Design

Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration

CRICOS 092484B

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What is a Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration?

A Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration provides the technical skills, industry knowledge and understanding of design processes that shape the environments in which we live, work, shop and eat. It builds a foundation of industry knowledge, under the guidance of academics and industry professionals. This diploma gives accreditation for further study or a career in the field.

Throughout the course, you will explore various design processes and learn about materials and finishes while also developing skills in residential and commercial design. Together with other students in the Design Studio subject, you’ll learn about the principles and trends of interior design and how they fit into the design process, you’ll explore issues of sustainability, and discover ways to design appropriately for a range of clients. You will test-run various design processes and collaborate on exciting projects based in the real world. The design work you produce throughout the interior design diploma will contribute to your professional portfolio – to help you land serious work in this ever-exciting, always evolving creative industry.

Learn to illustrate your ideas before making them a reality.
Master industry-standard software: AutoCAD.
Collaborate with your peers to interpret trends and generate ideas.
Develop technical skills to engage with complex interior sites.
Work on real briefs and gain studio experience that prepares you for industry.

DIA-recognised course

This course is recognised by the Design Institute of Australia, giving you confidence that your education is of the highest industry standard.

Vogue Australia partnership

We’ve partnered with industry leaders including Vogue Australia, to offer you internship, mentoring and scholarship opportunities.

Exclusive Sibella Court ambassadorship

Our interior design courses are built in collaboration with international design icon Sibella Court, founder of Society Inc.

Download Course Guide Start online application

Study mode

Online, On campus, Blended

Campus locations*

Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Online

Student

Domestic

International

Course duration

18 months full-time, up-to 3 years part-time, 12 months accelerated

Start date

05 Jun 2023

18 Sep 2023

View all key dates

Fees

View fees

This is an AQF Level 5 course delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd T/A Billy Blue College of Design.

*For more details on international student study options.

Hear from Elicia Muratoglu, an award winning interior design graduate, taking out the QLD Interior Design and Decoration Graduate of the Year award 2021.

Career opportunities

A Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration provides the technical skills, industry knowledge and understanding of design processes that shape the environments in which we live, work, shop and eat. It builds a foundation of industry knowledge, under the guidance of academics and industry professionals. This diploma gives accreditation for further study or a career in the field.

The employment outlook for Interior Designers is projected to grow. Get job-ready faster – and for less. Enrol in our Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration 5 June 2023 intake, complete a minimum of two subjects per Trimester, and receive a 30% scholarship on your tuition fees with a Future Workforce Scholarship. T&Cs apply, contact us to find out how.

Potential career paths

Interior Designer
Average salary: $73,000 - $86,000
Interior Stylist
Average salary: $39,000 - $85,000
Materials and Furnishing Consultant
Average salary: $53,000 - $85,000

Learn more about careers in Design

Showcase

Natalie Boyd

Natalie pursued her passion for interior design while juggling work and raising a family. Her outstanding work earned her the Design Institute of Australia QLD Interior Design Graduate of the Year award.

Showcase

Elicia Muratoglu

With a background in graphic design and architecture, Elicia's move into interior design was a seamless transition. This is exemplified through her work, which saw her awarded the QLD Interior Design Graduate of the Year by the Design Institute of Australia.

Showcase

Stephanie Geha

Stephanie's passion for interior design is driven by the atmospheric characteristics of spaces. Her work saw her awarded the NSW/ACT Interior Decoration Award of Merit by the Design Institute of Australia.

Showcase

Estelle Davis

Estelle's design aesthetic focuses on a perfect fusion of contemporary and post-modern, aiming to transform client's spaces specific to their needs and desires. She specialises in residential and holiday rental design.

Showcase

Naomi Valle

With a background in design and technology teaching, Naomi has always had a love for interiors. Her approach to design has a clean and minimalist style, drawing inspiration from nature, architecture and history.

Showcase

Marcya Dellia Pramesti

When approaching any design problem, Marcya starts with the 'why'. In developing solutions, she is customer-centric and places utmost significance on understanding the user, purpose, meaning and need, to execute the solution to a high standard.

Subjects and units

This course comprises of twelve core subjects.

Each subject involves 10 hours of study per week, comprising three hours of facilitated study and seven hours self-directed study.

Requirements

Complete twelve core subjects.

