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Love reimagining indoor spaces and have a passion for making interior design dreams a reality? Take the next step in your professional development with our online interior design course.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or want to build on your existing skills, this interior design course is for you. Devised in consultation with the interior decoration and design industry, it provides you with the knowledge and skills you need to turn your hobby into a career.

Explore our course breakdown below or enrol now to get started.

  • Course Outline

    When you enrol on our interior design courses, you will complete the following units of study:

    1Introduction to Interior Design and Decoration

    What is interior design?, interior design history, interior design vs interior decoration, introduction to elements of design, principles of design, workplace design with colour and light, developing a colour scheme

    2Elements and Principles of Design

    Elements of design: line, pattern, texture, colour, area, shape, form and space

    Principles of design: discord and variety, harmony and unity, contrast and emphasis, rhythm, repetition and radiation, proportion, gradation and alternation, balance

    Elements of a decoration plan

    3Functional and Decorative Use of Colour

    Colour planning: function of the area, existing furniture and furnishings, the style of décor, aspect and natural lighting, spatial relationships, personal taste, colour psychology, floor coverings, window treatments, furniture

    4Lighting Effects on Colour

    Decorating with light: incandescent, fluorescent, metal halide, high pressure sodium, mercury vapour, tungsten, tungsten halogen

    5Planning a Harmonious Decorative Colour Scheme for a Client

    Planning a harmonious decorative scheme, the process of planning, the beginning of your decoration plan, notes from client briefing, results of the client briefing, displaying or presenting your proposal, types of visuals, measured survey, schedule of materials

    6Light and Colour I

    Introduction to the science of light and colour, the luminous environment, the nature of colour

    7Light and Colour II

    Colour and emotion, colour preferences, colour and light, optical effects, colour schemes, applying colour

    8Light and Colour III

    Colour and emotion, colour preferences, colour and light, optical effects, colour schemes, applying colour

    9Decorating Styles

    Colonial, country, eclectic, modern, neoclassical, Victorian, other decorating styles

    10How to Decorate (Step by Step)

    How to: undertake space planning, determining the best layout, choose a colour scheme, determine flooring requirements, select wall treatments, determine lighting requirements, complete any repairs or renovations, select furnishings, choose window coverings, arrange the furniture, accessorise, evaluate the decorating

    11Building Systems and Components

    Architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical

    12Materials

    Primary interior finish materials: concrete, masonry, stone, metals, wood, plastic, glass, wall board, tile, terrazzo, acoustic ceiling systems, resilient flooring, carpet, paint and other film-applied finishes, wallcovering, fabric and textiles

    13Furnishings

    Furniture, window treatment, signage/graphics, accessories, art, plants

    14Interior Planting

    Design and maintenance

    15Job Seeking Skills

    Getting hired: job hunting materials, your portfolio, your resume and cover letter, locating jobs, advertised positions, unadvertised positions, who employs interior decorators, discussing salary

    16Starting Your Own Interior Design Business

    How to start your interior design business, how to build your portfolio, what you’ll need, retail / wholesale supplies, choosing target markets, getting clients, how to price jobs, managing clients, working with suppliers and contractors

  • How Will You Benefit?

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    There are many benefits associated with studying our interior design course online. For example, you will:

    • Fast track your career in interior decoration and design
    • Study a programme that has been developed in consultation with industry experts
    • Work through the course material at your own pace
    • Have a personal tutor to provide advice and answer questions
    • Save time and money by studying remotely
    • Pay upfront for a 10% discount on your course fee, or choose our interest-free weekly payment plan

    Experience the benefits of our interior design online course for yourself by enrolling today!

  • Career Prospects

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    Interior design can be a highly rewarding, lucrative job that allows you to channel your creativity to make indoor spaces more beautiful, comfortable and practical. This work brings you the satisfaction of turning your vision into a reality, and making clients’ dreams come true.

    You may decide to work for an existing design company, or you have the option of setting up your own business. You could also specialise in a particular area of design, for example domestic properties or commercial premises. Whichever route you go down, your work will be varied and interesting.

    With so many consumers and businesses looking for ways to improve their properties and make the most of the spaces they have, interior designers are more in demand than ever.

    Here are just some examples of the types of businesses that need interior designers:

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    • Advertising agencies
    • Boutique stores
    • Art galleries
    • Model homes for home builders
    • Bed and breakfasts
    • Hotels
    • Corporate head offices
    • Law firms
    • Museums
    • Restaurants

    Day-to-day tasks

    As an interior designer, you might work from home, in an office, in a studio or at clients’ businesses.

    Your day-to-day tasks could include any of the following:

    • Meeting clients to discuss their ideas, practical needs and budget
    • Developing designs, including preparing mood boards, initial sketches, etc
    • Estimating the cost of projects
    • Advising clients on everything from colour schemes and use of space to furniture choices
    • Creating detailed drawings (typically on a computer) based on initial sketches
    • Sourcing suppliers of wall and floor coverings, fabrics, furniture and fittings

    After training as an interior designer, there is also the option of working in related fields, such as exhibition design, theatre set design and visual merchandising.

  • Course Levels Explained

    Diploma

    Our interior design course leads to the awarding of a Diploma. This qualification recognises the graduate’s capacity for initiative and judgement across a broad range of technical and management functions. Graduates typically have personal responsibility and autonomy (semi-independence) in performing technical operations or organizing others in the workplace.

  • Prerequisites

    There are NO previous work or education requirements for entry into our interior design course.

    So, if you want to enhance your interior design skills and get ahead in this exciting and dynamic profession, simply register for this learning programme today.

