Fashion Design
Immerse yourself in the world of fashion!
Study at Otago Polytechnic's Fashion Design School – the only Fashion School in New Zealand with a Business of Fashion Top 50 ranking.
Collections 2020
Our fledgling fashion designers showcase their latest collections in an exciting and inspirational display of talent and creativity.
Employers love our fashion design graduates. They’re innovative, hard-working, solution-focused and prepared for the realities of the fashion world. Our graduates have gone on to work for internationally-acclaimed designers such as NOM*d, or to create successful labels of their own such as Maaike and twenty-seven names. A qualification in Fashion Design could lead to a role in buying, styling, fashion writing, fashion photography, pattern-making, fashion design, production management, CAD pattern-making, costume for film and theatre, accessories, teaching, fashion marketing,or merchandising.
Dunedin is a city that encourages innovation and creativity, and nurtures and supports business start-ups. Playing host to international fashion experiences such as iD Dunedin Fashion Week, the city is known for its unique and distinctive style – come and be part of it!
New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 4)
- Dunedin
- 17 weeks full-time; part-time over two years (you will study during semester one in both year one and two)
- Level 4
- Starts February
- Apply by end of January
Begin to build the skills and degree-level portfolio you need to apply for our Bachelor of Design (Communication or Fashion) or the Bachelor of Visual Arts, or prepare for a junior role in a creative workplace. During this open entry programme, you'll develop your research skills, learn about creative processes and materials, and create your own art and design projects. Many students then move into our New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design (Level 4) or the New Zealand Certificate in Fashion (Level 4) to gain the well-rounded skills you need for degree-level study. Studying these Level 4 certificates could also lead to a negotiated pathway towards the Bachelor of Design (Product) or Bachelor of Architectural Studies.
New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design (Level 4)
- Dunedin
- 17 weeks full-time; part-time over two years (you will study during semester one in both year one and two)
- Level 4
- Starts 18 July 2022
- Apply by 30 June
Learn how to be creative on the computer! Build the skills and degree-level portfolio you need to apply for our New Zealand Diploma in Digital Media and Design (Level 5), Bachelor of Design (Communication), or Bachelor of Visual Arts, or prepare for a junior role in a creative digital workplace. During this open entry programme, you'll develop your skills in graphic design, digital photography, web design, digital illustration, animation and interactivity. By studying the New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 4) before you do this programme, you'll gain the well-rounded skills you need for degree-level study. Studying these Level 4 certificates could also lead to a negotiated pathway towards the Bachelor of Design (Product) or Bachelor of Architectural Studies.
New Zealand Certificate in Fashion (Level 4)
- Dunedin
- 17 weeks full-time; two years part-time
- Level 4
- Starts 18 July 2022
- Apply by 30 June
Got a passion for fashion and wondering how to get a career in the fashion industry? Look no further! Embark on this hands-on qualification to get the technical skills, knowledge and industry-awareness you need for further study in the Bachelor of Design (Fashion) or to gain entry-level roles assisting with design, styling, retail/merchandising, and basic garment construction.
Bachelor of Design (Fashion)
- Dunedin
- Three years full-time; six years part-time
- Level 7
- Starts February 2022
- Apply now
Become a fashion designer or skilled, industry-ready fashion professional with this internationally-recognised qualification. Sewing skills aren't essential, as long as; you're into fashion, you're creative, a hard worker and a risk taker. This leading fashion degree is recognised for its international opportunities, industry connections and the chance to develop your style and identity as a designer. The programme is hands-on and reflects current industry practice. You'll develop your advanced design and technical skills, extend your market knowledge and explore enterprise opportunities. A work-based learning option is available for those with prior experience.
Graduate Diploma in Design (Specialty)
- Dunedin
- One year full-time; up to two years part-time
- Level 7
- Starts February and July
- Apply now
Achieve an applied qualification to complement your degree in a specialist area of design. Ideal if you are a professional designer or practitioner wishing to develop your applied skills and studio project experience.
Fashion
Fashion student prepares for "dream" opportunity in Vienna
Georgia Ferguson will soon leave Dunedin for a nine-month study exchange in Vienna, where she will work on her Master of Design while learning from a world-renowned master of fashion.
Otago Polytechnic Fashion graduate teams up with Disney
Fashion graduate Anna Ross has teamed up with global giant Disney, creating a range of nail polishes to celebrate Mickey Mouse’s 90th birthday.
Fashion Design student empowered to turn his life around
Crichton Tahana tells us about how he left behind a life of crime and is now firmly focused on a future in Fashion Design – creating clothes from recycled materials.
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