SCHOLARSHIPS
Learn more about Scholarships

LEARN NEW SKILLS
Through theory and practical course work, you will learn to:
- Identify fibres, fabrics and textiles
- Identify fabric performance and handling requirements
- Calculate cost estimates for textile, clothing and footwear products
- Develop and present different design concepts
- Develop product specifications
- Analyse garment fit
- Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
- Work safely and apply quality standard

GAIN PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE
TAFE NSW is known for delivering training that is focused on developing your practical abilities. You will strengthen your real-world skills in fashion and design, including:
- Advanced garment construction
- Patternmaking
- Using Computer Aided Design (CAD) technology
- Product specification and costing
- Manipulating fabrics
- Identifying design influences

DEVELOP YOUR PROFESSIONAL CONFIDENCE
Stand out in a global job market by developing a range of key soft skills that equip you with the confidence to work in a variety of design settings with colleagues and clients:
- Creative flair and drawing ability
- Good colour and design sense
- Ability to work as part of a team and also independently
- Time management skills
- Problem solving abilities

GLOBAL INDUSTRY DEMAND
The global market for clothing and apparel is forecast to grow from AUD$1,175 billion in 2018 to nearly AUD$1,833 billion by 2022. This growth has been driven by online shopping and favourable government regulations.
The Asia Pacific region remains the fastest growing market for clothing and apparel, followed by the Middle East and South America.
Key market trends in the clothing and apparel market include:
- Cross-sector collaboration with technology companies
- Using robotics and automation to improve production processes
- Using natural materials
- Using 3D knitting machines to reduce manufacturing costs
INTERNATIONAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
When you study with TAFE NSW, we want you to succeed. Entry requirements allow us to make sure that you have the right pre-existing knowledgeand skills to achieve your chosen qualification. You will need to provide evidence that you meet the requirements listed in this section.
PreRequisite:
English Language Requirements:
- Academic IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL (iBT) 46 or equivalent
- Or Completion of a TAFE NSW General English Program
TAFE NSW makes every effort to ensure your Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) needs are met. The level of support you need may be assessed via a review of your LLN skills with written tasks and a one-on-one interview. If you need to strengthen your LLN skills, an individual training plan will be created with you.
To be prepared for this course, it is highly recommended that you have:
- A keen interest in the fashion industry
- The ability to use fine motor skills to manipulate small objects
- Some experience using computers and Microsoft Office software
- The ability to purchase additional equipment, fabric and consumable items to complete garments for your projects
If you require support in preparation for study, contact us about your options.
STARTING DATES, COURSE FEES AND LOCATIONS
From mountains to oceans, from cities to country towns, international students can choose from a range of courses offered at multiple campus locations across the state. Experience our vibrant spaces such as libraries, cafes and gyms as well as places you can network and socialise.
Learn more about TAFE NSW study locations
Locations | Starting Dates | Course Fees |
---|---|---|
Ultimo | Feb , Jul | A$30,900 |
Locations | Starting Dates | Course Fees |
---|---|---|
Ultimo | Feb , Jul | A$30,900 |
ADDITIONAL COSTS
Additional costs for uniforms, equipment, textbooks and materials (if applicable) range from A$300 - $1,000 per course.
CAMPUS FACILITIES AND SUPPORT
TAFE NSW offers you a range of on campus study environments you will have access to industry specific computer rooms, study and presentation areas as well as general student facilities to enhance your learning and student experience.
Our student’s work is often exhibited at annual shows such as Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia and TAFE NSW exhibitions.
Student facilities, amenities and support services include:
- TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
- TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
- TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
- Smarthinking - online access to a tutor
COURSE STRUCTURE AND UNITS
To receive this course students must complete all core units and a range of Additional units.
Note: Additional units may vary between each semester and campus, and will depend on a number of considerations including the packaging rules for the qualification and demand for the unit at that location. TAFE NSW does not guarantee that speciality units listed will be offered at each location and semester. You will receive your timetable from the teaching section on commencement and speciality units offered will be provided at that time.
