Bachelor of Arts (Textile Design)
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Duration
Full-time 3 years -
Location
Brunswick -
Fees
Next intake
February Duration
Full-time 3 years Location
Brunswick Fees
AU$30,720 (2019 annual)
Next intake
February, July
Overview
Unlock your imagination and acquire the skills to bring your design ideas from concept to product and into market.
In a fast-paced and constantly changing world designers need to be adaptable and responsive to their environment while continuously cultivating a curious and playful mind.
RMIT’s celebrated textile design degree will take you on a creative journey of discovery. This ever evolving program is highly-regarded by industry for equipping students with up-to-date knowledge and hands-on practical skills to become innovative and internationally attuned textile designers.
In a supportive and creative environment this program encourages you to be playful, inventive and explore the world of materials and design by immersing you in hands-on studio learning experiences.
Through these engaging studio and interactive classes you will develop the skills and knowledge in computer-aided and hand-crafted textile design, combined with a deeper understanding of the commercial aspects of the industry, that will allow you to operate within the business environment as a creative professional.
Your journey begins with the exploration and use of materials through knit, weave and print. You will learn how to research and develop innovative and speculative responses to design ideas and gain the knowledge and skills to transfer these concepts into designs and, ultimately, into a finished product.
Areas of study
You will explore:
innovative and speculative textile design ideas and concepts
textile design related to surface pattern (print)
textile design related to constructed textiles (knit and weave)
creative projects resulting in a professional portfolio
depth of research for proposed design opportunities
industry related projects with external companies
This program's major strength is that you will learn directly from lecturers and academics who are practicing designers – connected with industry and the design community.
The lecturers push us, often to our limits, which is great because it makes us explore our work and deepen our practice. Just when we have found a comfortable style, they nudge us to develop that idea or design a little further, which results in our best, most refined work.” Claire Cummings, third year student
Be part of a successful community of practice
Textile Design continues to achieve a high level of success with students and graduates winning numerous competitions and award including the prestigious Design Institute of Australia’s Graduate of the Year Awards.
Textile Design graduates have taken the top three places at the state level awards over the past several years for the Fashion and Textiles category and in 2014 Cassie Byrnes won the coveted Australian graduate of the year award.
Each year the program's highly anticipated and popular graduate exhibition allows the final year emerging designers to showcase their work to the industries that may employ them.
Textile Design is about making, exploring and experimenting. This program will develop your skills across a wide spectrum of design from illustration, to print, knit, product and computer-aided design. It provides you with the foundations, know-how and confidence to work across any area in design.
Details
This program will immerse you in an engaging and explorative studio experience that will motivate and inspire you to develop innovative textile design concepts.
Immersive studio experience
Design studios make up the majority of your studies. These studios provide you with a safe place to let your imagination run free, to be curious, creative and explore a variety of approaches to design. Through these studio classes you will gain the skills and knowledge to develop innovative design concepts and material outcomes.
You’ll undertake hands-on practical work creating textiles using a mix of traditional, artisan and digital techniques to explore creative concepts.
Where you will study
In state-of-the-art studios and teaching facilities at RMIT’s Brunswick campus you will learn through practical hands-on studios, lectures, workshops, presentations and group discussions.
You’ll study in the screen printing and digital design studios and the weave and knit workshops. This provides you with the opportunity to work on industry-standard production equipment to produce commercial and conceptual design outcomes.
Though your studies you will develop the specialist knowledge and capability to make creative decisions about colour, structure, surface texture and pattern, weight and yarn, material composition and appropriate methods of manufacture.
How your work will be assessed
Assessment involves ’learning by doing’ and will include a range of activities such as reports, written reflection, practical assignments, research and experimental projects, portfolios, oral and visual presentations and peer or industry review.
Learn from practicing designers
You will learn directly from lecturers and academics who are experienced practicing designers connected with the industry and the design community.
You’ll interact with key people from the Australian fashion and textiles industry and external experts are regularly engaged as guest lecturers.
On and off campus study requirements
As a full-time students you will attend approximately 12 hours of classes per week, combined with approximately 24 hours of intensive self-directed extra study/research per week. You will be expected to attend public lectures and events outside of coursework hours as part of your learning.
All programs are delivered in English. You can access online and digital resources through the myRMIT student portal.
As an assessed part of this program, you will be involved with design projects with a diverse range of organisations such as Country Road, Dryen, Mill & Mia, Akira Isogawa, Linen House, Longina Phillips, Seed, Romance was Born and Beci Orpin.
