Diploma of Interior Design

Overview

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.

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This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.

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Skills you’ll learn

Visual communication
Principles of design
Drawing and illustration skills
Drafting
Technology and presentation skills
Knowledge of design process

Your career opportunities

Interior decorator
Colour consultant
Interior designer
Shop fitter

Further education

Key codes

Hawthorn VTAC code

3400210494

International student visa

International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.

Location options

Hawthorn

Interior design student's work

Admissions

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 12 completion or equivalent.

Applicants without formal qualifications but with significant relevant work experience are welcome to apply.

Admission requirements

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.

Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.

Assess your eligibility for entry to Swinburne

English language requirements

Satisfactory completion of one of the following:

IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.

Book your Pearson Test of English

Credit transfer

Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed.

Learn more about credit

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.

RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.

Learn more about RPL

Finding your fit

At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.

Certificate IV in Design

Discover more (Certificate IV in Design)
Diploma of Visual Arts

Discover more (Diploma of Visual Arts)
Diploma of Graphic Design

Discover more (Diploma of Graphic Design)

Course structure

To be awarded the Diploma of Interior Design, students must complete 27 units of competency as listed below.

Studies include: spatial planning, interior design, colour schemes, lighting, furniture, surfaces and accessories, knowledge of building materials and construction, and computer aided drafting.

Spatial contexts include: commercial and residential settings, and other specialist environments.

The program begins with skill and technical development, leading to industry-based design project work.

Core units

Elective units

Diploma

Course hours are estimated and may change based on study mode, unit choice, credits, or enrolment adjustments, total indicative nominal hours: 1526

Your units

Diploma of Interior Design

Units of study	Unit code
Core units
Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms Core unit	CUADES302
Explore and apply the creative design process to 3D forms Core unit	CUADES303
Establish, negotiate and refine a design brief Core unit	CUADES512
Design colour schemes for interior and exterior spaces Core unit	MSFID4016
Produce digital models and documentation for interior design projects Core unit	MSFID4014
Design residential interiors Core unit	MSFID5020
Evaluate site structure and services for interior design briefs Core unit	MSFID5021
Design residential interior lighting Core unit	MSFID4013
Explore and apply creative design methodology to interior space Core unit	MSFID5022
Develop residential interior design project documentation Core unit	MSFID5025
Elective units
Establish operational strategies and procedures for new business ventures Elective unit	BSBESB406
Prepare to work safely in the construction industry Elective unit	CPCWHS1001
Create 3D digital models Elective unit	CUAANM313
Create 3D digital environments Elective unit	CUAANM512
Source and apply design industry knowledge Elective unit	CUADES304
Research global design trends Elective unit	CUADES612
Establish and maintain environmentally sustainable creative practice Elective unit	CUAPPR514
Research furniture styles and movements Elective unit	MSFFDM4021
Research and meet ethical and compliance requirements Elective unit	MSFGN4001
Prepare materials and finishes boards for client presentation Elective unit	MSFID4015
Research and recommend furniture and accessories Elective unit	MSFID4017
Research and integrate embedded technologies in interior designs Elective unit	MSFID4020
Design soft furnishing solutions for interior spaces Elective unit	MSFID4021
Provide interior styling service Elective unit	MSFID5018
Design workplace interiors Elective unit	MSFID5024
Research and recommend colour applications and finishes Elective unit	MSFID5027
Research and recommend artwork Elective unit	MSFID5028

2025 fees

Full fee* ($AUD)

$24,490

Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)

$13,780

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$0.00

2025 fees

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$0.00

Fees are estimates only

Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.

Fees are estimates only

The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.

Skills first government-subsidised place

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.

Learn more about Skills first government subsidies

How do I pay my fees?

You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.

Find out more about fees

International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.

To pay your fees:

log in to My Financials
check your Australian bank account details are correct
check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
pay using your preferred payment method.

Learn more about paying your fees

Eligibility for VET student loans (VSL)

If you apply for a VET Student Loan, Swinburne must first verify your identity. If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete the application within their eCAF system.

The VET Student Loan amount for this course is capped. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.

VET Student Loan amount* ($AUD)

$18,838

Learn more about VET student loans

Concessions rates for vocational students

Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available if you self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and qualify for a government-subsidised training place under the Indigenous Completions Initiative.

The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.

Learn more about concession rates

Student services and amenities fee

This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.

From 1 January 2024, all courses at the Diploma level and higher will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee.

Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.

This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.

This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.

Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$365.00

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$365.00

Learn more about SSAF

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.

Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.

Learn more about scholarships

When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.

Learn more about scholarships

Apply through an agent

Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.

Representatives and agents

MSF50222

Search for agents

Apply directly

Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.

Course code

MSF50222

Apply directly

Apply through VTAC

International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.

VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.

Hawthorn VTAC code

3400210494

Apply through VTAC

Start dates

Location

Last date to apply

Start dates

February intake

Hawthorn

28-January-2026

02-February-2026

Start dates

Location

Start dates

February intake

Hawthorn

02-February-2026

Upcoming events

A Day in the Life of a Swinburne Student | Creative

08-April-2025

A Day in the Life of a Swinburne Student | STEM, Aviation & Health

09-April-2025

A Day in the Life of a Swinburne Student | Social Impact and Innovation

10-April-2025

Overview

Entry requirements

Study structure

Fees & Scholarships

How to apply

Overview

Are you in high school?

Skills you’ll learn

Your career opportunities

Further education

Key codes

International student visa

Location options

Admission requirements

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

Diploma of Interior Design

Fees are estimates only

Fees are estimates only

VET Student Loan amount* ($AUD)

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

SSAF fee* ($AUD)