Course Description

The Diploma of Interior Design is for those who wish to work in the interior design and decoration industry. Interior designers and decorators deal with the design of interior spaces in retail, domestic and exhibition spaces. In addition to spatial design and organisation, the interior designer and decorator will plan and create furniture, fittings, surface and colour schemes for a range of architectural contexts.

Course Structure

To be awarded the Diploma of Interior Design, students are required to complete the 27 units of study listed below.

Units of Study

Core Units

• BSBCRT401 Articulate, present and debate ideas
• BSBCRT501 Originate and develop concepts
• BSBDES302 Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms

• BSBDES303Explore and apply the creative design process to 3D forms

• BSBDES305 Source and apply information on the history and theory of design

• BSBDES502 Establish, negotiate and refine a design brief 

• BSBSMB420 Evaluate and develop small business operations

• CUAANM303 Create 3D digital models

• CUAANM502 Create 3D digital environments

• CUADES403 Research and apply techniques in spatial design

• CUADIG507 Design digital simulations

• CUAILL401 Develop and refine illustrative work

• CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry

• MSFGN4001 Research and meet ethical and compliance requirements 

• MSFID4013 Design residential interior lighting

• MSFID4014 Produce digital models and documentation for interior design projects

• MSFID4016 Design colour schemes for interior and exterior spaces

• MSFID4017 Research and recommend furniture and accessories

• MSFID4020 Research and integrate embedded technologies in interior designs

• MSFID4021 Design soft furnishing solutions for interior spaces

• MSFID5016 Develop decoration proposals for complex sites

• MSFID5020 Design residential interiors

• MSFID5021 Evaluate site structure and services for interior design briefs 

• MSFID5023 Design for all ages and abilities

• MSFID5025 Develop residential interior design project documentation

• MSFID5022 Explore and apply creative design methodology to interior space

• MSS015022 Develop strategies for more sustainable use of resources

Career opportunities

Possible career opportunities include:

• Self-employment as an interior decorator, colour consultant or interior designer
• In-house interior designer or decorator for: design and decoration consultancies, architectural and interior design firms, furniture, furnishings and fabric supplier, furnishing departments, retail stores or shop fitters.

Aims and objectives

The Diploma of Interior Design aims to provide participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to practice as an interior decorator, colour consultant or interior designer.

These skills include:

• communication (verbal and visual)
• principles and elements of design
• knowledge of design process
• drawing and illustration skills
• drafting
• technology and presentation skills

* Fees are estimates for students commencing in 2020 only: tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. These fees apply for units studied in 2020 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester.

How do I pay my fees?

FEE-HELP is a loan given to eligible full-fee paying higher education students to help pay part or all of their tuition fees. The Commonwealth Government pays the amount of the loan directly to Swinburne.

The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year. Find out more about fees.

Entry Requirements 

• Entry into this program is based on an applicant’s study and/or relevant work history. Some additional criteria may also apply.
• Applicants require a minimum of Year 10 completion or equivalent. Applicants without formal qualifications but with significant relevant work experience are welcome to apply.