There are 11 units of study in this course. For a complete list of unit competencies click here. These units can be credited towards our Advanced Diploma of Interior Design or towards a university degree with our partner UNSW Sydney.

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.

SDS05 SketchUp for Designers

Create realistic floor plans and interior models using SketchUp then apply a rendering tool. This user-friendly program enables you to create photorealistic visuals that will enhance your portfolio.

SDS06A 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.

SDS06R Revit for Designers

Learn how to navigate this essential industry standard BIM modelling software. Design and build sophisticated interior spaces and create realistic 3D presentations of your working model.

SDS07 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.

SDS08 Advanced Colour and Finishes

Learn what drives colour trends and future forecasting as you explore a diverse range of schemes for residential homes, exteriors and public spaces.

SDS09 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.

SDS10 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.

SDS11 Hospitality Design

Develop and apply your conceptual design skills to a range of hospitality spaces including bars and restaurants. Prepare a professional resume, portfolio and exhibition space for graduation.

Option 1: (Domestic and international students)

• 2 days per week – 18 months
• Mon/Tues
• 9:30am – 4:30pm

Option 2: (Domestic and international students)

• 3 days per week – 12 months
• Wed, Thurs & Fri
• 9.30am – 4.30pm

Option 3: Online

• At your own pace, 2 – 3 years
• Start at anytime
• Visit our partner school Interior Design Online

Course Intakes

• January 2022
• Start anytime online

Domestic Student Entry Requirements

To enrol into the Diploma of Interior Design we suggest you join us for an Info Session or Open Day to learn more about the school and the content covered. You can then book an informal interview with our Course Advisor to ensure the course is a good fit.

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

All 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 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

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.

All 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.

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.

We have two enrolment intakes in January (Term 1) and July (Term 3).
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 19 July to Friday 17 September 2021
Term 4: Tuesday 5 October to Wednesday 15 December 2021

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

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

Domestic Student Fees

• Total Course Fee: AUD $20,990 (GST free)
• You will need to purchase a Design Kit AUD $595 (GST inc) for the start of your course
• You will need to purchase a 12 month student subscription to SketchUp when you reach Unit 7 (approx AUD $93.50)
• 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

This course is VET Student Loan approved, find out more here

International Student Fees

• Total Course Fee: AUD $24,990 (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 $93.50)
• Please allow $50 per term for incidental costs eg. photocopying.

Find out more about paying in instalments here

Yes this is course is approved for VET Student Loans for domestic students. Find out more about applying here.

Sydney Design School and UNSW Sydney have partnered to offer graduates of the Diploma or Advanced Diploma of Interior Design the opportunity to apply for direct entry into the Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Hons) at UNSW Sydney saving them 12 months and 18 months of study respectively. You can commence the Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Hons) in February (T1) or September (T3).

On graduating our students enter a diverse range of professions;

• Interior Designer in a decorating, interior design or architecture firm
• Interior Stylist
• Colour Consultant
• Real Estate Staging Consultant
• CAD and SketchUp Draftsperson
• Interiors Consultant for product, furniture and lighting suppliers/ retail store
• 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).

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.

If you would like to apply for our Diploma course you can do so online. Simply enter your details into our application form and press submit, no deposit payment is required at this time. When we receive your application, our team will be in touch to arrange an informal interview to ensure that this is the best course option for you personally.

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

We’ll talk through you through our flexible payment options (upfront or by instalment) and the VET Student Loan Scheme (if this is of interest).

Please note: International students will need to apply here.