Certificate IV in Interior Decoration MSF40118
On Campus, Live Online Classes or Self Directed 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.
Units of Study
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.
What are my study options?
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
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.
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 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.
What are the term dates?
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.
What is the cost?
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.
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?
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.
Be inspired by a graduate
Find out why Laura Downie opened her own business, Studio 1 Interiors, immediately after graduating. Hit play to watch.
October Live Online Class
Apply nowJan 2023 applications open in Sept
WaitlistCertificate IV in Interior Decoration MSF40118
On Campus, Live Online Classes or Self Directed 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.
Units of Study
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.
What are my options?
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
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.
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 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.
What are the dates?
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.
What is the cost?
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.
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?
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.
Meet a graduate
Find out why Laura Downie opened her own business, Studio 1 Interiors, immediately after graduating. Hit play to watch.