The Bachelor of Fashion Design is a 3-year qualification that prepares you for a creative career in global fashion. You’ll refine your craft at the Fashion Design Studio, a leader in Australian fashion education since 1955. The degree develops your individual design style and equips you for a long-term career in creative fashion practice. You’ll learn through a global fashion business lens, supported by our international links and awareness of current trends.
You’ll complete 2 work placements that build confidence and help you establish professional networks. In your third year, you’ll design and present a collection and graduate with a portfolio of realised work. You’ll finish as a highly creative, work ready designer with the skills to work independently or in a team.
3 years full time or 6 years part time
084563C
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
apply and develop a broad understanding of techniques, technologies and practices shaping the global fashion industry
support a sustained creative fashion design practice by deepening knowledge of key aspects of fashion design
research, assess and synthesise complex information to create innovative and sustainable fashion concepts and business solutions
communicate effectively using fashion-specific methods and technologies to achieve professional outcomes
apply your skills in fashion design across contexts, working independently and in teams
combine your knowledge and skills to promote sustainable, ethical design and inform ongoing professional development.
Develop specialist skills to gain an advantage in the job market
Graduate with a Bachelor degree (AQF 7).
Build a comprehensive fashion portfolio of realised designs and present it to industry at our graduate showcase.
Gain professional networking through 2 industry internships and a potential showcase at Australian Fashion Week.
Manage fashion projects from original concept to runway show.
Join an impressive alumni community that has shaped Australian fashion.
Create your own business plan, branding materials and a platform to promote your brand.
Develop a deep understanding of ethical, social and environmental sustainability through research and design projects.
Gain real-world experience with peer review and insights from industry experts.
Showcase your designs at Australian Fashion Week.
Apply for the Vanguard Education Fund, a mentorship by Net-a-Porter and the British Fashion Council for final-year students.
Study in a course accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol.
A NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC) or equivalent, evidenced by a certified copy of your certificate or transcript.
A Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation or equivalent, evidenced by a certified copy of your certificate or transcript.
A completed Certificate IV or higher vocational qualification, evidenced by a certified copy of your certificate or transcript.
Submit a portfolio of artwork to demonstrate your creative talent. Include 12 examples of your original fashion design ideas. Only copies of original work are accepted. Maximum size A3.
Submit an essay comparing the work of 2 prominent designers who inspire you to be a fashion designer. Describe similarities and differences and explain why their designs resonate with you. Maximum 550 words.
Attend a pre-admission interview and bring your portfolio with you.
Your certificates, transcripts and other entry requirement evidence must be certified by a Justice of the Peace or other authorised officer.
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
a strong sense of design and innovation
an interest in or skills for fashion design
a strong work ethic
excellent time management skills
a desire to succeed in a creative industry
the ability to purchase textiles and materials to complete learning and assessment tasks.
You do not require an ATAR score for entry into this course.
If you are unable to meet the entry requirements, you may be eligible for special admission.
Please continue with your application and you will be guided to identify as mature aged (at least 21 years old in your first year of study) or disadvantaged (disability, serious or chronic illness, interrupted education, lack of support for study, serious personal problems and/or serious family responsibilities).
We tailor our courses to meet local community needs, so some campuses may have extra entry requirements. Check your preferred location for details. Need help preparing? Contact us for support.
This simple tool guides you to a suitable course level based on your foundation skills and confidence.
Our graduates go onto roles like:
Fashion Designers plan, design and develop clothing, accessories, footwear or other items of personal apparel considering the form and construction of clothing, historical styles and contexts, contemporary and cultural trends, colour, fabric, and decoration, and the techniques and processes available for manufacture.
89%
2,000 workers
37 years
$1,290
46 hours
Very high
87% female
Moderate Growth
Other jobs include: costume designer, product developer, pattern cutter, stylist, fashion illustrator, textile print designer and garment technician.
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Alternative pathways into this course
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
The Bachelor of Fashion Design does not have any post-graduate courses.
Strengthen your expertise and expand your employability
The Bachelor of Fashion Design does not have any related courses.
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.
Completion of this course requires you to successfully complete 24 subjects (240 credit points) made up of 21 core subjects and 3 elective subjects
Please note, not all subjects are offered at every TAFE NSW location, every semester. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the subjects offered at that location.
Core Subjects
Elective Subjects
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