Postgraduate Diploma Classroom Based

Develop an in-depth understanding of interior design skills and principles to set up your own successful interior design business.
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Price

€3,145 (Easy-pay plan available)

Duration

Approximately 9-18 months

Work Placement

Graduates of this course are eligible for a one month work placement with an interior design company. All placements are made in the Dublin and Cork areas.

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Study Option
Classroom Based
Course Location
We offer classes in Dublin, Cork, and Galway as well as a Live Online Class option
Course Level
Comparable to level 6 on the NFQ
Entry Requirements
18 years old or over
Assessment
15 practical assignments
Accreditation
The Interior Design Academy of Ireland is accredited by the International Approval and Registrations Centre (IARC).

Completing this course will enable you to start your own successful interior design business by honing your skills to create, plan and manage your own design projects.

Designed around 15 practical assignments, you will incrementally develop the advanced techniques and deep understanding of the industry that you need to succeed as an interior designer.

As a classroom-based student you will attend tutor-led classes taught by industry professionals. You will also have full access to our student area, the Online Learning Centre, which contains course material created by industry experts including instructional videos, written content and assignments.

Our tutors provide all the support, knowledge and in-depth feedback you need to progress through your course and are always contactable through the Online Learning Centre.

On average a student studying around 15 hours per week can complete the course in 18 months, a student studying around 30 hours a week can complete the course in 9 months*.

*Completion time is based on the approximate time it has taken past students to complete the course. Students have up to 36 months to complete the course.

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Class Location

View class location details.

Class Schedule

View the schedule for the evening classes and the weekend classes in Dublin , Cork , Galway and Live Online.

Topics

The list below provides an overview of the topics covered in this course.

    • Presenting Interior Designs

    Learn how interior designers develop ideas and present them to clients. Examine different presentation methods and produce a range of visuals for a client's living room. Learn about:

    • Researching interior design practice in the past and present
    • Client briefs
    • Site surveys
    • Technical drawings
    • Sample boards
    • Designing visuals for client presentations

    • The Design Cycle

    Create designs for a studio apartment and learn about the stages of the design cycle - a structured approach to project development from initial idea to completed design. Learn about:

    • Interpreting a client brief
    • Developing, selecting and testing ideas
    • Techniques for spatial planning, model making and rendering
    • Creating a design portfolio
    • Colour rendering
    • Evaluating client feedback and reviewing designs

    • Cultural Movements in Interior Design

    Examine how society, history, technology, economics and culture influences interior design practice. Complete a research project to learn about key historical movements in interior design. Learn how to:

    • Use research methods
    • Analyse key movements in history
    • Develop key insights about contemporary design influences
    • Present research findings professionally

    • 3D Techniques in Interior Design

    Examine the properties, suitability and application of different materials for use in a large kitchen design. Create a portfolio of 3D visuals and models using techniques that are central to interior design practice. Learn how to:

    • Design a residential kitchen
    • Examine furniture fixtures and equipment
    • Explore different materials and how they are used
    • Create 3D visuals and scale models
    • Examine health and safety issues in residential design

    • Workflow Systems

    Develop timelines, diagrams and templates for a workflow system that support the installation of a studio apartment design. Learn how to:

    • Identify the sequence of activities needed to complete an installation
    • Understand the relationship between design activities, time and resources
    • Apply a workflow system to respond to challenges
    • Develop a template workflow system for future use

    • Using Interior Design Software

    Build awareness of computer aided design in contemporary practice. Explore a variety of interior design software and create professional looking 2D and 3D visuals for a bedroom design. You will learn about:

    • 2D and 3D computer generated visuals
    • Using software to render images
    • Isometric/axonometric drawings
    • Understanding the pros and cons of computer aided design

    • Creative Thinking and Independent Practice

    Use your skill-set to design a domestic space of your choosing, based on a set theme and topic. Learn how to:

    • Work independently on a residential design project
    • Develop advanced skills to create visuals and plan a designed space
    • Improve critical thinking and analysis of project needs
    • Manage a residential design project
    • Create specification sheets
    • Give professional presentations

    • Portfolio Creation and Career Planning

    Examine career goals and different pathways into the interior design industry. Develop a portfolio for clients and potential employers that demonstrates your skills and shows your approach to interior design. Learn how to:

    • Investigate the interior design profession
    • Examine strengths and weaknesses in your skill-set
    • Identify career goals
    • Plan career development milestones
    • Curate a professional looking portfolio

Tutors

All our tutors are interior design professionals working in the industry.

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I would recommend this course to anyone interested in interior design… and I have actually. I felt like an interior designer from the very first assignment!

Student testimonial

Miriam Brady

Student

I didn’t find it difficult to motivate myself because I absolutely loved the work. It’s been life changing - it’s been really great for me.

Student testimonial

Olive Wilson

Graduate

It is a really good course. You cover so much content and you can continue your studies if you wish to specialise.

Student testimonial

Louise Higgins

Interior Designer, Graduate

I was meant to start studying interior design over ten years ago but got sidetracked. This is just brilliant - so far, so good. I’m loving it so much.

Student testimonial

Saara Malmioja

Home Study Student

The Interior Design Academy of Ireland

Our philosophy at the Interior Design Academy of Ireland is to make high-quality education accessible to all by empowering people to do what they love. Through the power of online and blended learning, our students are able to harness their creativity and practically apply it to succeed in their chosen careers.

Pursue your ambition - because the future is today!

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Choosing the right course

We offer a range of interior design courses to suit your goals.

Why not contact our experienced staff for advice, or browse to our other courses.

Diploma
Higher National Certificate

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