Master of Design (Fashion & Textiles)

Master of Design (Fashion & Textiles)

RESEARCH

Work in the fashion and textiles industry in design, management, galleries, museums and non-government organisations.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Part-time 4 years
Fees:

Research Training Scheme

Next intake:
Continuous (scholarship application closing dates apply)
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$35,520 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
Continuous (scholarship application closing dates apply)
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

The Master of Design (Fashion and Textiles) by Research program enables you to develop an advanced body of knowledge that you may apply to a range of stimulating, real-life research contexts.

Individually supervised research programs are aligned to one of the School’s Centre for Materials Innovation and Future Fashion or the School’s research streams.

These research areas reflect the School’s research supervisors’ expertise along with the available resources and collaborative relationships with industry and other research organisations.

The Master of Design may be undertaken by project or by thesis mode:

  • The project mode is directed towards candidates taking a creative practice-led approach to conduct research into fashion design, textile design, curatorial practice, communication, or interdisciplinary design.
  • The thesis mode is directed towards candidates taking a social science approach to conduct research into an aspect of the fashion and textiles system such as design practice, curatorial practice, historical or contemporary cultural studies, enterprise or ethical practice.

This decision is made in consultation with your supervisor. You should discuss these program modes with your potential supervisor/s prior to your application.

Details

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Research at RMIT

Time spent on research

Full-time candidates are expected to commit at least four days per week (or at least two days per week for part-time candidates) to their research. The academic year is 48 weeks.

Regular contact with your supervisor

A schedule of meetings with your supervisor/s must be established to assess progress against milestones and timely completion.

Resources, facilities and support

You will have access to the Learning Hub and other online and digital resources through the myRMIT student portal.

You will be part of an active research community and have access to resources and workshops to help you succeed.

School of Graduate Research

The School of Graduate Research works with Schools to further support candidates during their postgraduate research degree.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

You will undertake the Master by Research program under the direction of an appointed research supervisor.

The Master program is structured to enable you to:

  • complete a compulsory research methods course
  • receive training in research integrity and ethics
  • select studies in qualitative and quantitative research techniques
  • complete a thesis/project which demonstrates your contribution to the field and your ability to communicate
  • complex research for peers and the community to an international standard
  • develop mastery in research in your chosen field by undertaking a substantial and rigorous research project.

You will gain:

  • a body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent developments in one or more disciplines
  • advanced knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the discipline
  • cognitive skills to demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on theory and its application
  • cognitive, technical and creative skills to:
  • investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems concepts and theories and to apply established theories to different bodies of knowledge or practice
  • generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level
  • design, use and evaluate research and research methods
  • communication and technical skills to present coherent and sustained argument and to disseminate research results to specialist and non-specialist audiences
  • technical and communication skills to design, evaluate, implement, analyse, theorise and disseminate research that makes a contribution to knowledge and/or professional practice.

As a graduate you will demonstrate the application of these knowledge and skills:

  • with creativity and initiative to new situations and/or for further learning
  • with high-level personal autonomy and accountability
  • to plan and execute a substantial piece of research.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Master of Design (Fashion & Textiles)
Program code: MR213
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Design
Brunswick Campus
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
MR213
079694A
Location
Brunswick Campus
Duration
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
Plan code
MR213
CRICOS
079694A
View plan
Master of Design
Brunswick Campus
2 years full-time
MR213
079694A
Location
Brunswick Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
MR213
CRICOS
079694A
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

This program will provide you with a foundation for further studies at PhD level and for employment within the fashion and textiles industry in a position allied to design, management, galleries, museums and non-government organisations.

Graduates of this program may also have their own business, SME or freelance as designers, artists, curators and producers.

Entry requirements and admissions

The minimum requirements for admission to a master by research program are:

  • a bachelor degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology courses that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a credit average in the final year; or
  • evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.

At RMIT a grade of credit represents academic achievement of 60% or higher.

None

These entrance requirements are the minimum academic standard you must meet in order to be eligible to apply for the program. You will need to complete a selection task as part of your application.

A selection process will be conducted in conjunction with the School and supervisors you nominate. 

For further information on the steps you need to take to apply for a research program see How to apply – Research programs.

The minimum requirements for admission to a master by research program are:

  • a bachelor degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology courses that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a credit average in the final year; or
  • evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.

At RMIT a grade of credit represents academic achievement of 60% or higher.

None

Research proposal and supervisor

Proposal

You must attach a substantive research proposal that is 2 to 5 pages in length which articulates the intent, significance and originality of the proposed topic using the following headings:

a) title / topic
b) research questions to be investigated in the context of existing research/literature in the area
c) significance and impact of the research
d) methodology / research tasks required to undertake the research
e) particular needs (e.g. resources, facilities, fieldwork or equipment that are necessary for your proposed research program, if applicable)

Supervisor

Your application will not be considered if you have not discussed your research topic with a proposed senior and associate supervisor or joint senior supervisors. You must provide the names of the academic staff in the school you have applied to and with whom you have discussed your proposed research.

For further information on the steps you need to take to apply for a research program see How to apply – Research programs.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways

You can gain entry to this program from a range of RMIT four year Bachelor and Honours degrees or Postgraduate programs.

Further study

If you excel in your master degree by research, you can continue your research in a doctorate (PhD). This involves four years of research under the supervision of a senior researcher.

Fees

Expand all sections

Fee information for masters by research and doctorate (PhD) programs.

If you are an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen you may be eligible for a Research Training Scheme (RTS) place where your tuition costs are funded by the Commonwealth Government under the RTS and you have full exemption from tuition fees.

Acceptance in an RTS place is very competitive and places are granted on the condition that you meet annual progress requirements and complete within the allotted time for your program and your status as a part-time or full-time candidate.

This means a maximum of 2 years for a full-time Masters by Research or 4 years for a PhD (or the equivalent part-time).

Contact the School of Graduate Research for more information.

The student services and amenities fee (SSAF) is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

In addition to the SSAF there may be other expenses associated with your program.

Candidates may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to their employment. See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Expand all sections

The student services and amenities fee (SSAF) is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

In addition to the SSAF there may be other expenses associated with your program.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information