Institute of Technology or Polytechnic
Ara Institute of CanterburyBachelor of Design (Fashion Technology and Design)
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Bachelor's Degree
Duration
3 years
Next start date
Expected Feb 2027
Campus
Christchurch - City Campus
Summary
Our degree programme aims to give you tools to become an independent designer or garment producer. You'll learn key skills in design strategy, drawing, garment construction and pattern making. You'll also get to choose two courses from a wide range of electives that will help you to develop specialist skills that suit your goals. As well as studio courses, you'll complete a group of core courses in academic subjects, including both professional and contextual studies, which will give you great communication skills, knowledge of a range of creative practices, and basic business skills.
You'll gain real-world industry experience in year one, hearing from guest speakers about their journeys and inspirations, and benefitting from the learning their career paths have given them. We'll also give you opportunities like competitions and fashion events to expose your work to the wider industry.
In year two you'll undertake a 40-hour industry placement, which is collection-based. Here you'll gain real world learning about current trends and marketing methods.
In the final year you'll have the opportunity, with the guidance of Ara fashion staff, to undertake a further 120-hour work placement where you'll design your own collection based on a designated brief. The company hosting your placement will critique your work and you'll gain invaluable industry experience from those at the top of your field.
To conclude your final year you'll undertake a major project encompassing all of the skills you've acquired in design, marketing, small business ownership and construction.
Entry criteria
Academic RequirementsUniversity Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at level 3 and 20 credits at level 2 or higher) which must include 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three approved* subjects and:
- Literacy* - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading, 5 credits in writing,
- Numeracy* - 10 credits at Level 1 or above (specified achievement standards, or unit standards 26623, 26626, 26627)
OR a qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework at Level 4 or above in a related discipline.
Due to Covid-19 disruption, if you studied and achieved NCEA Level 3 during 2020, you only need 12 credits per Level 3 subject (i.e. total of 36 credits). Literacy and Numeracy requirements remain the same
* 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.
Additional RequirementsPortfolio demonstrating art/design work
Alternative RequirementsStill want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
- If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
- Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.
What if English is not my first Language?
Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic
- 5.5 Listening
- 5.5 Reading
- 5.5 Writing
- 5.5 Speaking
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
- English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
- 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.
Programme selection committees will ensure that the selection process is consistent across the five specialisations of the degree
These committees review applications received to determine which may be accepted.
The committees also establish criteria and a marking schedule by which all candidates are assessed
The selection committees are made up of tutors from the specialisations
Selection is designed to assess potential for a successful career in a design-related industry and is based on:
- portfolio material
Those who are not initially accepted but who meet the standard are waitlisted in order of ranking
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