Diploma of Interior Design

Our Diploma course is developed by industry professionals to ensure that you graduate with the real-world skills of a professional Interior Designer. You will develop your creativity, personal style and technical skill giving you the confidence to work on a broad range of residential and commercial projects.

Subjects include:

• Residential design subjects from the Certificate IV in Interior Decoration
• 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

Design above by SDS graduate Nicola Bird

Competency-based training is a method of training which develops the skills, knowledge and attitudes required to achieve competency. There are no exams, you simply work through the exercises and upload your assessments. Our Educators will provide detailed feedback and you are free to resubmit your work until you reach competency and move on to the next unit.

There are 11 units in this course. For a full list of unit competencies click here.

MSFON401: Introduction to Design and Colour

Develop an understanding of the Interior Design and Decoration Industry and what influences design styles. Be introduced to the foundations of design including concept development, elements and principles of design and composition. Explore the inspiring world of colour and learn how to create dynamic colour schemes. Explore the technicalities of paint and learn how to develop industry standard professional specifications.

MSFON402: Interior Planning and Design

Be introduced to the fundamentals of residential interior design, planning and lighting. Explore all aspects of residential design including designing bathrooms, kitchens, living, bedrooms and outdoor spaces. Visualise space in two and three dimensions through model making and perspective drawing techniques.

MSFON403: Interior Schemes

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.

MSFON404: Residential Decoration

Prepare for the real world by working on a simulated residential project. Take a 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.

MSFON405: SketchUp for Interiors

Create detailed 3D interior imagery using SketchUp. You’ll import furniture, finishes and lighting from the 3D Warehouse, the world’s largest online library.

MSFON406: 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.

MSFON407: Residential Design Project

In this unit you will investigate the history of interior design styles. You’ll learn how to prepare a client brief, undertake a residential site evaluation and develop a full interior design proposal.

MSFON408: 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.

MSFON409: 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.

MSFON410: Large Commercial Design

Extend your design and documentation skills through the exploration of a range of large commercial design projects including office, training spaces and retail. Professionally present your projects and portfolio of work using a range of 2D and 3D media.

MSFON411: 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.

You’ll receive an internationally recognised, Australian Government accredited Diploma of Interior Design (MSF50218) from our partner Sydney Design School (RTO 91446). This vocational qualification is written and developed by industry professionals to ensure our graduates study the most relevant and current content. This course is accredited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), the national regulator for Australia’s vocational education and training sector.

This Sydney Design School course is recognised by the Design Institute of Australia (DIA). More information here.

Here’s some key facts about the course;

• Start studying anytime, anywhere. You can apply online today
• The course is divided into 11 separate units of study
• The course is entirely self paced, you can study and pay unit by unit to suit your lifestyle
• We estimate that you will need to spend approximately 10 hours per week studying to complete the work in 2 – 3 years
• You have a maximum of 6 months to complete each unit
• You will graduate with a polished resume and portfolio of work to kickstart your new career

What tools do I need?

You will need basic computer knowledge and the ability to navigate the Internet. In terms of equipment you will need a computer or laptop (PC or MAC) with Microsoft Office, access to the Internet (preferably broadband), access to a printer (Min 1000+ DPI) and a digital camera or phone. 

You are required to upload your assessments as a PDF so you will require software on your phone such as Turbo Scan or Genius Scan.

Please note: You will need to install the free education version of AutoCAD and purchase a 12 month student subscription to SketchUp (approximately AUD $93.50) for Unit 6.

You do not need any previous experience with any of the software in this course as we introduce and work through each of the programs starting with the basics.

How does studying online work?

Once you have applied, our team will process your enrolment on the same day or the next business day. They will send you a unique login to our eCampus and then you can start studying!

Our course is delivered by interactive video tutorials and quality online resources. You’ll study unit by unit, reading the content and using your Design Kit to complete the practical assessments. To have your work marked simply take a clear photo and upload it into our eCampus.

Your online Educator will give you detailed feedback. Once your work has been marked competent you can move on to the next unit.

Will I be supported?

Absolutely. Our passionate team of Educators are all practising Interior Designers, Architects and specialists in online learning. They are on-hand throughout your study to give you guidance and support over the phone, on email or through video conferencing. If you have a software question we can also use screen share to answer your questions.

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 achieve an academic 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 first unit will be refunded in full.

The course is separated into 11 units of study;

• Unit 1 Introduction to Design and Colour + Design Kit  |  $2,290
• Unit 2 Interior Planning and Design | $1,795
• Unit 3 Interior Schemes  |  $1,795
• Unit 4 Residential Decoration  |  $1,795
• Unit 5 SketchUp for Interiors  |  $595
• Unit 6 AutoCAD and Interior Construction  |  $1,095
• Unit 7 Residential Design Project |  $1,295
• Unit 8 Advanced Colour and Finishes  |  $895
• Unit 9 Small Commercial Design  |  $1,295
• Unit 10 Large Commercial Design  |  $2,495
• Unit 11 Hospitality Design  |  $1,600
• Total course cost  |  $16,945 (GST free)

Additional Costs

Please note you will need to install the free education version of AutoCAD and purchase a 12 month student subscription to SketchUp (approximately $93.50 AUD). If you are an international student you can find your local SketchUp provider here.

Additional costs for students outside Australia

Please note that due to COVID-19 we are experiencing significant delays in shipping Design Kits internationally. Fortunately you can begin your course and work through a number of activities before you require your equipment. Your Educator can provide you with alternatives until your kit arrives. If you are studying outside Australia you will need to pay a non-refundable international postage fee (calculated at checkout, based on your location). International delivery of your Design Kit may incur GST, customs charges and duties on arrival and these charges must be paid for by the recipient. Please email a copy of your payment receipt and Interior Design Online will reimburse these charges within 5 working days.

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 the Certificate IV in Interior Decoration and can be credited towards this course.

Option 1 – Pay Upfront

Pay for the total course cost at enrolment through PayPal.

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 through PayPal at 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 info@interiordesignonline.edu.au for more options.

Design Kit

You will need a Design Kit which includes all of the tools and equipment that you require to undertake this course. The fee for your Design Kit is included in the cost of your first unit. Delivery is free within Australia, international delivery costs are calculated at checkout based on your location.

*Note: A 2% PayPal processing fee on the deposit will be applied at checkout for all payment options.

VET Student Loans

VET Student Loans are not available for our online courses. Students studying a Diploma course at our physical campus, Sydney Design School may apply.

You will graduate with an industry-ready portfolio of work. Our Careers Service – IDO Connect 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 GRADSPACE.

We strongly encourage you to source work experience or positions in the interiors industry while you are studying to reinforce the new skills you are learning.

What will I become?

• Interior Designer in a decorating, interior design or architectural firm
• Interior Stylist
• Interiors Consultant for product, furniture and lighting suppliers/ retail stores
• Colour Consultant
• Visual Merchandiser
• Real Estate Staging Consultant
• CAD and SketchUp Draftsperson
• Entrepreneur in your own interiors business