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Diploma of Interior Design MSF50222
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Overview

This course will give you the underpinning skills and technical knowledge to provide creative and technical solutions for interior residential, small commercial and institutional design projects with proficiency and confidence.

It will develop your creative design and problem solving skills and enable you to work with a client brief, within project parameters. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between human activity and interaction, spatial design and sustainability.

You will study different techniques of design communication, technical and computer-aided drawing, furnishings, materials and finishes, the psychology of colour and design history.

The course is taught through a series of practical projects and live briefs which encourage client interaction and provides industry content.

Upon graduation you will be able to join a design practice or operate a small interior design and decoration consultancy that specialises in residential and other small scale projects.

Download CIT Diploma of Interior Design Portfolio Guidelines (PDF 429Kb)

Qualification:

 Diploma of Interior Design MSF50222

Next Intake:

 Semester 1 2025

Course No:

 DP-BD80

Campus:

 CIT Reid*


*From Semester 2 2025, the location of this course will transition from CIT Reid to the new CIT Woden campus. CIT will provide support for students who will be making the move to Woden. Learn more.

Duration:

 3 semesters full-time (approximately 24 hours per week) OR part-time equivalent.

- Full-Time (Day) Course Structure (PDF 743Kb)
- Part-Time (Night) Course Structure (PDF 677Kb)

Cost Info:

Further information about fees is available at Course fees and assistance

Indicative Cost:

 $5,588

Likely Job Outcome:

 Self-employment as an interior decorator, colour consultant or interior stylist. In-house interior designer or decorator for design and decoration consultancies, furniture, furnishings and fabric suppliers, furnishing departments of retail stores or shopfitters. Designer within Interior Design Practice or Building company that specialises in Residential projects.

Application Type:

 Portfolio - Standard
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Timetable Information

To help with the enrolment process print your timetable, or keep the window open, so that you can refer back to it for your course code, course name, and the Course Reference Numbers (CRNs) or Block Code.

Additional Information

Design Industry Association

Entry Requirements

You must have a Senior Secondary Certificate (Year 12) or equivalent or be able to demonstrate an interest and experience in the field (such as workplace or other practical experience) or have achieved a Certificate IV in Interior Decoration.

Skills Recognition

To study any course at CIT (excluding non-accredited training) you must have a Unique Student Identifier (USI).

Literacy Skills Information

We suggest that you will need Australian Core Skills Framework literacy levels of at least 3 across reading, writing, learning, oral communication and, depending on your course of study, numeracy skills to successfully complete this course. If you do not have this level, you can still enrol and seek support to improve your skills or you may prefer to begin with the lower level course. Please visit Foundation Skills.

Transition Information

Qualifications at CIT are regularly updated or replaced to meet current industry needs and maximise your employment opportunities. If this occurs while you are part way through a qualification, you may need to vary your learning to meet the new national requirements. CIT will aim to make this as smooth as possible for you.

Subject Cancellations/Changes

To ensure positive outcomes for all students, CIT may need to cancel or change classes at short notice. CIT will make every effort to inform students as soon as changes are made and will also make every effort to offer alternative arrangements for students to meet the requirements of the subject and complete their qualification. In an unfortunate instance when this cannot be met, you will receive a full refund. Please ensure you maintain current contact details via CIT Self Service or by contacting CIT Student Services at infoline@cit.edu.au.


Subject Information

Complete 27 subjects (10 Core and 17 Electives)

