Bachelor of Fashion (Design) (Honours)

Bachelor of Fashion (Design) (Honours)

UNDERGRADUATE

Take your passion further with intensive study and further research into design practice, develop your portfolio, and pitch to industry.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Range of criteria

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

Commonwealth supported places

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$42,240 (2023 total)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

In this honours degree, you will have the opportunity to expand your fashion design knowledge, refine your vision, further research your design practice, and pitch your work to industry.

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 extend your design, communication and presentation methods and strategies for fashion garments, products, accessories, objects, artefacts, materials, spaces and experiences of and for the body.

You will graduate with a portfolio of practice, development and research to prepare you for your career. Additionally, you will work with academic staff and industry experts to produce a digital publication, showcasing your graduate outcomes globally.

Fashion at RMIT has a global reputation for excellence. 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. 

Why study fashion design at RMIT?

Industry connections

Collaborate with our partners to stay immersed in current practices, techniques and strategies.

Global reputation

Our graduates have won major fashion design awards and scholarships, here and overseas.

Professional associations

On completion, gain eligibility to join the DIA and Australian Fashion Council.

Details

In this creative and hands-on honours degree, you'll undertake extensive research, apply learned skills and techniques to a major project, reinforce your vision and position within fashion, and work closely with industry throughout.

You'll be guided through advanced learning and studio practice, and execute work that aligns with industry and cross-discplinary projects and ideas.

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

Your teachers 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 confident in self-directed research, experimentation, construction, prototyping and presentation in a variety of media.

This course will enable you to articulate your position within the community of fashion practice, and deepen your understanding of its social and cultural context.

Students and graduates have been invited to international events, including:

  • Australian Fashion Foundation (AUSFF) Award
  • Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival (VAMFF) National Graduate Showcase
  • Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia (MBFWA) St. George NextGen Showcase
  • Copenhagen Youth Fashion Summit
  • Redress Design Award Hong Kong

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.

The Bachelor of Fashion (Design) (Honours) has strong relationships across a range of industry, research and community partners. We collaborate with our partners on a range of activities to ensure you are immersed in current industry practices, techniques and strategies.

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:

  • Louis Vuitton
  • BALENCIAGA
  • Vetements
  • Marc Jacobs
  • Calvin Klein
  • Dior
  • Versace
  • Acne Studios
  • The Row
  • Alexander McQueen and McQ
  • Romance Was Born
  • Dion Lee
  • Country Road
  • Zimmerman
  • Wittner

Many alumni have gone on to establish independent design practices, and have remained connected with RMIT.

These practices include:

  • Di$count
  • Gauntlett Cheng
  • FIXXED
  • Arnsdorf
  • Lois Hazel

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 semester, you will complete two core foundational topics, and one Fashion and Textiles elective. 

In your second semester, you will choose between two study stream options. One stream provides you with the opportunity to select a major course in either a design project, a design collection, or a design placement. The other stream is for students intending to pursue further study in research. 

Prior to starting this degree, expression of interest and academic advisement are required to determine the best option for you.

Course structure

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

Bachelor of Fashion (Design) (Honours)
Program code: BH127
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Bachelor of Fashion (Design) (Honours)
City Campus
1 year full-time
BH127
0100706
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
BH127
CRICOS
0100706
View plan
Bachelor of Fashion (Design) (Honours)
City Campus
1 year full-time
BH127
0100706
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
BH127
CRICOS
0100706
View plan

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

Career

amy-lawrence-bh127-image-800x800.jpg

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 both in Australia and all over the world.

Amy Lawrence, Fashion Design Honours Collection, 2020. Models Cherry De Vere, photography by Zoe Kostopoulos. 

As a graduate, you will be able to meet the challenges of competitive fashion industry practice, as well as having confidence in your 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. 

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

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Students and graduates of the Bachelor of Fashion (Design) (Honours) are eligible to become members of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) and the Australian Fashion Council (AFC).

 

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following 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 at least 2.0 out of 4.0.

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

Semester 2, 2023

You must complete and submit the Fashion (Design) (Honours) 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 chance 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 14 July 2023

Selection task requirements

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Submit a 400-word written personal statement briefly outlining your:

  • Plans for what you will investigate in this program (maximum 100 words)
  • Career aspirations within contexts or markets of design practice (maximum 100 words)
  • Interests in fashion design research and related contemporary issues (maximum 100 words)
  • Current skills and capabilities and past experience that will support you in this program (maximum 100 words)

The folio must comprise of no more than 15 pages of your work, and should reflect your design, thinking and technical skills in fashion design practice with a focus on the following:

  • Knowledge in fashion design and specialisations of practice
  • Evidence of research, critical and conceptual analysis
  • Documentation of design process and design ideas
  • Sustained written work including practice reflection, academic essays or creative writing
  • Finished garments or prototypes in documented form
  • Publications, photographs, films or other forms of fashion communication.
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. Under each image, please provide a brief explanation, including the purpose and background of the work (maximum 50 words). 
  
Alternatively, you can provide a URL to your folio (please provide the password if applicable). All images must be contained and visible on one webpage. Provide a brief explanation for each image, including the purpose and background of the work (maximum 50 words).

Semester 1, 2024

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

You must complete and submit the Fashion (Design) (Honours) 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 chance 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

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

Selection criteria by applicant type

Please select the highest level of education you have or will be completing in order to find out the selection criteria that applies to you, in addition to meeting the above entry requirements.

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Secondary education (Year 12) is not considered for entry into this program.

Vocational education and training (VET) is not considered for entry into this program.

You must have successfully completed a three-year Australian bachelor degree in fashion design (or equivalent overseas qualification) with an overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 (out of 4.0).

Work and life experience is not considered for entry into 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 three-year Australian 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.

You must complete a pre-selection kit (PDF 120kb) which includes a folio and personal statement.

If you have successfully completed BP328 Bachelor of Fashion (Design) at RMIT with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0, you are exempt from completing the selection task and are guaranteed entry.  

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

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If you have successfully completed the 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 honours 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.

If you successfully complete this program, you can continue your studies in the MC246 Master of Fashion (Design), subject to the program’s entrance requirements and receive 96 credit points of credit into the master program.

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

 

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

When you successfully complete this program, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT postgraduate program or RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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2023 indicative fees

In 2023, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,124 to AU$15,142*.

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

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.

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.

New government eligibility rules in 2022 - low completion rates

From 2022, there are new government rules about eligibility for higher education student funding as part of the Australian Government’s Job-ready Graduates legislation. If you're starting a program in or after 2022 and are enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or have a HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP loan, these changes affect you. For details, please see Low completion rate and government funding.

If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.

Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package. 

The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2023. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Each course (subject) falls into a band. 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 2023 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2023
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,124 per standard year
$515 per standard (12 credit point) course
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology $8,301 per standard year
$1,037 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $11,800 per standard year
$1,475 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $15,142 per standard year
$1,892 per standard (12 credit point) course

Student Learning Entitlement

On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

  • The SLE allows students 7 years of full-time subsidised study in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
  • Your total SLE amount will be reduced in accordance with your overall study load in a CSP. 
  • Once you have utilised all your SLE, you can not longer study in a CSP.

For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.

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 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.

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.

Grathelms Scholarship

For second year or honours year Bachelor of Fashion (Design) students with outstanding academic results, who can demonstrate circumstances which impact their study; worth $7,000.

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$42,240.

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