MSF50213: Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration
Full Time Course Dates:
- Brisbane: Monday the 16th of April 2018: 9:00AM - 4:30PM
- Gold Coast: Monday the 16th of July 2018: 9:00AM - 4:30PM
Courses are subject to sufficient student numbers. Insufficient numbers will result in cancellation (10 days prior) and students will be notified by phone and email.
If the dates above are not suitable, you can always register interest and you will be notified of any new dates when they are added.
The Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration is a dynamic, practical, industry-relevant course.
Interior Design and Decoration course gives you greater design awareness and the skills to develop your individual style.
The Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration will provide you with the skills and knowledge to create plans and undertake project in later stages of the course; you will learn how to create and plan, furniture, fittings, surfaces and colour schemes for commercial and residential settings.
You'll learn 2D and 3D design skills and the decorative aspect of design. You'll develop high-level documentation and technical skills in order to present your ideas to both residential and commercial clients in a professional brief.
Projects are themed around exploration into colour, material and finishes, interior construction techniques, soft furnishings, fabrics and furniture, based on historical and contemporatry styles and trends.
As your studies progress you'll develop a deeper understanding of commercial and residential interiors, spatial layout, furnishings and decorative treatments and documentation process.

During the course students will:
- Explore decoration.
- Cover colour theory
- Problem-Solve design issues
- Develop presentation approaches and construction drawings
- Learn decoration and design practices from industry professionals working across both residential and commercial projects.
- Acquire knowledge regarding the structural components and construction techniques and materials employed within an interior space;
- Represent design concepts using sketches, renderings, perspective drawings, technical drafting and CAD generated drawings;
- Research the diverse and evolving range of decorating & design resources in today's industry
- Appropriately select and quantify decorator products & calculate relevant costings;
- Assess lighting requirements and make appropriate recommendations for a specific interior space;
- Confidently proposing design concepts and providing professional advice on the selection and specification of decorating and design products for a specific interior space;
- Develop visual design techniques to successfully showcase concepts & decorating products;
- Communicate and showcase design concepts through the preparation of concept, colour & finishes boards;
- Explore interior space planning - recognising the relevance of human scale and ergonomics;
Develop basic business skills and understand the value of professional practice in the design Industry.- Gain skills in effectively communicating with a range of industry professionals - interpreting information appropriately and recognizing the value of clear and concise written and verbal correspondence;
- Appropriately documenting product and material schedules and specifications;
Testimonials
"I started off pursuing my bachelor in education, however after one year decided my interests lay in design and in particular interior design. It was through a lot of research that I picked and enrolled in the Diploma of Interior Design at AICD in Brisbane. I started not knowing exactly what to expect of the course, but was pleased to spend the first 6 months understanding core elements and principles of design.
The second 6 months was putting this into practice and into more industry focused scenarios and working on things like client briefs and presentation boards. Through client briefs I found my career path, which is redesigning and redecorating residential homes. The practical approach of the course, including excursions and teachers experience has cemented my knowledge of the industry. Apart from learning the best part has been meeting new people and creating new friendships."
—Margie Rose, 2013 Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration student.
Career Opportunities
The diploma is either to entry-level employment in the interior design and decoration sector or to further study to the Advanced diploma of interior design and decoration
- Self-employment as an interior decorator
- Architectural sales representative for industry product
- Interior Stylist
- In-house Interior Designer or Decorator for Design and Decoration consultancies
- In-house Interior Designer or Decorator for furniture, furnishings and fabric suppliers
- In-house Interior Designer or Decorator for furnishings departments of retail stores
- Soft Furnishings consultant
- Visual merchandiser
- Events and Installation designer
- Real Estate homestager
- In-house Interior Designer or Decorator for shop fitters