Core: Complete 10 subjects

  • CUADES302   Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms
    • CIT Code: ARTS367
      Cost: Standard $160.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to explore and creatively apply the design process to the development of two-dimensional (2D) forms. It involves exploring ideas and the creative design process, and communicating different ideas through application of design processes to 2D forms.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUADES303   Explore and apply the creative design process to 3D forms
    • CIT Code: ARTS421
      Cost: Standard $160.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to explore and creatively apply the design process to the development of three-dimensional (3D) forms. It involves exploring ideas and the creative design process, and communicating different ideas through application of design processes to 3D forms. The unit applies to those who work under supervision and apply an understanding of the design process using discretion and judgement. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUADES512   Establish, negotiate and refine a design brief
    • CIT Code: GRPH243
      Cost: Standard $180.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work proactively with a client or commissioning organisation to develop and negotiate a design brief. It involves determining design requirements with stakeholders, developing and refining the design brief and finalising the terms and conditions of the brief.It applies to individuals working in any industry or design context where the designer plays a key role in determining the scope and nature of work required. Establishment, negotiation and refinement of a design brief requires the integration of highly-developed creative thinking, communication and planning skills in a process that may not be linear. Adaptability and effective responses to change and new ideas are crucial.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSFID4013   Design residential interior lighting
    • CIT Code: DSGN282
      Cost: Standard $150.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess natural light and determine supplementary lighting requirements in an existing residential interior space and design lighting for that space. This unit applies to interior decorators and designers. They analyse and compare information from diverse sources to inform a design solution.Licensing, legislative or certification requirements may apply to this unit and relevant state/territory and local government agencies should be consulted to determine any necessary certification or licensing for undertaking interior decoration and design work. Access to construction sites requires certification of general induction training specified by the National Code of Practice for Induction for Construction Work (ASCC 2007).
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSFID4014   Produce digital models and documentation for interior design projects
    • CIT Code: DSGN283
      Cost: Standard $350.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to review information about the design brief and proposed solution, and then use the features of computer-aided design (CAD) applications to produce models and extract two dimensional (2D) and three dimensional (3D) drawings and documentation in accordance with all standard practice notations and drawing protocols.This unit applies to interior designers, including kitchen and bathroom designers.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSFID4016   Design colour schemes for interior and exterior spaces
    • CIT Code: DSGN285
      Cost: Standard $320.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess colour requirements, research and experiment with different colour options and create preferred colour schemes for presentation to the client. This unit applies to interior decorators and designers.No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must be applied.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  •   Designing residential interiors
    • CIT Code: DSGN325
      Cost: Standard $355.00
      Description:

      This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to formulate creative design solutions for residential interior design projects, satisfying the physiological, psycho-logical, social, cultural and environmental requirements of the client brief. Designs include the manipulation of interior elements such as walls, floors, ceilings and staircases. This unit applies to interior designers. Licensing, legislative or certification requirements may apply to this unit and relevant state/territory and local government agencies should be consulted to determine any necessary certification or licensing for undertaking interior decoration and design work. Access to con-struction sites requires certification of general induction training specified by the National Code of Practice for Induction for Construction Work (ASCC 2007).

      This subject achieves competency MSFID5020.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSFID5021   Evaluate site structure and services for interior design briefs
    • CIT Code: DSGN292
      Cost: Standard $180.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess structural components and services in a residential building to determine their impact on the interior design brief. This unit applies to interior designers, including kitchen and bathroom designers. They analyse and integrate information from site inspection, documentation and consultation to inform the design process. Licensing, legislative or certification requirements may apply to this unit and relevant state/territory and local government agencies should be consulted to determine any necessary certification or licensing for undertaking interior decoration and design work. Access to construction sites requires certification of general induction training specified by the National Code of Practice for Induction for Construction Work (ASCC 2007).
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSFID5022   Explore and apply creative design methodology to interior space
    • CIT Code: DSGN293
      Cost: Standard $200.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply the elements and principles of design to manipulate three dimensional (3D) interior space and form in response to a design brief. It involves the observation and analysis of a range of complex spatial typologies and a process of exploration and refinement to develop a design solution. This unit applies to individuals who design any type of interior space.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSFID5025   Develop residential interior design project documentation
    • CIT Code: DSGN296
      Cost: Standard $260.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to produce residential interior design project documentation using computer-aided design (CAD) programs. Documentation includes researching, detailing and specifying the materials, construction techniques and methods associated with residential interior design fit-outs for new or existing buildings.This unit applies to interior designers.Licensing, legislative or certification requirements may apply to this unit and relevant state/territory and local government agencies should be consulted to determine any necessary certification or licensing for undertaking interior decoration and design work. Access to construction sites requires certification of general induction training specified by the National Code of Practice for Induction for Construction Work (ASCC 2007).
      Prerequisites: Nil