Find out more about design projects in the Textile design blog including:
- Ladelle Homewear design project
- Linen House Bed Linen project
- Country Road Industry Brief project
- Dryen Australia Industry Brief project
RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.
You’ll have the opportunity to work overseas with sourcing and textile production companies. You may also study overseas for one or two semesters at an RMIT affiliated institution.
Affiliated institutions include:
- Nottingham Trent University, UK
- University of Boras, Sweden
- National Institute of Design, India
- Glasgow School of Art, UK
- Rhode Island School of Design, USA
Textile design student Annick Akanni won an international study workshop prize to study at the prestigious Fondazione Antonio Ratti textiles school in Italy, read her story.
In this practical, hands-on, studio-based program you will study with experienced lecturers who are connected with major industry bodies such as the Design Institute of Australia.
Students will have the opportunity to work on ’real-world’ briefs with Australian and international design companies such as Ladelle, Dryen Australia and Country Road.
You may also study abroad for 1 or 2 semesters at an RMIT-affiliated institution
Year 1
You will study:
- hands-on printing, weaving and machine knitting
- CS6 software for repeat design, storyboarding, digital textile design, communication and illustration
- core textile paper design skills
- croquis, colour, media and illustration techniques
- folio and presentation skills.
Year 2
You will specialise and develop your key skills in surface pattern design (print) or constructed textiles (knit and weave), and:
- design for a broad range of projects using specialist textile software
- be involved in industry projects focused on social and historical aspects of textile design
- select two creative university electives.
Year 3
You will participate in:
- the Textile Industry Engagement and Professional Practice course, which has an emphasis on creating the right folio for industry presentations;
- real-time briefs to create a folio of diverse projects that emphasise your skills and critical thinking;
- the end of year degree show, exhibiting your work to our industry and community partners;
- work-integrated learning (WIL) with an approved textile or fashion company or a suitable creative enterprise.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts (Textile Design) | Brunswick Campus |
3 years full time
|
3 years full time
|
BP121 | 006851G |
Choose a program structure
Program code: BP121
Career
Textile designers have the skills to integrate with other design and creative enterprise sectors. Some graduates of this program have set up small businesses, while others work as part of a creative team in areas including fashion, interior, automotive design, merchandising, media and industrial design.
As a textile designer your work activities may include:
- research and resource collection
- trend and forecasting analysis
- target market analysis
- colour forecasting
- design and illustration trends
- computer-aided design and manufacturing
- global digital supply chain
- communication and presentation
- business and ethics
- sustainable design and production.
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.
RMIT admits students from a range of educational pathways, including Year 12 results, previous higher education or vocational education study, work experience, and for some programs - interviews, auditions or portfolios.
Gain a better understanding of the Admission criteria for this program by viewing RMIT’s Admission information.
The highest level of education you have previously completed will determine which category applies to you.
Applicants with recent secondary education (current or within the past two years)
Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent in 2016, 2017 or 2018. If applicable, this includes equity access schemes and any other adjustment factors.
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary access and participation of eligible students from SNAP partner schools.
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training study
Satisfactory completion of an Australian Certificate IV or above (or equivalent).
Applicants with Higher Education study
Satisfactory completion of at least two courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level (or overseas equivalent).
Applicants with Work and Life Experience
Successful completion of an Australian senior secondary certificate of education (Year 12) or overseas equivalent.
Prerequisites: VCE Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL (or equivalent) or achieve an overall score of at least 155 in the STAT multiple choice.
You must:
- complete and submit the Textile Design selection kit.
- VTAC applicants must register and submit the selection kit here.
- All kits must be submitted by the dates noted below for each VTAC round:
- Early round (Non year 12 only): 27 September 2018
- Main round (All applicants): 2 November 2018
- All subsequent rounds (if places are available): 15 February 2019
- RMIT current or recent students please click the apply button to submit your direct application. The link to submit your pre-selection kit will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application.
- All kits must be submitted by 6 March 2019*
- *Kits will be assessed in the order they are received until this date unless places are filled prior.
- attend a folio presentation (some applicants).
- If further information is needed to make a selection decision, you will be invited via email to attend a folio presentation.
- Folio presentations will be held in October (VTAC Early round) and November/December (VTAC main round).
- For all subsequent rounds and direct applicants, interviews will be arranged after you have submitted your application.
- Some applicants will be selected based on their pre-selection kit and will not be required to attend an interview. These applicants will receive an advisory email by mid November.
Advisory letters will be sent in late October (Early round) and mid December (Main round).
The selection kit requires:
- an applicant statement outlining how you believe your current skills and capabilities and / or past experience will support you in this textile design program (maximum 250 words).
