Bachelor of Interior Design

On successful completion of this program the learner will be able to:

1. identify, explain and apply the disciplinary concepts in interior design
2. develop creative practices and ways of building knowledge that are critical and reflective
3. evaluate and synthesise information from various sources across multiple disciplines to inform the responsive processes related to the design and experience of interior design
4. select and use effective and appropriate visual, spoken, written, graphic and technical communication techniques appropriate for academic and professional environments
5. use a range of available technologies appropriate to interior design
6. adapt and respond to new ways of learning and global interaction to develop a self-directed approach
7. 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
8. 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
9. work independently and collaboratively demonstrating relevant professional and ethical practices

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).

Open enrolment subjects

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.

Higher education via OUA

• 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.)

Higher education

• 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)

Secondary education

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 link http://www.tisc.edu.au/static/guide/prerequisites-comparison.tisc

VET studies

• 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.

Work and Life

• 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 - https://www.open.edu.au/degrees/uniready-enabling-subjects-curtin-university-cur-unr-deg
• 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 - http://karda.curtin.edu.au/
• Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications - https://study.curtin.edu.au/applying/overseas-qualifications/
• English language proficiency

English Proficiency Requirements

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 https://study.curtin.edu.au/applying/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. ***

Special requirements

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.

Practicum placement

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.

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: https://study.curtin.edu.au/credit/

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).

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.

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

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 webform https://students.connect.curtin.edu.au/app/ask and select the Admissions and Credit for Recognised Learning - Entry pathways and eligibility menu option.