Bachelor of Design (Fashion)
Design
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Develop as a skilled, industry-ready fashion professional in this internationally recognised, sustainability-focused degree with hands-on courses, strong industry links, and opportunities to build your own designer identity.
NZ$9,442
inc GST
Enquire about international pricing
Core skills this course teaches
Develop advanced creative and technical skills in fashion design
Gain the skills necessary for contemporary practice as a fashion designer, including garment construction, patternmaking, and design innovation.
Practice sustainability in fashion
Understand your responsibilities as a designer and learn methods for sustainable practice within the fashion industry.
About This Course
Otago Polytechnic's Bachelor of Design (Fashion) is an industry-focused degree that emphasises sustainability, industry connections, and hands-on project-based learning. Over three years, learners progress from developing core creative and technical fashion skills to advanced collection work, critical thinking, market knowledge, and enterprise awareness. The boutique learning environment, strong global links, and real-world studio and client projects ensure graduates are innovative, responsible, and ready for the modern fashion industry.
Course Content
- Fashion design principles and process
- Drawing and visual communication skills
- Research and reflective practice
- Textile and fabric development
- Manual and digital patternmaking
- Industrial garment construction techniques
- Advanced patternmaking: drape, grading, tailoring
- Materials exploration and collection development
- Critical design thinking
- Sustainability and ethical practice
- Team-based and interdisciplinary projects
- Client projects and industry placements
- Portfolio and exhibition preparation
Entry Requirements
NCEA Level 3
Build towards these roles
Fashion DesignerPatternmakerFashion Studio AssistantFashion EntrepreneurTextile Designer
Build skills in these industries
DesignFashionArts & Media
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.
