Bachelor of Interior Design
Undergraduate
CUR-IND-DEG 2025Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Create clever solutions for interior spaces
Build expertise and professional skills in interior design. You'll explore design concepts and use technology to bring your ideas to life. An accredited design degree that prepares you for careers in home design, hotels, offices and more.
Entry pathways available with no entry requirements
- Study method
- 100% online study with practicum placement
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Applications close
- 16 Feb 2025,
- 18 May 2025,
- 17 Aug 2025,
- 16 Nov 2025
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 24
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Bachelor of Interior Design
About this degree
On successful completion of this program the learner will be able to:
- identify, explain and apply the disciplinary concepts in interior design
- develop creative practices and ways of building knowledge that are critical and reflective
- evaluate and synthesise information from various sources across multiple disciplines to inform the responsive processes related to the design and experience of interior design
- select and use effective and appropriate visual, spoken, written, graphic and technical communication techniques appropriate for academic and professional environments
- use a range of available technologies appropriate to interior design
- adapt and respond to new ways of learning and global interaction to develop a self-directed approach
- develop awareness and sensitivity around community and its role in interior design with particular attention to context and global differences in perceptions and interpretations of concepts and practice
- recognise and understand cultural diversity in particular indigenous perspectives and knowledges. Respect individual human rights and include concepts of social sustainability, social equity and cultural diversity in interior design
- work independently and collaboratively demonstrating relevant professional and ethical practices
The program offers a balance of theory, technology, and creative experimentation. Theoretical aspects of design are combined with technical knowledge of building systems, materials, interior construction, and communication techniques. Work Integrated Learning is embedded throughout the course with relevant practical work and professional experience to fulfil course requirements. The program is taught by active research and practice professionals, ensuring the program is relevant to local and global market conditions. Interior Design at Curtin contributes to the University's links with industry bodies and professional organisations.
Bachelor Degrees prepare students to develop broad and coherent knowledge and skills in a discipline for professional work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 7 qualifications.
Recommended study pattern
The program has been designed in sequential progression and students are expected to complete subjects in Level order. You must complete any prerequisite subjects required.
The standard full-time study load is two subjects per study period.
Once you have been admitted to the degree, you will be required to select a Specialisation from the list. Your Specialisation consists of 4 subjects in a discipline area complementary to Interior Architecture. Please refer to the Description for details of the available Specialisations.
Subjects will not be offered in every study period and may not be available at the time that you wish to study them. If you wish to enrol in a part-time load then please select one unit from the two listed for each study period.
See the enrolment planner below.
Bachelor of Interior Design enrolment planner (XLS)
Award requirements
To qualify for the Bachelor of Interior Design, students must complete a total of 24 subjects comprised of:
- 20 core subjects ; AND
- 4 specialisation subjects – the Specialisation must be selected from the list provided.
The following requirements must also be met for this degree:
- Completion of at least 80 hours of relevant work experience before completing the degree
- Students who fail a core subject twice may be terminated from the degree
- No more than 10 Level 1 subjects can be completed as part of the degree
- This degree must be completed within 10 years
Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.
This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.
We recommend that all students, as soon as they are eligible, should apply for and take a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). However, if you choose not to be a CSP student, please contact Curtin Connect through the Ask Connect webformand select the Admissions and Credit for Recognised Learning - Entry pathways and eligibility menu option.
Transition arrangements are changes that occur when courses are updated or phased out. This happens regularly as part of continuous improvement. It may affect you if you are currently enrolled in this course, or if you plan to use credit from previous study towards it.
Changes in 2025:
The Construction Management Specialisation has undergone a major change in 2025.
- CME309 Construction Contracts and Law (retired in 2025) has been removed from the structure. Students who have completed CME309 will have it counted towards the degree/specialisation.
- CME103 Introduction to Management in Construction has been removed from the structure. It was an alternate core in this specialisation. Students who have completed CME103 prior to 2025 will have it counted towards the degree/specialisation.
- Effective 2025, CME106 High-rise Construction will now be a core subject.
- CME203 Specialised Construction and CME205 Building Information Management and Modelling have been added as alternate core subjects.
Should students have any other questions, please contact Curtin University at 1300 222 888 or Curtin Connect atAsk Connect | Curtin University.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$9,632
Indicative total fee $28,896
The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
Start your career with Curtin’s globally recognised courses and extensive industry connections. Through OUA, their online courses offer an interactive and collaborative learning experience that gets you the same degree as if you studied on campus. Curtin is a global university with a vibrant culture of innovation and collaboration and is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.
Learn more about Curtin University.
Explore Curtin courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 14
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 15
Entry requirements
Start small with no entry requirements
Yes, you can get into this degree!
Start with an undergraduate certificate regardless of your ATAR or study history. Here’s how:
Undergraduate certificate
Start with a certificate
Complete an undergraduate certificate in as little as six months. You'll gain a recognised qualification and credit to bring to the Bachelor of Interior Design.
View certificate detailsContinue to the Bachelor of Interior Design
Enter the degree with full credit from your certificate. You'll study for the same amount of time as students who go straight into the degree.
With the exception of six open enrolment subjects, this is a restricted degree. Subject enrolment is only available to students admitted into this degree.