- Packaging Rules
- Total number of units = Thirty-five (35)
- Nine (9) core units of competency, Twenty-six (26) elective units of competency, consisting of:
- At least eleven (11) units from Group A and/or B, up to fifteen (15) units (not previously selected) from Group A, B and/or C
- Up to ten (10) units from any endorsed Training Package or accredited course – these units must be relevant to the work outcome.
- Any combination of elective units that meets the rules above can be selected for the award of MST50119 Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising. Where appropriate, elective units may be packaged to provide a qualification with a specialisation.
- Packaging for Specialisations
- Elective units must be packaged to provide a qualification with a specialisation area as follows:
- At least eight (8) Group A electives must be selected for award of MST50119 Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising (Design and Product Development), including the four (4) units marked with #.
- At least eight (8) Group B electives must be selected for award of MST50119 Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising (Fashion Business), including the four (4) units marked with #.
- Core Units
- MSMENV272 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
- MSMWHS200 Work safely
- MSS402051 Apply quality standards
- MSTCL3001 Identify fabric performance and handling requirements
- MSTFD4006 Interact and network with fashion industry participants
- MSTFD4023 Calculate cost estimates for TCF products
- MSTFD5010 Develop and present design concepts within specific guidelines
- MSTGN2014 Operate computing technology in a TCF workplace
- MSTGN2013 Identify fibres, fabrics and textiles used in the TCF industry
- MSTFD5001 Design bras and swimwear
- MSTFD5002 Develop and test patterns for bras and swimwear
- MSTFD5003 Analyse fit model
- MSTFD5005 Manipulate fabrics to create new finishes
- MSTFD5011 Produce fashion illustrations to assist product visualization
- MSTFD5012 Perform contour draping
- MSTFD5014 Construct complex blocks for fashion garments
- MSTFD5015 Develop patterns for complex fashion garments
- MSTFD5016 Grade complex patterns
- MSTFD5017 Apply design studio processes to meet client brief
- MSTFD5018 Determine and specify advanced construction processes
- MSTFD5019 Analyse individual fit and make pattern alterations
- MSTFD5021 Conduct digital patternmaking and grading
- MSTFD5022 Develop digital costing markers
- MSTFD5026 Conduct fashion design purchasing
- MSTFD5029 Assess impact of current fashion industry innovations and practices
- BSBMKG507 Interpret market trends and developments
- MSTFD4022 Source materials and resources for production of TCF designs
- MSTFD5023 Develop marketing plans for fashion products
- MSTFD5024 Evaluate fashion designs against set criteria
- MSTFD5025 Analyse influences on contemporary fashion designs
- MSTFD5026 Conduct fashion design purchasing
- MSTFD5027 Cost production of fashion and textile designs
- MSTFD5028 Develop merchandising plans for fashion products
- MSTFD5029 Assess impact of current fashion industry innovations and practices
- MSTGN4014 Produce and analyse spreadsheets
- MSTGN5012 Participate in production planning processes
- MSTGN5004 Manage installation and commissioning of equipment and systems
- MSTGN5005 Provide global operations support
- MSTGN5007 Prepare procedures and specifications for TCF operations
- MSTGN5008 Identify opportunities in the TCF market
- MSTGN5010 Coordinate quality assurance for TCF products and services
- MSTGN5011 Work with international TCF supply chains
- BSBINT301 Apply knowledge of the international trade environment to complete work
- BSBINT302 Apply knowledge of legislation relevant to international trade to complete work
- BSBINT405 Apply knowledge of import and export international conventions, laws and finance
- BSBINT409 Plan for international trade
- BSBMKG408 Conduct market research
- BSBMKG413 Promote products and services
- BSBMKG414 Undertake marketing activities
- BSBMKG415 Research international markets
- BSBMKG419 Analyse consumer behavior
- BSBMKG510 Plan e-marketing communications
- BSBMKG537 Develop a social media engagement plan
