Diploma of Interior Design

Diploma of Interior Design - MSF50222

VOCATIONAL

Blend creativity and practical knowledge and learn to make interior spaces special.   

Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

Fee finder

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$25,500 (2024 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Great interior designers understand what makes a space work for a particular purpose.

Whether you’re working on a home, office, hotel, commercial environment or something unique, this course is designed to give you the creative skills you need to build a career in the field of interior design.

In this dynamic, practical, industry-relevant course, you'll learn 2D and 3D design skills and the decorative aspect of design. You’ll delve into the exploration of colour, materials and finishes, interior construction techniques, soft furnishings, and fabrics and furniture. With research and practical tasks across historical and contemporary styles and trends, you’ll develop high-level documentation and technical skills in order to respond to professional briefs for both residential and commercial clients.

You'll develop a deeper understanding of commercial and residential interiors, spatial layout, furnishings and decorative treatments, and the documentation process.

Why study interior design at RMIT?

Work relevant

Collaborate on live projects, modelling industry-accurate consultancy practice.

Industry mentorship

Apply to be a part of a 8-week placement that will support you in professional practice.

Professional accreditation

Nationally accredited by the Design Institute of Australia. Gain eligibility for DIA membership.

Launch your creative journey in Interior Design

As an interior designer, you will:

  • develop well-planned and functional spaces
  • decorate residential and commercial environments
  • draw sketches and produce samples of your design ideas
  • source paint colours, lighting, furniture and flooring
  • provide advice on soft and hard finishes, artwork, and accessories for an interior scheme.
  • provide on-site design and construction advice.

Through this course, your knowledge and skills will expand to allow you to create and communicate your design concepts, evaluate briefs and apply basic business skills to domestic and commercial projects.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

Learning and teaching

In the Diploma of Interior Design, you will be taught in a studio format that is reflective of commercial design studios. Your teachers will interact and work with you as if you are a junior designer.

You’ll learn through lectures, workshops, studios, online learning, and classroom and industry presentations, real-world briefs, and on-site visits. You’ll acquire a broad range of hands-on skills (rendering, architectural drafting, CAD, Rivet, model making, Photoshop, client presentation), and develop knowledge of the history and theory of colour and design.

During your studies, you’ll work on live projects with members of industry, modelling the consultancy practice of interior designers and decorators for client presentations.

RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, studios, workshops, presentations, group discussions and syndicate work.

Assessment methods

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes concept design development, digital and verbal presentations, group projects, research and practical tasks.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

Students of this course have the opportunity to participate in an industry mentorship program run with the support of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA).

In the final semester of second year, you can apply to be a part of a 8-week placement with an industry mentor that will support you in professional practice, give you real-world experience, and help provide industry contacts.

You also have the opportunity to collaborate with industry throughout your studies. You’ll work with major Australian companies such as Dulux, Boyac, Jardan and BQ Designs on simulated and real-life projects delivered on-site and in a studio environment. You’ll complete projects that respond to a design brief, receive mentoring and feedback throughout concept development, and present to a panel of relevant Industry representatives.

In the final semester, students will have the opportunity to undertake a study tour overseas, visiting galleries, design and architectural studios, suppliers and work on a range of complex and exciting projects as part of a design team.

Global work, exchange and study experiences

RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this diploma and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

In your first year of the diploma you will study residential briefs that will develop your understanding of architecture and space planning, colour, materials and furnishings, decorative arts, and historic and contemporary interior style.

Visual technology and communication skills underpin the presentation aspects of working as a designer/decorator. You will work with computer-aided design (CAD), Photoshop and other industry-standard software.

From your second year onwards, you will deepen your knowledge of residential briefs, underpinned by the principles of sustainability across lighting, soft furnishings, interior building materials and techniques. You can also apply to take part in a unique mentorship program.

You'll develop your 3D visualisation and modelling skills to produce detailed and accurate spatial documentation, and you’ll hone your presentation skills in design practice studios for both concept and finished presentations.

Students can expect to attend 21 hours of classes over four days, and complete approximately 20 hours of additional self-directed study and research per week.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Diploma of Interior Design
Program code: C5431
National curriculum code: MSF50222

Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Diploma of Interior Design
City Campus
2 years
C5431
111975K
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years
Plan code
C5431
CRICOS
111975K
Diploma of Interior Design
City Campus
C5431
111975K
Location
City Campus
Duration
Plan code
C5431
CRICOS
111975K

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Graduates work for local and overseas design firms such as Nexus Designs, Window Workshop, Elenberg Fraser, Jardan, Dulux and many others.

As an interior designer, you might work in environments including:

  • commercial design offices 
  • interior design and decoration departments
  • decoration and design consultancy
  • interior textile wholesale
  • retail and colour consultancy.

This course is nationally accredited by the Design Institute of Australia (DIA). Current students and graduates of this course are eligible for DIA membership.

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

There are no minimum academic entry requirements.

All applicants must submit the selection task

Applicants who are seeking admission on the basis of an approved RMIT pathway will be able to indicate this in the selection task and submit.

All other applicants must complete and submit the selection task requirements.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

Semester 2, 2024

Entry into this program is competitive, and applications are assessed in the order that they are received until this date, if places are still available. For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Selection task dates

Selection task dates for direct applicants

If you are applying direct to RMIT, you must complete and submit your direct application. The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application. Please see the Apply page for information on eligibility to apply direct.

Applicant type Register and submit the selection task by
Direct applicants 12 July 2024

The selection task requires:

Applicant statement

An applicant statement outlining why you want to study Interior Design (maximum 300 words).

Folio

A digital folio of 6 projects. Include the finished piece as well as the process work per project. 

  • A project could be sketching / painting / drawing / photography / graphic design / sculpture or 3D form. At least one project must be computer-generated, displaying digital skills.
  • The projects do not need to have an Interior Design focus but display visual creativity.
  • For each piece of work, include a short statement describing the project and the outcome (100 words per work).
Submissions instructions

Upload your folio as:

  • A single PDF (maximum size 10MB). Please ensure to include the page number, and your full name and application number on each page.

OR

  • Provide a URL to your folio (please provide password if applicable). All images must be contained and visible on one webpage.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 50% (see calculator below).

Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.

Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.

Entry score calculator
Minimum Score Required

Don’t meet the requirements?

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

Pre-selection kit: You are required to submit a completed pre-selection kit (PDF 187kb) along with your application.

To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 5.5 (with no individual band below 5.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 50 (with minimum of 5 in Reading, 5 in Listening, 14 in Speaking and 15 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 42 (with no communication band less than 36)
  • C1 Advanced: minimum of 162 with no less than 154 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Pathways

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Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the courses below.

For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.

You are guaranteed entry into the Diploma of Interior Design when you successfully complete the Certificate IV in Design.

Alternatively, you can gain entry to this diploma from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.

 

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

You are guaranteed entry into one of the following programs when you successfully complete the Diploma of Interior Design:

Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT vocational study or undergraduate programs.

Fees

Tuition fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

  • 2024 government subsidised place: AU$8,000* per annum
  • 2024 full-fee place: AU$14,500* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$351 maximum fee for 2024.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility

Defer your payment

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2024 is $351.  

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

The annual tuition fee for 2024 is AU$25,500.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$51,750.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.