Certificate IV in Custom-Made Footwear
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
Not applicable
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Duration
Full-time 1 year -
Location
Brunswick -
Fees
Next intake
February Entry score
IELTS 5.5
Duration
Full-time 1 year Location
Brunswick
Overview
In the only dedicated footwear course in Australia, you'll develop the technical and practical skills to produce custom-made (bespoke) footwear.
Develop your technical and practical skills to produce custom-made footwear, focusing on design, pattern, manufacturing and the presentation of finished ideas.
By understanding the nature and environment in which footwear is created, you'll learn the skills that are applied at each stage of the construction process.
From the creation of freehand to computer aided design sketches and technical drawings, you'll learn how to prepare, cut and sew the necessary components using a variety of materials to create uniquely original shoes.
Email Anna Deisis in the School of Fashion and Textiles or call +61 3 9925 9134 for details.
Details
With a hands-on approach to learning this program will offer you direct insights and experiences into the global footwear industry.
Learn in a footwear workshop from an experienced maker
In state-of-the-art facilities at RMIT’s Brunswick campus, you will study under an industry experienced teacher who has up-to-date knowledge of the market and of the latest trends and innovations in footwear design and construction.
What you will study
- assembly techniques
- footwear design, freehand and digital
- patternmaking
- cutting and sewing components
You will use a range of specialised equipment including sewing machines, combination finishers, leather splittting machines, clicking press and the sole pressing machine.
You will use computer programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and the Microsoft suite and learn through lectures, workshops, studios, presentation and group discussions.
Connect with industry
You’ll interact with key people from the footwear and fashion industries, undertake hands-on work with leather and explore traditional and new footwear production methods.
Industry visits will show you the difference between made-to-measure and the commercial manufacturing of shoes including the development and use of Lasts used in the production of footwear (a ’last’ is a form in the approximate shape of a human foot).
How your studies will be assessed
You will be assessed throughout each semester via practical exercises demonstrating your application of skills, reports, verbal presentations, group projects, and practical assignments.
You can access online resources through the myRMIT student portal.
All programs are delivered in English.
Work with the industry and build your networks
You will have the opportunity to learn from leading Australian and international footwear designers and companies including:
- student workshops with renowned bespoke shoemakers and authors
- visits to footwear manufactures and suppliers to develop a network of contacts
- an end-of-year graduate exhibition, which showcases student work to key industry representatives and companies
- support to source work experience with renowned companies such as Country Road and Wittner
RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.
Join the Fashion and Textiles Merchandising students on the annual study tour to China. The aim of the tour is to study supply chain and cultural awareness for all fashion related areas, including footwear.
RMIT’s Global Mobility supports students to undertake an exchange or short term mobility activity with over 165 partner universities worldwide.
During this 1-year program, you will learn:
- to produce working patterns
- to correctly use components in footwear construction
- to use leather characteristics and synthetic materials to construct custom-made footwear.
You will develop creative and technical skills in:
- computer-aided design
- product development
- technical information, including specification development.
You will have classes in a simulated industry environment at RMIT’s Brunswick campus. You are encouraged to be creative and practical in your studies.
This program is only offered on a full-time basis. You are expected to attend approximately 24 hours of classes and undertake approximately 12 hours of extra study and research weekly.
You will connect with key Australian and international industry figures and with companies such as Texon Oz, Pacific Brands and Cotton On. These real-world connections provide you with current information and trends on the industry.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate IV in Custom-Made Footwear | Brunswick Campus |
1 year full-time
|
1 year full-time
|
C4389 | 094157A |
Choose a program structure
Program code: C4389
National curriculum code: MST40316
Career
As a graduate, you will be able to enter the industry as an assistant where, over time, you may progress to a head footwear designer role within a large company. Head footwear designers lead large design teams and travel or conduct market research to gain insight into current trends.
A number of graduates currently own and operate their own footwear design businesses.
Other graduates work as designers, product developers, production/quality controllers, supply chain managers and technical officers.
As a footwear designer your daily activities may include:
- working with other designers, clients and stakeholders
- sketching design drawings by hand or using computer aided design programs
- attending fashion shows and events for research
- making prototype shoes
- sourcing materials such as leather or synthetic or sustainably produced materials
Graduate successes
- Ben Galloway
Winner, Best Student Award presented by NSW Leather Co - Ashlea Grisold
Manager and Head Product Developer, Anuko Fashion - Mindy Madden
Maker and Designer, Du Zen, Luxury leather bags. Teacher, RMIT Short courses - Raphael Thomson
Technical Officer, Florsheim – Brand Collective
Admissions
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification) with a minimum 50% average.
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.
Entry requirements
If you are not studying year 12 in 2018 you should submit a personal statement outlining:
- your reasons for wanting to study this program
- your intended career path - your personal strengths and attributes relevant to the program
- details of any related work or voluntary experience If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered on the basis of academic achievement only, e.g., ATAR.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 5.5 (with no individual band below 5.0)
- TOEFL (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 530 (TWE 3.5)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 50 (with minimum of 5 in Reading, 5 in Listening, 14 in Speaking and 15 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 42 (with no communication band less than 36)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 162 with no less than 154 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 Upper Intermediate Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
Currently there are no formal or direct pathways to other programs. You may wish to start your own custom-made footwear business.
Many students choose to continue their studies in RMIT’s Fashion and Textiles diploma, associate degree or degree programs.
You may wish to continue your studies in any of the following RMIT programs:
- Advanced Diploma of Textile Design, Development and Production
- Associate Degree in Fashion and Textile Merchandising
- Bachelor of Arts (Textile Design)
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT vocational study or undergraduate programs.
Fees
The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place.
To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at ‘How to check if you are eligible’*.
The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide. Learn more about fees for vocational study.
You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession or exemption if you are in a Victorian Government subsidised place and you meet the eligibility criteria.
If your application for a fee concession is approved, you will be charged 20% of the standard government subsidised tuition fee for your program. You will also be charged a lower rate on your student services and amenities fee (SSAF).
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.
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.