Advanced Diploma of Interior Design MSF60118
This intensive and highly practical course is for those who aspire to work as a commercial Interior Designer in an interior or architectural firm. You will embark on a series of challenging projects starting with residential interiors and then branching into commercial interiors including retail, hospitality, office. aged care and retirement living and hotels.
Our real-world briefs are exciting and complex – they require you to develop strategic approaches and respond creatively to each project.
To apply for this course you’ll need Higher School Certificate or some relevant industry experience/training, we’ll discuss this in an informal interview on campus to ensure this course is your best option.
Design above by graduate Nicola Bird.
“The course focuses on large commercial design – which allows me to design buildings and spaces that impact larger groups of people. This makes my work feel much more meaningful. It has been an amazing experience.” – Advanced Diploma graduate Kathryn Walters
What you’ll learn
This course provides you with a broad education in all aspects of residential and commercial interior design. You will learn how to develop creative solutions for a range of complex residential, commercial, retail and institutional design projects including facilities for the elderly.
There is a strong focus on design management and construction as you explore the key philosophies to managing your design projects and running a successful interior design practice.
You will learn to visually communicate your ideas and projects using the latest industry software and present your work to an exceptionally high industry standard.
As you final major project you will be given the opportunity to develop your own individual style and approach through the instigation and development of your own project brief enabling you to focus your skills and orientate yourself towards a specific area of the interior design industry.
Graduate with a professional portfolio of work and industry connections ready to take the first step into your dream career.
Domestic Student Fees
- Total Course Fee: AUD $29,190 (GST free)
- You will also need to purchase a Design Kit AUD $595 (GST inc)
- You will need to purchase a 12 month student subscription to SketchUp when you reach Unit 7 (approx AUD $71.50)
- Please allow $50 per term for incidental costs eg. photocopying.
Find out more about our flexible payment options here
International Student Fees
- Total Course Fee: AUD $34,990 (GST free)
- You will also need to purchase a Design Kit AUD $595 (GST inc)
- You will need to purchase a 12 month student subscription to SketchUp when you reach Unit 7 (approx AUD $71.50)
- Please allow $50 per term for incidental costs eg. photocopying.
Find out more about paying in instalments here
Domestic Student Entry Requirements
- NSW Higher School Certificate studies (or equivalent) OR completion of relevant vocational training and/or
- Experience working in a relevant industry and/or
- Minimum 6 examples of work from HSC design and technology, visual arts, textiles or other design disciplines
- If you don’t meet the above criteria, please prepare a written submission (1 x A4 typed page) detailing the reasons you want to study interior design and your career aspirations.
To enrol into the Advanced Diploma of Interior Design you will need to firstly attend an Information Session or Open Day to learn more about the school and our courses. Once you have decided which course is for you you will need to book in for an interview.
Students are selected using one or more of the following criteria:
All Advanced Diploma students will need a laptop computer that can be brought to class and used at home. We recommend students use a PC as this computer is compatible with all software used on the course.
International Student Entry Requirements
To enrol into the Diploma of Interior Design you will need to watch an Information Session online and meet the following requirements;
- Over 18 years of age
- Passionate about interiors
- Available to study interior design three days per week on campus
- You will need a strong command of the English language (verbal, written and comprehension) to complete your course successfully. All international students must provide evidence of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test here or an equivalent. Students must achieve a score of at least 6.5. You will be required to upload your test result as part of the application process online. During your Skype interview your English language proficiency will also be assessed by our Course Advisor.
- Eligible to apply for an International Student Visa
You will need to provide a portfolio of work or present your own response to a small design brief. Your portfolio may be artworks, textiles, graphics or evidence of a renovation or work you have undertaken in the industry.
No portfolio? Complete the design brief here.
All Advanced Diploma students will need a laptop computer that can be brought to class and used at home. We recommend students use a PC as this computer is compatible with all software used on the course.
