Diploma of Fashion Styling

Diploma of Fashion Styling - 10871NAT

VOCATIONAL

Make your mark globally in the fashion industry with the only nationally-accredited fashion styling diploma in Australia.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

Fee finder

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Brunswick
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$22,500 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Brunswick

Overview

Have you always wanted to work in fashion? Do you have a flair for the creative? Become a global influential force by learning new skills to assist you in making an impact in the global fashion industry.

You’ll work to real and simulated industry briefs and learn how to provide an individual or business with creative styling solutions for areas such as personal styling, image consultancy, social media content, fashion editorial or styling for television. 

Using a combination of RMIT’s state-of-the-art studios and virtual learning spaces, and guided by real practitioners with strong connections to industry, you will learn the skills and knowledge to set up your own consulting business, work for a company or simply continue exploring other areas of fashion. 

To be industry-ready for a successful career in fashion styling, you will:

  • build your knowledge of body shape, colour and personality
  • gain an understanding of marketing and consumer behaviour
  • develop the skills required to establish a freelance business  
  • learn to create and execute photoshoots for fashion 
  • be able to identify current local and global fashion trends
  • have the skills to create, plan and manage an event 
  • develop technical knowledge including photography, sewing and IT
  • build networks within the fashion industry.

Why study fashion styling at RMIT?

International study

Gain a global perspective through study tours to cities in Asia, America and Europe.

Learn hands-on

Undertake 40+ hours of on-the-job training with a fashion stylist or styling-related company.

Work relevant

Practise your craft on real industry briefs and projects, in liaison with experts.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

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Learning and teaching

This diploma offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches to give you direct insights and experience in the global fashion workplace.

You will develop the knowledge to perform the duties and tasks in a range of different disciplines associated with fashion styling. Similarly, you will acquire practical skills such as basic sewing, photography, and computer-aided design.

Classes are interactive and provide you with the opportunity to discuss ideas and practise new skills. Some of the activities include:

  • styling merchandise for digital media and e-commerce
  • styling for fashion editorial photoshoots
  • developing concepts and managing the implementation of fashion events
  • creating content for social media
  • consulting for personal styling
  • basic camera skills
  • fundamental sewing skills.

Assessment methods

Throughout the Diploma of Fashion Styling, you will learn and be assessed through independent and group work, presentations, workshops and blended learning. Some assessment activities include case studies and formal presentations to groups, including fashion industry representatives.

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 will have the opportunity to:

  • be involved in running a fashion event or runway show
  • work with a fashion stylist on industry-based projects
  • gain on-the-job training with a fashion stylist or styling related company for a minimum of 40 hours.

In your studies you will participate in industry styling events and fashion styling opportunities including trade and fashion shows and guest speakers. You will also have the opportunity to meet designers, fashion stylists, brand and marketing specialists, event planners, either at RMIT events or during excursions.

RMIT Fashion and Textiles can provide you with global opportunities to study overseas through study tours to Asia, United States of American and European cities.

RMIT’s Global opportunities supports students to undertake an exchange or short-term mobility activity with over 165 partner universities worldwide.

While studying this diploma, you will be expected to attend 22 hours per week of classes and undertake approximately 14 hours of extra study and research weekly.

There are often concentrated periods of self-directed study, research and out-of-class work when assessments are due.

Class sizes are approximately 21 students.

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

As a student in this diploma, you will complete 23 core subjects, and two electives. 

Topics you'll cover include building and maintaining business relationsips, styling fashion for media, negotiating and refining design briefs, developing and executing event management plans, analysing influences on contemporary fasion designs, researching global design trends, leading and managing teams and projects, and more.

