Key information
Start dates
March
Delivery mode*
In person
(City Campus)
Design a world that works for everyone.
Interior design can improve how we live, work, play and learn. With an emphasis on project-based work, problem-solving and collaborative design studios, this course supports you to create a professional portfolio and networks in the interior design industry.
Offered in collaboration with TAFE SA*, you’ll learn from creative leaders - with opportunities to receive professional feedback on your design work - and sharpen your social media and marketing skills. In your final year, you'll work in a supportive, student-led agency to meet a real-world design brief.
*TAFE SA RTO Code: 41026
Work on design solutions
Get hands-on design experience, working on solutions across domestic, commercial and public contexts.
Experience studio practice
From your first semester, you'll get a taste of what it's like to become an interior designer, through studio practice and project work.
Develop a portfolio
You'll be supported to create a professional portfolio of design work, giving you an advantage at the start of your career journey.
Love to plan how spaces look and function?
Interior designers can be self-employed or work in interior design, architectural and engineering practices. Graduates also find opportunities in in galleries, retail environments, film, stage and television productions. You'll be studying towards an exciting career, like one of these:
Interior designer
Interior designers plan and create functional, safe and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces. They work closely with clients to understand their needs, selecting materials, colours and furnishings, and coordinating with builders and suppliers. Projects range from residential homes, to commercial or public spaces.
Set designer
Set designers develop visual environments for theatre, film or television productions. They collaborate with directors and production teams to create sets that reflect a particular story, mood and time period, ensuring practicality and visual impact. Their work often involves sketches, models and technical drawings.
Sources: Seek Australia, 2025 | Salary Expert, 2025
Visual merchandiser
Visual merchandisers design appealing store layouts and displays to attract customers and maximise sales. They use creativity and trend awareness to style windows, arrange products and implement branding strategies.
Curator
Design curators transform spaces to ensure they reflect a client's vision. They might be responsible for developing initial design concepts to present to a client, as well as planning, project management, or material selection.
Product selection consultant
Want to make an impact on product selection? This role could include working with clients to understand their needs and goals, and working with cross-functional teams to develop, select and launch new products to improve a space.
Learn from the experts.
Our incredible teaching staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to industry.
Connect with industry.
You will benefit from our strong connections to industry that will provide you with practical, real-world industry experience through placements.
Frequently asked questions.
Over the years, many questions have been asked by students before. For the quickest answers view our frequently asked questions or browse the full list @ Ask Flinders.
TAFE SA and Flinders University offer dual award pathways that allow students to concurrently study a TAFE SA qualification and a Flinders University degree, culminating in two qualifications upon completion. This integrated approach combines practical skills with academic knowledge, providing a comprehensive education in various fields, including interior design.
A dual award pathway enables students to apply for both a TAFE SA qualification and a Flinders University degree simultaneously.
There are two dual award pathways:
- Students are enrolled at both TAFE SA and Flinders University and undertake the TAFE SA qualification and Flinders University degree topics simultaneously.
- Students who have previously completed the Diploma of Interior Design may transition into the Flinders University degree program.
The following will apply:
- Guaranteed university entry - Successful completion of the TAFE SA qualification guarantees entry into the associated Flinders University degree.
- Credit transfer - Students receive credit for their TAFE studies, potentially shortening the duration of the university degree.
Yes, you can study part time and flexible study arrangements can be made.
Full time study is 3 years and part time is flexible depending on work and family circumstances.
Study modes vary by subject or topic. Some subjects will be available for online study and often a hybrid of the two modes, suit most students.
- Face-to-Face (On-Campus)
- The TAFE SA qualifications are offered on campus as interior design often require access to studios, specialized software, or materials.
- Flinders University also offers on-campus lectures, workshops, and studio sessions, particularly for practical or collaborative subjects.
- Online / External
- Some units may be available online.
- Hybrid / Blended Learning
- A mix of in-person and online study is becoming increasingly common.
- For example, you might attend workshops and practical sessions in person, while lectures and assignments are managed through an online platform like FLO (Flinders Learning Online) or TAFE SA’s Learn platform.
Applications can be made through SATAC (South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre) or directly via Flinders University. Offers are made based on meeting the entry requirements of the TAFE SA qualification.
TAFE SA qualifications are eligible for VET Student Loans, allowing students to defer tuition fees. Flinders University degrees have associated fees, and students may be eligible for HECS-HELP to defer these costs. It's important to consult the latest fee schedules on the official websites of TAFE SA and Flinders University.
Students have access to a range of support services at both institutions, including academic advising, career counselling, library resources, and student wellbeing services. These services aim to support students throughout their studies and enhance their learning experience.
Interior design involves spatial planning, building codes, and structural considerations. Decorating focuses more on aesthetics, such as selecting furniture and accessories.
It varies by location, but demand is steady. Trends in home renovation, commercial expansion, and sustainable design continue to drive opportunities.
Both! Many start in design studios, working for architect firms or for builders, then freelance or start their own businesses. Freelancing offers flexibility but also requires strong business and marketing skills.
Clients vary from homeowners and real estate developers or agents to builders, architects, businesses in commercial or retail.
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
South Australia | Northern Territory
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