What you may become
On graduating our students enter a diverse range of professions;
- Commercial Interior Designer in an interior design or architecture firm
- Project Manager
- Interior Stylist
- Colour Consultant
- Real Estate Staging Consultant
- Revit, CAD and SketchUp Draftsperson
- Interiors Consultant for product, furniture and lighting suppliers/ retail store
- Entrepreneur in your own business
Your study options
Option 1: (Domestic students only)
- 2 days per week for the first 18 months then 3 days per week for 6 months
- Either Mon/Tues or Wed/Thurs for 18 months then Wed, Thurs & Fri
- 9:30am – 4:30pm
Option 2: (Domestic & International)
- 3 days per week – 18 months
- Wed, Thurs & Fri
- 9.30am – 4.30pm
Course Intakes
- July 2019 (enrolments open Wednesday 27 March)
- January 2020 (enrolments not yet open)
- Anytime online
Units of Study
Competency-based training is a method of training which develops the skills, knowledge and attitudes required to achieve competency.
For a full list of unit competencies click here.
MSF1 Introduction to Design and the Decoration Industry
Embrace core skills from concept development and drawing to the elements and principles of design and composition. Develop an understanding of the design industry, work practices and opportunities.
MSF2 Introduction to Design and Colour
Be introduced to colour theory, colour schemes and the psychology and manipulation of colour. Explore the technicalities of paint and develop paint specifications.
MSF3 Interior Planning and Design
Learn the fundamentals of interior design, site evaluation, space planning and lighting for a range of residential environments.
MSF4 Design Practice
Visualise interior spaces in 2 & 3 dimensions through sketching, model making and perspective drawing techniques.
MSF5 Interior Design and Decoration
Explore all aspects of interior decoration including furniture, furnishing, upholstery and window treatments. Learn how to construct an interior scheme and present professional sample boards and specifications.
MSF6 Residential Design
Develop your own style working on a real residential project for a real client. Start with an initial briefing and work your way through the design stages to a final client presentation.
MSF7 SketchUp
Create realistic floor plans and interior models using SketchUp then render your work in SU Podium. These user-friendly programs enable you to create photorealistic visuals that will enhance your portfolio.
MSF8 AutoCAD & Interior Construction
Learn the fundamentals of interior building construction and extend your drawing skills with AutoCAD. Create an impressive collection of precise residential floorplans and elevations to add to your portfolio.
MSF9 Revit
Learn how to navigate this essential industry modelling software. Design and build sophisticated interior spaces and create realistic 3D presentations of your working model.
MSF10 Residential Planning
Design, plan and model residential spaces by manipulating 3D space using extensions, voids and stairs. You’ll present your ideas using a range of 2D and 3D media.
MSF11 Small Commercial Design
Extend your research, conceptualisation and design skills by completing a range of small commercial design projects including cafes and exhibition spaces. Create dynamic interior, exterior and commercial colour schemes and learn what drives colour trends and forecasting.
MSF12 Workplace Design
Explore the exciting and fast moving world of workplace design including office and retail spaces. Create a joinery package to showcase your documentation skills to potential employers.
MSF13 Hospitality Design
Develop and apply your conceptual design skills to a range of hospitality spaces. Prepare a professional resume, portfolio and exhibition space for graduation.
MSF14 Hotel Design
Explore the operational and functional aspects of hotel design and planning. Focus on the details required for back of house, public, eating and event spaces and develop stylish solutions for a range of room types. Be part of a small studio design team and learn how to pitch yourself and your ideas.
MSF15 Retail Design
Extend your knowledge of retail design and embrace the latest thinking on retail roll-outs. Prepare a comprehensive industry standard documentation package that will become an important part of your portfolio.
MSF16 Institutional Design
Learn the specialist skills to work in this rapidly growing area of design.You’ll focus on aged care, retirement living or education and present your large scale commercial design with impressive photo-realistic imagery.
MSF17 Design Specialisation
Develop your signature style through the instigation, development and management of your own project brief. Be supported by an industry mentor and develop a portfolio that reflects your unique interests and industry ambitions.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the acknowledgement of a person’s competency, skills and knowledge which may have been acquired through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning.
Sydney Design School offers applicants the opportunity to apply for RPL and gain credit towards their course. There is a fee associated with an RPL application, please speak to our Course Advisor for more information.
Credit Transfer
Sydney Design School offers a Credit Transfer to any applicant who provides suitable evidence that they have successfully completed a unit or module at any Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
Please note: Credit and RPL for international students is assessed during the application process. Students must remain enrolled in a full-time load to satisfy visa requirements, regardless of the amount of credit awarded for any given semester.