- a folio of 6 - 10 images of your work demonstrating your interests and creative and conceptual thinking. It should reflect your design, problem solving and technical skills in some or all of the following:
- Garment construction
- Pattern making
- Design
- Drawing
- Creative use of colour
- Use of materials
Your folio should include evidence of how ideas were developed as well as finished work. Include work that shows how you document your ideas and creative thinking and any work that demonstrates your potential to follow a design process.
You can include work from secondary school, previous study and personal or work-related design experience (including sketchbooks), and the work can come from a variety of discipline areas (e.g. garment construction, design, wearable art, illustrations, accessories, photography).
Your folio must be collated to a single PDF (maximum 10MB), or a URL to a single webpage if online. Under each image provide a brief explanation, including the purpose and background of the work (maximum 50 words). Please include the page number, and your full name and Application Number on each page of the PDF. Please provide the username and/or password to your online folio if applicable.
Art and Design application tips
View the following videos for some practical application advice:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program will support your application into RMIT programs through an informal interview process with support from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Your relevant life, work, educational and training experience as preparation for study, in addition to any formal qualifications, are all considered.
Elite Athlete Program
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program (REAP) supports elite athlete and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification) with a minimum 70% average (check calculator below).
For information on international qualifications and corresponding entry requirements that are equivalent to an Australian Year 12, see the Entry requirements by country web page.
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.
You must:
Complete and submit the Textile Design selection kit
VTAC applicants must register and submit the selection kit.
All kits must be submitted by the dates noted below for each VTAC round:
- Main round (All applicants): 2 November 2018
- All subsequent rounds (if places are available): 15 February 2019
Attend a folio presentation (some applicants)
If further information is needed to make a selection decision, you will be invited via email to attend a folio presentation.
Folio presentations will be held in October (VTAC Early round) and November/December (VTAC main round).
For all subsequent rounds and direct applicants, interviews will be arranged after you have submitted your application.
Some applicants will be selected based on their pre-selection kit and will not be required to attend an interview. These applicants will receive an advisory email by mid November.
Advisory letters will be sent in late October (Early round) and mid December (Main round).
Selection kit
The selection kit requires:
- an applicant statement outlining how you believe your current skills and capabilities and / or past experience will support you in this textile design program (maximum 250 words).
- a folio of 6 - 10 images of your work demonstrating your interests and creative and conceptual thinking. It should reflect your design, problem solving and technical skills in some or all of the following:
- Garment construction
- Pattern making
- Design
- Drawing
- Creative use of colour
- Use of materials
Your folio should include evidence of how ideas were developed as well as finished work. Include work that shows how you document your ideas and creative thinking and any work that demonstrates your potential to follow a design process.
You can include work from secondary school, previous study and personal or work-related design experience (including sketchbooks), and the work can come from a variety of discipline areas (e.g. garment construction, design, wearable art, illustrations, accessories, photography).
Your folio must be collated to a single PDF (maximum 10MB), or a URL to a single webpage if online. Under each image provide a brief explanation, including the purpose and background of the work (maximum 50 words). Please include the page number, and your full name and Application Number on each page of the PDF. Please provide the username and/or password to your online folio if applicable.
Art and Design application tips
View the following videos for some practical application advice:
Folio: You must submit a folio of 6 - 10 images of your work demonstrating your interests and creative and conceptual thinking. It should reflect your design, problem solving and technical skills in some or all of the following:
- Garment construction
- Pattern making
- Design
- Drawing
- Creative use of colour
- Use of materials
Your folio should include evidence of how ideas were developed as well as finished work. Include work that shows how you document your ideas and creative thinking and any work that demonstrates your potential to follow a design process.
You can include work from secondary school, previous study and personal or work-related design experience (including sketchbooks), and the work can come from a variety of discipline areas (e.g. garment construction, design, wearable art, illustrations, accessories, photography).
Your folio must be collated to a single PDF (maximum 10MB), or a URL to a single webpage if online. Under each image provide a brief explanation, including the purpose and background of the work (maximum 50 words). Please include the page number, your full name and application number on each page of the PDF. Please provide the username and/or password to your online folio if applicable.
Folio presentation: You may be required to present your folio to a selection panel, either in person or via phone/video call.
To study this program 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 (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 580 (TWE 4.5)
- 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 Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
Fees
In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958*.
* 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.
Additional expenses
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$303 maximum fee for 2019.
Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
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.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958.
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 2019
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2019 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,566 per standard year |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,359 per standard year |
|
$10,958 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 2019 is $303.
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 2019 is AU$30,720.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2019 commencement is AU$95,040.
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.