There are 4 units of study in this course, for a complete list of unit competencies please click here (on campus) and (guided online) here. These 4 units form the first 4 units of our Diploma of Interior Design and Advanced Diploma of Interior Design and can be credited towards further study.

SDS01 Foundations of Design and Colour

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.

Explore the inspiring world of colour and learn how to create dynamic schemes. Be introduced to colour theory, colour schemes and the psychology and manipulation of colour. Study the technicalities of paint and develop paint specifications.

SDS02 Interior Planning and Design

Learn the fundamentals of interior design, site evaluation, space planning for kitchens, bathrooms, living and outdoor spaces and lighting for a range of residential environments.

SDS03 Interior Schemes and 3D Visualisation

Explore all aspects of interior decoration including furniture, furnishings, upholstery and window treatments. Learn how to construct an interior scheme and present professional sample boards and specifications.

Visualise your designs in three dimensions through sketching, model making and perspective drawing. You will use rendering techniques to create professional presentations for your clients.

SDS04 Residential Decoration

Prepare for the world of professional design by working on a real residential project – from initial client briefing right through to the final presentation. Learn the business skills to get started in the industry.

On Campus Day

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of our St Leonards studios. A great option for those wanting to immerse themselves in our creative community. Our one day per week option has reduced hours to accommodate parents with school children.

• 2 days per week – 6 months (Wed & Thurs)
• 9:30am – 4:30pm
• 1 day per week – 12 months (Friday)
• 9:30am – 3.30pm
• Intakes in January or July

On Campus Evening

A favourite of career-changers this option allows you to work or parent during the day and indulge your passion two nights a week. Note this option is not available to international students.

• 2 evenings per week – 12 months (Mon & Wed)
• 6:15pm – 9:15pm
• Intakes in January or July

Live Online Classes

Stay connected and on track with our live online classroom. A great option for anyone living outside Sydney or with children in school. Your Educator will present your lesson live via Zoom to a maximum class size of 16.  Watch an Info Session about this exciting online option available to creatives throughout Australia. Click here to watch.

• 2 days per week – 6 months
• Mon & Tues
• 9:30am – 3pm
• Starts 10 October 2022
• Following intake is April 2023

Self Directed Online

Study the same world class content at your own pace online with the support of our passionate Educators.

• At your own pace for 1-2 years
• Start at anytime
• Delivered by our partner school Interior Design Online
• Visit their website here

Yes, you’ll receive a nationally accredited and internationally recognised qualification. Our career courses are developed by industry professionals and accredited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) – the Government’s national regulator for vocational education.

Domestic Student Entry Requirements

There are no entry requirements for this course, just bring your passion for interiors! To enrol into the Certificate IV in Interior Decoration we suggest you join us for an Info Session or Open Day to learn more about the school and the content covered. Register to join us here.

Once you’re confident about enrolling you can apply and pay your deposit online here.

International Student Entry Requirements

To enrol into this course on campus as an international student you will need to meet the following requirements;

• Over 18 years of age
• Passionate about interiors
• Available to study on campus in Sydney
• You will need a strong command of the English language (verbal, written and comprehension) to complete your course successfully. If English is your second language you 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. You will be required to upload your test result as part of the application process online. During your video interview your English language proficiency will also be assessed by our Course Advisor.
• Eligible to apply for an International Student Visa

To apply you’ll need to attach a one page motivational statement to your application (tell us about yourself, your passion for interiors and why you want to study at Sydney Design School). We’d ideally like you to include a portfolio of creative work – drawings, photography or design projects you have worked on but this is optional.

Apply online here.

We have two main intakes in January (Term 1) and in July (Term 3). Live Online classes start in April (Term 2) and October (Term 4) each year.

Our terms follow the NSW School Holiday term structure.

2022

Term 1: Monday 31 January to Friday 8 April 2022
Term 2: Tuesday 26 April to Friday 1 July 2022
Term 3: Monday 18 July to Friday 23 September 2022
Term 4: Monday 10 October to Friday 9 December 2022

2023

Term 1: Monday 30 January to Thursday 6 April 2023
Term 2: Monday 24 April to Friday 30 June 2023
Term 3: Monday 17 July to Friday 22 September 2023
Term 4: Monday 9 October to Friday 8 December 2023

Note: You may start on a different day of the week depending on your choice of course option.

Domestic Student Fees – On Campus

• Total Course Fee: $9,490 (GST free)
• Deposit: $990 (GST free)
• A 2% PayPal processing fee will be applied at checkout (GST inc).
• You will also need to purchase a Design Kit $595 (GST inc)
• Please allow $50 per term for incidental costs eg. photocopying.

Find out more about our flexible payment options here.

Pay in instalments via Ezidebit, view break down of payments and fees here.

International Student Fees – On Campus

• Total Course Fee: AUD $11,980 (GST free)
• You will also need to purchase a Design Kit AUD $595 (GST inc)
• Please allow AUD $50 per term for incidental costs eg. photocopying.

Find out more about paying in instalments here

Live Online Classes

• Total Course Fee: $8,290 (GST free)
• Deposit: $820 (GST free)
• A 2% PayPal processing fee will be applied at checkout (GST inc).
• You will also need to purchase a Design Kit $595 (GST inc) prior to your course. This will be shipped free internationally. If you wish to purchase your own equipment we can supply a list of items and documents for printing.

Find out more about our flexible payment options here.

Pay in instalments via Ezidebit, view break down of payments and fees here.

Our graduates have entered a diverse range of job roles;

• Interior Decorator
• Interior Stylist
• Colour Consultant
• Interiors Advisor for product, furniture and lighting suppliers/ retail stores
• Visual Merchandiser
• Real Estate Staging Consultant
• Entrepreneur in your own business

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).

Applications for our July Cert IV Friday classes and October Live Online Classes are now open.

Simply fill in our online application form and pay your course fee or deposit securely online. Our team will be in touch to confirm your enrolment.

Applications for our two day courses starting in Jan 2023 will open in September, you can waitlist below.

Note: International students will need to apply here.