Bachelor of Design (Fashion)
Design
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Become a skilled, industry-ready fashion professional with this internationally recognised, sustainability-focused degree. Develop advanced design and technical skills, individual style, and work-ready competence through hands-on, real-world projects, client work, and opportunities for international collaboration.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Dunedin, Dunedin
It will take a total of 3 years
Core skills this course teaches
Work-Ready Fashion Designer
Graduate capable of designing and producing garments and collections, ready to enter fashion industry roles.
Advanced Design and Technical Skills
Demonstrate proficiency in manual and digital patternmaking, garment construction, and textile manipulation.
Sustainability Awareness
Understand and apply principles of sustainable and responsible practice within fashion design.
What You're Signing Up For
This leading Bachelor of Design (Fashion) degree equips students to become responsible, sustainable, and innovative fashion professionals. With a boutique learning environment, industry connections, collaborative cross-discipline opportunities, and a curriculum that covers technical, creative, and enterprise aspects, graduates emerge ready for employment or entrepreneurship within the fast-evolving fashion industry, both locally and internationally. No prior sewing experience required, only creativity and a passion for fashion.
Course Content
- Introduction to fashion design
- Drawing and communication skills
- Research and reflective practice
- Fabrics and textile development
- Manual and digital patternmaking
- Industrial garment construction techniques
- Project-based design studios
- Advanced patternmaking and garment construction
- Drape, grading and tailoring methods
- Materials exploration
- Collection development
- Critical design thinking
- Team project with external client
- Portfolio development
- Exhibitions and international competition participation
- Industry placements and internships
What you need to know first
NCEA Level 3 with 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three NZQA approved university entrance subjects
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Fashion
Design
Textiles
Creative Industries
Entrepreneurship
Future employment opportunities might be
Fashion designer
Pattern maker
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.