Master of Fashion (Design)

Master of Fashion (Design)

POSTGRADUATE

Advance and launch your fashion design practice to global industry. Change and reimagine fashion. 

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

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$34,560 (2023 annual)

Next intake:
February
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus and blended
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$38,400 (2023 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

With the Master of Fashion (Design) you’ll define your position in the world of fashion, and pitch your work to industry through an innovative body of publicly-showcased work.

We seek to imagine future commercial contexts, create ethical design propositions, and use cross-disciplinary design strategies to drive global and competitive fashion design practices. 

You will establish your design, communication and presentation methods and strategies for fashion garments, products, accessories, objects, artefacts, materials, spaces and experiences of and for the body specific to your design practice.

The course is dedicated to advancing your design practice through classes that give you the strategies create specialised propositions, and to target specific areas of commercial markets, research directions and cross disciplinary practice.s. You will choose electives that enable you to customise your study, culminating in a collection, design project, research investigation, or industry placement. 

You will finish the year with a portfolio of practice, development and research to launch your career in the global industry. Additionally, you will work with academic staff and industry experts to produce a digital publication, showcasing your graduate outcomes globally.

This degree has a stellar record of students and graduates winning major fashion design awards and scholarships, and receiving the invitation to participate in national and international showcase events, including:

  • International Woolmark Prize
  • Australian Fashion Foundation (AUSFF) Award
  • Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival (VAMFF) National Graduate Showcase
  • Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia (MBFWA) St. George NextGen Showcase
  • MPavilion Master of Fashion Design Showcase.
Six female fashion models on the runway

Your career in fashion

Graduates create independent and niche practices, work in leading commercial, luxury and emerging contemporary brands, and go on to establish independent and collaborative research practices and enterprises.

Syna Chen, Master of Fashion (Design) graduate, MPavilion Graduate Showcase 2019. Photography by Agnieszka Chabros

Details

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You will work directly with guest practitioners and industry experts, providing you with key practice experience.

This will include the review and critique of your design practice, collaboration on activities and projects, masterclasses to enhance your learning experience, as well as direct collaboration with you for projects, assessments, events and activities that contextualise your practice.

You will work rigorously with staff who will guide you through advanced studio practice, bookmarked by industry-relevant assessments that link to emerging contexts, markets and research practice. You can expect to attend open studio critiques, course tutorials, guest presentations, workshops and events to support and enhance your learning experience. You will become proficient in self-directed research, experimentation, construction, prototyping and presentation in a variety of media.

This course will enable you to launch your position within the community of fashion practice, and introduce your in-depth understanding of its social and cultural context.

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.

The School of Fashion and Textiles has strong and direct relationships across a range of industry, research and community partners that position your graduate outcomes in authentic contexts.

Students collaborate and receive ongoing feedback on their work from our partners on a range of activities, ensuring you a relevant and innovative global industry practice. 

Recent industry projects include students collaborating with Nike on a series of RMIT x NIKE makers labs, and graduates participating in their Global Talent Recruitment program.

Students and graduates have undertaken placements and have gained roles at the following brands and designers:

  • Lanvin
  • Vetements
  • Thom Browne
  • Dior
  • Versace.

Many alumni have gone on to establish independent design practices, which have recognised in national and international competitions and fashion weeks. These practices include:

  • Chris Ran Lin
  • Benjamin Garg
  • Replica Project
  • HB Peace.

Global work, exchange and study experiences

RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.

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.

In your first year of this degree, you will complete three core subjects, and select three Fashion and Textiles subjects. 

In your second year, you will complete two core subjects in the first semester, which allow you to define your fashion design strategies and methods. 

This will be followed by your final capstone semester of the degree, in which you will have the opportunity to select from either a masters design project, a masters design collection, or a masters design placement. This subject will be completed alongside your masters fashion presentation and folio subject. 

Academic advisement will be provided to assist in determining the best options for you.

Course structure

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

Master of Fashion (Design)
Program code: MC246
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Fashion (Design)
City Campus
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent (domestic students only)
MC246P20
0100990
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent (domestic students only)
Plan code
MC246P20
CRICOS
0100990
View plan
Master of Fashion (Design)
City Campus
2 years full-time
MC246P20
0100990
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
MC246P20
CRICOS
0100990
View plan

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

Career

As a graduate, you will be able to offer new design propositions for the challenges of competitive fashion industry practice.

