Bachelor of Textiles (Design) (Honours)

Bachelor of Textiles (Design) (Honours)

UNDERGRADUATE

Hone your creative practice, deepen your specialisation, and build research skills across key discipline areas in textiles and design.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

Commonwealth supported places

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

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$43,200 (2024 total)

Next intake:
February
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

This honours degree offers you the opportunity to advance your design process, develop independent practice, and deepen your specialisation in textile design industries.

briar-griffiths-kemp-bh124-800x800.jpg

Explore what's next in textiles

You will expand and explore your key design skills, techniques, materials and expressions to advance your design practice for targeted contexts. 

Image: Briar Griffiths-Kemp, Bachelor of Textile (Design) (Honours) Research Project, 2020.

Why study textiles at RMIT?

Global content

Engage with international practitioners through guest lectures, tutorials and discussion groups.

Industry collaborations

Work with industry on activities such as partnered projects, placements, virtual studios and case studies.

Project-led model

Tap into emergent discipline areas, and follow specific pathways through a project-led model.

Your design practice

You will research and examine your design practice within the context of critical, engaged and contemporary textiles systems, and related disciplines. 

This degree is designed as part of the Advanced Fashion and Textiles Design Studios, where you will be immersed in creatively challenging and engaging contemporary practice.

As a graduate, you will be able to demonstrate design strategies that reflect contemporary practice, emerging markets and economies, and materially-led design across and outside the textile and fashion design discipline. This advanced knowledge will deepen your portfolio, and set you up for professional design and design-related roles in industry. 

The degree structure utilises research-enabled subjects and strategies to tap into emergent discipline areas, and offers specific pathways through a project-led model and independently-designed projects in specific industry contexts.

Details

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

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Learning and teaching

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

This may include their participation in the review of your design practice, collaboration on projects, delivery of custom masterclasses, and enhancing your learning experience, as well as direct collaboration with you for specific projects, assessments, events and activities that contextualise your practice in industry.

You will work closely with staff who will guide you through advanced studio practice, bookmarked by assessments that link to emerging contexts, markets and research practice. You can expect to attend open studio critiques, 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. 

Assessment methods

You will be assessed throughout the semester in a variety of practical and theory-based formats, including reports, written reflections, research projects, portfolio development and submission, presentations, and peer or industry review.

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.

Academics within the School of Fashion and Textiles are industry practitioners in many different areas of the discipline, and ensure the degree maintains strong links with contemporary fashion design industries and communities.

In addition, we collaborate with industry and community in a range of activities, including partnered projects, placements, virtual studios and case studies to ensure you are immersed in current industry professional practices, techniques and strategies.

Recent industry partners include:

  • State Library of Victoria
  • NGV
  • Sportsgirl
  • Signature Carpets
  • RASV
  • Design to Print
  • Linen House
  • Maxwell & Williams
  • ACMI
  • The Country Road Group
  • Nikel & Sole
  • Cotton On

As a part of this degree students will engage with international practitioners through guest lectures, tutorials and discussion groups. 

This degree also supports students to undertake relevant short-term mobility activity during their Honours study. 

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 semester, you will complete two core subjects and one fashion and textiles elective designed to develop your foundation for further study.

In your second semester, you will undertake two core subjects: a design project which will link in with a research project.

Course structure

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

Bachelor of Textiles (Design) (Honours)
Program code: BH124
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Bachelor of Textiles (Design) (Honours)
City Campus
1 year full-time
BH124
096891K
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
BH124
CRICOS
096891K
View plan
Bachelor of Textiles (Design) (Honours)
City Campus
1 year full-time
BH124
096891K
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
BH124
CRICOS
096891K
View plan

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

Career

Graduates from this degree occupy significant positions in various roles in creative industries in Australia and internationally.

This qualification can lead to careers including: 

  • textile and digital textile designer and artist
  • materials, knitwear and print designer
  • product designer
  • colour and trim designer for automotive
  • colour and trend forecasting
  • illustrator
  • freelance designer
  • stationary designer
  • carpet and rug, surface, upholstery fabric, and wallpaper designer.

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 bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in textile design or equivalent with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 (out of 4.0).

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

Semester 1, 2024

You must complete and submit the Textiles (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 1 March 2024

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 textiles design research and related contemporary issues (maximum 100 words)
  • skills, 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 textiles design practice with a focus on the following:

  • Knowledge in textiles 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 textiles or prototypes in documented form
  • Publications, photographs, films or other forms of textile design 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). Include the page number, your full name and application number on each page.

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 2, 2024

This degree is not available for midyear (semester 2) application. 

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 an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in textile design or equivalent with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 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 an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in textile design or equivalent with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 (out of 4.0).

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

Pre-selection kit: You are required to submit a completed pre-selection kit (PDF 118kb) 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

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If you have successfully completed BP121 Bachelor of Textiles (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.

Upon successful completion of this program, 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.

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

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.

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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2024 indicative fees

In 2024, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,445 to AU$16,323*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$351 maximum fee for 2024.
  • 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.

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 2024. 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 2024 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2024
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,445 per standard year
$555 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 $8,948 per standard year
$1,118 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $12,720 per standard year
$1,590 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $16,323 per standard year
$2,040 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 2024 is $351.  

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.

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 2024 commencement is AU$43,200.

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