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National code: MST50122

Diploma of Apparel, Fashion and Textiles (Design and product development)

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Overview About this course

Find your fit in the textiles, clothing and footwear industry as you bring your creative visions to life. Focus on garment design drawing, pattern making and sewing skills and develop the skills you need to succeed in the fast-paced world of fashion.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

  • Identify fibres, fabrics and textiles

  • Identify fabric performance and handling requirements

  • Calculate cost estimates for textile, clothing and footwear industry products

  • Develop and present design concepts according to project briefs

  • Use technology to develop design concepts

  • Participate in environmentally sustainable practices

Course outcomes

Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

  • A nationally accredited Diploma level qualification

  • The skills to design and draw garments, creating an original collection

  • The ability to source fabrics, make patterns and cut and sew garments

  • Liaise with creative peers and begin establishing a network of industry connections

  • Strong pathways to continue your studies and enhance your career opportunities

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

  • Successful completion of the Certificate III in Apparel, Fashion and Textiles or the superseded Certificate III in Applied Fashion Design and Technology as evidenced by a copy of your transcript or certificate

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

  • Access to the internet and a computer to complete research for projects and study

  • An interest in the fashion industry including garment design and production

  • The ability to budget for equipment, fabric and other consumables you need to complete your projects and create your garments

TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like: assistant designer, product developer, clothing patternmaker, graphic designer for fashion, assistant production merchandiser and visual merchandiser.

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 1 Course

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

Further study 2 Courses

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

Related study 0 Courses

Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

The Diploma of Apparel, Fashion and Textiles (Design and product development) does not have any related courses.

Your experience counts

At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.

Units Units taught in this course

Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Diploma of Apparel, Fashion and Textiles (Design and product development) qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 25 units of competency, including 9 core and 16 speciality units.

Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.

Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.

  • Develop and present design concepts in response to a brief MSTAT5001

  • Source materials and resources for production of TCF designs MSTFD4022

  • Cost production of fashion and textile designs MSTFD5027

  • Support sustainable practice in apparel and textile design and production MSTGN3018

TAFE NSW services Facilities and support

TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.

  • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service

  • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support

  • TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)

  • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service

  • TAFE NSW Libraries

  • Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential

  • Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home

  • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

  • Student associations – get social with our student community

Study options Find a location to enrol

Choose from the below study options and locations to discover what works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites and compare courses.