Make your designs stand out!
Our fashion course provides you with the skills you need to create innovative designs, either for the catwalks of high couture or ready-to-wear garments. In the course, you will:
Once you have completed our fashion course, you'll have the opportunity to apply for our resident program within the design hub and become one of our emerging designers.
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Last updated:
03 Apr 2020 at 12:00AM AEST
Box Hill Institute reserves the right to alter or delete details of a course offering, fees or other information provided
February
Full time: 3 years (weekdays) or part time equivalent
You can graduate with an Associate Degree in Fashion on completion of 2 years full time study.
Mode of delivery: most subjects are timetabled 3-4 hours contact per week. Full time students would attend classes 12 -18 hours per week. All subjects are delivered face to face and include lectures, tutorials and practical activities.
For information regarding dates such as enrolment, orientation and study breaks please visit the Academic Calendars page.
After successful completion, employment opportunities in the industry include:
You'll be equipped with the relevant skills and knowledge to be self-employed in your own fashion business.
You will:
Applicants with higher education study
Applicants with higher education are those who have completed some or all of a higher education course as their highest level of study since leaving secondary education. This includes study undertaken by applicants at either non-university higher education providers or university some time ago or recently, such as applicants seeking to transfer to Box Hill Institute from another education provider or applicants changing to a different course at Box Hill Institute.
Applicants with higher education study will be required to attend an interview with a folio. Applicants may receive subject credit on the basis of higher education studies.
Interview: applicants will be asked a series of questions relating to their suitability for the course. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a clear understanding and aptitude for the course.
Folio requirements: applicants are required to present a portfolio and 1–2 garments. Applicants can present a folio that demonstrates creativity, artwork, fashion illustrations and concept development.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study
Applicants with VET study are those who have completed some or all of a VET course as their highest level of study since leaving secondary education. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider and applicants who have other qualifications such as Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.
Applicants with VET study will be required to attend an interview with a folio. Applicants may receive subject credit on the basis of your diploma studies.
Interview – applicants will be asked a series of questions relating to their suitability for the course. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a clear understanding and aptitude for this course.
Folio requirements – applicants are required to present a portfolio and 1 – 2 garments. Applicants can present a folio which demonstrates creativity, artwork, fashion illustrations and concept development.
Applicants with work and life experience
Applicants with work and life experience have left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. applicants who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
‘Experience’ could include a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education. This includes mature age entry, professional experience, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped them to prepare for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.
Applicants with work and life experience will be required to attend an interview with a folio.
Interview – applicants will be asked a series of questions relating to their suitability for the course. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a clear understanding and aptitude for this course.
Folio requirements – applicants are required to present a portfolio and 1 – 2 garments. Applicants can present a folio which demonstrates creativity, artwork, fashion illustrations and concept development.
Applicants with recent secondary education
Applicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is based primarily on completion of Year 12 undertaken at school, TAFE or other VET or higher education provider (this includes both Australian or overseas equivalent) that was completed (or will be) in the current year or within the previous two years.
Year 12 Applicants must have successfully completed VCE (or equivalent) with a study score of at least 20 in English. Additional consideration will be given for achievement for applicants who have completed at least one of the following VCE subjects: Design and Technology, Studio Arts, Visual Communication and Design.
Applicants with recent secondary education will be required to attend an interview with a folio.
Interview – applicants will be asked a series of questions relating to their suitability for the course. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a clear understanding and aptitude for this course.
Folio requirements – applicants are required to present a portfolio and 1 – 2 garments. Applicants can present a folio which demonstrates creativity, artwork, fashion illustrations and concept development.
VTAC application and direct entry available
Applicants completing secondary education (Year 12) or equivalent must:
All other applicants must:
Recognition of Prior Learning is available.
Successful completion will enable you to apply for postgraduate courses, e.g a Master of Design.
If you have completed an Advanced Diploma of Fashion or Associate Degree, you are eligible for up to 66% credit (2 years).
This course is accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) and the qualification is aligned with the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) level 7 and Box Hill Institute Graduate Attributes.
| Full Fee | |
| Tuition Fee | $51,544 |
| Service Fee | $495 |
| Core Skills Support Fee | $80 |
| Material Fee | $0 |
| Retain Course Items | $0 |
| Total Course Estimate | $52,119 |
| Payable Estimate (at commencement) | $16,752 |
* Does not apply to VETDSS or Short course students.
** Does not apply to VETDSS, International students, Short Courses, Graduate Degrees , or re-enrolling students who re-enrol in the same course.
***Retained Course Items are purchased by the student once prior to commencing. The course items bought by the student become the property of the student. Such items retain a generic application for other purposes outside the student's course of study (e.g. textbooks).
