Certificate IV in Textile Design, Development and Production

Certificate IV in Textile Design, Development and Production - MST40119

VOCATIONAL

Hone your skills in drawing, illustration, design and concept development.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

Fee finder

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

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$23,750 (2024 total)

Next intake:
February
Location:
Brunswick

This Qualification has been superseded by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment and will change in Semester 1, 2024.This may result in changes to the program structure, duration, content and fees.

Overview

The Certificate IV of Textile Design, Development and Production is a practical, studio-based course that gives you access to state-of-the-art facilities and industry-connected instructors to undertake project briefs.

Learn to create designs for knitted, woven and printed fabrics or textile products for a range of contexts, including fashion, interiors, homewares, craft and other commercial applications. You will develop skills in drawing, painting and illustration, design and concept development, as well as textile history and contemporary practice. You’ll learn how to present your concepts using computer-aided design techniques.

You will build on your skills to create experimental textile samples using a range of materials and processes, including dye technologies, digital printing, laser cutting and fabric manipulation. With a focus on industry-based projects you’ll work with major and independent Australian and international companies, giving you the opportunity to be involved in developing a collection of textiles to technical and market specifications.

Why study textile design, development and production at RMIT?

Industry links

Collaborate with major and independent companies from around the world, working to market specifications.

State-of-the-art facilities

Hone your craft in a practical, studio-based environment, using cutting-edge tools and learning from industry-active instructors.

Professional accreditation

This course is is recognised and supported by the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Industries Training Accreditation Board.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

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Learning and teaching

In RMIT's screen and digital print studios and weave and knit workshops, you’ll undertake hands-on work with fabrics and textiles.

You’ll learn traditional skills and use new technologies to create experimental textile samples using a range of materials and processes, including dye technologies, digital printing, laser cutting and fabric manipulation. You will build your skills and knowledge through practical hands-on studio time, lectures, workshops, presentation and group discussions, and use computer programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

Your studies will focus on different subjects including:

  • colour studies
  • computer-aided design (CAD)
  • design and production (textiles)
  • drawing 
  • experimental textiles 
  • fibres and fabrics 
  • machine knitting 
  • marketing 
  • screen printing 
  • specifications 
  • weaving.

Throughout your studies, you will complete design briefs, which will introduce you to industry practice and market viability. You’ll also learn about production and manufacturing processes in textiles, including the development of end products from your own textile creations. 

In addition to learning from practising textile designers with up-to-date knowledge of the latest industry techniques and trends, you will undertake work experience, projects and learning with bespoke and major Australian textile companies. Past students have worked with Kip and Co, Etiko, Warwick Fabrics, Silk Trader, Timorous Beasties (UK) and Kova Textiles (New York).

You have the option to study the Certificate IV full-time during business hours or part-time with classes held two evenings per week. 

Assessment methods

You will be assessed throughout each semester via design folios, textile samples, reports, verbal presentations, group projects, research and practical assignments.

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.

In the Certificate IV in Textile Design, Development and Production, you’ll learn the skills and knowledge required to design textiles in a professional environment.

On completion, you will have gained both skills and knowledge in Fibres, Yarns and Fabrics across Knit, Weave and Print.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

In the Certificate IV in Textile Design, Development and Production, you’ll learn the skills and knowledge required to design textiles in a professional environment.

On completion, you will have gained both skills and knowledge in Fibres, Yarns and Fabrics across Knit, Weave and Print.

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.

You will be admitted to the Certificate IV level of the training package, and upon successful completion, you can continue your studies in the Advanced Diploma.

This course will develop your technical and creative skills in textile design through practical, hands-on and studio-based learning.

Year 1

You will develop skills in:

  • drawing, painting and illustration techniques
  • design and concept development
  • digital folio design
  • textile history and contemporary practice.

You will also present concepts using computer-aided design techniques.

Practical workshops will develop your skills in design and construction for screen-printing, machine knitting and weaving, incorporating an understanding of fibres and dye technology.

In the Certificate IV:

  • Full-time classes are held during the day.
  • Part-time classes are held two nights per week from 6pm to 9pm, with six scheduled Saturdays from 10am to 4pm over three years.
  • You will complete approximately seven hours of additional study and research per week.

Year 2

In the Advanced Diploma, you will develop advanced technical and creative skills in textile design through practical, hands-on and studio-based learning.

You’ll complete a range of design briefs introducing you to industry practice and market viability. You’ll also learn about production and manufacturing processes in the textile, clothing and footwear sectors.

You will undertake work experience, projects and learning with major Australian and international textiles companies such as Warwick Fabrics, Silk Trader, Timorous Beasties (UK) and Kova Textiles (New York).

In the Advanced Diploma, full-time students attend 22 hours of classes per week and undertake approximately 15 hours of extra study and research per week.

Please note: each qualification level is a new enrolment in a new program. Full Time classes are held during the day.

Your eligibility for a government-subsidised place will be assessed before you enrol in each new program, and the results of these assessments will determine the fees you will pay.

Course structure

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

Certificate IV in Textile Design, Development and Production
Program code: C4404
National curriculum code: MST40119
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Certificate IV in Textile Design, Development and Production
Brunswick Campus
1 year full-time or 3 year part-time (evening)
C4404
0100789
Location
Brunswick Campus
Duration
1 year full-time or 3 year part-time (evening)
Plan code
C4404
CRICOS
0100789
View plan
Certificate IV in Textile Design, Development and Production
Brunswick Campus
1 year full-time
C4404
0100789
Location
Brunswick Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
C4404
CRICOS
0100789
View plan

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

Career

As a textile designer, you will create designs for knitted, woven and printed fabrics or textile products for a range of contexts, including fashion, interiors, homewares, craft and other commercial applications.

You can also work with graphics, packaging, greetings cards, ceramics, wrapping and wallpaper.

You can work as a textile design assistant, knitter, weaver and screen printer, fabric wholesaler, and studio assistants in screen printing companies and textile manufacturing companies. 

You may also find work in other associated areas, such as:

  • fabric importing and distribution
  • design education and community arts
  • department store fabric buying
  • sustainable design.

Typical work activities may include:

  • liaising with clients to plan and develop original designs
  • interpreting client ideas by producing sketches, mocked-up designs and samples for presentation to customers
  • assessing production standards
  • experimenting with colour, fabric, fibres and texture
  • maintaining up-to-date knowledge of new design and production techniques and textile technology
  • meeting industry specifications
  • working to a design brief and timeline.
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This program is recognised and supported by the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Industries Training Accreditation Board.

Textile design is a specialised form of industrial design (ANZSCO 232312).

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 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 Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

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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Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.

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 courses 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 are guaranteed entry into one of the following programs when you successfully complete the Certificate IV in Textile Design, Development and Production:

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.

  • 2024 government subsidised place (with concession): AU$900* per annum
  • 2024 government subsidised place: AU$4,500* per annum
  • 2024 full-fee place: AU$18,750* 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$351 maximum fee for 2024.
  • 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.

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.

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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The total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$23,750.

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