Course Overview
If you have a passion for all things fashion, we can help you create a career doing what you love.
Students applying for the Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising will be able to choose from one of two study streams:
1. Design and Product Development
This stream is designed to be both an entry level qualification in fashion design and its related skills as well as a qualification providing skills for employment as a design assistant, designer, patternmaker, technical designer, garment technician, bespoke couturier or a sustainability advisor and sustainable designer. Students can either identify and gain work placement or work closely with our teachers to gain work placement with one of our numerous industry partners.
2. Fashion Business
This stream is designed for students interested in occupations such as marketing manager, merchandise manager, e-commerce, supply chain, logistics manager and sustainable advisor. Work experience in the industry is a desirable component of this course. Students work through industry based collaborative projects that are designed to develop their skill sets, market knowledge and business savvy, and enhance future job prospects
Our Fashion students have been selected to partake in Melbourne Fashion Week! Find out more about it here.
The Kangan Institute difference:
- World-class teachers with extensive industry experience.
- Courses developed with industry input to ensure content is relevant and up-to-date.
- Supportive and nurturing learning environment.
- Gain practical experience with industry-based project work.
- Develop hands-on skills at our annual Rags to Runway sustainable show and graduate fashion parade.
- Learn in a purpose built modern campus located close to public transport.
- Government subsidised tuition fees for eligible students.
Click here for course modules
Core
| Module Code | Module Title | Nominal Hours |
| MSMENV272 | Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices (MSMENV272) | 30 |
| MSMWHS200 | Work safely (MSMWHS200) | 30 |
| MSS402051 | Apply quality standards (MSS402051) | 30 |
| MSTCL3001 | Identify fabric performance and handling requirements (MSTCL3001) | 40 |
| MSTFD4006 | Interact and network with fashion industry participants (MSTFD4006) | 80 |
| MSTFD4023 | Calculate cost estimates for TCF products (MSTFD4023) | 30 |
| MSTFD5010 | Develop and present design concepts within specific guidelines (MSTFD5010) | 50 |
| MSTGN2013 | Identify fibres, fabrics and textiles used in the TCF industry (MSTGN2013) | 80 |
| MSTGN2014 | Operate computing technology in a TCF workplace (MSTGN2014) | 50 |
Elective
| Module Code | Module Title | Nominal Hours |
| MSTGN5012 | Participate in production planning processes (MSTGN5012) | 70 |
| MSTCL3002 | Prepare and produce a complex whole garment from specifications (MSTCL3002) | 60 |
| MSTCL3009 | Develop patterns from a block using basic patternmaking principles (MSTCL3009) | 50 |
| MSTCL4001 | Perform sample machining of advanced construction garments (MSTCL4001) | 90 |
| MSTFD2005 | Identify design process for fashion designs (MSTFD2005) | 40 |
| MSTFD2006 | Use a sewing machine for fashion design (MSTFD2006) | 80 |
| MSTFD4003 | Assist in preparation of preliminary design concepts (MSTFD4003) | 80 |
| MSTFD4010 | Create pattern to meet design specifications applying advanced patternmaking principles (MSTFD4010) | 80 |
| MSTFD4012 | Develop product specifications for fashion design (MSTFD4012) | 40 |
| MSTFD4013 | Grade 2-D patterns (MSTFD4013) | 80 |
| MSTFD4014 | Identify influences on contemporary fashion designs and construction techniques (MSTFD4014) | 40 |
| MSTFD4015 | Create pattern from block to meet customer specifications (MSTFD4015) | 50 |
| MSTFD4019 | Use colourisation techniques on fabrics (MSTFD4019) | 30 |
| MSTFD4020 | Use electronic fashion design tools (MSTFD4020) | 80 |
| MSTFD4021 | Drape fabrics to make patterns (MSTFD4021) | 60 |
| MSTFD5003 | Analyse fit model (MSTFD5003) | 40 |
| MSTFD5005 | Manipulate fabrics to create new finishes (MSTFD5005) | 20 |
| MSTFD5011 | Produce fashion illustrations to assist product visualisation (MSTFD5011) | 50 |
| MSTFD5015 | Develop patterns for complex fashion garments (MSTFD5015) | 100 |
