Certificate IV in Interior Decoration MSF40118
On Campus & Online
Are you inspired by exciting interior spaces and images in interior magazines or do you constantly redecorate your own home? Focusing on residential interiors this highly practical, stimulating course will equip you with everything you need to become a successful Interior Decorator. Flexible study options mean that you can study day or evening or entirely online to balance a busy lifestyle.
Student work by Erika Alker.
“All you need to enrol is passion and a love of residential interiors. Let us inspire you to start your creative career” – Director Amanda Grace

What you’ll learn
Focusing on residential interiors you will develop the skills, techniques and creative ability required to design and decorate inspiring interiors for a range of clients. You will explore all aspects of the design and decoration process; from taking an initial brief from a client through to presenting a fully resolved interior scheme.
The course culminates in a major project where you will work with a brief from a real client before graduating with an exciting portfolio of work to showcase your skills and ability to prospective employers or clients.
Throughout the course you’ll work in a simulated design studio environment so you get to experience what it’s like to work as an Interior Decorator.
What will I study?
There are 6 units of study in this course, for a complete list of unit competencies please click here. These 6 units form the first 6 units of our Diploma of Interior Design and Advanced Diploma of Interior Design and can be credited towards further study.
MSF401 Foundations of Design
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.
MSF402 Principles of Colour
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. Explore the technicalities of paint and develop paint specifications.
MSF403 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.
MSF404 Design Visualisation
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.
MSF405 Interior Schemes
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.
MSF406 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.
What are my study options?
Option 1: Day
- 2 days per week – 6 months
- Wed/Thurs
- 9:30am – 4:30pm
Option 2: Evening (not available to international students)
- 2 evenings per week – 12 months
- Mon & Wed
- 6:15pm – 9:15pm
- Meet an evening student here
Option 3: Online
- At your own pace for 1-2 years
- Start at anytime
- Visit our partner school Interior Design Online
Course Intakes
- July 2021
- Start anytime online
Is this course accredited?
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.
This course is recognised by the Design Institute of Australia (DIA). More information here.
What are the entry requirements?
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 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.
What are the term dates?
We have two enrolment intakes in January and July. Our terms
follow the NSW School Holiday term structure.
2021
Term 1: Wednesday 27 January to Thursday 1 April 2021
Term 2: Monday 19 April to Friday 25 June 2021
Term 3: Monday 12 July to Friday 17 September 2021
Term 4: Tuesday 5 October to Friday 10 December 2021
What is the cost?
Domestic Student Fees
- Total Course Fee: $9,490 (GST free)
- Deposit: $990 (GST free)
- A 2% PayPal processing fee will be applied at checkout (inc GST).
- 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
- Total Course Fee: AUD $11,180 (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
What will I become?
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
Can I apply for credit?
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).
How do I apply?
If you have all the information you need and would like to apply for our Certificate IV in Interior Decoration course you can do so online. 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.
Please note: International students will need to apply here.
Be inspired by a graduate
Find out why Laura Downie opened her own business, Studio 1 Interiors, immediately after graduating. Hit play to watch.
Ready?
Apply onlineCertificate IV in Interior Decoration MSF40118
On Campus & Online
Are you inspired by exciting interior spaces and images in interior magazines or do you constantly redecorate your own home? Focusing on residential interiors this highly practical, stimulating course will equip you with everything you need to become a successful Interior Decorator. Flexible study options mean that you can study day or evening or entirely online to balance a busy lifestyle.
Student work by Erika Alker.
“All you need to enrol is passion and a love of residential interiors. Let us inspire you to start your creative career” – Director Amanda Grace

What you’ll learn
Focusing on residential interiors you will develop the skills, techniques and creative ability required to design and decorate inspiring interiors for a range of clients. You will explore all aspects of the design and decoration process; from taking an initial brief from a client through to presenting a fully resolved interior scheme.
The course culminates in a major project where you will work with a brief from a real client before graduating with an exciting portfolio of work to showcase your skills and ability to prospective employers or clients.
Throughout the course you’ll work in a simulated design studio environment so you get to experience what it’s like to work as an Interior Decorator.
What will I study?
There are 6 units of study in this course, for a complete list of unit competencies please click here. These 6 units form the first 6 units of our Diploma of Interior Design and Advanced Diploma of Interior Design and can be credited towards further study.
MSF401 Foundations of Design
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.
MSF402 Principles of Colour
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. Explore the technicalities of paint and develop paint specifications.
MSF403 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.
MSF404 Design Visualisation
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.
MSF405 Interior Schemes
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.
MSF406 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.
What are my options?
Option 1: Day
- 2 days per week – 6 months
- Wed/Thurs
- 9:30am – 4:30pm
Option 2: Evening (not available to international students)
- 2 evenings per week – 12 months
- Mon & Wed
- 6:15pm – 9:15pm
- Meet an evening student here
Option 3: Online
- At your own pace, 1-2 years
- Start at anytime
- Visit our partner school Interior Design Online
Course Intakes
- July 2021
- Start anytime online
Is this accredited?
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.
This course is recognised by the Design Institute of Australia (DIA). More information here.
What are the entry requirements?
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 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.
What are the dates?
We have two enrolment intakes in January and July. Our terms
follow the NSW School Holiday term structure.
2021
Term 1: Wednesday 27 January to Thursday 1 April 2021
Term 2: Monday 19 April to Friday 25 June 2021
Term 3: Monday 12 July to Friday 17 September 2021
Term 4: Tuesday 5 October to Friday 10 December 2021
What is the cost?
Domestic Student Fees
- Total Course Fee: $9,490 (GST free)
- Deposit: $990 (GST free)
- A 2% PayPal processing fee will be applied at checkout (inc GST).
- 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
- Total Course Fee: AUD $11,180 (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
What will I become?
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
Can I apply for credit?
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).
How do I apply?
If you have all the information you need and would like to apply for our Certificate IV in Interior Decoration course you can do so online. 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.
Please note: International students will need to apply here.
Meet a graduate
Find out why Laura Downie opened her own business, Studio 1 Interiors, immediately after graduating. Hit play to watch.