Bachelor of Design (Fashion Technology & Design)
Course details
NZQF Level | 7 |
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About the course
Establish a name for yourself in the fashion industry by combining your flair, creativity and passion with professional expertise and technical skills
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 80-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. This culminates in a fully professional catwalk show to an audience of your peers, your family, and industry representatives.
Entry requirements
New Zealand University 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
OR
New Zealand Certificate in Creativity (Level 4)
OR
New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design (Level 4)
OR
New Zealand Certificate in Fashion (Level 4)
OR
New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Media (Level 5)
OR
New Zealand Diploma in Digital Design (Level 5), or equivalent
If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.
* NZQA approved subjects: see http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/awards/university-entrance/
Still 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. Contact Ara for advice.
In addition you need to:
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.
OR
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.
About the provider
Ara Institute of Canterbury is recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading tertiary institutes. Specialising in applied, vocational and professional training, it offers more than 150 courses from foundation to postgraduate level.
Ara caters to a diverse range of learners; from school leavers and career changers to professionals wanting to upskill and individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce.
All Ara students benefit from the Ara Advantage: relevant courses, taught by inspirational mentors in real-life learning environments. Almost every Ara programme includes work-integrated learning. Work placements, apprenticeships, industry-based projects and internships ensure students are work-ready when they graduate.
Across its six campuses, Ara’s dedicated tutors and non-academic staff support students throughout their study journey. A comprehensive range of student services - such as financial assistance, learning support, health and wellbeing services, accommodation, childcare and student events – contributes to the success of every student.
It also has six additional small community hubs which deliver free digital upskilling and personal development courses.