This textile degree is unique in providing professionally qualified textile designers for the fashion, interior, automotive and licensing design industries in Australia and overseas. It encourages exploration in design and creativity, as well as developing technical and sustainability knowledge and digital media skills for translating textile concepts into marketable products. You are able to specialise in surface pattern (print) or constructed textiles (knit and weave) and will undertake a range of projects that will result in a professionally presented folio of work. You will also take part in industry-related projects and develop communication, business and computer-aided textile design (CATD) skills, which are necessary to meet global industry needs and for successful future employment.

Year one

The first year of the degree provides you with a broad introduction to the components of textile design.

You will experience hands-on printing, weaving and machine knitting in textile workshops and you will use Photoshop (and later) Illustrator software for repeat design and storyboarding. In Textile Studio you will undertake repeat design, develop croquis, colour, media and illustration techniques; create resource books; and develop folio and presentation skills.

The emphasis in first year is on you acquiring a range of design processes; colour, technical and mark-making skills necessary for developing visual concepts through to textile sampling and CATD simulations.

Year two

In the second year you are able to specialise in surface pattern design (print) or constructed textiles (knit and weave) and will experience designing for a broad range of project applications using specialist print, knit and weave software.

External industry projects and awards are promoted in this year together with the opportunity for qualified students to undertake an exchange program with an overseas fashion and textile program. Year two students select one elective such as languages, digital media, fashion illustration, trend forecasting, pattern cutting, business or marketing, either at Brunswick or City campuses.

Year three

The third year comprises textile business and design with an emphasis on creating textile products for industry and small business. You will develop key capabilities for final year via industry projects, marketing awareness and preparing a folio for interview presentation.

You are given real time projects and awards in this final year to create a folio of diverse projects, which emphasise your skills and capabilities. In 2008 these projects consisted of GM Holden automotive interiors; composite space with RMIT’s School of Architecture and Design; fashion trends in knit, weave and print for Australian Wool Innovation; contemporary bedlinen design with Dryen Australia and jacquard weaving for the Warwick Dreamweaver award. You also select one elective in this year, with print and knit electives offered as a minor study option.

Work experience

You will be placed with a supervisor in a textile or fashion organisation in the first half of the final year. Work-integrated learning (WIL) comprises on-site working experience and insight into the design and business operations of a company. You will have to complete a 60-hour workplace assignment with an organisation. This is an assessable component of the textile business and careers course. You can be placed with a diverse range of organisations such as Country Road, Dryen, Warwick, Mill&Mia, Akira Isogawa, Linen House, AutoFab, Nicola Cerini, Vixen and Arabella Ramsay.

Duration

Three years full-time

Pathways

Graduates of the Diploma of Textile Design and Development who have been successful in gaining a place in the Bachelor of Arts (Textile Design) will be eligible to apply for exemptions. Further information is available from RMIT’s School of Fashion and Textiles.

Note: In TAFE, RMIT University recognises and accepts any Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualifications and Statements of Attainment that are issued by other Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). Credit will therefore be given for modules or units of competency for which an original official certificate or Statement of Attainment is produced.

Gaining credit for previous study or experience
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit transfer are ways that RMIT recognises applicants’ skills and knowledge gained through formal and informal education and training, work experience, and/or life experience (including volunteer work; committee responsibilities; family duties, hobbies).

Further information about gaining credit for previous study or experience

Further information about pathways

Career prospects

Textile designers form an integral part of a design and marketing team to create original design, develop sample fabrics, identify marketing opportunities and advise on product development strategies. Specialist skills are also required to make decisions about colour, structure, surface texture and pattern, weight and yarn, fabric composition and appropriate methods of manufacture.

Fabrics designed by textile designers are used in all aspects of fashion, from street-wear to sportswear, from evening wear to intimate apparel. In homewares and soft furnishings, textile designers create bed linen, table linen, carpets, laminates and decals for ceramics. In the automotive, defence, sportswear and aerospace industries, textile designers are involved in technical textiles, performance testing and smart fabric applications.

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible for student and associate membership of the Design Institute of Australia.

Entrance requirements

Current Year 12 prerequisite units 3 & 4—English (any).

Non-Year 12 applicants are encouraged to apply and may be required to have relevant employment or evidence of experience and/or ability to meet the demands of the program.

Equity admissions schemes
RMIT understands that people’s backgrounds and circumstances can affect their access to education and training. RMIT’s equity admissions schemes allow applicants to explain the circumstances that have adversely affected their education, and demonstrate their capacity for future academic success.

Further information is available at equity admissions schemes

Click here for further information.

Application procedures

Semester one

Full-time applicants—VTAC application
Note: All applicants must comply with any extra requirements listed.

VTAC application
Applicants must apply through Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) and are advised to check detailed information on entrance requirements, application procedures and closing dates. Applicants must meet all extra requirements and selection procedures listed through VTAC.

Application closing date: Late September
Further information:
Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC)
40 Park Street, South Melbourne
Tel. 1300 364 133
www.vtac.edu.au
Note: RMIT program codes listed on this page should not be used when applying through VTAC.

Extra requirements

Selection mode current Year 12: Folio (70%), interview (30%), ENTER

Selection mode non year 12: Folio (70%), interview (30%), GPA .

RMIT University may use the applicant’s Grade Point Average as an initial ranking device for those applicants with post-secondary study. Other factors, including work experience, previous Year 12 results, and/or any other academic results may also be taken into consideration.

Selection procedures (Semester 1)

All applicants:Interview and folio presentation:Please refer to the current VTAC Guide for more information.

Semester two (midyear intake)

RMIT University has places available for the midyear intake in many TAFE and degree programs – bachelor and postgraduate. Check from 1 May to see if this program offers a midyear intake
Note: Applicants must confirm availability of program offered at midyear prior to applying. All applicants must comply with any extra requirements listed.

RMIT direct application
Applicants must apply directly to RMIT University using an RMIT direct application form.

Application closing date: 31 May
Further Information:
Info Corner
330 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Tel. 03 9925 2260
Email: study@rmit.edu.au
www.rmit.edu.au/programs/enquiries

Click here for further information.

Fees

Detailed information regarding fees for degree and TAFE programs, including for Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), State Government Subsidised Place (SGSP) and Fee Paying Place (FPP), can be found by clicking on the link below.

Scholarships

Record spend on RMIT scholarships
RMIT University will spend more than $60 million on student scholarships over the next five years. RMIT has many scholarships and funding opportunities to offer students.

Further information is available at RMIT Scholarships

Click here for further information.

Program structure

The following program structure(s) are linked to this program.

Contact details

Patrick Snelling, program coordinator
School of Fashion and Textiles
25 Dawson Street, Brunswick 3056
Tel. +61 3 9925 9411
Fax: +61 3 9925 9246
Email: patrick.snelling@rmit.edu.au

Download this information as a PDF brochure (Requires Acrobat Reader)

Staff

Textile design staff at RMIT are employed for their professional knowledge and experience. All staff have art, design, business and technology backgrounds, including publication, exhibition and freelance business interests that complement the teaching and learning profile of the program. Many staff are undertaking postgraduate research projects and are recognised in the industry and design community for their professional expertise.

Owning school

Fashion & Textiles

Disclaimer

Although RMIT endeavours to ensure the accuracy of this information, there is no guarantee it will remain accurate all year. Applicants are advised to confirm program details with the appropriate school before making an application.