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From mastering patternmaking and garment construction to grasping the business of fashion design and production management, you'll be on the runway to fashion industry success.
If you've always wanted to work in the fashion industry, the Associate Degree in Fashion is your stepping stone to achieve that dream. With its unique blend of technical expertise and business knowledge, you won't just be skilled in fundamental techniques like concept illustration, pattern production, sewing and garment fit; you'll also develop essential business acumen in trend forecasting, production costings and supply chain management.
This course also spotlights sustainability—a key consideration for today's fashion industry. By exploring fashion's global environmental and social impact, ethical sourcing of materials and sustainable production processes, you'll be equipped to contribute to a more responsible and conscious fashion future.
Beyond these foundational aspects, you'll focus on an area of study to consolidate your learnings—either delve deeper into the business of fashion, or extend your expertise in techniques and garment production.
Whether you aspire to be a product developer, a savvy marketer, or an innovative entrepreneur, the Associate Degree in Fashion gives you a solid foundation for a strong start to any career in the fashion industry.
Address real-world challenges through industry projects and discover what the world of work is like, receiving briefs and feedback from industry professionals from leading brands in Australia.
Learn to formulate creative and innovative solutions within a team environment where negotiating, problem solving, and presentation skills are key to success.
Enjoy state-of-the-art facilities at our Brunswick campus, including a simulated industry workroom, enabling the best outcomes for face-to-face learning.
A key feature of this course is you get to decide which aspect of the fashion industry you want to focus on—Business and Retail, or Design and Technology.
In this option you'll expand your business knowledge by delving into product ranging, merchandise management, digital strategies, fashion marketing and logistics and distribution.
In your final-semester major team project, you'll develop a business proposal in response to an industry brief that addresses the marketing and product needs of the brand. You'll apply your research and problem solving skills to create and present a sustainable solution to the real-world challenge.
If you wish to extend your patternmaking and product design skills, then this option is for you. You'll further develop the skills to produce everything from ready-to-wear to made-to-measure fashion, including fashion range development, trend research, specification development, design and production management, and advanced pattern and garment construction skills.
In your final-semester major team project, you'll integrate elements of design, patternmaking and garment construction to respond to a real-world industry brief, culminating in a completed collection of finished garments. The range will showcase your collective innovative designs that harmonise aesthetics, comfort and environmental ethics.
You will learn from a broad range of teachers who bring many industry experiences to the classroom and workshops. Their expertise will lead you towards the best industry practices across a range of skill areas, depending on your chosen speciality. Skill areas include:
Assessment is typically in the form of assignments and projects. These will be a combination of group work as well as individual assessment. They may take the form of written or verbal assessments, exams, presentations and practical assessment of skills.
Your assignments will help develop your skills in communication and reasoning as well as offer you the opportunity to present specific learned skills. You will be offered feedback on your development throughout the assessment process.
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.
The College of Vocational Education has a long history of strong industry connections and the Associate Degree in Fashion offers two opportunities for work-integrated experience.
In your second year, you have the option to take up a work placement in the Industry Engagement subject, where you'll have the opportunity to work across a variety of industry areas, including fashion events.
In your final semester, you will work on a major project where you'll respond to a real-world challenge posed by an industry partner. Working in a team, you will use the knowledge gained over the preceding semesters to present a practical solution to the industry partner.
The industry partner will support you throughout the project by participating in the review and assessment of your proposed solution.
Recent industry partners our students have worked with include Country Road, Myer, Sportsgirl, Cotton On, Kmart, House of Dizzy, Clothing the Gaps, Radical Yes, Supre, and Adidas.
RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.
The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree/diploma and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.
Throughout this associate degree you are required to be on campus between three and four days per week, depending on the semester and timetable requirements.
You can expect up to five hours of external study per week for each subject to complete assignments.
To graduate from the Associate Degree in Fashion, you must complete all of the following:
A typical course map looks like this:
In your first year of study, you will undertake five of the required core subjects. These core subjects have been confirmed by industry to be key skills and knowledge areas needed across any industry position.
You will also undertake the first three subjects of your chosen stream—Business and Retail or Design and Technology.
In second year, you will complete the remaining core and stream subjects, plus one subject chosen from university-wide electives or course-specific options.
A key focus is your capstone subject, which is a major project delivered in the final semester of the course. You will be given a design and production brief by an industry partner. The industry partner will support you and participate in the review and assessment of your design projects.
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.
As a graduate of this Associate Degree, you will have broad skills that will make you particularly attractive to the industry. You could be
Graduates from the Design and Technology option could undertake the following types of work:
If you'd chosen the Business and Retail option, your career options include:
Previous graduates have been employed by companies including Marc Jacobs, Hugo Boss, French Connection, Country Road, Sussan, Rodd and Gunn, Mitch Dowd, Kmart, Sportsgirl, Cotton On, Just Jeans, Spotlight, Stafford Ellison and Myer.
You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification).
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:
Please select the highest level of education you have or will be completing in order to find out the selection criteria that applies to you, in addition to meeting the above entry requirements.
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary participation by giving priority access to RMIT diploma and degree programs to eligible applicants currently studying Year 12 at a SNAP partner school.
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.
Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of your study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education and training study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. Previous fail grades in similar courses may affect your eligibility.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.
Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of your study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with higher education study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification) and meet the stated prerequisites.
Work and life experience does not provide any additional consideration for entry to this program. You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.
Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of your study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with work and life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
This degree is new for semester 1 2025, so no ATAR profile information is currently available.
This degree is new for semester 1 2025, so no student profile information is currently available.
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent Year 12 applicants.
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about admission to RMIT.
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 60% (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.
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:
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 Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
If you have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 such as VCE, you can find the ATAR for your RMIT course on our admissions transparency page.
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent Year 12 applicants.
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about admission to RMIT.
Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred course. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.
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.
If you wish to further your studies after completing the Associate Degree in Fashion, you may be eligible for credit in the following courses, subject to each course's entry requirements:
Alternatively, you can gain entry 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.
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT undergraduate programs.
In 2024, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,627 to AU$16,992*.
Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.
Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.
The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package.
The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2025. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2025 |
---|---|
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture | $4,627 per standard year $578 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology | $9,314 per standard year $1,164 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science | $13,241 per standard year $1,655 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture | $16,992 per standard year $2,124 per standard (12 credit point) course |
On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).
For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (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.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
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.The SSAF fees information for the 2025 intake has been delayed and will be updated when it is available.
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.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
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.
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 2024 is $351. The SSAF fees information for the 2025 intake has been delayed by the Australian government and will be updated when it is available.
Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.
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.
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.
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 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.
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.