Qualification and Units of Competency
Course Code: MSF50213
On successful completion students will be awarded the MSF50213: Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration which is nationally recognised as part of the Australian Qualifications Framework. This course is the latest training package on offer, and is the most industry relevant qualification available.
On successful completion of the course students will receive competencies in the following units:
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Have your experience recognised and increase your employment prospects by enrolling in Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Through RPL you could reduce the duration of your studies. Get the recognition you deserve and enquire about RPL today.
RPL assessed on a case by case basis, so it is only available on application. Students will be charged $200 per unit of competency.
Why You Should Study With Us:
- We have small class sizes, so you get hands on attention with your trainers.
- We have a job placement company that will assist you in obtaining a job.
- We run a free goal setting and motivational workshop for students.
- We have an industry panel that reviews your work and you will receive a certificate graded by industry.
- Industry contact us seeking students for work and work experience and we pass on these opportunities to students.
- We have industry guest speakers and excursions throughout the course
- We have a private course facebook group where you can share ideas/info and communicate with your trainers and other students.
- We have a private student facebook group for collaborating with other students in other disciplines for example to organise photoshoots/events etc together.
Course Duration:
The course runs over one year, 2 days on campus and one day off campus plus self directed study
Term Dates
Click on the arrows below to go forward or backward through each intake's term dates. Please note that term dates are subject to change, please contact us to confirm future dates if required.
Gold Coast
Brisbane
Student Entry Requirements:
Formal Education or Work/Life Experience:
To enrol into the Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration the applicant should ideally have completed their senior schooling, have a good understanding of practical mathematics, have good computer skills, be able to use the internet for research, and use a range of office software such as spreadsheets, email, and presentation software such as PowerPoint as well as answering yes to most of the questions below:
- Do you love colour and texture?
- Do you have good organisational skills?
- Are you able to imagine spaces?
- Do you understand the concepts of scale and size?
- Do you have good communication skills?
- Are you good at problem solving and lateral thinking?
- Are you interested in designing and decorating domestic interiors?
Prerequisites:
There are no prerequisites for entry into this qualification.
Course Fees
VET Student Loans
From the 1st of January 2017 a new government student loan scheme became available to students enrolling into eligible courses at approved providers.
VET Student Loans are available for students who meet the eligibility requirements to assist with payment of the course fees. Students who take out a VET Student Loan will have a HELP debt which is due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.
If you are eligible for a VET Student Loan:
Click here to view the Schedule of VET Tuition Fees for more information on course costs, census dates and units of study.
Did you know that alternatives to VET Student Loans may be even cheaper than the 20% fee currently charged by the Government? Student or personal loans from some of the larger financial institutions may save you money.
Check out some other course financing options here.
If you are not eligible for a VET Student Loan:
Full Course Cost (Payment Plan): $11,000.00
- Balance paid in weekly direct debit instalments (with integraPAY) over course duration: $9,850.00
Additional Costs:
- Student ID Card: $25
- Compulsory stationary and art kit ($290)
- General Equipment (student to purchase) approx $60
- Basic stationary
- Printing & photocopying by student.
Required Course Equipment:
Additional Costs:Students will need to provide the following equipment:
- USB Thumb Drive (2GB recommended minimum)
- Students will require additional materials to be used for the production of Colour & Finishes Boards. These requirements will be discussed in Class.
- Laptop computer - see requirements below.
Student (kits/ course supplies) are available for purchase through the college
LAPTOP / NOTEBOOK REQUIREMENT:
Students will be required to have a laptop computer with a wireless network connection. The following specifications are recommended:
- A Wireless Laptop (PC or MAC)
- Minimum 8Gb RAM (Preferrably 16GB RAM)
- 2Ghz or faster processor
- Web Browser (e.g. Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox or Internet Explorer)
- Anti Virus Software.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader (free online)
- For editing work it is recommended you have a Mouse
- Microsoft Office 2007 or better with Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Access.*
If using a Mac -> Pages, Numbers and Keynote can be used - Archicad - Free Student Version Click Here to go to Archicad Website
* Please check software manufacturers minimum system requirements. Student pricing may be available.
Applications
Domestic Students Only
Application and Enrolment Process:
- Phone the Gold Coast (07) 55 938 335 OR Brisbane (07) 38 541 395 campus to arrange your interview OR fill out the online Application Form and arrange a phone interview if you cannot come into either campus.
- Attend your interview or complete the phone interview.
- You will recieve your enrolment paperwork and the student handbook at the interview and information on the required evidence you will have to supply to support your application. After reading the student handbook and enrolment forms, if you wish to enrol you must submit the enrolment form along with any requested evidence (original or certified copies of originals).Our administration staff will check the completed enrolment form and evidence you supplied to demonstrate your suitability for the course. We may have to ask you further information or discuss your options if you don't meet the suitability requirements for the course. If you do meet the suitability requirements for the course, we will send you a Confirmation of Enrolment, along with payment plan forms.
- You will receive your first invoice notice no more than one calendar month before the start of study and at least two weeks before the first census date.
Next Course Start Dates
Full Time Course Dates:
- Brisbane: Monday the 16th of April 2018: 9:00AM - 4:30PM
- Gold Coast: Monday the 16th of July 2018: 9:00AM - 4:30PM
Courses are subject to sufficient student numbers. Insufficient numbers will result in cancellation (10 days prior) and students will be notified by phone and email.
If the dates above are not suitable, you can always register interest and you will be notified of any new dates when they are added.

Check out our student's work in the Artista Magazine!