Student tuition & materials fees published are indicative, and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees listed are at 2020 rates and may increase annually over the duration of delivery. Advertised start dates and delivery locations are subject to viable student numbers. For more information please contact our Course Advisors on 1300 BOX HILL.
You are required to complete a total of 24 core subjects to graduate.
As an introduction to the Design strand, this subject is initially concerned with the foundations of design and developing a fashion range focussing on lower-body garments. This subject underpins creative development; ensuring students gain visual and conceptual training while learning about the cultural context of fashion through introductory studies in the history of fashion and society. The elements and principles of design will be explored. Students will also develop core skills and knowledge in the application of CAD (computer aided design) including Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Approaches to the study of design in this subject will equip students with a range of conceptual viewpoints using visual research techniques. This approach is intended to encourage individuals to start to construct a personally meaningful overview of fashion design, and form an understanding of the creative process through interaction.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 3 hour tutorial, 2 hour CAD for 13 weeks.
This subject will foster the development of the skills necessary to communicate effectively in the fast-paced and team-based fashion industry. Students will develop their understanding of formal and informal written and oral communications including presentation skills and written business communications. The complex communication needs and the specific roles within the fashion industry will be explored including negotiation, conflict management, networking, mentoring, diversity, organisational politics and crisis management. Students will also develop an understanding of academic standards and suitable fashion industry research methods.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture and 2 hour tutorial for 13 weeks
Building upon studies completed in first semester, students will further develop their understanding and knowledge of researching and designing a fashion range. This subject explores design concepts focusing on the upper body and introduces the theory of range development and assortment planning for a commercial fashion range. Expanding on the cultural context of fashion, students will be introduced to fashion theorists and their influence on fashion and society. The visual language of international designer will also be explored. Students will build their skills and knowledge of fashion illustration, technical sketching and CAD design related to the upper body. Through the undertaking of a major design brief and the introduction of a range of symbolic and visual communication methods, students will develop their ability to express their ideas using fashion industry methods and expand their knowledge of the global fashion industry. Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 3 hour tutorial, 2 hour CAD for 13 weeks.
Prerequisites: DESN103-Design Foundations, TECH103- Pattern making Essentials, PROD103-Garment Fundamentals 1
Assessment: Written Assignment-20%, Design Folio & Presentation Final range -40%, CAD folio-25%, International Designer Presentation - 15%.
As a context for the further development of design skills, this subject provides students an opportunity to explore a range of design concepts from differing fashion viewpoints. Students will engage further in fashion theory including cultural, social and political aspects of fashion in which to view the diversity of the fashion industry. The students' exploration of style, shape, surface qualities, fabric manipulation and embellishment provides the medium through which to express notions of diversity. Concepts of creativity will be explored to enhance the development of experimental and innovative design concepts. Emphasis is placed on exploratory 2D and 3D design. Students will also be required to extend their ability to communicate visually using CAD to refine their personal design. This subject requires students to synthesise knowledge and skills gained in the technology and production subjects, as well as utilising their conceptual understanding developed in previous design subjects to create their own personal designs.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 3 hour tutorial (4 hours) for 13 weeks
Students will acquire fundamental knowledge of patternmaking for fashion design and commercial manufacturing. Students will learn how to translate fashion drawings into flat patterns to be translated into three dimensional forms. This subject will contribute to the formation of a conceptual framework within which decisions are made regarding choice of materials referenced to design, pattern, and production and end-use criteria. Focussing specifically on lower-body garments, students will acquire an understanding and awareness of the relationship between the flat pattern, materials, the human form, fit and the ways in which various pattern shapes interact in the creation of garments. Students will also be introduced to computer-aided patternmaking techniques to create and modify patterns.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 3 hour practical (4hrs) for 13 weeks.
This subject focuses on the fundamental knowledge, understanding and practical skills required for garment construction and commercial apparel production processes. These processes will include construction sequence plans, specifications and sourcing of production components. Complementing this, students will investigate a range of fabrications and construction techniques specifically relevant to lower body garments. Students will undertake garment analysis and develop effective communication strategies for the construction of garments for commercial production. The key outcome of this subject will be the realisation of a lower body garment applying their own choice of fabric and design ideas.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 3 hour practical (4 hours) for 13 weeks.
