Diploma of Fashion Design
CRS2026DFD
The Diploma of Fashion Design provides a flexible and accessible pathway into the fashion industry, equipping students with the specialised knowledge and practical skills needed for skilled and paraprofessional roles or further study.
Next intake: February, June, September 2026
Duration: 8 Units across 2 Trimester of Study
Delivery: Face-to-face OR real-time learning via Zoom
Next intake: February, June, September 2026
Duration: 8 Units across 2 Trimester of Study
Delivery: Face-to-face OR real-time learning via Zoom
Purposefully designed for online delivery, the course combines creative exploration with professional readiness, enabling students to develop their design capability through engaging, technology-enhanced, and industry-informed learning experiences.
Students build a comprehensive understanding of fashion design principles, processes, and production techniques through interactive digital studios, visual design projects, and virtual collaboration. They explore the historical, cultural, ethical, and economic influences shaping contemporary fashion and apply this understanding to their own creative practice. Learning activities integrate hands-on skills such as digital pattern development, garment visualisation, and textile experimentation using industry-standard design software.
The course emphasises applied and project-based learning within a connected online community. Students collaborate, share ideas, and receive feedback from peers and industry professionals in real time. By producing a professional digital portfolio that demonstrates technical and creative proficiency, graduates will be prepared for entry-level roles in design and production, freelance practice, or continued study within fashion and related disciplines.
Graduates of the Diploma of Fashion Design will be prepared for skilled and paraprofessional roles across the fashion and broader creative industries. The course develops the technical, digital, and conceptual abilities required to contribute effectively to design, production, and creative teams.
Graduates may seek employment in areas such as:
Fashion design assistant or junior designer
Digital fashion designer or visualiser
Pattern maker, garment technician, or sample room assistant
Fashion production or product development coordinator
Fashion stylist, visual merchandiser, or fashion marketing assistant
Independent or freelance designer within small-scale or bespoke production contexts
Graduates will also develop a professional portfolio that supports progression into advanced study in fashion design or related creative disciplines, or entry into specialised areas such as digital fashion, product development, or styling.
Applicants must meet one or more of the following criteria:
Successful completion of Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary qualification); or
Successful completion of at least six months of an AQF Certificate III or higher qualification.
Applicants who do not meet the formal academic entry requirements may be considered for admission on the basis of at least three years of post-secondary work experience demonstrating capability to undertake study at the required level.
All applicants confirm their suitability for study through one of the following:
Submission of a 150-word personal statement as part of the application form, outlining their interest in the creative industries and motivation for study; or
A consultation with the College, conducted in person, online, or by phone.
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 |
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