Diploma of Textile Design and Development

Certificate IV

3 years part-time

Diploma

2 years full-time

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

This Diploma is a practical, hands-on, studio-based program. It will develop your technical and creative skills in textile design.

Year 1

You'll develop skills in:

• drawing, painting and illustration techniques
• design and concept development
• textile history and contemporary practice.

You'll present your concepts using computer-aided design techniques.

Practical workshops will develop your skills in design and construction techniques for screen printing, machine knitting and weaving, incorporating an understanding of fibres and dye technology.

Year 2

You'll complete a range of design briefs introducing you to industry practice and market viability. You'll learn about production and manufacturing processes in the textiles, clothing and footwear sector, including:

• sustainable practices
• working to specifications
• costings
• marketing your products
• communicating your concepts.

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

You'll get direct feedback from industry representatives on projects you complete for companies like:

• Otto and Spike
• Warwick Fabrics
• Silk Trader
• Matt Bags
• Maurice Kain.

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

Graduates find work as:

• textile designers/artists/makers/crafters
• knitters, weavers and screen printers
• self-employed freelance designers
• fabric wholesalers.

You'll work in areas like:

• clothing companies and fashion labels
• textile manufacturing companies producing woven and knitted fabrics
• production management
• design consultancies
• automotive colour and trim departments
• fashion sourcing agencies
• screen printing companies.

Further afield, graduates work as:

• fabric importers and distributors
• design educators
• department store fabric buyers
• colour forecasters
• stylists
• product developers for international aid organisations assisting disadvantaged communities.

Professional recognition and accreditation

The programs are recognised and supported by the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Industries Training Accreditation Board.

ANZSCO (2006) occupation code - no unique code. Textile design is a specialised form of industrial design ANZSCO 232312.

You'll have the opportunity to work overseas with sourcing and textile production companies.

You must meet the University entry requirements for this type of program.

Program entry requirements

Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 or equivalent senior secondary school studies, or RMIT Foundation Studies program, or a recognised post secondary Diploma or Certificate in a relevant discipline. Applicants with work experience in this field will also be considered.

Prerequisites

None

Selection tasks

Folio: Applicants must supply evidence of their creativity in the form of a folio. The folio should contain a variety of art, design or media work relevant to the program you are applying for. It should demonstrate your creative, conceptual and technical ability. You should include evidence of how ideas were developed along with finished works.

Folio presentation: Applicants must present their folio at an assessment session. Applicants must include with their application a statement explaining their reasons for wanting to study the course and details of any relevant work or other experience.

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

2. Check and complete the selection tasks (if applicable) by the nominated date - these tasks are listed in the program entry requirements.

3. Check if you are eligible for a Victorian Government subsidised place. If not you will need to apply for a full-fee place.

4. Check the table below for how to apply.

5. Apply using the appropriate method by the closing date.

Application method

* Some Certificate III and below programs are administered by direct application to RMIT.

Equity access

If circumstances have interrupted or disadvantaged your access to education, RMIT offers equity access schemes that allow selection officers to give applicants extra consideration, which may improve your prospects of studying at RMIT.

Tuition fees vary according to each program.

There are 2 tuition fee types:

• Victorian Government subsidised places where your fee is shared between you and the Victorian Government - if you meet the eligibility criteria
• full fees where you will be responsible for the full cost.

Fee assistance

As a TAFE student you may be eligible for the following:

• TAFE fee concession
• VET FEE-HELP loan scheme.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds. Learn more about RMIT Scholarships.

Other fees

In addition to tuition fees you will also pay the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF).

There may be other additional expenses and administrative fees associated with your studies.

Graduates can complete further study and apply for exemptions from the Bachelor of Arts (Textile Design).

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

Fashion & Textiles

View programs by interest area