Building on the first patternmaking subject, students will extend and consolidate knowledge and understanding of patternmaking used in fashion design and commercial manufacturing. Students will learn to identify and interpret drawings and develop patterns to transform 2D drawings to 3D garments focusing on upper-body garments. Students will extend their knowledge of the constraints that materials place on pattern construction and expand their understanding of the relationship between the flat pattern, the human form and fit. Computer-aided patternmaking techniques for the upper body will be applied, further developing their CAD skills established in the first semester.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 3 hour practical (4 hours) for 13 weeks
Students will extend their conceptual framework and gain a greater depth of knowledge and understanding of patternmaking procedures and technologies in manual and computer-aided pattern making with the introduction of grading. Students will acquire an understanding of differences in patternmaking technologies, their attributes and applications through construction of patterns for a range of complex garment types with a focus on the dress block. Woven and knit fabric structure will be further considered in relation to patternmaking. Students will develop more advanced manual pattern techniques and will further develop draping concepts for pattern development.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 3 hour practical.
Building on the previous production-strand subjects, students will extend their conceptual understanding of the creation of garments at a professional level, while developing advanced skills and knowledge. This is intended to further their capacity to construct garments of greater design complexity. Students will integrate and apply their learning through the construction of a range of garments using machine techniques, and through testing and evaluating a range of fabrics, embellishments and experimental stitching techniques to produce an individual dress design. Quality control standards will be assessed to consolidate an understanding of production processes.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 3 hour practical (4 hours) for 13 weeks.
This subject builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in the first year subject Presentation and Marketing. In this subject students will evaluate and develop a digital marketing strategy for a fashion brand. They will examine the role of technology in changing the techniques marketers use to communicate with their consumers, including business strategies for incorporating websites and social media into marketing and promotions and how this technology can be effectively managed and controlled. Students will also examine how consumers use social media to circumvent the traditional methods of marketing and promotion and begin talking directly with other consumers via technologies like Facebook and Twitter. The subject provides students with practical experience of the creation of marketing products using Web technology.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial (3 hours) for 13 weeks
This subject examines differing perspectives on managing the production process for developing a fashion range either locally or offshore. Students will explore the concepts, processes and skills associated with managing workflow, including the analytical and interpersonal skills required for solving problem production issues. Supply chain concepts and project management provide the frameworks for understanding fashion industry-specific sectors, including the software used to manage production planning and quality control processes. Students will also investigate and evaluate ethical and sustainable production processes utilised by fashion brands in the fashion industry.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 3 hour tutorial (4 hours) for 13 weeks
Building on skills and knowledge gained in first semester, students will continue to build their understanding of interpreting design ideas into realisable garments. This subject will focus on the bodice block and investigate the construction techniques for upper body garments. Through the construction of experimental toiles, students will gain a sound understanding of commercial garment production processes and will be introduced to the concepts of pricing and costing for locally sourced garments. This knowledge will then be applied to the design and manufacture of a shirt design of their choice, alongside an investigation into fashion fabrics and their performance.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture 3 hour practical for 13 weeks.
This subject establishes the major elements of marketing principles and processes for fashion brands. It addresses the role of marketing in the social and economic environment and as a managerial tool. The role of the stylist and its relationship to fashion marketing is explored. Students are also introduced to the presentation tools used to promote ideas and products in the fashion industry.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture and 3 hour tutorial for 13 weeks
This design subject requires students to deepen their analytical and conceptual thinking and individual approach to fashion design. The meaning of fashion will be further investigated to broaden the students understanding of the influence of fashion on the individual and society. Students will explore the process of creating a unique ‘capsule collection’ for a target market whilst developing their skills and knowledge of tailoring. The principles of range planning will be applied to the development of the capsule collection. The major design project will also provide students the opportunity to expand on their understanding of fashion marketing and professional presentation methods through the development of visual marketing and promotional materials.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 3 hour tutorial (4 hours) for 13 weeks
This elective design subject requires students to deepen their analytical and conceptual thinking and individual approach to fashion design. The meaning of fashion will be further investigated to broaden the students’ understanding of the influence of fashion on the individual and society. Students will explore the process of creating a unique ‘capsule collection’ for a target market whilst developing their skills and knowledge of sportswear and intimate apparel. The principles of range planning will be applied to the development of the capsule collection. The major design project will also provide students the opportunity to expand on their understanding of fashion marketing and professional presentation methods through the development of visual marketing and promotional materials.
Students will apply accumulated knowledge to integrate and extend concepts, understanding and skills in the selection and application of patternmaking technologies. They will acquire a greater depth of knowledge, functions and applications of a variety of patternmaking methods. The focus of this subject is developing patterns for a tailored jacket capsule collection. Students will use their understanding, skills and critical judgement in the appropriate selection and use of a variety of manual patternmaking techniques. They will learn to analyse and monitor CAD and manual techniques to ensure quality maintenance for a range of fashion products.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 3 hour practical (4 hours) for 13 weeks.
