Diploma of Fashion Design & Garment Production

2-Year Diploma Program | No ATAR Required

This two-year Diploma prepares students for careers in fashion design, fashion illustration, pattern making and couture dressmaking. With a strong focus on couture and high-end ready-to-wear design and construction, the program builds advanced technical skills alongside a solid grounding in fashion business, production and professional practice.

Graduates leave with a well-rounded education and the practical knowledge needed to succeed in the fashion industry.

no ATAR required

〰️ mid-term enrolments open 〰️

no ATAR required 〰️ mid-term enrolments open 〰️

Entrance Requirements | No ATAR

An ATAR score is not required for entry. Contact us to arrange an interview as we may be able to recognise your previous practical or academic experience and grant exemptions for some units.

Diploma Duration | Two Years

You can complete the Diploma in two years (8 terms), attending three days per week, plus 3-4 weekend workshops and homework. The Diploma is totally flexible and you may attend part-time.

Diploma Teaching Format

You’ll work at own pace to achieve a professional level of expertise. You won't be required to keep up with others or have to catch up on information if you miss a class. Teaching is face-to-face and the teacher to student ratio is 1:10 (for workshops the ratio is 1:15 ).

Diploma Costs

Our tuition rates are competitive, starting from $22 per hour for subjects taught in the studio. Fees are payable each term, with 50% on enrolment and the balance due 6 weeks into the term. Text books, tools and fabric are charged in addition to tuition costs.

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DIPLOMA CURRICULUM

 

FASHION DESIGN SUBJECTS

  • Fashion Design Principles I
    Elements and principles of design
    Colour theory and colour schemes for fashion
    Application of design principles to students own designs

  • Fashion Design Principles II
    The fashion cycle and the psychology of fashion
    Image consulting & styling for figure types and occasions
    Principles of fit that apply to different garment types
    Planning alterations to completed garments to enhance fit
    Adjustment of garment styles and proportion to suit different figure types
    Trend forecasting, research and inspiration

  • Manual Drawing Workshop
    There are two distinct styles of drawing. Firstly, specification, technical or flat drawing, which is used to convey proportion and style to pattern makers and manufacturers. Secondly, fashion illustration which is used to present garments on a posed figure as a design or sales tool. You’ll be introduced to both through a two day workshop. You will undertake drawing exercises including:

    • Mood boards and fashion communication

    • Development of fashion 8 & 9 head templates

    • Development of poses to convey mood and display garments

    • Drawing garments on the fashion figure

    • Application of markers and coloured pencil to finished work

    • Manual technical or flat drawing.

  • Fashion Illustration
    Mood boards and fashion communication
    Development of fashion 8 & 9 head templates
    Development of poses to convey mood and display garments
    Drawing garments on the fashion figure
    Application of watercolours, markers and coloured pencils to finished work
    Flat or technical drawings and trade drawings

  • Fabric & Textiles Workshop

FASHION BUSINESS SUBJECTS

  • Fashion Business
    Designing a range
    Garment development
    Specifications
    Costing and sourcing materials
    The legal and regulatory environment
    Overseas manufacturing
    Business planning and understanding balance sheets and profit and loss statements
    The Australian fashion industry past and present and its relationship to the worldwide industry
    Safety, sustainability & ethics in the fashion industry
    Marketing and merchandising

  • Start Your Own Label Workshop

PATTERN MAKING & GARMENT PRODUCTION SUBJECTS

  • Pattern Making
    Manual grading techniques
    Pattern making and grading

  • Garment Production
    Construction techniques and finishes for commercial, high end ready to wear and couture garments
    Use and maintenance of industrial and domestic sewing machines and pressing equipment

  • Module 1: Basic Blocks
    Basic blocks for skirts, bodices & pants, pattern enlargement and variation techniques, necklines, collars & sleeves

  • Module 2: Complex Garments
    Complex dresses and blouses, unstructured jackets capes and hoods

  • Module 3: Lingerie & Stretch
    Lingerie and stretch pattern making

  • Module 4: Tailoring
    Tailoring for jackets, coats and trousers

  • Module 5: Introductory Draping
    Introduction to draped pattern making for modules 1-4 garments
    Taping a dress form and the preparation of cloth arms

  • Module 6: Advanced Draping
    Draped pattern making for evening wear and bridal

PORTFOLIO & COLLECTION

  • Design and production of a co-ordinated range of garments

  • Preparation of a portfolio for those wishing to work in industry or marketing information and look books for those wishing to start a label.

  • Completion of a dossier of the garments you have experience in pattern making, constructing and fitting for use in your career

 
 
 
Info pack

Entry Requirements

No ATAR is required for entry into the Diploma program.

Applicants are invited to contact us to arrange an interview, where previous practical experience, study or industry background may be considered. Recognition of prior learning or exemptions for selected units may be available where appropriate.

What You’ll Learn

Diploma students will develop a broad and professional skillset across design, construction and production, including:

  • fashion design development and illustration

  • pattern making and garment construction

  • couture and high-end ready-to-wear techniques

  • technical drawing and garment specification

  • an understanding of fashion business and production processes.

Graduates will complete the program with a strong all-round foundation and the practical confidence for a range of industry or to launch their own label.

>See Full Course Curriculum

How You’ll Learn

Our Diploma program follows a structured master curriculum, tailored in consultation with each student to ensure learning is aligned with individual skill level, goals and availability.

Programs are self-paced and flexible, allowing students to study full-time or part-time and progress at a speed that suits them while receiving the appropriate level of guidance and support. Teaching is delivered face-to-face in a professional studio environment, with a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning.

Class sizes are kept small to support personalised instruction, with a maximum of 10 students per teacher for practical classes and 15 students per teacher for theory-based sessions.

The Diploma is typically completed over two years (eight terms) when studying three days per week. Part-time study is available, and the overall duration may vary depending on individual pace, availability and project choices. Students undertaking more complex or couture-focused work may allow additional time to complete the program.

Fees & Bookings

The total program cost is approximately $Y, depending on study pace and unit selection. Fees are paid per term, allowing flexibility in how students progress through the course rather than requiring payment of the full amount upfront.

Term fees are payable in two instalments, with 50% due on enrolment and the remaining balance payable six weeks into the term.

Please note that textbooks, tools and fabric are charged separately. A full breakdown of units, fees and payment structure is included in our Info Pack.

Diploma students are welcome to review upcoming class availability and to book online

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Fashion Design | Diploma Curriculum