Interior Design

Learn to design beautiful spaces with CIT’s Advanced Diploma of Interior Design! This two-year qualification will teach you how to research for designs, analyse client briefs, and plan and cost the design of a space right down to construction. Also known as Interior Architects, Interior Designers plan and detail effective use of interior spaces with an emphasis on space creation, planning living and working environments.

You will work alongside architects and builders with a series of interactive projects for interior residential, retail, commercial and institutional design spaces. This course combines different techniques of design communication, where you are able to use the latest software programs in the industry to produce computer-aided drawings,  3D modelling, design and documentation.

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 | MSF60118
    CRICOS: 099331G

    A new training package will be introduced for the Advanced Diploma qualification in 2024.

  • Course Duration
    Duration

    2 years

  • Course Intake
    Intake

    2023 Semester 1 (February)

    2024 Semester 1 (February)

  • Course Campus
    Campus

    CIT Reid

  • Course Fees
    Fees*

    Tuition Fees:

    Tuition Fees:

    2023: $7,450 per semester (Total qualification tuition fee $29,800)

    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 fee increases may happen 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.

    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
  • Course Subjects - Advanced Diploma - 39 subjects

    Advanced Diploma of Interior Design | MSF60118 - 16 subjects

    Core: Complete all 16 subjects

    • BSBDES302 Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms
    • BSBDES303 Explore and apply the creative design process to 3D forms
    • BSBDES502 Establish, negotiate and refine a design brief
    • BSBDES601 Manage design realisation
    • MSFID4013 Design residential interior lighting
    • MSFID4014 Produce digital models and documentation for interior design projects
    • MSFID4016 Design colour schemes for interior and exterior spaces
    • MSFID5020 Design residential interiors
    • MSFID5021 Evaluate site structure and services for interior design briefs
    • MSFID5022 Explore and apply creative design methodology to interior space
    • MSFID5024 Design workplace interiors
    • MSFID5025 Develop residential interior design project documentation
    • MSFID6011 Resolve complex spatial design problems through modelling
    • MSFID6018 Apply 3D visualisation techniques to represent interior designs
    • MSFID6010 Design commercial interior lighting
    • MSFID6020 Develop commercial interior design project documentation

    Electives: Complete all 23 subjects

    • MSFID6012 Design for large scale commercial or institutional interiors
    • MSFID6013 Design interiors for hospitality environments
    • MSFID6014 Design for retail interiors
    • MSFID6017 Evaluate design project outcomes
    • MSFID6019 Produce digital presentations for commercial projects
    • CUAPPR602 Collaborate in professional creative projects
    • BSBPMG522 Undertake project work
    • CUAANM303 Create 3D digital models
    • MSFGN4001 Research and meet ethical and compliance requirements
    • MSFID4013 Design residential interior lighting
    • MSFID4021 Design soft furnishing solutions for interior spaces
    • MSFID5018 Provide interior styling service
    • MSFID5023 Design for all ages and abilities
    • BSBDES401 Generate design solutions
    • CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry
    • CUADES403 Research and apply techniques in spatial design
    • MSFID4015 Prepare materials and finishes boards for client presentation
    • MSFID4017 Research and recommend furniture and accessories
    • MSFID4019 Research interior decoration and design influences
    • CUAACD301 Produce drawings to communicate ideas
    • CUAACD302 Produce computer-aided drawings
    • CUAACD303 Produce technical drawings
    • 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 & 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.