- BSBSMB401 Establish legal and risk management requirements of small business
- BSBSMB402 Plan small business finances
- CUACMP311 Implement copyright arrangements
- FSKNUM021 Apply an expanding range of mathematical calculations for work
- MSMWHS503 Maintain WHS management system
- MSTCL3002 Prepare and produce a complex whole garment from specifications
- MSTCL3007 Embellish garment by hand or machine
- MSTCL3008 Set and produce digital embroidery
- MSTCL3009 Develop patterns from a block using basic patternmaking principles
- MSTCL3013 Interpret patterns and apply pattern information
- MSTCL4001 Perform sample machining of advanced construction garments
- MSTCL4002 Assemble and fit commercially tailored or bespoke garments
- MSTFD3004 Apply principles of colour theory to fashion design development
- MSTFD4001 Apply design studio process
- MSTFD4002 Apply principles of colour theory to fashion design development
- MSTFD4003 Assist in preparation of preliminary design concepts
- MSTFD4005 Communicate and sell design concepts
- MSTFD4007 Conduct quality assurance for patterns and garments
- MSTFD4008 Construct stock size block for garment to meet size and fit specifications
- MSTFD4009 Create and edit digital embroidery designs
- MSTFD4010 Create pattern to meet design specifications applying advanced patternmaking principles
- MSTFD4011 Cut fabrics for prototype designs
- MSTFD4012 Develop product specifications for fashion design
- MSTFD4013 Grade 2-D patterns
- MSTFD4014 Identify influences on contemporary fashion designs and construction techniques
- MSTFD4015 Create pattern from block to meet customer specifications
- MSTFD4016 Sew design prototypes
- MSTFD4018 Use and apply sizing systems appropriate for fashion design
- MSTFD4019 Use colourisation techniques on fabrics
- MSTFD4020 Use electronic fashion design tools
- MSTFD4021 Drape fabrics to make patterns
- MSTGN4004 Analyse TCF merchandising and marketing principles
- MSTGN4006 Apply TCF market supply systems
- SIRRMER004 Develop visual merchandising creative concepts
- SIRRMER005 Implement visual merchandising concepts
- SIRRMER006 Achieve visual merchandising targets
- SIRRMER008 Plan and style merchandise photo shoots
KEEP LEARNING WITH TAFE NSW
From certificates to diplomas, degrees to study packages, you can take your study further with us.
STUDY PATHWAYS
- On successful completion of the Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising (Design and Product Development), you will be automatically credited with the following subjects.
- FDVIS102A Digital Visualisation, FDTEX101A Fashion Textiles, FDREA101A Fashion Design Realisation,FDREA102A Fashion Design Realisation in the Bachelor of Fashion Design.
- These credits will not reduce the duration in the Bachelor of Fashion Design
Build your expertise with a TAFE NSW Fashion study pathway:
- Master your skills with a TAFE NSW Degree - Bachelor of Fashion Design
Be Recognised
If you already have experience, skills and knowledge that are relevant to your course, you may be able to apply for credit through articulation, credit transfer or recognition of prior learning.
STUDY PACKAGES
Plan your study around your life with a TAFE NSW study package. Our study packages allow for multiple courses to be packaged together that can lead you to a TAFE NSW or an Australian University Bachelor Degree with credits. This gives you a one stop shop by completing your applications for the whole package through TAFE NSW allowing you to apply for one student Visa for the full duration of the package.
TAFE NSW allows for two or more courses to be packaged together, either to meet the prerequisite requirements for a course or to plan your studies around your career goals. You can submit a single TAFE NSW application form and will be able to apply for one Student Visa for the full duration of the package.
TAFE NSW allows for two or more courses to be packaged together leading to a TAFE NSW Bachelor Degree, either to meet the prerequisite requirements for a course or to plan your studies around your career goals. You can submit a single TAFE NSW application form and will be able to apply for one Student Visa for the full duration of the package.