Associate Degree in Fashion and Textile Merchandising
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Duration
Full-time 2 years -
Location
Brunswick -
Fees
Next intake
February, July
Entry score
ATAR 65.20
Duration
Full-time 2 years Location
Brunswick
Overview
Your career in the fashion industry
Move into the fast-paced world of buying, product development, fashion marketing, retail management, and retail planning and allocation.
Challenge the current state of retail
Learn how to develop, analyse and implement product and brand strategies; explore buying and merchandising practices; and plan and execute successful retail strategies.
Details
Pursue a global career in the fashion and textiles industry.
Recognised as Australia’s premier fashion and business program, this associate degree will help you develop the business knowledge and creative skills to make global fashion local.
From your first year, you’ll benefit from unique opportunities to work on various projects with retailers and industry. During second year, you’ll undertake a major fashion and merchandising yearlong industry project that will see you working with some of the biggest names in Australian retail fashion, including Target, Country Road, Myer and Supré. Throughout these projects, you will work with and be mentored by fashion industry professionals.
You'll learn how to develop, analyse and implement product and brand strategies, explore buying and merchandising pratices and plan successful retail plans.
If you are both creative and business minded, enjoy fashion and thrive on challenges this program will help you develop your potential and achieve your goals.
Build a local and international network of lasting connections with teachers, students and industry that will enrich your personal life and career.
Study in an environment that gives you direct insight into and experience in the global fashion and textiles merchandising workplace.
You’ll interact with professionals from the fashion industry, undertake hands-on work with fabric and textiles, and explore technology and computer systems designed for this industry.
You’ll learn through a series of lectures, workshops, presentations and project work.
Assessment is via projects, reports, presentations, group projects, tests and practical assignments.
A world of opportunities
Make the most of international study tours, study at some of the best overseas institutions and get the experience you need to start your career.
RMIT connects you with a network of industry professionals. You’ll be taught by experienced and industry-connected teachers and extend your networks through industry projects, where you’ll work with major retailers and undertake a major project throughout your second year.
In state-of-the-art facilities at RMIT’s Brunswick campus, you will study with experienced teachers who are connected with major industry players such as Hugo Boss, David Jones, Myer and Country Road.
The Retail Initiative (TRI)
TRI project provides you with a unique yearlong journey that allows you to gain direct insights and knowledge from key players in Australian retail, including Myer, Country Road, Target and Supré.
In teams you will explore, develop, produce and design concepts for capsule collections that feature men’s, women’s or children’s wear, and also include homewares and accessories. The project covers everything from idea generation right through to the trend forecasting, marketing and product development phase.
Winners for each retailer can potentially have their capsule collections produced and sold in store.
Read the story on The Retail Initative project
Work on industry briefs such as the Fashion and Merchandising Industry Project – winning teams have had their collections placed into production and sold in Australia and overseas.
You’ll also have the opportunity to study at some of the best overseas institutions including FIT New York, London College of Fashion and Hong Kong Polytechnic University. This program also offers study tours to a number of cities in China and America.
This program helps you develop the skills and abilities that industry seeks in graduates, including self-management, problem-solving, research and analysis.
Year 1
Study textiles, product ranging, marketing, supply chain, merchandise mathematics, visual merchandising and computer skills and apply them to an industry-based project.
Year 2
Build on your studies and proceed to an advanced level in computer-aided design, product development and merchandise planning.
You can graduate work-ready or continue further studies to gain a degree qualification by completing an additional year in the Bachelor of Fashion (Merchandise Management).
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree in Fashion and Textile Merchandising | Brunswick Campus |
2 year full time - 4 semesters
|
2 year full time
|
AD013 | 071874F |
Choose a program structure
Program code: AD013
Career
Deliver fashion from around the world to the local retail market. Influence retail businesses' purchasing, advertising and financial decisions.
As a fashion and textiles merchandiser, you will bring fashion from the designer to the consumer. Your understanding of and connection to the end consumer helps dictate the direction of design, product development, promotion and delivery.
The program’s international focus allows you to explore a global career in buying, product development, fashion marketing, retail management, retail planning and allocation
Graduates of this program are currently employed by major companies including Hugo Boss, French Connection, Calvin Klein, David Jones, Myer, Country Road, Sussan, Jockey Australia, Mitch Dowd, Kmart, Sportsgirl, Diana Ferrari, Target, Just Jeans, Jag and Spotlight. Some graduates have also developed their own fashion labels and boutique businesses.