You will also have confidence in your advanced capabilities to launch independent and emerging brands. These roles are in fashion enterprises, emerging international brands, luxury and high fashion brands, as well as in related disciplines contexts of design, production, communications, creative direction and styling, branding, buying, media, publications, and textile and product development. 

You will be an agile and engaged designer, critically aware of the larger ethical, social, cultural, environmental and political concerns that need to be addressed in contemporary relevant design practice.

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 three-year bachelor degree in fashion design (or equivalent overseas qualification) with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 out of 4.0.

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

Semester 2, 2023

The Master of Fashion (Design) is not available at midyear.

Semester 1, 2024

Selection task details and submission dates will be available early August 2023. 

You must complete and submit the Fashion (Design) selection task. Please click the apply button to submit your direct application. The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application.

Entry into this program is competitive and applications are assessed in the order that they are received until the selection task date, if places are still available. For your best change at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Selection task dates

Applicant type Register and submit the selection task by
All applicants TBC

The selection task requires:

Applicant statement

Outline and discuss the areas of fashion design and types of practice specialisations you would like to investigate in this program. Explain the context of fashion practice you would like to work in, relating this to your current career goals, research interests in fashion design and how this program will help you achieve these.  

You may also wish to include how your work experience and previous studies has informed your research and practice interests (maximum 300 words).

Experience

Provide details of academic achievements and professional experience including any work experience you are currently undertaking (maximum 150 words).

Folio

Provide a folio comprising of no more than 15 pieces of work. 

Your folio should contain pieces from your undergraduate studies, including any major graduating projects or collections produced and any professional projects undertaken. Your folio should be a combination of images, drawings, sketches, paintings, photographs or films showing the research and design experimentation that has led to the finalised design work. It should reflect your design, problem solving and technical skills with a focus on the following: 

  • evidence of research and conceptual analysis 
  • evidence of design process 
  • evidence of sustained written work 
  • finished garments or prototypes in physical or documented form 
  • publications, photographs, films or other forms of fashion communication 
  • evidence of how ideas were developed as well as finished work.  

Please include work that shows how the use of documentation has informed your design and research as well as the types of design processes you work with. Please include any other complimentary projects that might be from other discipline areas that also indicate the types of design specialisations you are interested in. 

Submission instructions

Upload your folio as a single PDF. You can photograph or scan your work, but please make sure that it is in focus and well presented. Files should be no larger than 10MB. 

Alternatively, you can provide a URL to your folio (please provide the username and password if applicable). All images must be contained and visible on one webpage.

Under each image, please provide a brief explanation, including the purpose and background of the work (maximum 50 words). 

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 3 year bachelor degree in fashion design (or equivalent overseas qualification) with a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 (out of 4.0).

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

A selection task is not required for students who successfully complete the RMIT:

  • 1 year Bachelor of Fashion (Design) (Honours) (BH127)
  • 3 year Bachelor of Fashion (Design) (BP328) with a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 (out of 4.0)
  • 4 year Bachelor of Fashion (Design) (Honours) (BH103)

All other applicants are required to submit a selection task, as follows.

Pre-selection kit: You are required to submit a completed pre-selection kit (PDF 120kb) along with your application. 

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

If you have successfully completed BH103 Bachelor of Fashion (Design) (Honours) at RMIT, you will be exempted from submitting the selection task and guaranteed entry into this master program with 96 credit points of exemption (equivalent to one year of full-time study).

If you successfully complete BH127 Bachelor of Fashion (Design) (Honours) at RMIT, you will be exempted from submitting the selection task and guaranteed entry into this master program with 96 credit points of exemption (equivalent to 1 year of full-time study).

If you successfully complete BP328 Bachelor of Fashion (Design) at RMIT with an overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.0 (out of 4.0), you will be exempted from submitting the selection task and guaranteed entry into this master program.

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 masters degree, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate research programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

You can gain entry to the Master of Fashion (Design) from a range of RMIT programs. Successful completion and the grades you achieve determine the programs you can enter from.

When you successfully complete the Bachelor of Fashion (Design) (Honours) you are guaranteed entry with two semesters of advanced standing (96 credit points).

When you successfully complete the Bachelor of Fashion (Design) with a minimum GPA of 2.0 (out of 4.0) you are guaranteed entry into the Master of Fashion (Design).

Alternatively, you can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Masters advanced standing

You may be eligible for advanced standing up to a maximum of 2 semesters (equivalent to 96 credits points). Eligibility for advanced standing is based on your previous studies and is assessed on a case by case basis.

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.

Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

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.

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 annual tuition fee for 2023 is AU$38,400.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$76,800.

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