Institute of Technology or Polytechnic
Ara Institute of CanterburyBachelor of Design (Fashion)
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
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.
- 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
Entry criteria
Academic RequirementsUniversity 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.
Additional RequirementsIn 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
- 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.
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.
Selection RequirementsA 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).
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