When granting RPL or course credits Sydney Design School will provide the applicant with a written record for them to accept and will retain a written record of acceptance for 2 years after the applicant ceases to be an accepted student.
Ready to take the next step?
Apply NowAdvanced Diploma of Interior Design MSF60118
This intensive and highly practical course is for those who aspire to work as a commercial Interior Designer in an interior or architectural firm. You will embark on a series of challenging projects starting with residential interiors and then branching into commercial interiors including retail, hospitality, office, aged care, retirement living and hotels.
Our real-world briefs are exciting and complex – they require you to develop strategic approaches and respond creatively to each project.
To apply for this course you’ll need Higher School Certificate or some relevant industry experience/training, we’ll discuss this in an informal interview on campus to ensure this course is your best option.
Design above by graduate Nicola Bird.
“The course focuses on large commercial design – which allows me to design buildings and spaces that impact larger groups of people. This makes my work feel much more meaningful. It has been an amazing experience.” – Advanced Diploma graduate Kathryn Walters
What you’ll learn
This course provides you with a broad education in all aspects of residential and commercial interior design. You will learn how to develop creative solutions for a range of complex residential, commercial, retail and institutional design projects including facilities for the elderly.
There is a strong focus on design management and construction as you explore the key philosophies to managing your design projects and running a successful interior design practice.
You will learn to visually communicate your ideas and projects using the latest industry software and present your work to an exceptionally high industry standard.
As you final major project you will be given the opportunity to develop your own individual style and approach through the instigation and development of your own project brief enabling you to focus your skills and orientate yourself towards a specific area of the interior design industry.
Graduate with a professional portfolio of work and industry connections ready to take the first step into your dream career.
Your study options
Option 1: (Domestic students only)
- 2 days per week for the first 18 months then 3 days per week for 6 months
- Either Mon/Tues or Wed/Thurs for 18 months then Wed, Thurs & Fri
- 9:30am – 4:30pm
Option 2: (Domestic & International)
- 3 days per week – 18 months
- Wed, Thurs & Fri
- 9.30am – 4.30pm
Course Intakes
- July 2019 (enrolments open Wednesday 27 March)
- January 2020 (enrolments not yet open)
- Anytime online
What you may become
On graduating our students enter a diverse range of professions;
- Commercial Interior Designer in an interior design or architecture firm
- Project Manager
- Interior Stylist
- Colour Consultant
- Real Estate Staging Consultant
- Revit, CAD and SketchUp Draftsperson
- Interiors Consultant for product, furniture and lighting suppliers/ retail store
- Entrepreneur in your own business
Domestic Student Fees
- Total Course Fee: AUD $29,190 (GST free)
- You will also need to purchase a Design Kit AUD $595 (GST inc)
- You will need to purchase a 12 month student subscription to SketchUp when you reach Unit 7 (approx AUD $71.50)
- Please allow $50 per term for incidental costs eg. photocopying.
Find out more about our flexible payment options here
International Student Fees
- Total Course Fee: AUD $34,990 (GST free)
- You will also need to purchase a Design Kit AUD $595 (GST inc)
- You will need to purchase a 12 month student subscription to SketchUp when you reach Unit 7 (approx AUD $71.50)
- Please allow $50 per term for incidental costs eg. photocopying.
Find out more about paying in instalments here
Domestic Student Entry Requirements
- NSW Higher School Certificate studies (or equivalent) OR completion of relevant vocational training and/or
- Experience working in a relevant industry and/or
- Minimum 6 examples of work from HSC design and technology, visual arts, textiles or other design disciplines
- If you don’t meet the above criteria, please prepare a written submission (1 x A4 typed page) detailing the reasons you want to study interior design and your career aspirations.
To enrol into the Diploma of Interior Design you will need to firstly attend an Information Session or Open Day to learn more about the school and our courses. Once you have decided which course is for you you will need to book in for an interview.
Students are selected using one or more of the following criteria:
International Student Entry Requirements
To enrol into the Diploma of Interior Design you will need to watch an Information Session online and meet the following requirements;
- Over 18 years of age
- Passionate about interiors
- Available to study interior design three days per week on campus
- You will need a strong command of the English language (verbal, written and comprehension) to complete your course successfully. All international students must provide evidence of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test here or an equivalent. Students must achieve a score of at least 6.5. You will be required to upload your test result as part of the application process online. During your Skype interview your English language proficiency will also be assessed by our Course Advisor.