| MSTFD5016 | Grade complex patterns (MSTFD5016) | 60 |
| MSTFD5017 | Apply design studio processes to meet client brief (MSTFD5017) | 90 |
| MSTFD5024 | Evaluate fashion designs against set criteria (MSTFD5024) | 30 |
| MSTFD5025 | Analyse influences on contemporary fashion designs (MSTFD5025) | 50 |
| MSTFD5027 | Cost production of fashion and textile designs (MSTFD5027) | 40 |
| MSTFD5029 | Assess impact of current fashion industry innovations and practices (MSTFD5029) | 100 |
| MSTTD5007 | Develop textile designs using computer-based design programs (MSTTD5007) | 100 |
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed to show that you have achieved the skills and knowledge required by the course. Assessment may include written, oral or practical assessment methods. You will know in advance about the type of assessment and how it will operate. There is the opportunity for reassessment and appeal and you will be given this information.
Additional comments
Graduates of this course can go on to study the Advanced Diploma Of Applied Fashion Design And Merchandising (MST60119).
Kangan Institute also offers the Certificate IV in Millinery (MST40416).
What will I study?
Study areas covered consist of:
-
Textile fibre and fabric identification and analysis of their characteristics
-
Fabric manipulation to achieve creative effects
-
Identifying design influences
-
Fashion illustration
-
Applying design elements and principles to fashion concept development
-
Developing product specifications
-
Sustainability, including reinvention and forecasting
-
Development of the fashion designs through pattern making
-
Pattern draping
-
Grading and advanced construction techniques for complex garments
-
Block construction using sizing systems
-
Analysing garment fit
-
Calculating costs and communicating and selling design concepts
-
Using computer technology and specialist fashion computer software for fashion industry applications
-
Trend forecasting, fit and sizing
-
Global operations
-
Production planning and processes
-
Digital CAD design and pattern making
-
Fabric and fibre properties, quality, specifications, sourcing, production costing
-
Supply chain logistics; relating to local and international markets
Course requirements
Students must have their own computer with Adobe Creative 2020 and access to a sewing machine outside of class times. Additional cost of Material will be discussed upon enrolment. There is an expectation that students are able to commit to out of class study/practice of up to 10-20 hours a week.
Some or all of this training is provided with State or Federal Government funding. Are you eligible for Government Subsidised fees? Find out now!
You may be eligible for concession. Find out now!
To you check your eligibility click here.
Free TAFE and JobTrainer courses only: Students eligible for Free TAFE receive the tuition rate free. Students eligible for JobTrainer pay 20% of the tuition. Materials, consumables and student services fees are payable by all students and do not receive a JobTrainer discount, however concession rates for student services fees are available for concession card holders, apprentices, trainees and 100% off campus delivery courses. Please note that these tuition rates only apply to courses offered under the Free TAFE or JobTrainer schemes.
The fees listed below relate to 2022 courses and are indicative pricing only as total costs vary depending on the units you elect to study.
Concessions for Diploma and Advanced Diploma course categories are only available to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders.
Payment plans are available. Click here to find out more.
Course availability is subject to enrolment numbers.
Your total course fee will typically include your tuition fee (table 1), any applicable consumables and/or material fees (table 2).
Table 1
Enrolment type
Government Subsidised
Indicative total tuition fee#
Full Fee
Indicative total tuition fee#
Non-Apprentice
$16013.70
$3202.74
$29029.00
Apprentice/Trainee
$N/A
$N/A
$N/A
Table 2
Average course
material fees*
$437.80
Average course
consumable fees*
$318.40
# The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.
* Materials/Consumables fees may vary for each individual based on the units they are studying.
