Diploma of Fashion Design

Unit Code & Title

Credit Points

Prerequisites

TRIMESTER 1

DES111 Visual Design This subject introduces students to the core building blocks of visual communication, from colour and composition to shape, space, pattern, and texture. Students learn how meaning is created through images while building practical skills using Adobe Creative Suite. Through hands-on projects, they develop confidence applying design principles to create polished, visually engaging work.

6

Nil

DES112 Culture of Design Students explore how design responds to human, social, cultural, and environmental needs. This subject looks at the evolution of design, its influence on society, and the emerging role of AI in creative practice. Through research, review, and concept development, students learn how design thinking shapes ethical, innovative solutions across industries.

6

Nil

DFD111 Fashion Design Folio 1 This subject introduces the research and design foundations of the fashion industry. Students learn how to use visual and market research to inform their ideas, develop early garment concepts, and communicate their designs through digital, visual, and written methods. By the end, students create their first cohesive fashion design folio supported by commercial and creative insights.

6

Nil

DFD112 Garment Production and Technology 1 Students gain essential pattern making and garment construction skills, learning how foundational garment blocks are developed, fitted, and constructed. The subject covers cutting, sewing, finishing techniques, and the creation of early technical documentation. By producing basic garments and technical packs, students build the practical skills required for apparel development.

6

Nil

TRIMESTER 2

DFD121 Fashion Design Folio 2 Building on Folio 1, this subject extends students’ design development, illustration, and research skills. Students explore trend analysis, concept generation, textile and print ideas, and sustainable design decision-making. They create a mini fashion collection supported by visual boards, technical drawings, and a strong commercial rationale, strengthening their creative identity and industry awareness.

6

DFD111 Fashion Design Folio 1

DFD122 Garment Production and Technology 2 This subject advances students’ technical garment construction abilities, introducing more complex pieces such as shirts, trousers, and introductory tailored garments. Students refine pattern manipulation, toile development, fitting, and advanced sewing techniques. They also deepen their understanding of manufacturing quality and produce professional technical documentation and a coordinated outfit.

6

DFD112 Garment Production and Technology 1

DFD123 The Fashion Design Industry Students gain an applied understanding of how the Australian fashion industry operates, exploring manufacturing standards, grading, costing, merchandising, and production planning. They develop manufacturing-ready documentation and analyse real-world industry practices. The subject also supports students in identifying potential career pathways and the technical and professional skills needed for industry success.

6

DES111 Visual Design DES112 Culture of Design DFD112 Garment Production and Technology 1 DFD111 Fashion Design Folio 1

DES121 Design Studio This subject consolidates and extends the design knowledge and practical skills developed across the Diploma through a simulated online design studio. Students work in small teams, rotating between client and designer roles as they respond to personal or brand-based briefs and experience a realistic professional workflow. Fashion Design students focus on developing their personal brand identity through aesthetic research and market analysis, creating coordinated promotional materials such as logos, social media content, and presentation assets. Across the trimester, students research the market, create mood boards and design concepts, document their process in a Design Process Book, and present a coordinated folio and live pitch that showcase their readiness for entry level or freelance opportunities in the design industry.

6

DES111 Visual Design DES112 Culture of Design DFD111 Fashion Design Folio 1 DFD112 Garment Production and Technology 1

Total

48