Certificate III in Apparel, Fashion and Textiles

Certificate III in Apparel, Fashion and Textiles - MST31022

VOCATIONAL

Explore the world of fashion, textiles and clothing production by improving your skills in sewing and pattern-making.

Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not  applicable

Duration:
Part-time 2 years
Fees:

Fee finder

Next intake:
February
Location:
Brunswick

Overview

Are you interested in a career in fashion or clothing production?

The Certificate III in Apparel, Fashion and Textiles is designed to provide you with skills and capabilities in sewing, pattern-making and industry practices for making clothes, or to pursue further studies in fashion and textile design.

As a student in this certificate, you will learn about fabric identification, pattern-making techniques, sewing techniques, laying-up, professional finishing, repairs and alterations, all of which are important skills in this once more growing industry sector.  

If you're already employed or hoping to enter the industry, this course will develop your skills in operational and organisational techniques, which can be applied within clothing production and alteration enterprises, or while working from home.

Why study apparel, fashion and textiles at RMIT?

Expert educators

Learn from experts with current industry experience and up-to-date knowledge of the market as well as recent innovations.

Top-ranked university

We are ranked #1 in Australia and among the top 20 universities globally for studies in Art and Design.

Cutting-edge facilities

Complete your course in an industry-standard production room, learning to operate a wide variety of industrial machines.

*[QS rankings by subject 2023]

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Please note: this certificate is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you are holding a temporary visa (other than a student visa) and your visa has a full study entitlement, you may be eligible to apply. For more information, see the international students with other temporary (non-student) visas.

Details

Learning and teaching

RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches that give you direct insight and experience into the global fashion and textiles industries.

The Certificate III is a practical, hands-on course delivered face to face, predominantly from the production room. RMIT trainers have current industry experience and up-to-date knowledge of the market and the latest trends and innovations. You will learn through a variety of practical exercises.

Assessment methods

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes practical tasks, observation, quizzes and short answer written responses. You can access online resources through the student portal.

All courses are delivered in English.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

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

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this certificate and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

This qualification is delivered through manuals, learning materials and practical exercises, and competency-based training and assessment.

The Certificate III in Apparel, Fashion and Textiles incorporates the following subjects:

  • Apply quality standards
  • Work safely in the TCF industry
  • Identify and handle fabrics and textiles
  • Sew materials by machine
  • Sew stretch knit garments
  • Set up, adjust and maintain industrial sewing machines
  • Sustainable work practices in TCF design and production
  • Interact with production personnel
  • Perform garment repairs and alterations
  • Embellish textile products
  • Fabric performance and handling
  • Develop patterns using basic pattern-making principles
  • Modify patterns
  • Organise and plan work
  • Prepare and communicate design concepts
  • Sew garments
  • Estimate and cost jobs

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Certificate III in Apparel, Fashion and Textiles
Program code: C3417
National curriculum code: MST31022

Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Certificate III in Apparel, Fashion and Textiles
Brunswick Campus
2 years full-time
C3417
Location
Brunswick Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
C3417
CRICOS

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Upon completion of this qualification, you will be able to mark out, cut and sew fabric, as well as operate specialised machinery. You will turn pattern designs into finished garments and be able to repair and alter garments.

Working in smaller companies, you may be involved in all stages of production, from marking fabric with the design through to sewing the garment together. In larger operations, you may undertake specialist tasks.

As a graduate, you may find work in a variety of garment manufacturing enterprises, ranging from couture or ready-to-wear to garment alterations and repairs. Many past students have used the Certificate III as a stepping stone to further study options.

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

There are no minimum academic requirements.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 65% (see calculator below).

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.

Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

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

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Pathways

Animated character in front of RMIT pixel, with a flying degree above their head

Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

You must meet the entry requirements to gain access to this course. Please contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the courses below.

For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.

Fees

Tuition fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

  • 2024 government subsidised place (with concession): AU$1,350* per annum
  • 2024 government subsidised place: AU$6,750* per annum
  • 2024 full-fee place: AU$16,000* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$351 maximum fee for 2024.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2024 is $351.  

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession or exemption if you are in a Victorian Government subsidised place and you meet the eligibility criteria.

If your application for a fee concession is approved, you will be charged 20% of the standard government subsidised tuition fee for your program. You will also be charged a lower rate on your student services and amenities fee (SSAF).

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

The annual tuition fee for 2022 is AU$XX,XXX.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2022 commencement is AU$XX,XXX.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

Sorry, this program is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.