OverviewAbout this course

    The Diploma of Interior Design equips you with the skills you need to unleash your creative talents and create captivating interior design solutions.

    Graduate with the design knowledge and business sense you need to succeed in the industry and develop transferable skills that are used in global design contexts. Build essential business skills and immerse yourself in design culture.

    In this exciting course, you will learn how to establish, negotiate and refine a design brief, design lighting for residential interiors, produce digital models and documentation for projects and design colour schemes for interior and exterior spaces. You will also learn to evaluate site structures and services and apply creative design methods with supporting product documentation.

    OutcomesWhat you'll gain

    Learn new skills

    Through a mix of theory and practical coursework, learn to: 

    • Establish, negotiate and refine a design brief
    • Create digital designs, illustrations and constructions
    • Design colour schemes for interior and exterior spaces
    • Apply creative design methods
    • Evaluate site structures and services
    • Create design documentation
    • Produce digital presentations

    Gain practical experience

    Build your experience and get practical skills in:

    • Create 3D models
    • Work with interior lighting
    • Trial colour in various contexts
    • Experiment with different textures and surfaces
    • Work safely with materials and products
    • Produce presentations in a professional manner

    Develop your professional confidence

    Develop the qualities you need to get ahead in this industry:

    • Appreciation for architectural significance
    • Effective communication
    • Collaborative skills to produce final spatial designs
    • Aptitude for problem solving
    • Unique design ideas
    • An eagerness to explore innovative ways forward in build environments​

    Career pathways

    This qualification could help you prepare for roles like:

    • Colour Stylist
    • Council Design Worker
    • Interior Designer
    • Residential Interior Designer
    • Specialist Retail Assistant
    • Texture Specialist

    SuitabilityInternational entry requirements

    At TAFE NSW each course has entry requirements. These help us to make sure that your course choice is right for you and help determine your suitability for a course. We want you to be confident in your decision and successful in your studies.

    Fees and locationsStarting dates, course fees and locations

    As an international student, you can choose from a range of different courses, offered at various locations. Experience vibrant spaces, libraries, cafes and gyms, as well as places to make friends and socialise with other students.

    Additional costs

    Additional costs for uniforms, equipment, textbooks and materials (if applicable) range from $300 - $1,000 AUD per course.

    Structure and unitsWhat you will study

    At the start of your course, you will receive your timetable. You will need to study all core units and a range of additional units.


    10 core units 17 elective units consisting of At least 11 units from Groups A and B with at least 5 from Group A up to 6 additional units from Group A, Group B any endorsed Training Package or accredited course these units must be relevant to the work outcome. Units selected from other Training Package and accredited courses must not duplicate units available within this qualification.

    Core units are the required units that you must complete.

    • Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D formsCUADES302

    • Explore and apply the creative design process to 3D forms CUADES303

    • Establish, negotiate and refine a design briefCUADES512

    • Design residential interior lighting MSFID4013

    • Produce digital models and documentation for interior design projects MSFID4014

    • Design colour schemes for interior and exterior spaces MSFID4016

    • Design residential interiorsMSFID5020

    • Evaluate site structure and services for interior design briefs MSFID5021

    • Explore and apply creative design methodology to interior space MSFID5022

    • Develop residential interior design project documentationMSFID5025

    PathwaysContinue your studies

    At TAFE NSW, you can develop your skills or build your expertise by studying a single course. You can also continue your studies with one of the following pathway options:


    Vocational study pathway

    Enrol in a range of TAFE NSW courses designed to help you kick-start your career and education goals. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    TAFE NSW degree pathway

    From certificates to diplomas, to a TAFE NSW degree, continue your studies with us to help build your success. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    TAFE NSW - university partnership pathways

    TAFE NSW has partnerships with a number of Australian universities. These universities offer guaranteed entry and credit transfer to eligible students. How much credit you are eligible for varies depending on the course and university you choose. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    Other university pathways

    You may gain entry to another university using your TAFE NSW qualifications. Acceptance and the amount of credit transfer may vary depending on the university and course studies. Check your credit eligibility.


    Keep learning with TAFE NSW

    Explore Your Degree Options


    When you finish this course, you may be eligible to apply for the Bachelor of Interior Design degree at the Design Centre Enmore - one of Australia's best design schools. Gain skills, experience and a qualification that helps you stand out from the crowd.

    You are able to package two or more TAFE NSW courses together. This means you can plan your studies to achieve your career goals. When you apply for a TAFE NSW vocational pathway, you can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    ServicesCampus facilities and support services

    TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the resources, counselling and facilities to support you while you are studying.

    We offer a range of support services including: 


    • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
    • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
    • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
    • Smarthinking - online access to a tutor
    • LinkedIn Learning - an online resource that offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

    We're here to help

    If you have more questions about your course choice or study plans contact us today.

    Contact TAFE NSW International