Associate Degree in Fashion - RMIT University

Learn what it takes to thrive in the world of fashion and launch your own fashion-forward future. From mastering patternmaking and fashion design to creating digital marketing strategies and pitching business concepts to industry leaders, you'll be primed to step into the fashion industry. #1 in Australia and #19 in the world for Art & Design*. * QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 If you've always wanted to work in the fashion industry, the Associate Degree in Fashion is your stepping stone to achieve that dream. With its unique blend of technical expertise and business knowledge, you won't just be skilled in fundamental techniques like design concepts, pattern development, construction techniques and garment fitting; you'll also develop essential business acumen in marketing communication strategies, trend forecasting, buying methodologies and supply chain management. Unsure of what you want to do? A common first semester will help you choose the option that best suits your dream— Design and Technology or Business and Retail . This course also spotlights the circular economy and sustainability, which are key considerations for today's fashion industry. By exploring the fashion industry’s environmental and social impact and sustainability innovations, you'll be equipped to contribute to a more responsible and conscious fashion future. Why study the Associate Degree in Fashion at RMIT? Study at Australia’s #1 university for Art and Design RMIT is ranked #1 in Australia and #19 in the world for studies in Art and Design.* Experiential learning Address real-world challenges through industry projects and discover what the world of work is like, receiving briefs and feedback from industry professionals from leading brands in Australia. World-class facilities Enjoy state-of-the-art facilities at our Brunswick campus, including a simulated industry workroom, enabling the best outcomes for face-to-face learning. *QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 Fashion your path Beyond your foundational learning, you'll focus on an area of study to consolidate your knowledge. A key feature of this course is you get to decide which aspect of the fashion industry you want to focus on— Design and Technology , or Business and Retail . Design and Technology If you wish to extend your patternmaking and product design skills, then this option is for you. You'll further develop the skills to produce everything from ready-to-wear to made-to-measure fashion,including fashion range development, trend research, specification development, design and production management, and advanced pattern and garment construction skills. In your final-semester major team project, you'll integrate elements of design, patternmaking and garment construction to respond to a real-world industry brief, culminating in a completed collection of finished garments. The range will showcase your collective innovative designs thatharmoniseaesthetics, comfort and environmental ethics. Business and Retail In this option you'll expand your business knowledge by delving intoproduct ranging, merchandise management, digital strategies, fashion marketing and logistics and distribution. In your final-semester major team project,you'll develop a business proposal in response to an industry brief that addresses the marketing and product needs of the brand. You'll apply your research and problem solving skills to create and present a sustainable solution to the real-world challenge. Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure. Whether you aspire to be a product developer, a savvy marketer, or an innovative entrepreneur,theAssociate Degree in Fashion gives you a solid foundation for a strong start to any career in the fashion industry. As a graduate of this course, you will have broad skills that will make you particularly attractive to the industry. If you select the Design and Technology option, you bring fashion to life through expert skills in fashion design, trend research, specialist pattern making, and garment/product development. Your career options include: design assistant trend forecaster/researcher assistant garment technician production assistant junior patternmaker quality assurance assistant sustainability advisor sourcing assistant. If you select the Business and Retail option, you bring fashion from the designer to the consumer. Understanding the consumer helps guide design, product development, promotion and distribution. Your career options include: buying assistant marketing assistant trend forecaster/researcher allocation/inventory analyst sustainability advisor sourcing assistant. Previous graduates have been employed by companies including Marc Jacobs, Hugo Boss, French Connection, Country Road, Sussan, Rodd and Gunn, Mitch Dowd, Kmart, Sportsgirl, Cotton On, Just Jeans, Spotlight, Stafford Ellison and Myer. Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4: a study score ofat least 20 in English other than EAL; or a study score of at least 23 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) Please select the highest level of education you have or will be completing in order to find out the selection criteria that applies to you, in addition to meeting the above entry requirements. *ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent Year 12 applicants. RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about admission to RMIT . A pathway is an alternative way to get into a course. RMIT's pathways can help you move through different levels of study to reach the qualification you're aiming for, even if you don't meet the requirements for your destination course. Pathways into the Associate Degree in Fashion TheAssociate Degree in Fashion providescredit and guaranteed entry into further study. Credit and recognition of prior learning Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience. Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of theRMIT Credit Policy . Check your eligibility for a scholarship RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds. Looking for answers or more general information? Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more. RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo. RMIT Training Pty Ltd, trading as RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP), CRICOS Provider Code: 01912G #J-18808-Ljbffr