Electives: Complete minimum 17

  • CUAACD311   Produce drawings to communicate ideas
    • CIT Code: ARTS361
      Cost: Standard $310.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to produce drawings that represent and communicate ideas. It does not relate to drawing as an art form. It involves planning drawing work, experimenting with ideas and producing drawings.The unit applies to those who use drawings, either digital or hand drawn, for personal use or in response to a project or brief. They allow for visual communication and are used as visual representation tools. Drawings may include design concepts for objects, layout planning, illustrations, processes, sequences or spaces.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUAACD313   Produce technical drawings
    • CIT Code: ARTS411
      Cost: Standard $240.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply different techniques to produce technical drawings that meet required standards and conventions. It involves planning and preparing for technical drawing activities, creating technical drawings and finalising them according to project requirements.The unit applies to those who use technical drawings in different contexts to meet project requirementsNo licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSFGN4001   Research and meet ethical and compliance requirements
    • CIT Code: DSGN306
      Cost: Standard $80.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research and use information that supports ethical and compliant work practice or product specification in the relevant industry. It includes the requirement to be able to maintain currency of knowledge.This unit applies to any individual whose work involves taking responsibility for determining and following the compliance regimes and ethical frameworks that apply to an area of work. This may include work in design, manufacture and service and/or product provision.No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must be applied.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CPPBDN4107   Investigate construction methods for Class 1 and 10 buildings
    • CIT Code: BLDG302
      Cost: Standard $175.00
      Description: This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to investigate construction methods for Class 1 and 10 buildings as defined in the National Construction Code (NCC). It includes determining the application, performance and interaction of contemporary construction methods against compliance with relevant legislation, the NCC and Australian Standards.The unit applies to drafters who work under the supervision of building designers or architects to identify and apply information and data on construction methods across building design projects. Drafters use specialised knowledge to complete routine and non-routine tasks and deal with predictable and sometimes unpredictable drafting problems.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUAACD312   Produce computer-aided drawings
    • CIT Code: ARTS410
      Cost: Standard $250.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use different computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) program functions to produce drawings and documentation. It involves preparing to undertake the work, understanding the object or project brief parameters and measurements and finalising drawings according to requirements. The focus of this unit is on the technical skills required to operate CADD, not on design skills.The unit applies to those who use computer-aided drawing skills in various contexts.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUADIG304   Create visual design components
    • CIT Code: MEDA373
      Cost: Standard $70.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to create visual designs for interactive media components that can be integrated into a range of media products. It applies to individuals who generate and assess ideas to create visual design components in response to specifications under supervision in a team environment.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSFID4015   Prepare materials and finishes boards for client presentation
    • CIT Code: DSGN284
      Cost: Standard $115.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify presentation requirements and prepare materials or sample board for client presentation for interior decoration and design projects. The materials board includes visual demonstration of colour, materials, samples, finishes and textiles used in the decoration and design project.This unit applies to interior decorators and designers.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSFID4018   Research and recommend hard materials and finishes for interiors
    • CIT Code: DSGN287
      Cost: Standard $150.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to determine design and decoration requirements, research product options and make recommendations for hard materials and finishes. This unit applies to individuals providing advice in a retail, consulting or design studio environment. They analyse and compare product information from a wide range of sources to develop a design solution.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSFID4017   Research and recommend furniture and accessories
    • CIT Code: DSGN286
      Cost: Standard $80.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to determine decoration requirements, research product options and make recommendations for loose furniture and accessories.This unit applies to individuals providing advice in a retail, consulting or design studio environment. They analyse and compare product information from a wide range of sources to develop a design solution.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUADES411   Generate design solutions
    • CIT Code: DSGN328
      Cost: Standard $225.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to generate design solutions in response to a particular design need. The unit applies to those who generate concepts and solutions in response to a design challenge in any industry context. The starting point may be an open or closed brief; a spontaneous idea; modification of an existing product, service, process or system; or a point in an ongoing design process.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSFID4019   Research interior decoration and design influences
    • CIT Code: DSGN288
      Cost: Standard $150.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research and analyse significant influences on contemporary and historical interior decoration and design movements to inform current and future work. It includes the requirement to maintain currency of knowledge around emerging trends.This unit applies to interior decorators and designers. They analyse and compare information from diverse sources to inform work practice.No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must be applied.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSFID6014   Design for retail interiors
