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    OverviewAbout this course

    The Certificate IV in Interior Decoration gives you the skills and knowledge you need to work as an assistant interior decorator or interior designer for retail, consulting and building businesses.

    In this course, you will explore the world of interior decoration and learn a broad range of specialised and technical decorating skills. You will also develop your capacity for planning, designing and arranging space, interior styling, specifying finishes and furnishings, colour selection, and purchasing.

    When you study with TAFE NSW you learn by doing and gain the practical real-world skills the interior design and decoration industry is looking for.

    OutcomesWhat you'll gain

    Learn new skills

    Through a mix of theory and practical coursework, learn to: 

    • Decorate residential interiors
    • Create technical drawings
    • Create digital illustrations
    • Design colour schemes
    • Research and analyse client goals
    • Ensure compliance standards are met

    Gain practical experience

    Build your experience and get practical skills in:

    • Drawing by hand
    • Digital design, illustration and construction
    • 3D model construction
    • Working with different types of materials and products
    • Producing and presenting digital presentations
    • Working safely with equipment and materials

    Develop your professional confidence

    Develop the qualities you need to get ahead in this industry:

    • A strong instinct for design and decorating
    • The ability to make hard decisions and quickly
    • Problem-solving skills
    • Great communication skills to connect with clients and other design professionals


    Career pathways

    This qualification could help you prepare for roles like:

    • Assistant Interior Decorator
    • Assistant Interior Designer
    • Interior Sales Representative

    SuitabilityInternational entry requirements

    At TAFE NSW each course has entry requirements. These help us to make sure that your course choice is right for you and help determine your suitability for a course. We want you to be confident in your decision and successful in your studies.

    Fees and locationsStarting dates, course fees and locations

    As an international student, you can choose from a range of different courses, offered at various locations. Experience vibrant spaces, libraries, cafes and gyms, as well as places to make friends and socialise with other students.

    Additional costs

    Additional costs for uniforms, equipment, textbooks and materials (if applicable) range from $300 - $1,000 AUD per course.

    Structure and unitsWhat you will study

    At the start of your course, you will receive your timetable. You will need to study all core units and a range of additional units.


    7 core units
    10 elective units, consisting of: at least 7 units from the electives listed below up to 3 units from the electives listed below, any endorsed Training Package or accredited course – these units must be relevant to the work outcome. Units selected from other Training Packages and accredited courses must not duplicate units available within this qualification.

    Core units are the required units that you must complete.

    • Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D formsCUADES302

    • Explore and apply the creative design process to 3D formsCUADES303

    • Produce drawings to communicate ideasCUAACD311

    • Produce technical drawingsCUAACD313

    • Research and meet ethical and compliance requirementsMSFGN4001

    • Decorate residential interiorsMSFID4012

    • Design colour schemes for interior and exterior spacesMSFID4016

    PathwaysContinue your studies

    At TAFE NSW, you can develop your skills or build your expertise by studying a single course. You can also continue your studies with one of the following pathway options:


    Vocational study pathway

    Enrol in a range of TAFE NSW courses designed to help you kick-start your career and education goals. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    TAFE NSW degree pathway

    From certificates to diplomas, to a TAFE NSW degree, continue your studies with us to help build your success. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    TAFE NSW - university partnership pathways

    TAFE NSW has partnerships with a number of Australian universities. These universities offer guaranteed entry and credit transfer to eligible students. How much credit you are eligible for varies depending on the course and university you choose. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    Other university pathways

    You may gain entry to another university using your TAFE NSW qualifications. Acceptance and the amount of credit transfer may vary depending on the university and course studies. Check your credit eligibility.


    Keep learning with TAFE NSW

    Build your expertise with a TAFE NSW Interior Design study pathway:


    You are able to package two or more TAFE NSW courses together. This means you can plan your studies to achieve your career goals. When you apply for a TAFE NSW vocational pathway, you can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    ServicesCampus facilities and support services

    TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the resources, counselling and facilities to support you while you are studying.

    We offer a range of support services including: 

    • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
    • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
    • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
    • Smarthinking - online access to a tutor
    • LinkedIn Learning - an online resource that offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

    We're here to help

    If you have more questions about your course choice or study plans contact us today.

    Contact TAFE NSW International