Course structure

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

Diploma of Fashion Styling
Program code: C5401
National curriculum code: 10871NAT
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Diploma of Fashion Styling
Brunswick Campus
1 year full-time; this Program is offered at a February and July start
C5401
105217K
Location
Brunswick Campus
Duration
1 year full-time; this Program is offered at a February and July start
Plan code
C5401
CRICOS
105217K
View plan
Diploma of Fashion Styling
Brunswick Campus
1 year full-time
C5401
105217K
Location
Brunswick Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
C5401
CRICOS
105217K
View plan

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

Career

Graduates of the Diploma of Fashion styling have the capability to work in a range of jobs in the fashion and fashion styling industry including:

  • personal stylist or image consultant
  • editorial, catalogue or commercial fashion stylist
  • wardrobe stylist for film or TV
  • fashion show and event stylist
  • fashion and style blogger
  • social media fashion stylist
  • fashion retail stylist
  • creative specialist
  • fashion brand stylist.

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 entry requirements.

All applicants must submit the selection task

Applicants who are seeking admission on the basis of an approved RMIT pathway will be able to indicate this in the selection task and submit.

All other applicants must complete and submit the selection task requirements.

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

Semester 1, 2025

Entry into this program is competitive, and applications are assessed in the order that they are received until this date, if places are still available. For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Selection task dates

Selection task dates for VTAC applicants
VTAC applicants Register and submit the selection task by
November round (Non-year 12 applicants only) 1 November 2024
December round (Current year 12 applicants only) 13 December 2024
January rounds (All applicants) 1 January 2025
February rounds (All applicants if places are available) 28 January 2025
Selection task dates for direct applicants

If you are applying direct to RMIT, you must complete and submit your direct application. The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application. Please see the Apply page for information on eligibility to apply direct.

Applicant type Register and submit the selection task by
Direct applicants 7 February 2025

Selection task requirements

Applicant statement

Applicants are required to answer the following questions (maximum 150 words per question):  

  • Question 1: What interests you about Fashion Styling and what do you hope to gain from studying this program? 
  • Question 2: Outline how you believe your current skills and capabilities and/or past experience will support you in this fashion styling program.
Folio

Submit a folio comprising of 4 to 5 images of your work that demonstrates your interest in fashion styling and/or design interests. 

The images can reflect any of the following: 

  • Arranged or styled flat-lay 
  • Outfit of the day suggestions 
  • Fashion trends   
  • Design and make   
  • Fashion storytelling

You can include work from secondary school, previous studies and personal or work-related design experience. Please briefly describe each image you include, what inspired you or what it represents to you. (Maximum 50 words) 

Submissions instructions

Upload your folio as:

  • A single PDF (maximum size 10MB). Please ensure to include the page number, and your full name and application number on each page.

OR

  • Provide a URL to your folio (please provide a password if applicable). All images must be contained and visible on one webpage.

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

You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification) (check 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.

Pre-selection kit: You are required to submit a completed pre-selection kit (PDF 265kb) along with your application.

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).

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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This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.

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 courses below.

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

Expand all sections

You are guaranteed entry to the Diploma of Fashion Styling when you successfully complete the Certificate IV in Design.

Alternatively, you can gain entry to this diploma 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 Diploma of Fashion Styling.

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: AU$7,750* per annum
  • 2025 full-fee place: AU$17,500* 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

Defer your payment

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

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.

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.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

VET Student Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

How does a VET Student Loan work?

If your VET Student Loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT your tuition fees on your behalf, up to the maximum loan amount for your program.

Your VET Student Loan becomes part of your VETSL debt. You will start repaying your accumulated VETSL debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is adjusted each year (this also applies if you are still studying).

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology advises that:

  • VET student loans will not be approved for students who do not meet eligibility requirements; and
  • a VET student loan gives rise to a HELP debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.

For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.

VET Student Loan cap

If your program is eligible for the VET Student Loan scheme and has a loan cap that doesn’t cover the total amount of the tuition fees for your program, then you’ll need to pay RMIT the difference by the due date once you exceed the cap.

It’s easy for you to keep track of your VET Student Loan debt, and you can choose to make upfront payments at any time before the census date. 

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. 

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