- Eligible to apply for an International Student Visa
You will need to provide a portfolio of work or present your own response to a small design brief. Your portfolio may be artworks, textiles, graphics or evidence of a renovation or work you have undertaken in the industry.
No portfolio? Complete the design brief here.
Units of Study
Competency-based training is a method of training which develops the skills, knowledge and attitudes required to achieve competency.
For a full list of unit competencies click here.
MSF1 Introduction to Design and the Decoration Industry
Embrace core skills from concept development and drawing to the elements and principles of design and composition. Develop an understanding of the design industry, work practices and opportunities.
MSF2 Introduction to Design and Colour
Be introduced to colour theory, colour schemes and the psychology and manipulation of colour. Explore the technicalities of paint and develop paint specifications.
MSF3 Interior Planning and Design
Learn the fundamentals of interior design, site evaluation, space planning and lighting for a range of residential environments.
MSF4 Design Practice
Visualise interior spaces in 2 & 3 dimensions through sketching, model making and perspective drawing techniques.
MSF5 Interior Design and Decoration
Explore all aspects of interior decoration including furniture, furnishing, upholstery and window treatments. Learn how to construct an interior scheme and present professional sample boards and specifications.
MSF6 Residential Design
Develop your own style working on a real residential project for a real client. Start with an initial briefing and work your way through the design stages to a final client presentation.
MSF7 SketchUp
Create realistic floor plans and interior models using SketchUp then render your work in SU Podium. These user-friendly programs enable you to create photorealistic visuals that will enhance your portfolio.
MSF8 AutoCAD & Interior Construction
Learn the fundamentals of interior building construction and extend your drawing skills with AutoCAD. Create an impressive collection of precise residential floorplans and elevations to add to your portfolio.
MSF9 Revit
Learn how to navigate this essential industry modelling software. Design and build sophisticated interior spaces and create realistic 3D presentations of your working model.
MSF10 Residential Planning
Design, plan and model residential spaces by manipulating 3D space using extensions, voids and stairs. You’ll present your ideas using a range of 2D and 3D media.
MSF11 Small Commercial Design
Extend your research, conceptualisation and design skills by completing a range of small commercial design projects including cafes and exhibition spaces. Create dynamic interior, exterior and commercial colour schemes and learn what drives colour trends and forecasting.
MSF12 Workplace Design
Explore the exciting and fast moving world of workplace design including office and retail spaces. Create a joinery package to showcase your documentation skills to potential employers.
MSF13 Hospitality Design
Develop and apply your conceptual design skills to a range of hospitality spaces. Prepare a professional resume, portfolio and exhibition space for graduation.
MSF14 Hotel Design
Explore the operational and functional aspects of hotel design and planning. Focus on the details required for back of house, public, eating and event spaces and develop stylish solutions for a range of room types. Be part of a small studio design team and learn how to pitch yourself and your ideas.
MSF15 Retail Design
Extend your knowledge of retail design and embrace the latest thinking on retail roll-outs. Prepare a comprehensive industry standard documentation package that will become an important part of your portfolio.
MSF16 Institutional Design
Learn the specialist skills to work in this rapidly growing area of design.You’ll focus on aged care, retirement living or education and present your large scale commercial design with impressive photo-realistic imagery.
MSF17 Design Specialisation
Develop your signature style through the instigation, development and management of your own project brief. Be supported by an industry mentor and develop a portfolio that reflects your unique interests and industry ambitions.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the acknowledgement of a person’s competency, skills and knowledge which may have been acquired through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning.
Sydney Design School offers applicants the opportunity to apply for RPL and gain credit towards their course. There is a fee associated with an RPL application, please speak to our Course Advisor for more information.
Credit Transfer
Sydney Design School offers a Credit Transfer to any applicant who provides suitable evidence that they have successfully completed a unit or module at any Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
Please note: Credit and RPL for international students is assessed during the application process. Students must remain enrolled in a full-time load to satisfy visa requirements, regardless of the amount of credit awarded for any given semester.
When granting RPL or course credits Sydney Design School will provide the applicant with a written record for them to accept and will retain a written record of acceptance for 2 years after the applicant ceases to be an accepted student.
Ready to go?
Apply Now