MST50116: Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising
Full Time Course Dates:
- Brisbane: Monday the 16th of July 2018: 9:00AM - 3:30PM
- Gold Coast: Monday the 16th of July 2018: 9:00AM - 3:30PM
Courses are subject to sufficient student numbers. Insufficient numbers will result in cancellation (10 days prior) and students will be notified by phone and email.
If the dates above are not suitable, you can always register interest and you will be notified of any new dates when they are added.
This qualification covers the skills and knowledge required to work as assistant designers and specialist production technicians, such as patternmakers and sewing machinists, who support design and production within the clothing and fashion industry.
Have the opportunity to be introduced to key fashion & business creatives, listen to industry guest speakers, and participate in excursions relating to your study area
It includes business and design outcomes which build on technical production skills and knowledge, to provide a basis for career progression to design, construction and merchandising management roles. as well as targeting the skill requirements of fashion designer.
Career Opportunities
This qualification is intended for assistant design and product development roles in the fashion industry, as well as assistant roles associated with managing fashion product as part of a fashion enterprise. Skills include design and product development, as well as technical production skills to support management and fashion businesses.
Outcomes allow for specialisation in fashion design and product development.
Skills involve the use of both manual and digital design tools, and may be applied at various stages of the supply chain. Design outcomes build on technical production skills and provide a basis for career progression to design or business management roles.
On successful completion of the Diploma, students will have the opportunity to work in positions in the fashion industry such as:
- Fashion Merchandiser
- Fashion Coordinator
- Visual Merchandiser
- Assistant Designer
- Textile Designer
- Fashion Marketing Agent
- Assisstant Fashion Buyer
- Assistant Production Manager
- Fashion Stylist
- Production Assistant
- Sales Assistant
- Fashion Forecaster
- Fashion Magazine Editor
- Pattern Maker/Grader
- Garment Technician
- Quality Assurance Assistant
Topic Areas Covered
The following topic areas are covered within the Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising
- Design overview
- Trade drawing
- Colour theory
- Fabric performance
- Designing for clients and to specific briefs
- Designing textile designs
- Designing bras and swimwear
- Fashion illustration
- Communicating and selling design concepts
- Costing – estimates and for production
- Quality assurance
- Using sewing machines
- Patternmaking
- Grading
- Product specifications
- Creating patterns for clients
- Swimwear/bra patterns and components
- Environmental sustainability
- Working safely in the industry
- Identifying fibres and fabrics
- Operating computers, documents and spreadsheets
- Interacting and networking with industry
- Electronic CAD
- Fashion Industry innovation
Qualification & Units of Competency
Course Code: MST50116
Students who successfully complete the course will receive the nationally recognised Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising (MST50116) qualification. This course is accredited under the Australian Qualifications Training Framework.
To check our accreditation details click here.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Have your experience recognised and increase your employment prospects by enrolling in Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Through RPL you could reduce the duration of your studies. Get the recognition you deserve and enquire about RPL today.
RPL assessed on a case by case basis, so it is only available on application. Students will be charged $200 per unit of competency.
Why You Should Study With Us:
- We have small class sizes, so you get hands on attention with your trainers.
- We have a job placement company that will assist you in obtaining a job.
- We run a free goal setting and motivational workshop for students.
- We have an industry panel that reviews your work and you will receive a certificate graded by industry.
- Industry contact us seeking students for work and work experience and we pass on these opportunities to students.
- We have industry guest speakers and excursions throughout the course
- We have a private course facebook group where you can share ideas/info and communicate with your trainers and other students.
- We have a private student facebook group for collaborating with other students in other disciplines for example to organise photoshoots/events etc together.
Course Duration:
This course runs for 1 and a half years, students will be expected to study 3 days on campus (Tues, Wed & Thurs). This course is full time study and students will be required to work on assessment tasks in their own time and allow another day per week to complete set tasks outside of class time.
Term Dates
Click on the arrows below to go forward or backward through each intake's term dates. Please note that term dates are subject to change, please contact us to confirm future dates if required.
Gold Coast
Brisbane
Student Entry Requirements:
Formal Education or Work/Life Experience:
To enrol into the Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising the applicant should have completed their secondary schooling, have a good understanding of practical mathematics, be creative with some experience of sewing or making 3 dimensional pieces, have good computer skills, be able to use the internet for research, and use a range of office software such as spreadsheets, email, and presentation software such as PowerPoint and be able to answer yes to most of the points below:
- Do you love fashion and imagine your own creations?
- Do you love to draw and create?
- Do you have a good eye for detail?
- Do you have good hand-eye coordination?
- Do you have good time management skills?
Prerequisites:
There are no prerequisites for entry into this qualification.
Course Fees
VET Student Loans
From the 1st of January 2017 a new government student loan scheme became available to students enrolling into eligible courses at approved providers.
VET Student Loans are available for students who meet the eligibility requirements to assist with payment of the course fees. Students who take out a VET Student Loan will have a HELP debt which is due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.
If you are eligible for a VET Student Loan:
Click here to view the Schedule of VET Tuition Fees for more information on course costs, census dates and units of study.
Did you know that alternatives to VET Student Loans may be even cheaper than the 20% fee currently charged by the Government? Student or personal loans from some of the larger financial institutions may save you money.
Check out some other course financing options here.
If you are not eligible for a VET Student Loan:
Full Course Cost (Payment Plan): $18,000.00
- Balance paid in weekly direct debit instalments (with integraPAY) over course duration: $17,000.00

Additional Costs:
- Student ID Card: $25
- Printing & photocoping by student.
- Fabrics and Haberdashery for production of garments during the course
- Textile Print - Printing your own textile print.
