Course Duration
Full-Time 2 years
Part-Time 2 years

About the Course
This intensive two-year course is designed for students eager to become professional, creative and competent designers. Students will study a range of challenging and up-to-date subjects that address design, drawing, culture and technology. These will educate students in the demands and requirements of the contemporary design profession. The structure of the course and the size of the classes allow students to develop their own unique abilities.

The course syllabus was designed by the Faculty staff and the Institute of Designers in Ireland (IDI), the only professional body of designers in Ireland. This external contribution ensures that the course content and skills taught are relevant to the current and emerging job opportunities arising in a vibrant and exciting industry. During the Diploma, each student’s work is closely monitored by GCD and the IDI. This industry relationship is complemented by the Faculty’s practice of using lecturers who are design practitioners and guest lecturers who deliver specialised design seminars.

Following a comprehensive review in 2003, the course now includes additional treatment of Computer-Aided Design, Freehand Drawing, Building Technology, Contemporary Interior Design and Professional Management.

The Diploma programme is validated by Griffith College Dublin and is recognised by the Institute of Designers of Ireland. Students who successfully complete the programme may apply for Associate Membership of the Institute of Designers in Ireland. All modules on the programme are also individually certified by HETAC.

This is the only two-year Diploma course in Interior Design in Ireland, which leads to Associate Membership of the IDI.

Progression
As the first two years of the diploma are common to the degree in Interior Architecture (Level 7), on successful completion of Year 2, students may progress directly to the third year of the HETAC degree course. From there they can progress to the honours degree year.

Careers
Past graduates are working as interior designers in design and architectural firms. Many have chosen to continue their education in design, while others have set up their own design businesses. Graduates can also ‘think outside the box’ working in related areas such as TV programmes on interior design, display design, design management, textiles and set-design.

Fees

For all Design Course's Fee's are for tuition only. Materials for the course are not included in the course Fees. Material and printing costs vary for each student and each year.

Diploma in Interior Design Course Content
Year 1
Foundation Year - Creativity and Imagination

• Project Work I and II - Visual Studies
• Architectural Drawing I and II
• Analytical Drawing I and II
• Cultural Studies I and II
• Computer Studies I and II
• Communications I and I

Year 2
Development and Integration - Design and Technology

• Project III and IV
• Cultural Studies III and IV
• CAD I and II
• Design Technology I - Building Construction I
• Design Technology II - Structures, Maths, Physics
• Design Technology III - Materials, Products
• Design Technology IV - Building Construction II
• Design Technology V - Building Services
• Design Theory
• Furniture and Fittings
• Space Planning and Ergonomics
• Professional Practice