Diploma of Interior Design
Interior Designers solve problems and create functional, meaningful spaces. This engaging course will launch your career in the exciting interiors industry. You will be exposed to the latest international design trends and best-practice for residential and commercial interiors including retail, office, cafe, restaurant and bar design.
Accredited Qualification MSF50222
10 hrs per week / 2-3 years self paced online
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What will I learn?
This industry focused course starts with the elements and principles of design and colour. You will develop your spatial awareness through drawing and model making and ignite your creativity with concept development. You’ll realise your ideas using the latest 2D drawing and 3D modelling tools, producing a comprehensive portfolio of residential and commercial projects.
Student work featured above by Anastasija Grinko
What does the course cover?
- Residential design subjects from the Certificate IV in Interior Decoration plus:
- Use the latest industry software: AutoCAD, SketchUp and Adobe Photoshop
- Develop advanced rendering, perspective drawing and professional presentation skills
- Undertake site analysis, evaluation and client briefings
- Explore advanced colour and finishes including whites, neutrals, exterior and colour for public spaces
- Design custom furniture and cabinetry for client specific interior schemes
- Design lighting layouts, plans and specifications
- Produce unique designs for a range of commercial spaces including offices, training, retail and hospitality
- Develop industry standard documentation packages, schedules and specifications
- Learn the business of interior design and how to position yourself most effectively in industry
- Graduate with a professionally designed portfolio showcasing your work and talent
Units of Study
IDO01 FOUNDATIONS OF DESIGN AND COLOUR
Be introduced to the foundations of design, concept development, elements and principles of design. Explore the technicalities of paint and learn how to develop industry standard professional specifications.
IDO02 INTERIOR PLANNING AND DESIGN
Be introduced to the fundamentals of residential interior design, planning and lighting. Visualise space through model making and perspective drawing techniques.
IDO03 INTERIOR SCHEMES AND 3D VISUALISATION
Explore all aspects of interior decoration including furniture, furnishings, upholstery, window treatments and flooring. Learn how to construct an interior scheme and present professional sample boards and specifications.
IDO04 RESIDENTIAL DECORATION
Take on a real client brief and work through the design stages to the final presentation. Learn essential business skills, prepare a professional resume and portfolio ready to launch your dream career.
IDO05 AUTOCAD AND INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION
Discover the fundamentals of AutoCAD and interior building construction and prepare a comprehensive portfolio of drawings for a range of residential spaces. IDO06 RESIDENTIAL PLANNING You’ll learn how to prepare a client brief, undertake a residential site evaluation and develop a full interior design proposal.
IDO07 ADVANCED COLOUR AND FINISHES
Learn what drives colour trends and future forecasting as you explore a diverse range of schemes for residential homes, exteriors and public spaces.
IDO08 SKETCHUP FOR DESIGNERS
Create detailed 3D interior imagery using SketchUp. You’ll import furniture, finishes and lighting from the 3D Warehouse, the world’s largest online library.
IDO09 SMALL COMMERCIAL DESIGN
Extend your conceptualisation and design skills to complete a range of small commercial design projects. You will expand your technical skills to include Adobe Photoshop enabling you to professionally present your design proposals.
IDO10 WORKPLACE DESIGN
Extend your design and documentation skills through the exploration of a range of large commercial design projects including office, training spaces and retail.
IDO11 HOSPITALITY DESIGN
Develop and apply your conceptual design skills to a range of hospitality spaces including bars and restaurants. Professionally present your projects and portfolio of work using a range of 2D and 3D media.
Competencies available here
What is the cost?
This course is divided into 11 units and you can apply and pay unit by unit or upfront.
- Unit 1 Foundations of Design and Colour + Design Kit | $2,390
- Unit 2 Interior Planning and Design | $1,795
- Unit 3 Interior Schemes and 3D Visualisation | $1,795
- Unit 4 Residential Decoration | $1,795
- Unit 5 AutoCAD and Interior Construction | $1,095
- Unit 6 Residential Planning | $1,295
- Unit 7 Advanced Colour and Finishes | $795
- Unit 8 SketchUp for Designers | $595
- Unit 9 Small Commercial Design | $1,295
- Unit 10 Workplace Design | $2,495
- Unit 11 Hospitality Design | $1,600
- Total course cost | AUD $16,945 (GST Free)
If you are studying outside Australia you will be charged a shipping fee at checkout. You will also need to cover the cost of any GST, customs or duty that may be charged by your local authority. Please allow AUD $50 incidental printing costs.
