prepares you for diverse industry challenges and career success.
Explore full curriculum and coursesYear 1
|Years 2-4
Curriculum snapshot – Year 1
Experiential learning
Gain experience through project-based learning, industry partnerships and hands-on design practice.
- Tackle real client briefs in collaborative design studios
- Learn through a paid internship with a professional interior design or architecture firm
- Develop your personal design philosophy and vision
Admission requirements
When you apply to MRU, you’ll need to meet both general admission requirements and any additional criteria specific to your chosen program. Requirements can vary, so it’s important to review what’s needed for your area of interest.
Select your admission category:
High school
Post-secondary transfer
Mature student
Admission category: High school
High school applicants must submit five Grade 12 courses for admission. These five courses must include the required subjects for the program you’re applying to. These required subjects are part of Group A.
To complete your five courses, additional subjects may be used from Group A, B, or C.
More admissions info for high school applicantsWhat are the requirements for the Bachelor of Interior Design?
- English Language Arts 30-1 - 65%
- Mathematics 30-1 or 30-2 - 50%
Additional criteria
Competitively qualified applicants who meet the academic requirements for admission must complete the department directed portfolio. The portfolio may include:
- hand drawings and composition components
- creative exploration exercises
- written reflection
The directed portfolio submissions are used in conjunction with the academic requirements to evaluate and determine program admission.
Applying from another province or country?
If you're applying from outside Alberta, you'll need to know which of your courses match Alberta Grade 12 courses.
Check out our provincial equivalencies chart if you're from another Canadian province or the international credentials chart if you're applying from outside Canada.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to meet two separate English requirements to be admitted to Mount Royal:
- You’ll need to successfully complete an English course if it’s part of your program’s admission requirements
- Show that you meet Mount Royal’s English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements
Admission deadlines
Costs
We know your investment in post-secondary education is a big deal. Make sure you’re on the right financial track by reviewing the costs, scholarships and financial support available.
How much does the Bachelor of Interior Design cost?
The cost of your studies depends on a few things, like the program you choose and whether you’ll live at home or in Residence.
To get a better idea of what you might spend, try using our first-year student budget estimator. It gives a detailed breakdown of estimated costs.
You can also visit our tuition and costs page for full details on tuition and fees for a full year.
Does MRU offer scholarships or financial aid?
At Mount Royal, we want you to focus on your education, not worry about how to pay for it. There are many ways to help cover the cost of your studies.
Scholarships and bursaries
Mount Royal gives out over $5 million each year in scholarships and bursaries! These awards look at things like your grades, financial need and your involvement in school or the community.
Financial aid
There are financial aid options from the provincial and federal governments for both full-time and part-time students. These include student loans, grants and bursaries.
Other resources
You can also explore other ways to pay, like using RESPs (Registered Education Savings Plans) or CPP (Canada Pension Plan) benefits.
How do I apply for scholarships and bursaries?
To be eligible for scholarships and bursaries, you must apply for Early Admission from Oct. 1 to Feb. 1. You can apply for scholarships and bursaries from Nov. 1 to March 1.
Have questions?
Our info sessions are a great way to explore MRU programs, learn how to apply and connect with people who are here to help.
Book an info sessionConnect with the Admissions and Recruitment Office for more one-on-one support.
Contact us
Why MRU
At MRU, learning is about more than lectures and textbooks. It’s about evolving through experience. With small class sizes, supportive faculty and hands-on opportunities, students are encouraged to think critically, push boundaries and uncover what they’re capable of. MRU helps students build the skills, confidence and curiosity to shape meaningful futures in Calgary and beyond.
Discover why MRULearn about the additional supports and services we have available specifically for:
International students Indigenous studentsFaculty of Arts
Mount Royal offers three bachelor's degrees out of the Faculty of Arts: The Bachelor of Interior Design, Bachelor of Arts — Criminal Justice and the Bachelor of Arts with majors in Anthropology, English, History, Policy Studies, Psychology and Sociology.
Virtual information sessions
Select a session that suits you. Choose from general information, specific by program, drop in Q&A, or attend an Indigenous or international student session.
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