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MSF50222 | 111980B

Diploma of Interior Design

Get a head start in the design industry with this high-level qualification that will give you the specialised skills you need to become an interior designer.

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STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane Gold Coast Sunshine Coast
WAYS TO STUDY On campus Online International
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Fee-Free TAFE
$0
Concession
$12,450
Subsidised
$13,880
Full Fee
$18,660
International
$21,600
Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Interior Design today is an evolving industry, focused on creating unique environments both in residential and commercial applications.

As an interior designer, you will have the opportunity to maximise the potential of space in a range of exciting industry sectors including residential, workplace, retail, hospitality, education and healthcare.

If you’re looking for a challenging and creative career that allows you to be instrumental in designing interiors catered to the diverse ways in which we live and work today, then studying with TAFE Queensland will equip you with industry-ready skills to launch you into the world of design.

Due to a booming construction industry, employment outlooks remain positive due to population expansion, increasing economic growth and an escalating interest in interior design which are  driving the industry. With up to 25,000 job openings expected in the next five years, qualified interior designers, decorators, and drafters are in high demand.
TAFE Queensland offers a number of practical courses in interior design and decoration. You will have the opportunity to learn from industry-experienced teachers, contributing their expertise to kick start your career in a field where employers are looking for well-rounded, highly-skilled and creative candidates.

With  a range of  study options available ranging from introductory courses catered to gaining basic design skills, through to the Diploma of Interior Design which will render you industry ready. You can choose from studying on campus or online in a full time or part time capacity.  Speak to us about pathway options to suit your needs.

Our teaching staff are the best in the business and will give you the one-on-one guidance needed to prepare you for an exciting future in the Design Industry.
You'll learn how to interpret project briefs and formulate creative design concepts.

You will explore colour theory and colour psychology, implement design elements and principles, propose lighting and create 2D and 3D design solutions using the latest technology in drafting and digital presentation. 

Product knowledge with reference to furniture, fixtures and decorative elements will be gained to ensure that every design outcome meets the functional and aesthetic project requirements.

Manual and electronic presentation skills will be developed and an understanding of interior construction elements and materials will be attained to ensure workable outcomes for a range of project types are achieved.

What can I do?

  • Interior Designer
  • Interior Decorator
  • Interior Stylist
  • Colour Consultant
  • Residential Interior Designer
  • Showroom Sales Consultant

Course outcome:

MSF50222 Diploma of Interior Design

Industry-standard facilities

Our learning spaces are more than just classrooms. Our working studios are equipped with the same computer software and equipment being used in industry. This means you'll be prepared for real-world scenarios, with guidance from our team of industry professionals.

Pathways to university

If you complete a TAFE Queensland diploma you can take advantage of our diploma-to-degree pathway options. Get in the fast lane and jump straight into the second year of a related bachelor’s degree at some of Australia’s top universities. You’ll graduate with two qualifications in the same time it would normally take to complete one, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 17 elective units from the list below. 

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

  • UNIT CODE
  • CUADES302
    Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms
    UNIT CODE :
    CUADES302
    Unit 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.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms

  • UNIT CODE
  • CUADES303
    Explore and apply the creative design process to 3D forms
    UNIT CODE :
    CUADES303
    Unit 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.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Explore and apply the creative design process to 3D forms

  • UNIT CODE
  • CUADES512
    Establish, negotiate and refine a design brief
    UNIT CODE :
    CUADES512
    Unit 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.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Establish, negotiate and refine a design brief

  • UNIT CODE
  • MSFID4013
    Design residential interior lighting
    UNIT CODE :
    MSFID4013
    Unit 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).
  • UNIT NAME
  • Design residential interior lighting

  • UNIT CODE
  • MSFID4014
    Produce digital models and documentation for interior design projects
    UNIT CODE :
    MSFID4014
    Unit 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. No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must be applied.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Produce digital models and documentation for interior design projects

  • UNIT CODE
  • MSFID4016
    Design colour schemes for interior and exterior spaces
    UNIT CODE :
    MSFID4016
    Unit 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.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Design colour schemes for interior and exterior spaces

  • UNIT CODE
  • MSFID5020
    Design residential interiors
    UNIT CODE :
    MSFID5020
    Unit 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).
  • UNIT NAME
  • Design residential interiors

  • UNIT CODE
  • MSFID5021
    Evaluate site structure and services for interior design briefs
    UNIT CODE :
    MSFID5021
    Unit 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).
  • UNIT NAME
  • Evaluate site structure and services for interior design briefs

  • UNIT CODE
  • MSFID5022
    Explore and apply creative design methodology to interior space
    UNIT CODE :
    MSFID5022
    Unit 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. No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must be applied.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Explore and apply creative design methodology to interior space

  • UNIT CODE
  • MSFID5025
    Develop residential interior design project documentation
    UNIT CODE :
    MSFID5025
    Unit 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).
  • UNIT NAME
  • Develop residential interior design project documentation

Ways to study
  • You will access learning materials including documents, videos, assessments and more through Connect - our learning management system and will complete self-paced study. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Online self-directed
up to 3 years
Part time 2 days per week
demo

Online self-directed

  • Online Time

    The estimated proportion of time you will spend each week working through content online. 

