Course Overview
The Diploma of Interior Design equips aspiring interior designers with the knowledge and skills to create functional, innovative, and aesthetically pleasing spaces. This course introduces foundational interior design concepts, project planning, and essential software tools, progressing through practical projects and theoretical coursework to refine your expertise.
Throughout the four blocks of study, you’ll engage in hands-on studio work and real-world projects designed to build confidence and foster creativity. The curriculum emphasises client needs, sustainability, building codes, and industry standards, preparing you for a dynamic career in interior design.
Job Outcomes
Potential career outcomes could include:
- Interior design and decoration consultant (generalist)
- Colour consultant
- Interior stylist
- In-house interior designer or decorator
- Residential interior designer for clients (i.e. personal clients) or property renovation clients (i.e. business clients, architects, builders)
- Commercial interior designer (for property developers, urban planners)
- Soft furnishings consultant (i.e. within a fabric or furnishing company)
What You'll Learn
Increase your confidence in industry-level software and design tools to bring your creative vision to life.
Upon course completion, you will have collated a professional portfolio of interior design experience, including
- Mood boards
- Concept boards
- Rendered floor plans, elevations, and 3D perspectives
- CAD drawings for residential and commercial projects
- Interior decoration solutions
- Client documentation, including design briefs, FF&E schedules, contracts and fee proposals
Your journey doesn’t end with design, it creates new opportunities for personal and professional development, which you will take with you into the career you love. Master employability skills, like
- Adaptability
- Planning and organisation
- Presentation and client communication skills
- Problem-solving
- Project management
- Technology use in design
Find your interior design community, with access to other aspiring designers, as well as education and industry professionals.
Recognition
Study Method
- OnlineOnline delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement
- BlendedBlended delivery - both online course content and partial face to face requirements
- In-classIn class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
- VirtualVirtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online
Duration and Study Load
- 18 months
Delivery
- Flexible online learning allows you to balance your studies with life commitments, including work and family, making this course ideal for creative minds seeking to enhance their skills at their own pace.
Entry Requirements
- Students must be 17+ years of age at the time of enrolment.
- Demonstrate a satisfactory level of Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) abilities
- If you have already successfully graduated from Certificate IV in Interior Decoration, you will receive a credit transfer for the completed units.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you’ve completed relevant study, training, or have industry experience, you may be eligible for a shorter program duration through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Credit Transfer.
RPL allows us to determine if you’ve already achieved any learning outcomes of specific subjects in the Diploma of Interior Design. If sufficient evidence (i.e. academic transcripts, course outlines, references, and awards) confirms you meet the subject requirements, you may receive Credit for specific subjects or Units of Competency.
Eligibility for RPL
- Previous units of study or qualifications must align with the current training package
- Study or qualifications must have been completed within the past five years
- Applications for RPL are submitted during your program application process
VET Credit Transfer is available if you’ve:
- Successfully completed equivalent units with another Registered Training Organisation
- Previously studied similar units
- Gained extensive work experience in a related field
ISCD recognises units of study and qualifications completed within the past seven years for current training packages.
Contact us to learn more about RPL and Credit Transfer. Our team is here to guide you through the process and help you make the most of your prior achievements.
Materials
Our course is designed to give you hands-on experience with the latest industry-standard software from day one. These tools aren’t just practical—they’re transformative, empowering you to communicate your boldest ideas with clarity and creativity. By the time you graduate, you’ll feel confident presenting your designs in the digital space, ready to shine in the interior design world.
This suite of design software is included in the tuition fee, valued at $1.2K – with no additional purchases required.
The software includes:
- Programa: Your go-to for project management, collaboration, and flawless specifications, designed specifically for interior designers and architects.
- Adobe Creative Cloud: A world-renowned toolkit that lets you unleash your creativity and bring design concepts to life.
- SketchUp: A versatile 3D modelling tool that transforms your concepts into detailed, realistic designs.
- V-Ray for SketchUp: Elevate your 3D models with photorealistic renderings that captivate and inspire.
- AutoCAD: Create detailed plans, layouts, and technical drawings and perform tasks like dimensioning, annotation, and rendering.
Subjects
About ISCD
ISCD is celebrating 40 Years of Excellence in Design Education.
For four decades, we have inspired creativity and shaped the futures of aspiring interior designers across Australia and beyond. As pioneers in interior design education, we combine heritage and innovation to deliver industry-leading courses that set the benchmark for excellence.
- Diploma & Certificate Programs – Practical, hands-on training that builds confidence and expertise.
- Flexible Learning Options – Study online to suit your lifestyle.
- Industry-Recognised Curriculum – Learn from leading interior designers and educators to stay ahead of the latest trends and technologies.
Why Choose Us?
- 40 Years of Proven Success – Thousands of graduates shaping the interiors of Australia and the world.
- Expert Faculty – Learn from in-demand interior designers and experienced educators.
- Cutting-Edge Resources – Access to modern design tools and an extensive materials library.
- Strong Industry Connections – Partnerships with top interior design firms for excursions, workshops and internships.
Our commitment is to help you develop the creative skills, technical knowledge, and confidence to design spaces that inspire. From residential interiors to commercial spaces, you’ll graduate ready to make an impact in the world of design.
ISCD is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO #91439).