  • Course Length

    Students typically complete their course within 24 weeks.

    Enrolling on an ICI interior design course allows you to learn at your own pace. You won’t have any assignment deadlines to worry about, meaning you can decide how quickly you graduate.

    If you would like to expedite your learning, you can graduate in a matter of months. Alternatively, you can progress at a much slower pace. We allow up to three years to complete the course.

  • Study Mode: Online Learning

    Our interior design course is carried out online via distance learning. Also called correspondence learning, this style of course gives you the flexibility you need to adapt your studies around existing commitments, be they family, work or anything else. You are not locked into a set timetable and can choose to study whenever and wherever you like, from anywhere in the world.

    You will have access to your own personal tutor if you have any questions or need guidance at any point during your course. And because the course is online, you won’t have to spend time and money commuting to attend lessons in person.

    Like all of our learning programmes, our interior design course has been expertly crafted to be highly practical and engaging.

  • Recognition & Accreditation


    Our interior design course is recognised and accredited by the International Association of Private Career Colleges (IAPCC).

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    ICI is also a design school member of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). ICI students are eligible to join the IIDA as Student Members, which qualifies them for entry to trade shows and provides discounts on products.

  • Already in the Profession or Industry?

    Already working as an interior designer or decorator, or in a related role? This course is for you. It will help you to advance and update your skills, contributing towards your professional development. It is one of the most practical steps you can take towards achieving a promotion.

    Note that course fees can be claimed as a tax deduction as long as the course is sufficiently connected to your work activities.

  • What Do I Get?

    All the materials you need to complete our interior design course are included in the course fee. Once you enrol, you will receive:

    • All required study materials and course notes
    • Assignment projects with constructive tutor feedback
    • A tutor who will answer all your course and career questions and provide guidance.

    Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive:
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    • A graduation certificate officially recognising your completion of studies and qualifications as an interior decorator and designer
    • Transcripts indicating the units completed
    • A letter of recommendation and validation for current and future employers
    • Post-nominal letters placed after your name which indicate that you hold the relevant qualification (for example: John Smith, DipIDD)
    • Job search assistance: discover more about our Graduate Career Service Programme.
  • Cut Off Date

    Friday, 29th September 2023 is the next enrolment cut off date. Places are limited, in demand and entry into the course is on a first come first served basis.

    Your enrolment is processed and acknowledged within 24 hours of the Institute receiving your application. You can expect to receive your course within days of enrolling. When you start your ICI course it’s at your own pace and you determine when you finish.

    Don’t miss out. Enrol today!

Course Investment & Payment Plans

SAVE 10%
MOST POPULAR
One off payment
€823
Course Level
DIPLOMA
ENROL NOW
Weekly Instalment Plan
€28 x 32 weeks
Interest Free
€915
Course Level
DIPLOMA
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How do I get started?

Click on one of the Enrol Now buttons above and you could be working on your first lesson – and towards a new career in interior design and decoration – in a matter of days!

How Does Online Studying Work?

As an ICI student, you’ll be able to train at home in your spare time, learning in the easiest possible way. There are no classes or lectures to attend, and no need to leave your job or change your schedule.

How does it work?
Enrol, Study at Home, and Graduate

ICI is committed to the successful completion of your course. The typical ICI student experience goes like this:

  1. The Enrolment Process
  2. Begin Your Studies
  3. Getting Help When You Need It
  4. Getting Assessed
  5. Graduation
1The Enrolment Process

Select the course that interests you. The International Career Institute website offers course overviews, course outlines, course fees, student testimonials, and information on career services for graduates.

When you are ready to enrol in a program, simply complete the online enrolment form, or call our toll-free number to speak with an enrolment adviser.

2Begin Your Studies

On enrolment students receive a welcome email and letter with instructions on how to login into your course and access your course and tutorial support. You will not be required to purchase any further materials. Courses are divided into modules with assessments located at the end of these modules. Assessments (written assignments) are based on what you have been learning about. No exams are involved.

Study at your own pace

One of the many great benefits of our courses is their modular format creates an easier and more effective way for you to learn. And with no need to follow a fixed timetable, you get to study and submit assignment for each module at your own pace.

3Getting Help When You Need It

Your courses are designed so that you can study independently. However, if you have a question about anything in your course, just contact one of our industry based tutors. Contact details are provided in your welcome email and letter. Your tutors are industry professionals who are ready to answer any questions about the course, assessments and industry for which you are training for.

4Get Assessed

At the end of modules you are asked to complete assignments. With no fixed assessment dates ICI students can submit their assessments at any time. This allows students to progress through the course at a pace that suits their needs. Assignments can be submitted via the student portal or email directly to the tutor.

Your assignments and projects will be graded on the following scale:

Grading scale
Lesson Grade (%)Letter EquivalentRating
100 - 80AOutstanding level of achievement
79 - 60BHigh level of achievement
59 - 50CSatisfactory level of achievement
49 - 40DMarginal level of achievement
0 - 39FFailed to complete course requirements

You must pass all modules and achieve a minimum of a C or higher in all studies to graduate. Should you not pass an assignment you are able to retake assessments as many times as you need (free of charge) in order to improve your results. Full tutorial support is available to guide you towards successfully completing your course.

5Graduation

Graduates of the Institute are eligible for assistance under the Graduate Career Services Program which includes assistance in job searches (by career and region), preparing cover letters, tips on interviewing, and much more. As part of your graduation package, we offer a Certified Professional Resume Writer free of charge to help you compose your resume. All graduates receive a certificate of completion at the relevant level (Certificate, Diploma or Advanced Diploma / Executive Diploma), transcripts and a letter of recommendation.