    • CIT Code: DSGN301
      Cost: Standard $240.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to design retail environments for the effective selling of products and services. Retail design covers the application of branding, marketing and consumer research to satisfy the commercial, physiological, psychological, social, cultural and environmental requirements of the interior design brief. Retail environments may be for an entire building or for retail tenancies within larger building complexes. This unit applies to interior designers. Licensing, legislative or certification requirements may apply to this unit and relevant state/territory and local government agencies should be consulted to determine any necessary certification or licensing for undertaking interior decoration and design work. Access to construction sites require certification of general induction training specified by the National Code of Practice for Induction for Construction Work (ASCC 2007).
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSFID5018   Provide interior styling service
    • CIT Code: DSGN290
      Cost: Standard $121.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to determine requirements, develop the styling approach and manage the styling process through the selection, sourcing and placing of objects and accessories for visual effect. Styling may be for permanent or temporary application.This unit applies to stylists working in residential, retail or commercial environments. They analyse and compare information from a wide range of different sources and both plan and manage the operational aspects of the styling process.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CPCWHS1001   Prepare to work safely in the construction industry
    • CIT Code: WPHS146
      Cost: Standard $22.00
      Description: This unit of competency specifies the mandatory work health and safety training required prior to undertaking construction work. The unit requires the person to demonstrate personal awareness and knowledge of health and safety legislative requirements in order to work safely and prevent injury or harm to self and others. It covers identifying and orally reporting common construction hazards, understanding basic risk control measures, and identifying procedures for responding to potential incidents and emergencies. It also covers correctly selecting and fitting common personal protective equipment (PPE) used for construction work. This unit meets the general construction induction training requirements of: Part 1.1 Definitions and Part 6.5 of the Model Work Health and Safety Regulations; Division 11 of Part 3 of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 for Western Australia; and Division 3 of Part 5.1 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 for Victoria. It is expected that site-specific induction training will be conducted prior to conducting construction work. Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit. Relevant work health and safety state and territory regulatory authorities should be consulted to confirm jurisdictional requirements.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSFID5023   Design for all ages and abilities
    • CIT Code: DSGN294
      Cost: Standard $355.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to analyse the project brief and client requirements, generate design options and finalise the design of interior spaces using the principles of universal design to respond to the needs of people of all ages and abilities. This may include people with a disability and the elderly.This unit applies to interior designers, including kitchen and bathroom designers. Licensing, legislative or certification requirements may apply to this unit and relevant state/territory and local government agencies should be consulted to determine any necessary certification or licensing for undertaking interior decoration and design work. Access to construction sites requires certification of general induction training specified by the National Code of Practice for Induction for Construction Work (ASCC 2007).
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUAANM313   Create 3D digital models
    • CIT Code: ARTS401
      Cost: Standard $165.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to create 3D digital models that are produced primarily for online and mobile device application, and meet technical and design specifications. The unit applies to those who clarify production requirements and produce 3D models under supervision, but they may have responsibility for planning their own work. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUAPPR513   Present a body of own creative work
    • CIT Code: ARTS393
      Cost: Standard $225.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use creative, technical and project management skills to produce a professional and innovative presentation of own creative work. The unit applies to individuals who maintain an up-to-date presentation package or portfolio of creative work. This unit involves the use of digital formatting in the design and delivery of the presentation or portfolio. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSFID4012   Decorate residential interiors
    • CIT Code: DSGN281
      Cost: Standard $300.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to analyse the design brief, conduct research and generate and refine decoration concepts for existing residential interior spaces. It includes selecting materials and finishes for surface decoration and arranging the objects and elements within the space.This unit applies to interior decorators who research, analyse and evaluate information from a wide range of different sources to develop decoration solutions. Licensing, legislative or certification requirements may apply to this unit and relevant state/territory and local government agencies should be consulted to determine any necessary certification or licensing for undertaking interior decoration and design work.Access to construction sites requires certification of general induction training specified by the National Code of Practice for Induction for Construction Work (ASCC 2007).
      Prerequisites: Nil

Related Courses

Advanced Diploma Interior Design MSF60122
Certificate IV Interior Decoration MSF40122

More Information

For more information about this course please contact CIT Student Services on (02) 6207 3188 or email infoline@cit.edu.au