Interior Design

This course reflects the role of interior designers who develop creative and technical solutions for built interior environments. Interior design at this level covers the planning and detailing of complex residential, commercial and institutional design projects with an emphasis on space creation, space planning and the factors that affect peoples’ responses to living and working environments. 

Designers may be self-employed or employed in businesses as design consultants, design project administrators and design managers. Work involves the use of systematic and coordinated methodologies, including research, analysis and integration of knowledge into the creative process, and knowledge of the principles of interior design and building technologies. Contexts are diverse and often unpredictable. Accountability and responsibility for self and others in achieving outcomes is involved.

Industry Placement

CIT has strong links with the Interior Design industry which provides students with the opportunity to participate in unpaid work experience. This experience furthers their understanding of the Interior Design industry and will assist students in finding employment in the industry.

  • Course Details
    Course/s

    Advanced Diploma of Interior Design | MSF60122
    CRICOS: 111982M

  • Course Duration
    Duration

    2 years

  • Course Intake
    Intake

    2025 Semester 1 (February)

    2026 Semester 1 (February)

  • Course Campus
    Campus

    CIT Reid
    From Semester 2 2025, the location of courses delivered at CIT Reid will transition to the new CIT Woden campus. CIT will provide support for students who will be making the move to Woden. Learn more

  • Course Fees
    Fees*

    Tuition Fees:

    2025 : Advanced Diploma $7,830 per semester (Total qualification tuition fee $31,320)

    2026 :  TBA

    Extra Fees:

    Material fees: $1,033 approx., Equipment kit: $270 approx., Printing costs: $10 approx. per week during each semester

  • *Please note - Course fees are listed in $AUD and are based on a semester rate. Total course cost will vary depending on semester start date. Small tuition and material fee increases may occur annually in line with CIT's fee pricing review. Fees are subject to change.

  • Entry Requirements

    Academic requirements:

    • Year 12 Certificate (or equivalent)
    • Interview (or other negotiated process)
    • A portfolio of work that demonstrates your aptitude for design. A portfolio may be either:
        • A collection of your own work from a range of activities and media types or
        • A collection of design solutions that you have found while researching this area of design, showing you have an understanding and appreciation of design basics. Images should be accompanied by a paragraph explaining why you appreciate the image/design. These may include: drawing, photography, painting, printmaking or graphic design projects. You may also focus on an artist, architect or designer whose work you enjoy.
        • Download a Portfolio Guideline

    Students over the age of 20 may be eligible for adult entry. Please refer to Entry Requirements for more information.

    English requirements

    Students must meet one of the following English requirements:

    • IELTS 6.0 (no band score less than 5.0)
    • TOEFL iBT - 60
    • PTE Academic - 50 (minimum of 36 in each band)
    • Cambridge English test (C1 Advanced and B2 First) - 169

    Non student visa applicants who hold a temporary visa for the full duration of the offered program will be required to meet Australian Core Skills Framework literacy levels of at least 4 across reading, writing, learning, oral communication and, depending on your course of study, numeracy skills to successfully complete this course.

  • Course Subjects - Advanced Diploma - 39 subjects

    Advanced Diploma of Interior Design | MSF60118 - 16 subjects

    Core: Complete all 16 subjects

    • CUADES302 Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms
    • CUADES303 Explore and apply the creative design process to 3D forms
    • CUADES512 Establish, negotiate and refine a design brief
    • CUADES611 Manage design realisation
    • MSFID4013 Design residential interior lighting
    • MSFID4016 Design colour schemes for interior and exterior spaces
    • MSFID4014 Produce digital models and documentation for interior design projects
          Designing Residential Interiors
    • MSFID5021 Evaluate site structure and services for interior design briefs
    • MSFID5022 Explore and apply creative design methodology to interior space
          Designing Workplace Interiors
    • MSFID5025 Develop residential interior design project documentation
    • MSFID6010 Design commercial interior lighting
    • MSFID6011 Resolve complex spatial design problems through modelling
    • MSFID6018 Apply 3D digital visualisation techniques to represent interior designs
    • MSFID6020 Develop commercial interior design project documentation

    Electives: Complete minimum 23

    • MSFGN4001 Research and meet ethical and compliance requirements
    • CUADIG304 Create visual design components
    • MSFID4015 Prepare materials and finishes boards for client presentation
    • MSFID4017 Research and recommend furniture and accessories
    • CUADES411 Generate design solutions
    • MSFID4019 Research interior decoration and design influences
    • MSFID6014 Design for retail interiors
    • MSFID5018 Provide interior styling service
    • CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry
    • MSFID5023 Design for all ages and abilities
    • CUAANM313 Create 3D digital models
    • MSFID6012 Design for large scale commercial or institutional interiors
    • MSFID6019 Produce digital presentations for commercial projects
    Designing Interiors for Hospitality Environments
    • CUAPPR612 Collaborate in professional creative projects
    • CUADES304 Source and apply design industry knowledge
    • BSBCRT512 Originate and develop concepts
    Electives: May complete maximum 6
    • CUAACD311 Produce drawings to communicate ideas
    • CUAPPR513 Present a body of own creative work
    • CUAACD312 Produce computer-aided drawings
    • CUAACD313 Produce technical drawings
    • CPPBDN4107 Investigate construction methods for Class 1 and 10 buildings
    • MSFID4012 Decorate residential interiors
    • MSFID4018 Research and recommend hard materials and finishes for interiors
  • Likely Job Outcome

    Interior designer for interior design and architectural practices, self-employed design consultant, design project administrator and design manager.

  • Teaching Methods and Assessment

    Modes of study include:

    • Lectures and Tutorials: Formal teaching sessions are used for audio/visual and oral delivery of principles and theories related to interior design practice and design project management. Individual and/or interactive small group sessions where discussion, analysis, extension and evaluation of student work takes place.
    • Seminars: Presentations and group opportunities to discuss investigative work carried out by students, staff and/or guest lecturers.
    • Studios/Workshops: Opportunities are created for students to build industry level skills through participation in ‘hands-on’ practice.
    • Project-based instruction: Instruction intended to develop specific advanced skills and knowledge within an interior design context. Collaborative studio based projects explore contemporary issues, develop tolerance of others, support effective workplace communication and employability skills.
    • Industry Exposure: Opportunities arising out of international study-tours, simulated work environments, industry guest lectures and local and interstate field trips are used to enrich learning.


    Students also have access to supplementary online (eLearn) resources to reinforce and extend classroom-based learning. Online opportunities to work collaboratively and flexibly are also provided.

    Students will be assessed in the following ways:

    • Participation in industry projects, complete assignments and projects
    • Assessments may be competency based, grades, or a combination of the two.