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Diploma of Commercial Arts (Interior Decoration and Design)

Develop Your Individual Design Style

Interior designers and decorators make spaces more functional and aesthetically pleasing. They analyse problems, visualise concepts and communicate their solutions professionally.

Gain these highly valued skills - and develop your own design style - through this accredited CATC course. You graduate with a nationally recognised qualification that can open doors across the interior design industry.

Quick Course Guide
Qualification Diploma of Commercial Arts (Interior Decoration and Design) Start dates Several start dates a year - enquire now about upcoming start dates
Course length 1 year full-time
2 years part-time
2 years distance education
Pre-requisites Year 10 or equivalent, or mature age, plus examples of creative work*
Location Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and by distance education Assessment Written and practical assignments
Delivered by CATC Design College (CATC) Finance options VET FEE-HELP and flexible payment options available

* As part of the pre-requisites of this course, you will need to submit examples of creative work or other evidence to demonstrate a genuine interest in design. Contact a SEEK Learning consultant now for more information.

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Course Modules

  • Select Artworks for Interiors
  • Apply Foundational Colour Theory
  • Develop Intermediate Drafting Skills
  • Operate a Personal Computer
  • Research Decorative Styles
  • Identify Architectural Styles
  • Apply Design Principles
  • Make a Model
  • Develop Manual Drafting Skills
  • Extend Graphic Communication Skills and Practice
  • Develop Basic Graphic Communication Skills
  • Communicate Concepts Graphically
  • Research and Apply Natural and Man-Made Materials
  • Research for a Complex Design Brief
  • Research and Apply Soft Furnishings
  • Design an Original Concept for a Complex Design Brief
  • Research and Apply Product Knowledge
  • Document all Aspects of a Complex Design Brief
  • Apply Design Processes to a Residential Project
  • Deliver a Service to Clients
  • Apply Intermediate Colour Theory
  • Provide Information to Clients
  • Apply Design Processes to a Commercial Project
  • Design Furniture
  • Develop Basic CADD Skills
  • Make a Presentation
  • Extend Basic CADD Skills
  • Apply Design Processes to Kitchen Design
  • Produce Identity Standards for a Freelance Interior Design/Decoration Business
  • Develop Intermediate CADD Skills
  • Extend Intermediate CADD Skills
  • Calculate and Apply Lighting Design
  • Integrate Practical Building Services Application with Creative Design Solutions
  • Analyse and Apply Relevant Building Regulations and Requirements
  • Design and Present a Visual Merchandising Display
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Locations & Start Dates

This course is offered both full-time and part-time at campuses in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and is also available by distance education.

There are several start dates each year, so you can start your course at a time that suits you. Contact a SEEK Learning consultant now for upcoming start dates.

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Fast, Flexible Study

Through CATC's flexible study options, you can finish your course more quickly than similar university offerings - and get your design career started sooner:

  • 1 year full-time
  • 2 years part-time
  • 2 years distance education

Industry Recognition

  • DIA - Design Institute of Australia
  • AGDA - Australian Graphic Design Association
  • BAD - Brisbane Art Directors Club

Study Now, Pay as You Earn

Almost every Australian citizen is eligible for Government assistance through the VET FEE-HELP program. This means you do not have to pay anything upfront, but can pay for your course as you earn. Contact a SEEK Learning consultant to find out more about how you can study now and pay as you earn with VET FEE-HELP.

Financing options from SEEK Learning are also available.

This course is Austudy and Abstudy approved.

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Project-based, Supportive Training

At CATC, you learn through project-based study. Classes are informal and enable you to focus on your areas of interest.

CATC offers modern, professional training facilities. Classrooms and studios are designed to provide an ideal environment in which to work. Both Mac and IBM compatible computers are available, along with the latest software and hardware.

You have plenty of one-on-one time with your tutors, and access to them outside of class hours.


Enjoy Real Employment Opportunities

Your CATC qualification gives you a real career advantage when you're starting out in design - thanks to the college's strong industry links.

Many employers approach CATC directly when looking to hire. As a CATC student, you have lifetime access to these job opportunities through CATC's job email service and jobs forum.

CATC graduates have been hired by:

  • Antipodes Clothing
  • Basis Advertising
  • Billabong
  • Beacon Lighting
  • David Jones
  • Disney
  • Dreamworld
  • IKEA
  • Reece Design
  • Sign-a-rama

During your course, you can even meet with industry professionals who will review your portfolio and provide advice - so you graduate with confidence and connections.

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About CATC Design School

CATC Design School is a highly respected specialist design college, well known for producing award-winning graduates with the skills employers demand.

The college's outstanding industry reputation - and the calibre of its training - lead to excellent employment outcomes for graduates.

CATC Design School (CATC) is a trading name of Think: Colleges Pty Ltd which is a wholly owned subsidiary of SEEK Ltd.

Find out more about CATC Design School.

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Enquire now to find out about course prices, finance options and more.

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Free Call 1800 89 1011
9am - 5:30pm AEST Mon - Fri. to speak to a SEEK Learning consultant

Affordable Study

This course qualifies for VET FEE-HELP, meaning you can study now and pay as you earn. Enquire now.


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