    100%
  • On Campus Time
    0%
START DATE

The date the course will start. Many intakes fill up before this date, so apply as early as you can.

The date the course will start. Many intakes fill up before this date, so apply as early as you can.

DURATION

The expected length of time to complete your course.

up to 3 years

The expected length of time to complete your course.

Workload

The amount of time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course.

Part time 2 days per week

The amount of time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course.

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Class format

The learning format for your course.

Self-paced

The learning format for your course.

VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using web conference software (like Zoom).

No

Scheduled online classes using web conference software (like Zoom).

ASSESSMENT

The primary location your assessment will take place. Some courses also require Vocational placement.

Online

The primary location your assessment will take place. Some courses also require Vocational placement.

TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Zoom

    The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

Online self-directed
27 Jan 2025
2 years
Full time 4 hours per day
  • Concession: $12,450
  • Subsidised: $13,880
  • Full fee: $18,660
demo

Online self-directed

  • Online Time

    The estimated proportion of time you will spend each week working through content online. 

    100%
  • On Campus Time
    0%
START DATE

The date the course will start. Many intakes fill up before this date, so apply as early as you can.

27 Jan 2025

The date the course will start. Many intakes fill up before this date, so apply as early as you can.

DURATION

The expected length of time to complete your course.

2 years

The expected length of time to complete your course.

Workload

The amount of time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course.

Full time 4 hours per day

The amount of time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course.

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $12,450
  • Subsidised: $13,880
  • Full fee: $18,660
Class format

The learning format for your course.

Self-paced

The learning format for your course.

VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using web conference software (like Zoom).

No

Scheduled online classes using web conference software (like Zoom).

ASSESSMENT

The primary location your assessment will take place. Some courses also require Vocational placement.

Online

The primary location your assessment will take place. Some courses also require Vocational placement.

TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Zoom

    The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

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Diploma of Interior Design (MSF50222)

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Diploma of Interior Design

COURSE CODE: MSF50222
Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

See if you qualify for a subsidy

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more
Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more
VET Student Loan - $18,097 cap

This is an interest-free personal loan from the Australian Government that provides eligible students access to capped funding to help pay for their studies.

Learn more
International student payment

Our preferred payment method is telegraphic transfer or credit card using Convera Global Pay for Students or the Flywire Payment Portal. Convera and Flywire both allow you to complete your payment in your own currency using a telegraphic transfer with no processing fees or delays. 
Learn more

Entry requirements

There are no entry requirements for this qualification.

Selection criteria

Domestic students
The following selection criteria requirements apply only to domestic students.

It is highly recommended that you have:

  • completed Year 12 (or equivalent) or have relevant experience and/or qualifications or are of mature age; 
  • have sound literacy and numeracy skills (AQF Level 5 is strongly recommended); and
  • sound computer skills.

International students 
The following selection criteria requirements apply only to International students:

  • English Language Proficiency: Academic IELTS 5.5 (no individual band less than 5.0) or ISLPR 2+ on all skills or other - View a list of all English Language tests accepted by TAFE Queensland International
  • Academic Requirements: Completion of Year 12 (or equivalent). Non school-leavers must have relevant work experience or qualification that indicates likely success of course completion. View more information on the international education achievement levels equivalent to Year 10 and 12
  • Highly Recommended: Sound achievement in Year 12 Mathematics

Applicants should be a minimum of 17 years of age and turning 18 during the first year of study with TAFE Queensland. International students who are under 18 years of age and are applying for a student visa are required by the Australian Department of Home Affairs to have adequate welfare arrangements in place.

Resources required

Classroom Delivery
You will be provided with a recommended reading list and/or required textbooks during orientation or at the start of each unit. The purchase of these resources may incur additional costs, or you may be able to borrow them from the TAFE Queensland library network.

You will also require access to personal stationery and an external hard drive (1TB), which may incur an additional cost of approximately $200.

It is also recommended that you have access to a personal computer and/or laptop, so that you're able to continue your work outside of class.

Online Delivery
You will be provided with a list of recommended software at the start of each unit, as some of this software can only be downloaded on a paid subscription basis.

You will require access to a computer that is capable of running ArchiCAD, InDesign and Photoshop, as well as personal stationery and an external hard drive (1TB), which may incur an additional cost.

Important information

Greater Brisbane - Face to Face delivery

All units of competency are delivered on campus with some online with the exception of CPCWHS1001.

This unit can be completed on campus through TAFE Queensland SSCPC0029 General Construction Induction Training (GCIT) Skill Set

Students may also opt to undertake this unit via an alternative RTO in their local area and can seek a credit transfer upon successful completion.

In order to be eligible for the award students must complete CPCWHS1001. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that they enrol into and successfully complete this unit of competency and provide evidence of receipt of a Satisfactory result.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online. 

For International students

International students can either apply directly through our TAFE Queensland International Application portal, or through one of our education agents. Our registered agents can assist you with your visa application and guide you through the enrolment process. If you are from this list of countries, you will need to apply through an agent.
Learn more

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

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