Core subjects

Graphic Communication | DGC100

This subject introduces the student to the methods and techniques of drawing and professional visualisation in the context of interior design and decoration. Students explore a range of techniques, mediums, and media and their application in order to communicate design concepts and form an understanding of the principles of design and their specific application. Both manual and digital methods of visual communication are explored.
Bespoke Decoration | DBD100

This subject is an introduction to the design process with an emphasis on bespoke decoration. The student learns about design principles and elements and their place in the creative design process and the role of reflection in design development throughout the design process. A focus on colour and the application in interior spaces is explored and applied. The student produces design concepts for an interior space through a series of exercises using creative thinking methods. The student explores and challenges a range of different ideas. Presentation techniques are explored. During this subject the student acquires a basic understanding of the opportunities for custom design and customising available products.
Design Drawing | DDW100

In this subject, a range of both analogue and digital techniques to carry out a basic measure up, produce 2D technical drawings and generate 3D models are taught. The student explores the way technical manual drafting can be applied to interior decoration and design contexts. The student demonstrates learning of how to identify and produce floor plans, sections, elevations and to extract views from digital 3D models as is relevant to interior spaces.
Product Knowledge | DPK100

This subject introduces students to the investigation and specification of furniture, soft furnishings and accessories for interior spaces. Students examine and compare furniture and accessory types, interpret the decoration requirements from a project brief, and make the appropriate recommendations to the client. Students are introduced to principles of documentation, the presentation of decorative recommendations and the application of Australian Standards.
Design Studio 1 | DSO102

This subject explores the relationship between materials and storytelling. It introduces students to the attributes of materiality and encourages them to re-imagine the possibilities of creating through making. Students will explore the art of paper folding, developing skills and taking creative risks. These results will be captured digitally and altered using the appropriate software. Individual tasks allow students to develop an understanding and appreciation of materials, their many varied uses, properties, and the sustainable manufacturing processes related to them. Students will progress towards determining suitable materials in which to construct their final model with its form and function contextualised and supported by a documented process journal. Their final submission will be a model that reminds us that stories which fill our lives are not only spoken and written but sometimes are best told through craft.
Joinery and Finishes | DJF100

In this subject, the student learns how to identify different types of joinery and associated finishes. The student will design and document a basic joinery package for a residential kitchen brief. Student will develop an understanding of joinery construction terminology and its application. Student will further develop knowledge of joinery finishes, fittings, and equipment.
Construction and CAD | DCC100

This subject introduces the student to industry standard CAD software and its application. The student will learn how to set up and draw a CAD documentation package, add annotations to drawings, and plot/print drawings. In this subject, knowledge of basic building and structural components is developed. The student learns how to interpret technical drawings and other documentation for interior projects. The student is introduced to legislative regulations, codes and standards and their application.
Project Site Analysis |DPS100

In this subject the students will identify both the structural and non-structural elements of a chosen site. Students will identify the existing services, material features, and construction methods and analyse their suitability for a client. Students will identify relevant equipment, regulations, standards and procedures to prepare for a site visit. Students will research projects of a related nature to identify elements of spatial configuration and demonstrate how they apply to a client brief. Student will demonstrate through evidence of design process how to apply elements and principles to spatial design. Students communicate design solutions through 2D and 3D visualisation techniques which satisfies the client’s needs.
History of Interior Design and Decoration | DHI100

Applying historical knowledge to current contemporary interior design practice is an invaluable methodology employed in informing design choices. This subject enables the student to explore historical styles of architecture, interior design and decoration.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) | DWL200
Students can engage in this subject either through external placement or internal placement.

External Placement: offers students the opportunity to work within a professional design studio for a period of time. Student are exposed to professional work environments and are encouraged to fully immerse themselves in this through a collaborative design project.

Externally placed students will be matched to an appropriate mentor at the placement site and monitored by an academic in the discipline of study.

Internal Placement: students will engage with a similar range of professional experiences to those placed externally. Assignment to, and management of, WIL tasks may occur face to face or via a dedicated online platform.

Internally placed students will be directed by a project leader/academic.
In both cases:

students may or may not see projects through to completion but may contribute to (and be assessed on) progress

students may be involved in the initial pitch to clients and/or supervisors for the awarding of the project

students may, or may not, be involved in presenting the project during its progress, or at completion
Professional Practice | DPP100

This subject develops a student’s personal brand identity through exploring their place within the design industry. The student will further develop acquired technical and soft skills, evaluate their own work, and understand industry opportunities. The student applies industry knowledge to course work activities, and gains knowledge of ways to maintain currency in design industry.
Major Project | DMP100

This subject enables the student to learn how to analyse a project brief, conduct project research, generate design themes and concepts, select and specify internal finishes, furniture, furnishings, lighting and object d’art within the commercial context. For this subject the student will present a fully resolved interior design and decoration scheme.

Technology

Learn with industry standard technologies

International students must not enrol in more than one-third (33%) of online subjects over their course, and must study at least one face-to-face subject each study period. Please note that due to COVID-19, authorities have provided exceptions to the usual face-to-face learning requirements until 30 June 2023 only. For more information, visit Study in Australia.

International students on a student visa are required to study full time (i.e. must complete a minimum of 1.0 EFTSL of study per year). For the latest information on study locations, please check the entry requirements flyer.

