Certificate IV in Textile Design and Technology

Certificate IV in Textile Design and Technology - MST40122

VOCATIONAL

Develop your skills in designing and creating textiles.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Part-time 3 years
Fees:

Fee finder

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Brunswick
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$24,250 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Brunswick

Unfortunately, this qualification is no longer available for the 2025 intake due to changes in Victorian government funding. We apologise for any inconvenience but would encourage you to consider these alternative courses, which are open for applications for Semester 1, 2025:

Unfortunately, this qualification is no longer available for the 2025 intake due to changes in Victorian government funding. We apologise for any inconvenience but would encourage you to consider these alternative courses, which are open for applications for Semester 1, 2025:

Overview

The RMIT Certificate IV of Textile Design and Technology, based in Brunswick, is a practical, studio-based course that gives you access to state-of-the-art facilities and industry-connected instructors to expand your textile creation skills.

Learn to create designs for knitted, woven and printed fabrics or textile products within a range of contexts, including fashion, interiors, homewares, craft and other commercial applications.

You will develop skills in drawing, painting and illustration, design and concept development, as well as textile knowledge and contemporary, sustainable practices. You’ll learn how to present your concepts using computer-aided design techniques.

Build on your skills to create experimental textile samples using a range of materials and processes, which may  include dye technologies, digital printing, laser cutting and fabric manipulation.

With a focus on industry standards you will be exposed to both major and independent Australian and international companies, giving you the opportunity to be involved in developing a collection of textiles to technical and market specifications.

Once you have acquired the core skills, you will have access to some studio spaces outside scheduled teaching times. This allows extra time for students to practise and work on their product designs.

Why study textile design and technology at RMIT?

Industry links

Collaborate with major and independent companies from around the world, working to market specifications.

State-of-the-art facilities

Hone your craft in a practical, studio-based environment, using cutting-edge tools and learning from industry-active instructors.

Professional accreditation

This course is recognised and supported by the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Industries Training Accreditation Board.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

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In RMIT's screen and digital print studios, and weave and knit workshops, you’ll undertake hands-on work with fabrics and textiles.

Learning and teaching

You’ll learn traditional skills and use new technologies to create textile samples using a range of materials and processes. You will build your skills and knowledge through practical hands-on studio time, tutorials, workshops, presentations, industry visits and group discussions, and use computer programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

Your studies will focus on different topics, including:

  • colour studies
  • computer-aided design (CAD)
  • design and production (textiles)
  • experimental textiles 
  • fibres and fabrics 
  • machine knitting 
  • marketing 
  • screen printing 
  • weaving
  • sustainability

Throughout your studies, you will complete design briefs, which will introduce you to industry practice and market viability. You’ll also learn about production and manufacturing processes in textiles, including the development of end products from your own textile creations, from practising textile designers with up-to-date knowledge of the latest industry techniques and trends. . 

Past students have worked with Kip and Co, Etiko, Warwick Fabrics, Silk Trader, Timorous Beasties (UK) and Kova Textiles (New York).

Assessment methods

You will be assessed throughout each semester via design folios, textile samples, reports, verbal presentations, group projects, research and practical assignments.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

You have the option to study this certificate full-time during business hours or part-time with classes held two evenings per week.

Part-time study options during the day are possible with consultation from your Program Coordinator.

In the Certificate IV in Textile Design and Technology, you’ll learn the skills and knowledge required to design textiles in a professional environment.

On completion, you will have gained both skills and knowledge in fibres, yarns and fabrics across knit, weave and print.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

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

This course will develop your technical and creative skills in textile design through practical, hands-on and studio-based learning.

You will develop skills in: 

  • drawing, painting and illustration techniques
  • design and concept development
  • knit, weave and print
  • textile history and contemporary practice. 

You will also present concepts using computer-aided design techniques.

Practical workshops will develop your skills in design and construction for screen-printing, machine knitting and weaving, incorporating an understanding of fibres and dye technology. 

Course structure

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

Certificate IV in Textile Design and Technology
Program code: C4434
National curriculum code: MST40122
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Certificate IV in Textile Design and Technology
Brunswick Campus
1 year full-time or 3 year part-time
C4434
112049G
Location
Brunswick Campus
Duration
1 year full-time or 3 year part-time
Plan code
C4434
CRICOS
112049G
View plan
Certificate IV in Textile Design and Technology
Brunswick Campus
1 year full-time
C4434
112049G
Location
Brunswick Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
C4434
CRICOS
112049G
View plan

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

Career

As a textile designer, you will create designs for knitted, woven and printed fabrics or textile products for a range of contexts, including fashion, interiors, homewares, craft and other commercial applications.

You can also work with graphics, packaging, greetings cards, ceramics, wrapping and wallpaper.

You can work as a textile design assistant, knitter, weaver and screen printer, fabric wholesaler, and studio assistants in screen printing companies and textile manufacturing companies. 

You may also find work in other associated areas, such as:

  • fabric importing and distribution
  • design education and community arts
  • department store fabric buying
  • sustainable design.

Typical work activities may include:

  • liaising with clients to plan and develop original designs
  • interpreting client ideas by producing sketches, mocked-up designs and samples for presentation to customers
  • assessing production standards
  • experimenting with colour, fabric, fibres and texture
  • maintaining up-to-date knowledge of new design and production techniques and textile technology
  • meeting industry specifications
  • working to a design brief and timeline.
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This qualification is recognised and supported by the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Industries Training Accreditation Board.

Textile design is a specialised form of industrial design (ANZSCO 232312).

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

There are no minimum academic requirements. All applicants must meet the minimum university entry requirements. 

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 50% (see calculator below).

Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.

Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.

Entry score calculator
Minimum Score Required

Don’t meet the requirements?

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

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

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 5.5 (with no individual band below 5.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 50 (with minimum of 5 in Reading, 5 in Listening, 14 in Speaking and 15 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 42 (with no communication band less than 36)
  • C1 Advanced: minimum of 162 with no less than 154 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) Upper Intermediate at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Additional information

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Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.

By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:

  • understand more about the program
  • determine if you may need support during your studies
  • make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.

Pathways

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Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

Explore the pathway finder
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Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the course/s below.

For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.

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You can gain entry to this certificate from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

You are guaranteed entry into the Associate Degree in Fashion when you successfully complete the Certificate IV in Textile Design, Development and Production.

Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT vocational study or undergraduate programs.

Fees

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Tuition fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

  • 2025 government subsidised place (with concession): AU$1,000* per annum
  • 2025 government subsidised place: AU$5,000* per annum
  • 2025 full-fee place: AU$19,000* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

Materials fees

You may also be required to purchase other items related to this course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

While we make every effort to ensure that materials fees are kept to a minimum and are competitive with alternative suppliers, material fees are not compulsory and you may choose to purchase these items independently.

For more information about material and other fees for this course, see additional fees and expenses.

You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession or exemption if you are in a Victorian Government subsidised place and you meet the eligibility criteria.

If your application for a fee concession is approved, you will be charged 20% of the standard government subsidised tuition fee for your program. You will also be charged a lower rate on your student services and amenities fee (SSAF).

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

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In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

Material fees

You may also be required to purchase other items related to this course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

While we make every effort to ensure that materials fees are kept to a minimum and are competitive with alternative suppliers, material fees are not compulsory and you may choose to purchase these items independently.

For more information about material and other fees for this course, see additional fees and expenses.

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