Become a Residential or
Diploma of Interior Design
MSF50222 / Learn online with Sydney Design School
Study 10 hrs per week / 2-3 year duration
Interior Designers shape the spaces where people live, work, and connect, influencing how we experience the world every day.
Our Diploma is designed for curious, creatives who want to think big and make real change. You’ll gain hands-on skills and industry insight to confidently work across both residential and commercial design, from homes and cafes to offices, retail stores, and restaurants.
Flexible but never solo
Personal support from Interior Designers
via phone, live video call and email.
Success starts here
One-on-one careers coaching.
Pathway to a degree.
Designed for busy creatives
Set your own pace for success. Start
anytime, study and pay unit by unit.
What does the course cover?
You’ll begin by exploring the foundations of design, from colour to space planning, and put your skills into practice by designing residential spaces for real clients. From there, you’ll step into the exciting world of commercial design where you’ll bring your creative concepts to life and visualise your ideas using the latest industry 2D and 3D software.
When you graduate, you’ll have a professional portfolio of work that demonstrates your creativity, technical skill, and readiness to join a design studio or start your own design business. If you’re ready to push your skills further, you can continue into our Advanced Diploma of Interior Design, opening doors to even more exciting opportunities.
Start your creative journey today and design a future you’ll love
Hospitality project by Gabriella Diaz
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 FOUNDATIONS
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: SPACE AND SCALE
Explore key principles of residential planning across a range of interior spaces including kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces. Create lighting layouts and detailed floor plans to bring your ideas to life.
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: 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.
IVOC05: 2D DIGITAL FOUNDATIONS AND RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
Master 2D drawing software to produce a complete documentation package. Learn the fundamental principles and practical applications of building structures, systems, the NCC and standards within the context of residential projects.
IVOC06: RESIDENTIAL DESIGN AND PLANNING
Design, plan and model residential spaces that respond to changing client needs, lifestyles and environments. Learn how to manipulate 3D space through exploring extensions, voids and stairs.
IVOC07: 3D DIGITAL FOUNDATIONS
Build dynamic detailed 3D models of interior spaces using the latest industry software. Apply materials, textures, and lighting and create stunning photorealistic renders.
IVOC08: CONCEPTUAL EXPLORATION AND TRANSLATION
Master the art of concept development and creative exploration as you deep dive into the design process—from developing a unique concept to transforming ideas into pop-up spaces.
IVOC09: COMMERCIAL ENVIRONMENTS
Discover how thoughtful design can transform the way people shop, work and collaborate. Create inspiring retail environments, innovative office spaces, and dynamic training facilities.
IVOC10: INTERIOR JOINERY DETAILING AND DOCUMENTATION
Design and produce a detailed, industry-standard joinery documentation package. Refine your drafting skills and effectively communicate your design intent.
IVOC11: HOSPITALITY ENVIRONMENTS
Ignite your creativity and push the boundaries of design as you craft bold, experience-driven hospitality spaces – from buzzing bars to immersive restaurants.
Pathway to university
If you have your heart set on an interior architecture degree we offer a pathway to university. Sydney Design School and the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) have partnered to offer graduates of the Diploma of Interior Design the opportunity to apply for direct entry into the Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Hons) saving them 12 months of study. To continue your studies with another university you would need to apply for recognition of prior learning. Please note international students will require a student visa.
Course fees
This course is divided into 11 units and you can apply and pay unit by unit or upfront.
- IVOC01: DESIGN FOUNDATIONS + DESIGN KIT | $2,105
- IVOC02: SPACE AND SCALE | $1,890
- IVOC03: INTERIOR SCHEMES | $1,890
- IVOC04: RESIDENTIAL DESIGN AND DECORATION | $1,890
- IVOC05: 2D DIGITAL FOUNDATIONS AND RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION | $1,090
- IVOC06: RESIDENTIAL DESIGN AND PLANNING | $1,090
- IVOC07: 3D DIGITAL FOUNDATIONS | $1,090
- IVOC08: CONCEPTUAL EXPLORATION AND TRANSLATION | $1,335
- IVOC9: COMMERCIAL ENVIRONMENTS | $2,545
- IVOC10: INTERIOR JOINERY DETAILING AND DOCUMENTATION | $730
- IVOC11: HOSPITALITY ENVIRONMENTS | $1,335
- Total course cost | AUD $16,990 (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. You will need to purchase a 12 month student subscription to SketchUp (approx AUD $99) when you reach Unit 7.
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
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 bank account holders 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: You can choose to pay by bank transfer or credit card. A credit card transaction fee will apply.
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 powerful computer or laptop (including a graphics card) with internet access and Microsoft Office. Also a smartphone for documenting your work. Click here for more detail on computer requirements. At a few key points, you’ll need to print your work.
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 2–3 years. You’ll have 6 months to complete each unit.
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
- Residential and Commercial Interior Designer in an 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 design 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 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?
Virtual studio
Looking for a more social way to study online? Thrive in the Sydney Design School live online classroom two 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, two days per week. International students will need a student visa.
