Certificate IV in Custom-Made Footwear

Certificate IV in Custom-Made Footwear - MST40316

VOCATIONAL

Develop the technical and practical skills to design and produce bespoke footwear in the only dedicated certificate of its kind in Australia.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Part-time 2 years
Fees:

Fee finder 

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

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$26,750 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February
Location:
Brunswick

Overview

Develop your technical and practical skills to produce custom-made footwear, focusing on design, pattern, manufacturing and the presentation of finished ideas.

The Certificate IV In Custom Made Footwear has been designed to prepare you for a career in the production of custom-made footwear, or footwear in small production quantities.

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.

Why study custom-made footwear at RMIT?

Industry links

Develop professional networks, liaise with renowned shoemakers and undertake work placements.

Graduate exhibition

At the end of the year, show off your best work to key industry representatives and companies.

Expert educators

Learn from educators with up-to-date knowledge of the market, trends and innovations in footwear.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

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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, presentations 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 student portal.

All programs are delivered in English.

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.

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.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this certificate and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

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.

Course structure

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

Certificate IV in Custom-Made Footwear
Program code: C4389
National curriculum code: MST40316
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Certificate IV in Custom-Made Footwear
Brunswick Campus
1 year full-time for February commencement: 2 years part-time for July commencement.
C4389
094157A
Location
Brunswick Campus
Duration
1 year full-time for February commencement: 2 years part-time for July commencement.
Plan code
C4389
CRICOS
094157A
View plan
Certificate IV in Custom-Made Footwear
Brunswick Campus
1 year full-time
C4389
094157A
Location
Brunswick Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
C4389
CRICOS
094157A
View plan

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

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

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

There are no minimum academic entry requirements. All applicants must meet the minimum university entry requirements.

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

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 50% (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.

Entry score calculator
Minimum Score Required

Don’t meet the requirements?

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

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

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 (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)
  • C1 Advanced: 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 English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Upper Intermediate at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Additional information

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Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.

By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:

  • understand more about the program
  • determine if you may need support during your studies
  • make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.

Pathways

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Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

Explore the pathway finder
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You must meet the entry requirements to gain access to this course. However, this course offers a pathway option for those with specific prior study.

 

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.

Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the course/s below.

For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.

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You can gain entry to this certificate from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study 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.

You may wish to continue your studies in any of the following RMIT programs:

Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT vocational study or undergraduate programs.

Fees

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Tuition 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.

  • 2025 government subsidised place (with concession): AU$1,000* per annum
  • 2025 government subsidised place: AU$5,000* per annum
  • 2025 full-fee place: AU$25,500* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

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.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility

Payments and 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.

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 2025 is $365.

Materials fees

You may also be required to purchase other items related to this course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

While we make every effort to ensure that materials fees are kept to a minimum and are competitive with alternative suppliers, material fees are not compulsory and you may choose to purchase these items independently.

For more information about material and other fees for this course, see additional fees and expenses.

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).

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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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.

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 2025 is $365.

Material fees

You may also be required to purchase other items related to this course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

While we make every effort to ensure that materials fees are kept to a minimum and are competitive with alternative suppliers, material fees are not compulsory and you may choose to purchase these items independently.

For more information about material and other fees for this course, see additional fees and expenses.

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 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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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