New Zealand Diploma in Interior Design (Residential) (Level 5)

New Zealand Diploma in Interior Design (Residential) (Level 5)

New Zealand in Diploma in Interior Design (Residential) (Level 5)
  • Gain skills and knowledge required to analyse and conceptualise design and implement solutions for interior design residential spaces
  • Develop knowledge and skills to standards recognised by the interior design industry sector as appropriate
  • Develop work habits and practice appropriate for further training and employment in the interior design sector
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Key Details
SIT2LRN Distance Learning
Qualification:
Diploma
Level:
5
Credits:
120
Duration:

Four years part-time

Study Modes:
Distance Learning
Dates:

2025 Intake 1: 10 February to 06 June - Applications Close 27 January 2025

2025 Intake 2: 17 March to 11 July - Applications Close 03 March 2025

2025 Intake 3: 16 June to 10 October - Applications Close 02 June 2025

2025 Intake 4: 04 August to 28 November - Applications Close 21 July 2025

Fees:

SIT Zero Fees Scheme

 

International Fees

$25000

 

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  • Gain skills and knowledge required to analyse and conceptualise design and implement solutions for interior design residential spaces
  • Develop knowledge and skills to standards recognised by the interior design industry sector as appropriate
  • Develop work habits and practice appropriate for further training and employment in the interior design sector

Please note that only IDR501 – 504 will be available during 2023

IDR501 Design Principles and History (15 credits) This paper provides students with a solid understanding of residential design history and the skills to apply this knowledge to fulfil client briefs. 

IDR502 Products and Materials (15 credits) This paper provides students with the ability to apply specialised knowledge of products and materials to a range of residential design applications.

IDR503 Design Development (15 credits) This paper aims to equip students with the skills to conceptualise and develop residential interior design solutions to client briefs.

IDR504 Design Planning (15 credits) This paper aims to equip students with the skills to plan and coordinate residential interior design solutions to client briefs.

IDR505 Business of Design (15 credits) This paper equips students with the skills to coordinate residential interior design processes, within a framework of appropriate Business practices and procedures. 

IDR506 Construction Theory (15 credits) This paper teaches students to utilize construction theory in their residential interior design work to ensure suitability and compliance with regulatory environment. 

IDR507 Design Portfolio (15 credits) This paper expands student’s ability to visually communicate their residential interior design knowledge and skills through the creation of a professional portfolio.

IDR508 Design Delivery (15 credits) This paper explores the communication of residential interior design solutions through the presentation of students’ portfolios. 

Graduates of this qualification will be able to work in the residential interior design industry in a variety of roles, including: - Interior designer (residential) - Interior design product specifier - Colour consultant - Design stylist - Design project coordinator.

Prior to enrolment, candidates must have completed the New Zealand Certificate in Interior Décor (Level 4) [Ref: 3664] or demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills in the same or a related field.

All applicants should demonstrate a keen interest in interior design and demonstrate a reasonable likelihood of successful completion of the programme of study.

Likelihood of success may be demonstrated through a variety of means, including: relevant work experience, Curriculum Vitae, letter of intent, achievement of NCEA standards in art, graphics, or other relevant subjects, or through an interview.

School Leavers

Applicants should be a minimum of 18 years of age, and have attained NCEA Level 2.

Mature Applicants

Applicants over the age of 20 years at time of enrolment will be considered where they can demonstrate the ability to succeed in a programme. Examples of demonstration of ability to succeed are the provision of evidence of successful completion of a programme of study at Level 5 or above in a related discipline and/or employment in the related sector for one or more years. They may be admitted subject to programme regulations approved by the Head of Faculty in consultation with the Programme Manager as appropriate.  Personal commitment and a belief in one’s own ability to succeed are important personal traits and will always be taken into consideration during the selection process.

Language Requirements

Applicants, whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English, are required to provide evidence of having achieved one of the following:

NCEA Level 3 with University Entrance, or

An International Baccalaureate Diploma or Cambridge A- Level qualification for which the teaching and assessment was conducted in English, or

Cambridge Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA), or Trinity College London Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CertTESOL), or

Successful completion of all primary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand primary school years 1 to 8) and at least three years of secondary education (being the equivalent of three years from New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13) at schools in  either New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States one of the countries listed in Rule 18.5 where the student was taught using English as the language of instruction, or

Successful completion of at least five years of secondary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13) at schools in either New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States where the student was taught using English as the language of instruction, or

Successful completion of a Bachelors’ Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Bachelor Honours degree, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, Masters’ Degree or Doctoral Degree, the language of instruction of which must be in English and which must be from a tertiary education provider from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States, or

Successful completion of one of the following internationally recognised proficiency tests listed below to the level required of the programme of study and with all scores achieved in a single test during the two years preceding the proposed date of enrolment:

IELTS test - Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5

TOEFL Paper based test (pBT) - Score of 550 (with an essay score of 5 TWE)

TOEFL Internet based test (iBT) - Score of 46 (with a writing score of 14)

Cambridge English Examination – B2 First or B2 First for schools with a score of 162.  No less than 154 in each skill

OET - Minimum of Grade C or 200 in all sub-tests

NZCEL - a) Expiring Level   b) Current: a) Level 4 (General) or (Workplace) b) Level 4 (General) or (Employment)

Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE (Academic) score of 42 with no band score lower than 36

Language Cert - B2 Communicator International ESOL Written (LRW) HIGH PASS with no less than 25/50 in each skill and Spoken (S) PASS

Trinity ISE - ISE II with no less than merit in any band

All SIT2LRN courses require you to have a computer and internet access. Students are required to use their SIT webmail only for all SIT2LRN communications.