How can I pay?
We know the investment you’re making in your future is an important one, which is why we offer a range of payment options
The first 4 units are the same as Certificate IV in Interior Decoration and can be credited towards this course.
Option 1 – Pay Upfront
Pay for the total course cost at enrolment.
Option 2 – Pay Unit by Unit
Pay for Unit 1 at time of enrolment and then pay for each subsequent unit when you finish your current unit.
Option 3 – Pay by Instalments
Pay an initial deposit at the time of enrolment followed by instalments via Ezidebit. Please note, payment by instalment is available to Australian students only. For full details please click here.
If you require a longer instalment plan to pay for your first unit please contact our team on [email protected] for more options.
Note: A credit card transaction fee will be applied at checkout for all payments.
What will I need?
Our Design Kit contains everything you need to get started. It’s included in the cost of your first unit. Shipping is free within Australia, if you are studying internationally you will be charged a shipping fee at checkout and will need to cover the cost of any GST, customs or duty that may be charged by your local authority. You’ll also need a smart phone, a powerful computer or laptop (with graphics card), Microsoft Office and access to the internet. More detail on our computer requirements is available here. Students will need access to a printer a few times in this course.
How does it work?
This course is delivered through our online eCampus. The eCampus is easy to navigate and accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. It is filled with inspirational content, practical resources and video tutorials.
You will work through a range of activities. Each activity carefully guides you step-by-step through the creative process, gradually building your knowledge and confidence.
Along the way, our Educators – who are professionals working in the industry – will be on hand to provide guidance and answer questions via phone or email. When you’ve completed all of your activities and assessments, you simply upload your work for marking and feedback.
We estimate that you will need to spend approximately 10 hours per week studying to complete the work within 2-3 years. You have a maximum of 6 months to complete each unit. This qualification can be credited towards the Advanced Diploma of Interior Design on campus as Sydney Design School if wish to extend your study.
What are the career opportunities?
Our Careers Coach will help you to prepare a professional resume and will assist you with identifying job opportunities in your local area. You’ll also get access to our exclusive online job board for Sydney based roles.
Graduate career opportunities
- Interior Designer in a decorating, interior design or architectural firm
- Interior Stylist
- Interiors Consultant for product, furniture and lighting suppliers
- Colour Consultant
- Visual Merchandiser
- Real Estate Staging Consultant
- CAD and SketchUp Draftsperson
- Entrepreneur in your own interior business
Entry requirements
You don’t need any previous experience just enthusiasm and a passion for interiors! We start from the basics and gradually build your skills, knowledge and confidence. You will need basic computer knowledge and the ability to navigate the Internet.
To study with Interior Design Online you will need a strong command of the English language (verbal, written and comprehension) and, if required, be able to score at least 6 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test here or an equivalent.
If required, our team will be in contact with you by telephone to assess your English language proficiency, prior to an enrolment confirmation being sent. If your application is not successful due to your language ability your payment will be refunded in full.
How do I apply?
You can apply online today. Follow the link below to enter your details into our online application form. You can choose to pay for the course in full, by unit or by instalments.
Please allow one business day for our team to process your application and payment. You will then receive a confirmation of your enrolment via email including your login to our eCampus and payment receipt.
This will be followed by a welcome email from an Educator. You will receive a link to join a live online welcome session via Zoom where you will get a guided tour of our eCampus. Your Design Kit will be posted to you and should arrive within one week of your enrolment but you won’t need the resources until much further into your course.
Accreditation
You’ll receive an accredited and internationally recognised dual branded qualification from Sydney Design School and Interior Design Online. This course is accredited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority, the Government’s national regulator for vocational education. RTO91446.
Our Diploma of Interior Design is recognised by the Design Institute of Australia, Australia’s peak industry body for professional design. This qualification can be credited towards the Advanced Diploma of Interior Design on campus at Sydney Design School.
“I love learning new skills and seeing how far I’ve come since I started the course. We’re given a lot of real projects to work on, it’s very practical.”
Graduate Agathe Corbet
Want to try a different delivery mode?
Live online classes
If you want a more social experience you can learn in our real time online classroom. Sydney Design School offers this course two days per week. International students do not require a student visa. Visit the website to find out more.
On campus classes
Get the face to face Sydney Design School experience in our world class studios. Our physical school offers this course two or three days per week. A visa is required for international students. Visit the website to find out more.