Fashion Design Major - Bachelor of Design Te Tohu Paetahi mō te Hoahoa
Study fashion design, and develop a strong conceptual design style and practical design skills – from drawing and pattern cutting to understanding the business of fashion. Access world-class facilities and make industry connections.
The Fashion Design major focuses on conceptualising and developing innovative products that respond to major changes in the consumption of fashion. You can access our industry-standard machinery and digital technologies, as well as our suite of art and design labs, to turn your designs into reality.
You may also be able to show your creations at the AUT Graduate Fashion Show, which features collections by a selection of top final-year AUT fashion design students. The event is attended by fashion media and industry, AUT staff and students as well as their family and friends.
Talk to us about your study options
Thinking about studying at AUT? Book a time with us to discuss your study options.
This is part of the 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.
In Semester 1, you study the following core courses:
- DESN511 Introduction to Design Practice
- DIGD507 Mahitahi | Collaborative Practice
- DESN512 Making and Media
In Semester 2, you study:
You’ll also start your 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.
You study the following courses:
- FASD611 Fashion Design Practice II
- FASD612 Fashion Design Practice III
You’ll also continue to take 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.
You study the following courses:
- FASD711 Fashion Design Practice II
- DESN711 Integrated Design Practice
You’ll also continue to take courses from your second major, your minor(s) or elective courses.
The year ends in a public exhibition where you can show your work to the public.
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
Build your degree
Use our online tool to build your own degree and see what your three years of study could look like.
https://www.aut.ac.nz/courses/bachelor-of-design-te-tohu-paetahi-mo-te-hoahoa/fashion-design-major
Career opportunities if you study the Fashion Design major
Careers in fashion can follow two different pathways.
The design pathway involves the creation of garments and ranges, researching ideas, creating concepts, preparing designs and developing fashion products.
The commercial pathway involves the business of design, strategising, buying, forecasting, retail and the organisational aspects of fashion.
Roles can include:
- Fashion designer
- Fashion writer
- Design assistant
- Production manager
- Fashion buyer or merchandiser
- Fashion marketing or PR
Find out more about industry trends, job descriptions and what employers may be looking for.
Other majors in the Bachelor of Design Te Tohu Paetahi mō te Hoahoa
Student work
Check out a selection of award-winning student work from Fashion Design major students.
- Covers all aspects of the fashion industry
- Access to leading edge facilities
- Present your work to the media and industry
- Opportunity to showcase your collection at the AUT Graduate Fashion Show
- Option to include subjects from across AUT in your degree
- Having a strong grasp of design and style
- A creative problem-solver
- Visionary, with an eye for texture, shape and detail
- Interested in contemporary society
The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.