All course materials and information, including assessments and due dates, are located on the online Blackboard system. Once you have been accepted into a programme you will receive an Important Infomation Booklet that includes information that you can use to familiarise yourself with our online Blackboard learning environment. From the intake start date you will have access to the online course materials to work through.

While a number of assignments will be hands on practical drawing and design projects, these will all need to be photographed, scanned, or digitally recorded in some wa, and uploaded onto the blackboard platform. No postal submissions will be accepted for this course.

Facilitator Assistance:  During the enrolled intake period, students have email access to Facilitators, who endeavour to respond to emails within 48 hours (week days only).  All students are required, within the first two weeks of an intake, to send an email to their Facilitator confirming their start on the programme of study.  Students who have not emailed their facilitator or embarked upon their course of study by the end of the 2nd week of an intake, will be Faculty Withdrawn from the programme.  Such withdrawals may impact on future access to SIT Zero Fees Scheme and Student Direct Material Costs are still liable for payment.

All students will get an official academic transcript on successful completion of their programme of study which will be posted or given at Graduation.  After each intake is finished, it is suggested that students check their results on MySIT.

We recommend students new to SIT2LRN read through the Frequently Asked Questions section of our website for further study and enrolment information.

Please use the following checklist to ensure that all relevant information and documentation has been included. Remember, your application will be assessed based on the information that you provide us with.  Processing of your application will be delayed if we need to come back to you for missing information.

  • I have read all sections of the Programme Information on this page
  • I have read the SIT2LRN Frequently Asked Questions section
  • I have met all admission criteria for the programme (found under Application Criteria)
  • I have met all the criteria for individual papers (found under Course Content).
  • I have selected the paper(s) I wish to study
  • I have selected intake(s) (I have selected alternate intakes rather than overlapping intakes)
  • I know my intended payment method
  • If my organisation/company is paying for my studies, I have a completed and approved purchase order to attach to my online application.  I am aware that should my organisation or company not pay my fees, these will become my responsibility.
  • I have completed and attached a cross credit form (if applying for a cross credit)
  • New students I have provided an active NSN in the name I am enrolling in or I have verified ID and will attach it to my online application.
  • New students I will attach academic documentation (NZQA record of achievement/academic transcripts/certificates). These do not need to be verified. (If you do not have any academic documentation to support your application, please attach a comprehensive CV outlining your education and work experience).
  • Assignments must be submitted via post. The cost for the postage is the responsibility of the learner and is not included in the student direct material costs.
  • I have computer access, an Internet connection and access to software to create electronic documents e.g. Microsoft Word or Open Office

What is the Zero Fees Scheme?

The Zero Fees Scheme means we do not charge tuition fees. However, there is a Student Direct Material Cost that you need to pay. The administration fee is for processing your application and the Student Direct Material Cost gives you secure access to Blackboard our online learning environment and to student support services throughout your study with us.


Who qualifies for the Zero Fees Scheme?
A New Zealand citizen completing the full qualification or An Australian citizen/New Zealand Resident or Permanent Resident who will be residing in New Zealand for the duration of your enrolment.
Instructions to help you with your application:
Read the Programme Information on this page and the SIT2LRN Frequently Asked Questions and find out if you meet the application criteria for both the programme and the unit/s you wish to study.

Check your eligibility for Zero Fees. If you are not eligible to study under this scheme, please call
0800 748 257 for further options.

Complete your online enrolment checking that:
If you are new a student Provide an active NSN number in the name you are enrolling in (contact NZQA on 0800 697 296 to get your NSN number if you do not know it);
If you do not have an active NSN, then attach a copy of your verified ID in the name you are enrolling in.
If you are a Resident or Permanent resident of NZ, please provide a copy of proof of residency;
Attach all academic documentation to support your application including copies of any certificates of courses you have undertaken / NZQA record of achievement / transcripts / CV;

Attach supporting documents as required and outlined on the previous page.

Please check that you have included all the required information and supporting documents. Your application will be assessed based on the information that you provide. Missing information will delay the processing of your application. Please scan and email all additional documentation to sit2lrn@sit.ac.nz.What happens next?
You will receive an automatic email confirmation when we receive your online application. Processing may take up to three weeks. However, we will get in touch with you sooner if we require further documentation.
Once your application has been accepted you will be sent a conditional offer of acceptance with an invoice and instructions on how to make payment.
Once we have received your payment (or if you have opted to pay by Credit Card, Student Loan or Purchase Order) you will be sent an Enrolment Confirmation Letter and Important Information Booklet. Closer to the start of the intake you will receive a Time To Get Started Letter which will give you all the necessary information, tools and guidance to start your study with us.

To satisfactorily complete the New Zealand Diploma in Interior Design (Residential) (Level 5), and be awarded this qualification the student must successfully achieve:

  • A minimum of 120 credits in accordance with the Programme Schedule for the New Zealand Diploma in Interior Design (Residential) (Level 5)
  • The student will normally be expected to complete the New Zealand Diploma in Interior Design (Residential) (Level 5) full-time over one year or part-time over four years

Please Note: Students failing to engage in study as per programme requirements may forfeit Zero Fees entitlement.

This qualification can lead to further study in the field through the New Zealand Diploma in Interior Design (Commercial) (Level 6) [Ref: 3666] or study in a relevant field at degree level.

Grimley, G., Love, M. (2018) The Interior Design Reference & Specification Book updated & revised: Everything Interior Designers Need to Know Every Day. Rockport Publishers, Inc.

Please note that textbooks need to be ordered at least 3-4 weeks prior to the commencement of your study

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