Certificate in Interior Design QQI Level 5 – 1 Year

Launch your creative career with the QQI Level 5 Interior Design course at FET College Dhúlaigh. This exciting one-year programme is designed for students who are passionate about interiors, creative spaces, and contemporary design.

Based at our vibrant Raheny Campus — home to all of our Art & Design courses — students are introduced to the dynamic world of 3D Design, exploring areas such as commercial and residential interior design, visual merchandising, furniture design, lighting, spatial planning, and more.

Throughout the year, students build a professional portfolio while gaining hands-on experience through live projects, industry workshops, and national design competitions. Work placement opportunities are encouraged as part of the course, and through the Erasmus+ programme, student can gain valuable international experience abroad.

At FET College Dhúlaigh, we pride ourselves on providing students with access to industry-standard software, specialist equipment, and dedicated studio spaces. Small class sizes ensure a supportive learning environment with high levels of tutor contact and individual feedback. Students also benefit from top-quality colour printing and plotting facilities, as well as a comprehensive design materials pack to support project work throughout the year.

Whether you dream of progressing to higher education or beginning a career in the creative industries, this course offers the perfect foundation to develop your skills, confidence, and creative vision.
 

 

Course Content

• Drawing
• Design
• Computer Aided Design
• Technical Drawing
• Computer Illustrated Graphics
• Furniture And Fittings
• Combined Material
• Work Experience
• Communications

Work Experience & Erasmus Programme

Our students have joined the Erasmus programme each year to complete a three week work placement in an European City. The students are selected by an interview process and accompanied by a tutor for the first week of work placement. This is an exciting opportunity for our design students and the programme is fully funded.
 

Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied, QQI level 4 full award. Mature students are welcome. Students who may not have formal academic requirements, but who have the ability to successfully participate on the course will be considered.

If English is not your first language you may be asked to complete an English assessment.

Applicants will be required to meet with the course team, to learn more about the course and to present a small sample of creative work – for example drawings, sculpture, collage, 3D work, technical drawing, poster design, photography etc. – to ensure this course is a good fit.

You will be notified in advance with a date and time to meet with the course team. This meeting will be held in our Raheny Campus.
 

Certification

Certificate in Interior Design QQI Level 5 – 1 Year
 

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this course can progress to a wide range of exciting careers within the creative and design industries. Opportunities include working in interior design and architectural practices, visual merchandising, retail and exhibition design, furniture and product design, set and stage design, and interior styling for social media, film, and commercial brands.

Students may also pursue careers in:

• Residential and commercial interior design
• Interior retail management and retail buying
• Lighting and spatial design
• Hospitality, leisure, healthcare, and educational design
• Kitchen and bathroom design
• Sustainable and eco-conscious design
• CAD and 3D visualisation
• Home staging and property styling
• Event and experiential design
• Creative direction and design consultancy

This course also provides an excellent foundation for progression to higher education in Interior Design, Architecture, Spatial Design, Product Design, Visual Merchandising, and related creative disciplines.

With the growing demand for creative, functional, and visually engaging spaces across retail, hospitality, residential, and digital sectors, graduates will develop the practical skills, portfolio, and industry awareness needed to begin building a successful creative career.
 

Progression to Degree Level

Successful graduates of this QQI Level 5 course may progress to a wide range of degree programmes in Interior Design, Furniture Design, Spatial Design, Visual Merchandising, Architecture, Product Design, and related creative disciplines in Ireland and the UK.

Past students have progressed to courses at:

• TU Dublin – Grange Gorman (Interior Design, Furniture Design, Visual Merchandising & Display)
• Griffith College Dublin
• Atlantic Technological University (ATU Sligo)
• IADT Dún Laoghaire
• University of Ulster
• University of Wolverhampton
• and a range of other universities and colleges across Ireland and the UK.

If you have a third level course in mind, please ask at interview if you think this course is the right fit for your progression.

All progression opportunities are subject to final QQI results, portfolio standard, and individual college entry requirements. Advanced entry to degree programmes may also be considered depending on portfolio quality and final grades.

Duration

1 year
 

Course Charges

Registration fee: €100
There is an additional charge of €50 for course materials.

Applicants in receipt of a Social Welfare payment will keep their payment whilst studying on the course under the Back to Education Allowance scheme.