Fashion Design Major - Bachelor of Design Te Tohu Paetahi mō te Hoahoa

Your studies prepare you for a career as a fashion designer or in other roles related to the fashion industry. You'll work predominantly in a studio-based environment, developing practical fashion design skills and working on a range of fashion projects.

Year 1

The first year introduces you to the fundamentals of fashion design practice including drawing, concept development, ethical and sustainable practices, pattern cutting and sewing. You'll also learn about some of the historical contexts of fashion, and will take the first courses of your chosen minor in the second semester.

Semester 1 courses

• DESN511 Introduction to Design Practice (30 points)
• DIGD507 Mahitahi | Collaborative Practice (15 points)
• DESN512 Making and Media (15 points)

Semester 2 courses

• FASD511 Fashion Design Practice I (30 points)
• Plus two courses* from your second major, your minor(s) or elective courses

Year 2

Working in studios, you'll explore unconventional pattern-making methods, undertake 'live' industry projects, and will align your design practice with new understandings from your theory course.

Semester 1 courses

• FASD611 Fashion Design Practice II (30 points)
• Plus two courses* from your second major, your minor(s) or elective courses

Semester 2 courses

• FASD612 Fashion Design Practice III (30 points)
• Plus two courses* from your second major, your minor(s) or elective courses

Year 3

At the heart of your final year is a major design project where you pursue self-directed creative research, leading to design-focused outputs for your chosen area. This should ideally respond to your personal and professional career goals.

The year ends in a public exhibition where you can show your work to the public.

Semester 1 courses

• FASD711 Fashion Design Practice IV (30 points)
• Plus two courses* from your second major, your minor(s) or elective courses

Semester 2 course

• DESN711 Integrated Design Practice (60 points)

_{*Two 15-point courses or one 30-point course.}

Workplace experience

You complete 60 hours of workplace experience in the fashion design industry – a great opportunity to network, gain work experience and develop your CV and portfolio.

Recent placements included:

• Karen Walker
• Huffer
• Stolen Girlfriends Club
• World
• Ruby