Average tuition fees are based on the typical number of student contact hours undertaken by a student to complete this course. Average fees displayed are purely indicative and may not be your actual fee. Fees vary based on the number/hours of electives chosen by the student.
Click here to view maximum tuition fees. We strongly urge you to contact us for a more exact calculation of your fees. Additional fees may apply.
Your total course fee will typically include your tuition fee and non-tuition fees (table 1) and any applicable consumables and/or material fees (table 2).
student contact hours
|
Total hours^
|
Indicative hours*
|
Government Subsidised $/SCH
|
Indigenous Concession $/SCH
|
Full fee $/SCH
|
|
2030
|
2030
|
$7.89
|
$1.58
|
$14.30
|
^This is based on the maximum number of student contact hours for the total duration of the course. Hours may vary depending on electives chosen by the student.
*This is based on the maximum number of student contact hours for the calendar year of 2022. Hours may vary depending on electives chosen by the student. If you have to undertake training as part of Skills Recognition, your tuition fees are charged according to the applicable rate per Student Contact Hour depending on your eligibility for government subsidised, concession or full fees.
For more information about our fees structure, click here.
What costs and other fees should I expect?
Contact the Contact Centre on 13 TAFE (13 8233) or enquiries@kangan.edu.au for a fee schedule. There may be extra costs for reference books, protective clothing or specialised materials. It would be an advantage to have a sewing machine at home.
Can I apply?
There are no set prerequisites for this course. However it is recommended that you have satisfactory numeracy and literacy skills to undertake this course or are mature age and have sufficient work experience to successfully undertake the course. OR You may apply if you have satisfactorily completed VCE or an approved equivalent course and the satisfactory completion of the work requirements (eligibility to transfer); or are mature age and have sufficient work experience to successfully undertake the course. (Mature age is anyone over the age of 18 who has been out of full-time education for more than 12 months.)
Where and how can I study?
You will study at the Cremorne campus: 85 Cremorne St, Cremorne VIC 3121
You will be studying your diploma at our Cremorne campus, offering a boutique experience delivered in a specialised studio environment in facilities dedicated to everything fashion. Our Creative Industries space has grown to become one of the premier fashion centers for experience and education. It even has a dedicated Textile and Fashion Hub and fashion showcase areas.
Located within the one of Melbourne's best fashion industry districts, it incorporates state-of-the-art textile and work and design studios.
What employment opportunities will I have?
This course may lead to Career opportunities such as a:
- Fashion Designer
- Design & Product Developer
- Garment Technician
- Technical Designer
- Pattern Maker
- Buyer
- Textile Designer / Graphics Designer
- Fashion Journalist
- Sustainability Advisor
- Sustainability Designer
- Fabric & Trim Sourcing
- Bespoke Designer
- Small business operator
What skills will I have when I complete this course?
You will gain skills in the fundamentals of professional drawing, draping, pattern making, and sewing techniques. You will master computer-aided design (CAD) and pattern making, and learn how to take a design from concept to finished garment. This course give you the pathway to become not only a designer/product developer/merchandiser with your own creative vision, but a professional prepared to take your place in this creative & dynamic industry.
What qualifications will I receive?
On successful completion of the course you will be awarded the MST50119 Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising. As part of the Australian Qualifications Framework this program is nationally recognised.
What opportunities for further studies will I have?
Graduates of this course will gain direct entry to study the Advanced Diploma Of Applied Fashion Design And Merchandising (MST60119) at Kangan Institute.
How do I apply?
To apply for this course you must complete an online enrollment application https://forms.myselfserve.com.au/?course=3195 you may also or calling the Contact Centre on 13 TAFE (13 8233) or email enquiries@kangan.edu.au. This course has a mid-year intake.
How will I be selected for this course?
All applicants will need to have a satisfactory level of literacy and numeracy skills following completion of a LLN assessment and attend an information session.