Graduate Diploma of Fashion (Entrepreneurship)

Graduate Diploma of Fashion (Entrepreneurship)

POSTGRADUATE

Prepare for your future as a leader in the global fashion industry.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus and blended
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Part-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$34,560 (2023 total)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Brunswick
Learning mode:
On campus and blended
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$38,400 (2023 total)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Brunswick

Overview

Fashion entrepreneurs provide leadership while continuously questioning the status quo to create value for brands and businesses.

This graduate diploma will extend your skills as a creative and business-minded thinker, to recognise opportunities, understand risk, be resourceful, be passionate, and understand your capacity within your industry.

This course is designed for local students who are interested in entering the fashion industry, or those who are already working in the field and are looking to build on their existing knowledge.

The content you will cover in this graduate diploma is aligned with the first two semesters of the Master of Fashion (Entrepreneurship), giving you the opportunity to explore graduate study in this field under flexible circumstances. You also have the option to learn and partner with industry to gain practical, current skills and experience.

Details

Join like-minded budding entrepreneurs in this course designed for ambitious professionals.

You'll explore integral areas of fashion enterprises, including supply chains and strategies, entrepreneurial processes, and practical and theoretical ways to apply your developing skills and knowledge.

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Entrepreneurs learn by doing, and this graduate diploma encourages you to take charge of your own learning with industry practice, giving you the opportunity to test, develop and implement your business strategies. 

The subjects you study will focus on entrepreneurial thinking, sustainable fashion, ethical supply chains and strategies, to help you learn how to build a global fashion brand. You will develop an applied and theoretical perspective to fashion entrepreneurship, and learn to deal with the complexity of the fashion and textile industry, while you also network with leaders in the field.

You’ll learn through lectures and tutorials in conjunction with projects, team activities and Work Integrated Learning (WIL).

Assessment is an integral part of your learning experience. Feedback will give you the opportunity to reflect upon your capabilities and identify opportunities for further learning. As part of a final assessment, you may present to external industry panels who provide formative feedback.

Blended learning options

Courses offered as part of blended learning programs include a meaningful blend of online, on-campus, and workplace based learning tailored to the type of study you undertake. This learning is active, prioritising tasks that involve exploration and development of skills and knowledge through interaction and engagement.

Online aspects provide positive benefits such as flexibility and adaptability using digital activities and materials, while also strengthening the interaction and connection with timetabled and on-campus experiences such as tutorials, practicals, or workshops.

RMIT has extensive connections and long-standing relationships with local and international fashion industries. 

The Graduate Diploma of Fashion (Entrepreneurship) has professional industry links with a wide range of organisations and associations, including the peak industry body, the Australian Fashion Council (AFC) .

You will be taught by academics with strong industry relationships and current professional experience and employment in the fashion industry. We also collaborate with industry and community partners in a range of activities, including partnered projects, placements, virtual studios and case studies to ensure you are immersed in current industry professional practices, techniques and strategies.

The School of Fashion and Textiles has regular consultations with an Industry Advisory Group, which consists of high profile industry representatives, to ensure that our links with industry standards and that practices remain current and valid.

Two electives - Global Fashion Supply Chain and Global Entrepreneurship - are delivered offshore as global intensive courses to understand how fashion enterprises operate in different cultures and economies.

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

This graduate diploma offers you a flexible structure depending on your prior experience and knowledge. 

If your previous qualifications are within the discipline of fashion or textiles, your pathway is via the introductory business subject options. This includes five core subjects, and three fashion and textiles elective subjects.

If your background is from any other undergraduate discipline, your study pathway takes you through subjects that develop skills and knowledge as an entry into the fashion system, consisting of four core subjects. This includes six core subjects, and two fashion and textiles elective subjects.

Course structure

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

Graduate Diploma of Fashion (Entrepreneurship)
Program code: GD203
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Graduate Diploma of Fashion (Entrepreneurship)
Brunswick Campus
1 year full-time (international)/1 year full-time or part-time equivalent (domestic)
GD203
0100718
Location
Brunswick Campus
Duration
1 year full-time (international)/1 year full-time or part-time equivalent (domestic)
Plan code
GD203
CRICOS
0100718
View plan
Graduate Diploma of Fashion (Entrepreneurship)
Brunswick Campus
1 year full-time
GD203
0100718
Location
Brunswick Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
GD203
CRICOS
0100718
View plan

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

Career

Upon graduation, you will have gained an understanding of the global fashion system, including lifestyle and customer behaviour.

You will be well-versed in entrepreneurial practices and strategies, which may allow you to develop an independent fashion venture, and work collaboratively to plan and produce projects for a fashion business. 

Successful completion of this graduate diploma provides a pathway to the MC213 Master of Fashion (Entrepreneurship). 

Graduates can find careers in many areas of the fashion industry, or else launching their own enterprise. Potential careers include:

  • merchandise planner
  • fashion buyer
  • digital and e-commerce marketer
  • fashion retail manager (both digital and store-based)
  • data analyst

Admissions

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

You must have successfully completed:

  • an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in any discipline with a GPA of at least 2.5 (out of 4.0), or
  • a four year Australian bachelor degree with honours (or equivalent overseas qualification) in any discipline with a GPA of at least 2.5 (out of 4.0), or
  • a minimum of five years relevant work experience in the fashion industry.

If you have a GPA lower than 2.50 you may still apply but selection will be merit based and assessed on your experience, a one-page personal statement and an interview. The one page personal statement should outline the reasons you will benefit from undertaking the Graduate Diploma of Fashion (Entrepreneurship) and how it's aligned to your interests, aspirations and career ambitions.

*If your qualification was completed more than 10 years ago you will need to provide evidence of ongoing professional work and/or professional development in the same discipline as the program for which you are seeking entry to be granted credit.

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

Work experience

To have your work experience considered you must include in your application a CV and a personal statement that details your experience.

Interview

You may be required to attend an interview (either in person, or via phone or Skype).

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:

  • An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in any discipline with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (out of 4.0).

OR

  • An Australian four-year honours undergraduate degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in any discipline with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (out of 4.0).

You may also be considered if you have a minimum of 5 years relevant work experience in fashion industry.

If your GPA is below 2.5, you may still apply but the selection will be merit-based and assessed on your experience, a one-page personal statement and an interview.

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

CV and Personal Statement: To have your work experience considered you must include in your application a CV and a personal statement outlining the reasons you will benefit from undertaking the Graduate Diploma of Fashion (Entrepreneurship) and how it is aligned to your interests, aspirations and career ambitions.

Interview: You may be required to attend an interview (either in person, or via phone or Skype).

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.

Additional information

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Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.

By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:

  • understand more about the program
  • determine if you may need support during your studies
  • make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.

Pathways

You can gain entry to this graduate diploma from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

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.

Upon successful completion of this program, you can continue your studies in MC213 Master of Fashion (Entrepreneurship), subject to the program’s entrance requirements and receive 96 credit points of advanced standing into the master program.

You can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Credit

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

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

Upon successful completion of this graduate diploma, you may be eligible for entry into a range of postgraduate programs at RMIT University.

Fees

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2023 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$34,560*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$326 maximum fee for 2023*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

Paying your fees and applying for 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 2023 is $326. 

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.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

This program is approved for income support.

You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.

If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or Services Australia for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

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

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The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$38,400.

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.

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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.

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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.

More information