Become a Residential
Certificate IV in Interior Decoration
MSF40122 / Learn online with Sydney Design School
Study 10 hrs per week / 1-2 year duration
If you’re passionate about interiors, home renovation, or simply want to be creative, this beginner-friendly course is the perfect place to start. Learn from expert Interior Designers and gain hands-on experience through a real residential project.
Flexible but never solo
Personal support from Interior Designers
via phone, live video call and email.
Success starts here
One-on-one careers coaching.
Feel job ready and confident.
Designed for busy creatives
Set your own pace for success. Start
anytime, study and pay unit by unit.
What does the course cover?
This comprehensive qualification starts with the basics and gradually builds your skills and confidence. You’ll begin with the elements and principles of design, before exploring the inspiring world of colour and drawing. We’ll teach you how to develop interior schemes and plan kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and living spaces. For your final Major Project you will take a brief from a real client and present a fully resolved interior scheme for their home.
If you want to continue your journey you can credit this course towards the Diploma of Interior Design.
Student work by Brittany Adams
Why learn with us?
We’re part of Sydney Design School, who are world leaders in interior design education. Our online content is brought to life through video presentations, live critiques, inspiring webinars and vibrant social meet-ups all designed to spark your creativity and build real industry skills. You’ll be supported by passionate mentors and join a global alumni community.
Units of Study
IVOC01: DESIGN ORIGINS AND PRINCIPLES
Develop a comprehensive understanding of the interior decoration and design industries while building a strong foundation in essential skills such as colour schemes and freehand sketching.
IVOC02: FOUNDATIONS OF SPACE AND SCALE
Explore key principles of residential planning across a range of interior spaces. Create lighting layouts and bring your design concepts to life through 3D exploration.
IVOC03: INTERIOR SCHEMES
Build confidence in selecting and sourcing furniture, textiles, furnishings, upholstery and window treatments to meet diverse client briefs. Learn to present cohesive interior schemes.
IVOC04: DESIGN STUDIO 1: RESIDENTIAL DESIGN AND DECORATION
Consolidate your design skills by undertaking a real-world residential project—from initial briefing and space planning to the development of a complete interior furnishings scheme.
Course fees
This course is divided into 4 units and you can apply and pay unit by unit or upfront.
- IVOC01: DESIGN ORIGINS AND PRINCIPLES + DESIGN KIT | $2,105
- IVOC02: FOUNDATIONS OF SPACE AND SCALE | $1,890
- IVOC03: INTERIOR SCHEMES | $1,890
- IVOC04: DESIGN STUDIO 1: RESIDENTIAL DESIGN AND DECORATION | $1,890
- Total course cost | AUD $7,775 (GST Free)
- Pay in full upfront to receive 10% off | AUD $6,997.50 (GST Free)
Your Design Kit will be shipped free internationally. You will 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.
Payment options
We know the investment you’re making in your future is an important one, which is why we offer a range of payment options.
Option 1 – Pay upfront and save
Pay for the total course cost at enrolment and receive a 10% discount on this course only. Note: If RPL or Credit Transfer is received on an enrolment the 10% discount does not apply.
- Course cost | $7,775 (GST Free)
- Less 10% discount
- Total Course cost | $6,997.50 (GST Free)
Option 2 – Pay unit by unit
Pay for Unit 1 when you apply and then pay for each subsequent unit when you finish your current unit.
Option 3 – Pay by instalment
Pay an initial unit deposit by credit card at the time of enrolment, followed by 2 monthly instalments via Ezidebit. Please note, that payment by instalment is available to Australian students only. For full instalment details, click here.
If you require a longer instalment plan to pay for your first unit please contact our team at [email protected] for more options.
Note: A credit card transaction fee will be applied at checkout for all payments.
What will I need?
You’ll receive a carefully curated Design Kit with all the tools you need to get started. It’s included in the cost of your first unit and shipped free, anywhere in the world. To complete the course, you’ll also need a computer or laptop with internet access and Microsoft Office, plus a smartphone for documenting your work. At a few key points, you’ll need to print your work, many of our Australian students use Officeworks for this.
Learning with IDO
This course is delivered entirely online through our easy to use eCampus, accessible anywhere with an internet connection. It’s filled with inspiring content, step-by-step video tutorials, and practical resources designed to support your creative learning.
You’ll work through a series of structured activities that guide you through the interior design process, building your knowledge, confidence, and design thinking along the way.
Our Educators, all practising professionals, are just a phone call or email away to answer questions and offer personalised guidance. Once you’ve completed your activities and assessments, simply upload your work to the eCampus for marking and feedback.
To stay on track, we recommend setting aside around 10 hours a week to complete this course over 1–2 years. You’ll have 6 months to complete each unit. This nationally recognised qualification can also be credited toward the Diploma of Interior Design at IDO or Sydney Design School, if you choose to continue your studies online or on campus.
Career options
Our Careers Coach will help you step into the industry. You’ll get one on one support to craft a professional resume and identify job opportunities in your local area. You’ll also gain access to our exclusive online job board featuring interior design roles with Sydney-based studios.
Graduate career opportunities
- Interior Decorator
- Interior Stylist
- Colour Consultant
- Adviser for a product, furniture or lighting supplier
- Entrepreneur in your own interiors 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 phone 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?
It’s easy! 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’ll 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’ll receive a link to join a live online welcome session via Zoom when you’ll be given 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 dual branded qualification from Sydney Design School and Interior Design Online. Our courses are accredited by the Australian government’s Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) RTO 91446, and are recognised by the Design Institute of Australia, the nation’s peak industry body for professional design.
Our qualifications are nationally recognised across Australia and internationally acknowledged as Australian government-approved programs. Please note that industry and regulatory requirements can vary between countries, so we recommend that prospective students check with their local industry bodies or regulators to understand how Australian qualifications are recognised and applied in their region.
This qualification can be credited towards the Diploma of Interior Design.
“I absolutely loved it and it has given me the courage to explore, especially with colour and textures. The Educators are very approachable and supportive.”
Graduate Cecilia Mazadiego
Want to try a different delivery mode?
Virtual studio
Looking for a more social way to study online? Thrive in the Sydney Design School live online classroom 1-2 days a week, with no student visa required for international students.
On campus classes
Want to study this course in our studios? Get the Sydney Design School experience at our world class campus. Learn face to face, one or two days per week. International students will need a student visa.