Industry partners and work placements

The big difference at Billy Blue College of Design at Torrens University Australia is that you’ll start working in the design industry from day one – gaining valuable experience, learning from industry professionals and making industry connections.

Gain professional experience

Gain work experience as you complete an industry brief, putting your learnings into practice with guidance and mentoring from practicing professionals.

Entry details

Domestic
International

Fees

Check the domestic course fee schedule for the cost of your course.

FEE-HELP

Eligible Australian students may choose to defer some, or all, of their tuition fees through FEE-HELP, a loan scheme repaid through the tax system based on income.

Learn more about fees and FEE-HELP

Scholarships

If you are truly passionate about Design and Creative Technology, we want to hear from you. We have a variety of Design and Creative Technology scholarships on offer to assist you in becoming a key part of the Design and Creative Technology industry.

Now is the perfect time to get started. Enrol in our Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration 5 June 2023 intake, complete a minimum of two subjects per Trimester, and receive a 30% scholarship on your tuition fees with a Future Workforce scholarship. T&Cs apply, contact us to find out how.

Admission criteria

Before you begin your course application, check that you meet the requirements listed below.

Year 12 (Australian secondary school certificate) or equivalent

OR

Successful completion of a Vocational qualification (AQF Level 4), or above

OR

Successful completion of a Higher Education qualification

OR

Work life experience demonstrating the ability to undertake study at the required level.

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification you may be able to credit this against your degree with us, even if it’s from another institution. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

Fees

Check the international course fee schedule for the cost of your course. Onshore international students requiring a student visa should choose campus-based / blended options.

Fee payment

Course fees can be paid across three study periods. Each instalment to be paid before the beginning of the academic stage census date.

Scholarships

We want you to have the best possible chance to succeed, which is why we offer a range of financial scholarships to support our international students during their study journey.

Admission criteria

Before you begin your course application to study as an international student, check that you meet the requirements below.

Australian Year 12 or equivalent and

Academic IELTS 5.5 (no band less than 5.0) or equivalent

OR alternative entry requirement may be available. Contact the International Admissions team for more information.

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

Learn more about study pathways

Frequently asked questions

What are Torrens University Australia’s ATAR requirements for domestic students?

Torrens University Australia no longer considers ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) as our primary entry requirement. We have removed ATAR as the key admissions criteria for applicants aiming to study at Torrens University Australia. We strongly believed an alternative to the ATAR system should be found, which more broadly assesses students, especially when soft skills are emerging as important employability attributes. So, students with a recent secondary school education are now considered for admission if they have a Year 12 (Australian secondary school) certificate. Exceptions may apply to some courses.
What if  I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?

Torrens University Australia has a range of application pathways to help you gain entry into our degrees based on different criteria.

To find out more, visit Study Pathways or contact our Future Student Advisors.
Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
If you are a domestic student attending university or an approved higher education provider, you can get a FEE-HELP loan to pay all or part of your tuition fees.

You are eligible for FEE-HELP assistance for a unit of study (i.e. subject) if you:

Undertake study with an approved provider.

Meet the citizenship and residency requirements:

An Australian citizen or a New Zealand Special Category Visa holder who meets the long-term residency criteria and who will undertake, in Australia, at least one unit of study contributing to your course; OR

A permanent humanitarian visa holder who will be a resident in Australia for the duration of your unit; OR

Are a permanent visa holder who is undertaking bridging study for overseas-trained professionals, and will be a resident in Australia for the duration of the study.

Enrolled in an eligible unit of study by the census date for the unit.

Have not exceeded the FEE-HELP limit.

For full details, visit the Australian Government website Study Assist.

If you are still unsure, please contact our Future Student Advisors who can talk you through the information.

Can I get course credit for previous experience?

Yes, course credit is available for most courses upon application and academic approval (excluding Higher Degree by Research programs). 

If you have already completed a qualification or have relevant work experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your course. This credit can take the form of credit transfer, block credit or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Review our Course Credits page or chat to our Future Student Advisors.
What are Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT)? How do I apply?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that recognises experience, previous study and qualifications, and other forms of informal and non-formal learning, to determine if you meet course requirements.

If you have relevant qualifications or experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your course and a reduction in tuition costs.

Please speak to our Future Student Advisors to discuss your prior learning experiences.

For more information, please visit Course credits.
How do I apply for a scholarship?

Torrens University has a wide range of scholarship options to support new, returning, international and Australian students. They all include a reduction in tuition fees, and some scholarships include a mentoring component with our industry partners.

Domestic students

When you speak to our Future Student Advisors, let them know you wish to be considered for a scholarship in your application form. They will show you how to apply for a scholarship.

International students

Please contact your Education Agent for further information. Alternatively, you can call us on 1300 575 803 or by email.

For more details, explore our range of scholarships.

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Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration