Bachelor of Design (Fashion)
Build the creative and technical skills for a career in fashion.
Creating successful fashion requires imagination, technical precision and a strong understanding of materials, fit and construction. You’ll explore concept development, textiles, patternmaking and construction through practical studio projects.
Your work will become more advanced as you investigate digital garment development, test and refine designs and respond to cultural, social and environmental contexts. Industry or community-based experience, a professional portfolio and a major self-directed project will help you prepare for professional creative practice.
Key features
- Cross-disciplinary experience: Explore other design specialisations and bring broader creative approaches to your fashion practice.
- Complete garment development: Gain skills across patternmaking, construction, material knowledge and digital garment development.
- Real-world design experience: Complete 130 hours of industry or community-based learning with clients and collaborators.
- Culturally grounded practice: Develop responsible fashion practice informed by Te Tiriti and Aotearoa’s creative contexts.
What you'll learn
- Fashion design principles and creative concept development
- Fashion illustration, technical drawing and visual research
- Patternmaking, garment construction and finishing techniques
- Textile properties, performance and material selection
- Digital garment design, visualisation and production information
- Advanced garment structures, fit and fabrication methods
- Practice-based fashion research and design inquiry
- Sampling, toile making and iterative design development
- Design for defined markets and audiences
- Sustainable, ethical and culturally responsible fashion practice
- Professional portfolios, promotion and small business skills
University Entrance as specified by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)
OR New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) Open Pathway
OR a relevant qualification at Level 4 or above listed on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework.
* NZQA approved subjects: see https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/understanding-secondary-quals/university-entrance/
If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.
In addition you need to:
- Submit a portfolio demonstrating your art/design work with your application.
- Provide the additional requirements that are specified in the Bachelor of Design Additional Requirements Form.
Applicants who are unable to evidence that they meet Academic entry requirements, but who can demonstrate acquired skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, may be approved for alternative entry.
- This may include Recognition of Prior Learning. Contact Ara for advice.
What if English is not my first Language?
If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
- Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
- If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
- If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, please book a PTE Academic test through the Ara Examination Centre or complete an NZQA-approved English language test in your home country.
- IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
- What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
- You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.
IELTS 6.0 Academic (no lower than 5.5 in any subtests).
Applicants who have achieved University Entrance requirements are not required to provide evidence of English language skills.
A selection process will take place for this programme. This will be assesed based on the portfolio provided with the application (including; working process, technique, composition, media and aesthetic).
Funding assistance
If you experience financial hardship during your studies, you may be eligible for funding, scholarships, and awards to help you continue your education.
Find out moreCareer opportunities
- Fashion designer
- Patternmaker
- Fashion production assistant
- Self-employed or freelance fashion designer
Study pathways
Pathways into this qualification
Study options after this qualification
Bachelor of Design (Fashion)
Build the creative and technical skills for a career in fashion.
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Type | Degree |
| Code | CH3756 |
| Next starts | February 2027 |
| May be available for Study Visa? | Yes |
| Credits | 360 |
| Level | 7 |
| May be eligible for Studylink? | Yes |
| Reference | CH3756-FASH |
Additional Entry Requirements
In addition you need to:
- Submit a portfolio demonstrating your art/design work with your application.
- Provide the additional requirements that are specified in the Bachelor of Design Additional Requirements Form.
Credit Recognition
Translate your knowledge from previous study into credits towards a new qualification.
Apply for credit recognitionDocuments
- Admission & Enrolment Form PDF, 425 KB
- International Application Form PDF, 357 KB
- Bach Design Additional Requirements Form.pdf PDF, 90 KB
- Preparing a Fashion Portfolio PDF, 222 KB
Area of Interest
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