Bachelor of Design (Fashion)

 

Overview

  • Program code: BP194
  • CRICOS code: 048217J
  • Campus: City campus

The Bachelor of Design (Fashion) is globally renowned as an incubator of creativity. It focuses on:

  • innovative design
  • advanced creative skills
  • conceptual thinking
  • critical analysis and practical expertise to support original ideas
  • depth of research for proposed design opportunities.

The rigour within the program means that RMIT fashion design proudly benchmarks against the best degree programs around the world and has a global approach to fashion education.

RMIT fashion students are selected to showcase in national and international awards and events. At the 2012 L'Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF), 7 out of the 12 students showcased from across Australia were from RMIT's fashion design degree.

Duration

4 years full-time

International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Features

Learning and teaching

RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, studios, workshops, presentations, group discussions and syndicate work. These are primarily in English.

You will have access to the Learning Hub and other online and digital resources through the myRMIT student portal.

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, essays, reports, oral classes, presentations, group projects, research projects, laboratory projects and practical assignments.

Program structure

Year 1

You'll develop a set of fundamental skills and knowledge covering:

  • design
  • pattern making
  • garment construction
  • presentation
  • communication
  • computer-aided design (CAD)
  • textiles
  • fashion theory.

Years 2-4

You'll further develop and refine your practise of fashion design through a series of project-based design studios and other theoretical and practical courses. A diverse range of projects and electives is offered each semester, allowing you to determine you degree's focus.

The 4-year degree program focuses on engaging studio experiences that challenge you to develop innovative responses. Project-based design studios are reflective of, and informed by, the research activities of our academic staff and issues pertinent to fashion and the industry. Over the 4 years you will engage with the fashion design profession through lectures, design projects and industry work placements.

The following program structure(s) is an example of what students are currently studying in this program.

Industry connections

Graduates work across the globe, many starting their own independent design practice or working for high-profile fashion labels.

There are opportunities during the fourth year for internships that support your design focus. These may be in Australia or overseas and can vary in duration, depending on your individual needs and circumstances.

In previous years RMIT students have taken internships at Marc Jacobs and Anna Sui in New York, Bless and Martin Grant in Paris and Vivienne Westwood and Paul Smith in the UK, to name a few. In Australia students have interned with a broad range of companies and labels including Country Road, Romance Was Born, Akira, Toni Maticevski, Collette Dinnigan and Nobody Jeans.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

Career

Graduates work in all aspects of the global fashion industry with companies like Dior, Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein, Viktor and Rolf and Vivienne Westwood.

Graduates are professionally qualified designers able to fulfill a broad range of career opportunities in fashion and related industries.

Professional recognition and accreditation

Graduates can become members of the Textile and Fashion Industries Association of Australia, and the Design Institute of Australia.

Global opportunities

Students can apply for a university exchange. Some are currently on exchange in London, New York, Toronto, Hong Kong and Amsterdam.

Our graduates have won major prizes awarded by the Australians in New York Fashion Foundation, providing the winner with a funded 12-month internship in New York with high-profile fashion labels including Calvin Klein and Narcisco Rodriguez.

Entry requirements

Program entry requirements

You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 or an equivalent senior secondary school qualification with a minimum average of 70%.

For information on international qualifications and corresponding entry requirements that are equivalent to an Australian Year 12, see the Entry requirements by country web page.

Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.

Prerequisites

None

Selection tasks

Folio: The folio should contain a variety of work that expresses your fashion and design interests. It should demonstrate your creative, conceptual and technical ability. You should include evidence of how ideas were developed and finished work. Include work that shows how you document your ideas and creative thinking. Include any work that demonstrates your potential to follow a design process.

English language requirements:

To study this program you will need to complete 1 of the following English proficiency tests:

  • Academic IELTS (minimum scores) overall band of 6.5 with no individual band below 6.0
  • TOEFL (Paper-based): minimum score of 580 (with a Test of Written English (TWE) score of 4.5)
  • TOEFL (Internet-based): minimum score of 92 with a minimum of 20 in each section
  • Cambridge English (Advanced CAE): CAE Grade B
  • Pearson: Minimum score of 58 (no band less than 50).

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

How to apply

1. Check program entry requirements and confirm you're eligible.

2. Ensure you have your supporting documents ready - this includes certified copies of all academic transcripts.

3. Complete and submit your application using 1 of the following options:

There are no application deadlines for international students; however, we encourage you to apply early as acceptance into programs is subject to the availability of places. An application fee may apply.

Learn more about the International application process.

Fees

View tuition fees for international students.

Other fees

Additional fees

View the schedule of program fees for international students.

Pathways

The pathway agreement between the Bachelor of Design (Fashion) and the Associate Degree in Fashion Design and Technology is currently under review.

Learn more about pathways or if you are eligible for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.

Owning school

Architecture & Design

Contact details

For further information about this program, please make an enquiry.

Browse international student brochures.

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.