You may find employment as a:
- product developer
- assistant buyer
- sales representative
- range coordinator
- store manager
- merchandise planner
- visual merchandiser
- marketer
- design assistant
- quality assurance officer
- production assistant.
Graduate Successes include:
- Christine Tran
Merchandiser, Marc Jacobs NY. - Heath Pilgrim
Planning Analyst, Cotton On. - Ellen Fagan
Brand Manager and Social Media Coordinator, LOFFT Fashion Agency. - Samantha Lopez
Product Developer, Rodd and Gunn.
How industry experience is shaping my career path
RMIT alumnus Eliza McNab has secured a role in fashion and marketing at an international start-up label after completing an internship in Sri Lanka.
Admissions
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about RMIT’s commitment to admissions transparency.
You must meet the minimum academic entry requirements for this program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee you entry due to the competitive nature of this program. Overseas qualifications will be assessed for Australian equivalence.
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent year 12 applicants.
RMIT’s selection criteria, outlined below according to your highest completed level of education, will provide you with a better understanding of the minimum admissions requirements needed for this program.
Selection criteria
This information is for applicants who are currently undertaking an Australian Year 12 or equivalent or whose highest qualification is a completed secondary education within the last two years (2017, 2018).
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) including units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
ATAR profile
View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in 2019.
This information is for applicants who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian certificate IV or above (or equivalent)
You may satisfy the required English prerequisite by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
This information is for applicants whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education program.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of at least two courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level (or equivalent)
You may satisfy the required English prerequisite by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) more than two years ago, including units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL
You may satisfy the required English prerequisite by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
If you would like your work and life experience to be considered, you should provide a copy of your curriculum vitae and a supporting statement from your employer.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
Available only to current or recent Year 12 applicants
Subject adjustments
A study score of 20 in Business Management, Product Design And Technology, Legal Studies, any Mathematics, Psychology, Studio Arts or Visual Communication Design equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 8 points.
Regional adjustments
RMIT automatically allocates adjustment factors to Year 12 applicants from a low socio-economic status area for all certificate IV, diploma, advanced diploma, associate degree and degree level programs that select primarily on ATAR. Low socio-economic status areas are determined by applying the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA) Index of Education and Occupation.
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary participation by giving priority access to RMIT diploma and degree programs to eligible applicants currently studying Year 12 at a SNAP partner school.
Available to all applicants
Equity access schemes
Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Elite Athlete Program
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Personal statement
If you are not currently studying Year 12 you are encouraged to submit a personal statement outlining:
- your reasons for wanting to study this program
- your intended career path
- the personal strengths and attributes you will bring to the program
- details of any related work or voluntary experience
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank based on your submitted personal statement. If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered on the basis of your academic achievement only.
If you are applying to RMIT via VTAC you can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via your online VTAC account.
If you are applying direct to RMIT you can upload your completed personal statement via your online direct application.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education training, higher education study or work or life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
- are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
- have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
- have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program
The STAT overall score will be competitively ranked for selection.
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English prerequisites. You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 or an equivalent senior secondary school qualification with a minimum average of 60% (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.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.0 (with no individual band below 5.5)
- TOEFL (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 550 (TWE 4.0)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 60 (with minimum of 10 in Reading, 9 in Listening, 16 in Speaking and 19 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 50 (with no communication band less than 42)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 169 with no less than 162 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 Advanced Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.
Depending on the course, this may include completing a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree or undertaking recognised professional experience.
For more information, use our Pathways finder or contact Info Corner to discuss your options.
Credit and recognition of prior learning
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. Find out if you might be eligible.
2 + 1 pathway
Graduates of the Associate Degree in Fashion and Textile Merchandising can apply to complete one additional year of study and gain the Bachelor of Fashion (Merchandise Management).
When you successfully complete the Associate Degree in Fashion and Textile Merchandising, you are guaranteed entry into the Bachelor of Fashion (Merchandise Management).
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT undergraduate programs.
Fees
2020 indicative fees
In 2020, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,684 to AU$11,155*.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$308 maximum fee for 2020.
- 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
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2020, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,684 to AU$11,155.
In a CSP, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the Australian Government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of the courses in which you enrol, not the overall program.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
Courses (subjects) fall into one of three bands. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2020
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2020 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,684 per standard year $835 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,527 per standard year |
|
$11,155 per standard year |
HECS-HELP Loans
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.
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 HECS-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to the full amount of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You will 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.
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 2020 is $308.
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.
The annual tuition fee for 2020 is AU$30,720.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2020 commencement is AU$62,400.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living ;in Melbourne.