Students will apply accumulated knowledge to integrate and extend concepts, understanding and skills in the selection and application of patternmaking technologies. They will acquire a greater depth of knowledge, functions and applications of a variety of patternmaking methods. The focus of this subject is developing patterns for stretch garments focusing on sportswear and intimate apparel. Students will use their understanding, skills and critical judgement in the appropriate selection and use of a variety of manual patternmaking techniques. They will learn to analyse and monitor CAD and manual techniques to ensure quality maintenance for a range of fashion products.
This final unit of study in the production strand will allow students to consolidate and apply a technical and conceptual framework to the whole production planning process. This will be achieved by the production of a capsule collection that is expressive of a personal style and in accordance to industry production standards for a target market. Students will develop a deeper understanding of complex construction techniques with a focus on stretch garments-sportswear and intimate apparel. Students will also undertake an investigation of mass manufacturing and production to further consolidate their understanding of commercial production practises.
This final unit of study in the production strand will allow students to consolidate and apply a technical and conceptual framework to the whole production planning process. This will be achieved by the production of a capsule collection that is expressive of a personal style and in accordance to industry production standards for a target market. Students will develop a deeper understanding of complex construction techniques with a focus on tailoring. Students will also undertake an investigation of mass manufacturing and production to further consolidate their understanding of commercial production practices.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 3 hour practical (4 hours) for 13 weeks.
The aim of this subject is to enable students to define their potential career direction, and to design and develop a showcase collection for the runway, which reflects their design aesthetic, skills and knowledge. The purpose is for students to further develop their professional voice and creative vision as a designer, while identifying where this role sits in the broader fashion industry context. The development of the students’ showcase collection will be underpinned by theory, conceptual research and knowledge. This subject is intended to advance the students’ ability to research their target audience, while demonstrating their ability to successfully plan and market a fashion range. Students will also create a fashion blog as a communication tool to critically reflect on the progress of their showcase range. As an integrated studies unit, this subject will also build on the design, technology and production subject knowledge from years one and two with the introduction of new experimental and innovative skills and techniques.
Contact hours are 1 lecture, 7 hour tutorial + practical (8hours) for 13 weeks
This subject offers the knowledge and skills needed to work professionally and manage a career in the fashion industry. The subject presents a broad overview of management, leadership styles and workplace cultures. It identifies key conceptual, procedural and dispositional capacities. Students develop a profile of their strengths, weaknesses, knowledge, skills, abilities, graduate attributes and employability skills. They reflect on their profile and apply it to a career management strategy. At the end of this subject the student will have identified and secured a fashion industry internship that will complement their career development goals.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial (3 hours) for 13 weeks
The aim of this subject is to equip students with the capacity to comprehend, anticipate and adapt to emerging and future developments in the fashion industry, with particular emphasis on ethical and sustainability considerations and implications. Students will not only be able to analyse the ‘product’ as a vehicle for change in the industry, but also to consider production processes, systems and consumer behaviour in the broader context of the global fashion business. Students will develop a clear understanding of professional ethics and corporate responsibility that will assist them in coming to grips with future challenges the fashion industry may face and with ways of addressing these changes. The subject builds on students’ understanding of garment construction from the technology and production subjects, whilst informing and contextualising decisions made in the Design Directions subjects.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 1 hour tutorial, 2 hour practical for 13 weeks.
This final design subject consolidates the student’s research, analytical and practical skills and knowledge in relation to design development, processes and outcomes. The aim of this subject is to assist students to articulate a clear understanding of their potential place in the fashion industry based on interaction with peers, lecturers and industry professionals – all underpinned by the accumulated knowledge, experience and meaning gained in associated subjects and study. Students will be required to use theoretical frameworks to reflect upon, refine and extend their stated intentions in Design Directions 1, resulting in an informed and focused showcase collection. They will also draw on their understanding of fashion business established in their business studies to develop an integrated marketing plan to launch and promote their fashion brand/collection. Students will be given the opportunity to present their showcase range in an end-of-year fashion event to industry professionals.
Contact hours are 1 hour lecture, 7 hour tutorial + practical (8 hours) for 13 weeks.
In this subject students undertake a fashion internship with a fashion organisation. Students will undertake and review the activities planned in Workplace Internship 1. Students use action learning and reflective practice to engage with, and apply the theory and principles encountered throughout the course. The internship is an opportunity to observe, gain and critically assess new skills and knowledge, reflect on the implications for the future, and refine career goals and directions accordingly.
Contact hours are 2 hour tutorial for 4 weeks or online.We expect to enrol between 40 and 50 students.
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Box Hill Institute’s Creative Design Hub, located at our Nelson Campus, provides first-class leadership by showcasing best practices, support, and training in the vibrant world of design. The space offers photography and graphic design students the ability to collaborate with aspiring fashion designers, and includes sewing rooms, patternmaking tables, CAD rooms and a photographic studio.