There are six open enrolment subjects which students may enrol into without having to submit an Application Form (provided all subject pre-requisites are met). These subjects are: APC100, BIA140, BIA170, BAS115, BAS140, and BAS145. Students who successfully complete two of these open enrolment subjects (of which one must be APC100) AND meet English language competency may apply under the Academic Eligibility category for admission to the program provided they have satisfied other eligibility criteria. See Entry Requirements for more details.
Students who successfully complete four of these open enrolment subjects (of which one must be APC100) may apply under the Academic Eligibility category for admission to the program provided they have satisfied other eligibility criteria. See Entry Requirements for more details.
- Successful completion of one full time semester (four standard subjects) towards an Undergraduate or higher level of study at an Australian University (separate evidence of English proficiency is not required)
- Successful completion of two of the following recommended six open enrolment subjects APC100, BIA140, BIA170, BAS115, BAS140, and BAS145 (of which one must be APC100) and separate English language proficiency is required OR
- Successful completion of four OUA full degree level subjects at pass level, of which one must be APC100. (This satisfies English language competency requirement.)
- Tertiary Entrance Ranking 70 or equivalent. Students must have English ATAR, Literature ATAR or English as an Additional Language/Dialect ATAR. To determine your eligibility for entry please refer to Interstate Year 12 and IB Students, TISC Tertiary Institutions Service Centre Prerequisites
- Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma. You may also be eligible for credit toward your university study.
- Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Certificate IV and evidence of English proficiency.
- Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)
- Finished secondary education more than two years ago
- Bridging and enabling degree entry
- Curtin Enabling Program: UniReady
- Enabling degrees completed through other Australian Universities which meet minimum entry requirements for that institution will be accepted as minimum entry requirements for this degree.
Additional Information
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Centre for Aboriginal Studies
- Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications
- English language proficiency
Applicants need to meet Curtin's English Language requirements. You normally need ONE of the following:
- Must have a 50% minimum in English ATAR (or equivalent).
- Completion of at least one full time semester (or equivalent) of Undergraduate level studies at an Australian University
- Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma
- Successful completion of two degree level subjects via Open Universities Australia (OUA) and English proficiency
- Successful completion of two degree level subjects at an Australian university and English proficiency
- Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)
Please refer to the 'Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements' document at English Language Requirements.
*** Please Note: If any academic or legal document is not in English, you must provide a colour scan of the non-English documents, including a colour scan of the official English translations of these documents. This is for comparison purposes. ***
Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) is assessed on individual merit and is awarded for different types of learning, for example, studies you have previously completed or for relevant work experience.
Students must be admitted in an award degree of study before lodging their completed CRL application, along with all required supporting documentation for a formal assessment.
To apply for CRL, please visit the Curtin University website: Credit for Recognised Learning (Advanced Standing)
It is important to note accepted documentation includes scans of the original Transcripts and/or Award Certificate; front and back; in colour; and original size. For further information see the scanned documents and certification requirements and guidelines.
More information about the policies and procedures related to CRL assessment and appealing a CRL assessment outcome can be found in the Credit for Recognised Learning Policy (PDF).
Study method requirements
Students are required to complete at least 80 hours of relevant work experience before completing the degree. The work experience must be in approved professional roles relevant to the degree.
Students can contact Course Coordinator for more information at interiorarchitecture@curtin.edu.au.
Software Requirements - Students will require access to Adobe Creative Cloud (specifically InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop). Curtin provides access to students each SP when they are actively enrolled in a subject requiring such software.
Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials.
Career opportunities
Interior designers are employed within the broad field of interior architecture in roles across industries where they can apply specific design expertise, including residential, hospitality, retail, workplace, and well-being. Graduates may find work within interior design and architecture practices or as independent interior design practitioners and consultants. They may also become specialists in heritage and conservation, furniture design and lighting, indoor comfort, event and exhibition design, styling, design writing, colour theory, and immersive design.
Professional recognition
This degree is recognised by the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI) and the Design Institute of Australia (DIA).
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
Role | Earnings | Employment change |
---|---|---|
Interior Designers | $75K to $93K | Up 45.8% |
Degree FAQs
How long does it take to finish an online degree?
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
How can I pay for my studies?
You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.
Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.
How does studying through Open Universities Australia work?
You might find learning through OUA a little different to how you've studied in the past. It can take time to develop the skills you need for independent online study.
We connect you with subjects and degrees that are taught by leading Australian universities. You can complete single subjects, or follow a degree structure to work towards a specific qualification. Subjects are offered in several study terms throughout the year, so you can choose to study part-time or full-time, continuously or with breaks.
We help you find the subjects or degree that's right for you, and we handle your enrolment in uni and some administration. Your uni sends you your study materials and deals with all academic matters. They're also in charge of your assessment and graduation. If you go on to complete a degree, you'll graduate from the uni offering your degree, for example, RMIT University or Griffith University.
How do I know if I‘m eligible to apply for a course?
Before starting an enrolment, it's important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you're eligible to apply. If you don't quite meet the requirements, we can help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study. Contact us to find out more.
When is my cut-off date for enrolment?
Our close of enrolment times vary. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting Key dates.
Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?
There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don't meet the entry requirements for a degree, we'll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We'll introduce you to flexible study options you didn't even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.You'll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you'll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you'll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.We'll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
How do I enrol?
Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.
When you've made your choice, click 'Apply now' on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We'll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to a student advisor and we'll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.