Diploma of Interior Design
Got your heart set on a career in interior design? Our Diploma of Interior Design will give you the skills to get there. This practical and interactive course has sustainable design practices at its core. Gain an in-depth understanding of design processes and principles – and a folio that’ll open endless doors.
Create and plan furniture, fittings and surfaces, colour schemes and concepts for commercial and residential settings. Learn how to document your designs in 2D – through drawing, illustration and drafting, then take them one step further with 3D modelling. You’ll also build your business, communication and presentation skills so that you can communicate your creative vision to clients with confidence and clarity.
Get set to roll up your sleeves and work on multidisciplinary, industry-based design projects. You could find yourself collaborating on design projects with everyone from entrepreneurs and small businesses right through to global tech giants.
Find your creative calling as an interior decorator, interior stylist or in-house designer in retail, domestic and exhibition spaces. Or take the next exciting step with the Advanced Diploma of Interior Design.
Duration
18 months full-time
Intakes
Hawthorn (March) - View application and start dates
Study mode
- Full-time
VTAC course code
- 3400210494 (fee type determined by provider)
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Student Work
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
The Diploma of Interior Design is for those who wish to work in the interior design and decoration industry. Interior designers and decorators deal with the design of interior spaces in retail, domestic and exhibition spaces. In addition to spatial design and organisation, the interior designer and decorator will plan and create furniture, fittings, surface and colour schemes for a range of architectural contexts.
On successful completion of the Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration (MSF50218), graduates may progress to the Advanced Diploma of Interior Design (MSF60118).
Course structure
To be awarded the Diploma of Interior Design, students must complete 27 units of competency as listed below.
Studies include: spatial planning, interior design, colour schemes, lighting, furniture, surfaces and accessories, knowledge of building materials and construction, and computer aided drafting.
Spatial contexts include: commercial and residential settings, hospital, aged care and other specialist environments.
The program begins with skill and technical development, leading to industry-based design project work.
Units of study
Articulate, present and debate ideas (BSBCRT401)
Originate and develop concepts (BSBCRT501)
Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms (BSBDES302)
Explore and apply the creative design process to 3D forms (BSBDES303)
Source and apply information on the history and theory of design (BSBDES305)
Establish, negotiate and refine a design brief (BSBDES502)
Evaluate and develop small business operations (BSBSMB420)
Create 3D digital models (CUAANM303)
Create 3D digital environments (CUAANM502)
Research and apply techniques in spatial design (CUADES403)
Design digital simulations (CUADIG507)
Develop and refine illustrative work (CUAILL401)
Prepare to work safely in the construction industry (CPCCWHS1001)
Research and meet ethical and compliance requirements (MSFGN4001)
Design residential interior lighting (MSFID4013)
Produce digital models and documentation for interior design projects (MSFID4014)
Design colour schemes for interior and exterior spaces (MSFID4016)
Research and recommend furniture and accessories (MSFID4017)
Research interior decoration and design influences (MSFID4019)
Research and integrate embedded technologies in interior designs (MSFID4020)
Design soft furnishing solutions for interior spaces (MSFID4021)
Develop decoration proposals for complex sites (MSFID5016)
Design residential interiors (MSFID5020)
Evaluate site structure and services for interior design briefs (MSFID5021)
Design for all ages and abilities (MSFID5023)
Develop residential interior design project documentation (MSFID5025)
Explore and apply creative design methodology to interior space (MSFID5022)
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities and course aims and objectives.
Career opportunities
Possible career opportunities include:
- Self-employment as an interior decorator, colour consultant or interior designer
- In-house interior designer or decorator for: design and decoration consultancies, architectural and interior design firms, furniture, furnishings and fabric supplier, furnishing departments, retail stores or shop fitters.
Aims and objectives
The Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration aims to provide participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to practice as an interior decorator, colour consultant or interior designer.
These skills include:
- communication (verbal and visual)
- principles and elements of design
- knowledge of design process
- drawing and illustration skills
- drafting
- technology and presentation skills
Pathways and scholarships
- Pathways, credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Fees, entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
A VET Student Loan is available for this course – allowing you to defer part of your fees if you're eligible.
The maximum VET Student Loan amount for this course is $10,717. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.
Diploma of Interior DesignEstimated course fees for 2021* |
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|---|---|---|---|
| For students who are not granted a Skills First government-subsidised place | For students who are granted a Skills First government-subsidised place | Is this a Free TAFE course? | |
| You will need to pay this amount if you do not receive a VET Student Loan | $21,790 | $10,950 | This course is not eligible for Free TAFE |
| You will need to pay this amount if you do receive a VET Student Loan | $11,073 | $233 | This course is not eligible for Free TAFE |
Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2021 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
This course is delivered with state government funding.
Skills First Government-subsidised place
You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
Concession rates for vocational students
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available to Aboriginals or Torres Strait Islanders or Youth Concession students enrolled prior to 1 July 2012 and continuing the same course in 2013.
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available to Aboriginals or Torres Strait Islanders or Youth Concession students enrolled prior to 1 July 2012 and continuing the same course in 2013.
Full course fee
If you are not granted a government-subsidised place, you will be eligible for the full course fee. Check your eligibility now.
If you are not granted a government-subsidised place, you will be eligible for the full course fee. Check your eligibility now.
Indicative nominal course hours: 1,526.
For information about Swinburne's fees visit the Fees website.
Entry requirements
Entry into this program is based on an applicant’s study and/or relevant work history. Some additional criteria may also apply.
Applicants require a minimum of Year 12 completion or equivalent.
Applicants without formal qualifications but with significant relevant work experience are welcome to apply.
How to apply
Find out more about how to apply.
Find out more
Submit an online enquiry
Tel: 1300 SWINBURNE
Tel: 1300 SWINBURNE
Email: study@swinburne.edu.au
Training Organisation Identifier (TOID): 3059