- Equipment Kit ($220)
Required Course Equipment:
Student (kits/ course supplies) are available for purchase through the college
Students will need to provide the following equipment:
- Basic stationary
- USB Thumb Drive (2GB recommended minimum)
- Student's will reqiure a laptop/notebook computer with the Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office installed- see below for details.
LAPTOP / NOTEBOOK REQUIREMENT:
Students will be required to have a laptop computer with a wireless network connection. The following specifications are recommended:
- A Wireless Laptop (PC or MAC)
- Minimum 8Gb RAM (Preferrably 16GB RAM)
- 2Ghz or faster processor
- Web Browser (e.g. Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox or Internet Explorer)
- Anti Virus Software.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader (free online)
- For editing work it is recommended you have a Mouse
- Microsoft Office 2007 or better with Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Access.*
If using a Mac -> Pages, Numbers and Keynote can be used - It is suggested all students have a spare Hard Drive/USB to back up their work
- Adobe Creative Suite (Student Version)* - Student Plans Available
* Please check software manufacturers minimum system requirements. Student pricing may be available.
Financial Assistance
Eligible students may be able to apply to Centrelink for either Youth Allowance (for full-time students aged 16 to 24) or Austudy (for full-time students aged 25 years or over). For more information visit the Centrelink website.
Looking for course financing options? Check out some of the options available here.
Applications
Domestic Students Only
Application and Enrolment Process:
- Phone the Gold Coast (07) 55 938 335 OR Brisbane (07) 38 541 395 campus to arrange your interview OR fill out the online Application Form and arrange a phone interview if you cannot come into either campus.
- Attend your interview or complete the phone interview.
- You will receive your enrolment paperwork and the student handbook at the interview and information on the required evidence you will have to supply to support your application. After reading the student handbook and enrolment forms, if you wish to enrol you must submit the enrolment form along with any requested evidence (original or certified copies of originals).Our administration staff will check the completed enrolment form and evidence you supplied to demonstrate your suitability for the course. We may have to ask you further information or discuss your options if you don't meet the suitability requirements for the course. If you do meet the suitability requirements for the course, we will send you a Confirmation of Enrolment, along with payment plan forms.
- You will receive your first invoice notice no more than one calendar month before the start of study and at least two weeks before the first census date.
Next Course Start Dates
Full Time Course Dates:
- Brisbane: Monday the 16th of July 2018: 9:00AM - 3:30PM
- Gold Coast: Monday the 16th of July 2018: 9:00AM - 3:30PM
Courses are subject to sufficient student numbers. Insufficient numbers will result in cancellation (10 days prior) and students will be notified by phone and email.
If the dates above are not suitable, you can always register interest and you will be notified of any new dates when they are added.
- Textile Design21st Apr 18
- Fast Track Fashion Design21st Apr 18
- Eyelash Extensions22nd Apr 18
- Diploma of Visual Arts (Textile, Print & Surface Design)24th Apr 18
- Acrylic & Gel Nails4th May 18
- Pattern Making5th May 18
- Spray Tanning6th May 18
- Eyelash Extensions6th May 18
- Certificate II in Applied Fashion Design & Technology11th May 18
- Certificate II in Applied Fashion Design & Technology14th May 18
- Handbag Design Intensive (2 Days)19th May 18
- Certificate III in Design Fundamentals (Photography) - Part Time25th May 18
- Certificate III in Design Fundamentals (Graphic Design) - Part Time29th May 18
- Certificate III in Make Up Evening Courses29th May 18
- Coloured Gel Workshop30th May 18
- Fast Track Fashion Design2nd Jun 18
- Eyelash Extensions Accredited Course5th Jun 18
- Acrylics With Jenni Kelly8th Jun 18
- Beginner / Intermediate Sewing Lessons11th Jun 18
- Beginner / Intermediate Sewing Lessons25th Jun 18
- Want to Be a Photographer?2nd Jul 18
- Eyelash Extension Workshop2nd Jul 18
- Discover Interior Design2nd Jul 18
- Spray Tanning Workshop2nd Jul 18
- Street Style Image & Fashion Flat Lays2nd Jul 18
- Design Your Own Print3rd Jul 18
- Special Effects Makeup3rd Jul 18
- Want to Be a Photographer?4th Jul 18
- Eyelash Extension Workshop4th Jul 18
- Spray Tanning Workshop4th Jul 18
- Design and Sew a Skirt in a Day5th Jul 18
- Design Your Own Print5th Jul 18
- Special Effects Makeup5th Jul 18
- Discover Interior Design6th Jul 18
- Street Style Image & Fashion Flat Lays6th Jul 18
- Make-Up for You7th Jul 18
- Design and Sew a Skirt in a Day9th Jul 18
- Certificate III in Design Fundamentals (Photography) - Part Time16th Jul 18
- Certificate III in Design Fundamentals (Interior Decoration) - Part Time16th Jul 18
- Certificate III in Design Fundamentals (Fashion Design) - Part Time16th Jul 18
- Diploma of Styling (Fashion, Image & Media)16th Jul 18
- Certificate III in Design Fundamentals (Styling) - Part Time16th Jul 18
- Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration16th Jul 18
- Diploma of Visual Arts (Textile, Print & Surface Design)16th Jul 18
- Certificate III in Beauty Services16th Jul 18
- Certificate III in Design Fundamentals (Graphic Design) - Part Time16th Jul 18
- Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging16th Jul 18
- Hair for You16th Jul 18
- Advanced Diploma of Interior Design16th Jul 18
- Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising16th Jul 18
- Diploma of Beauty Therapy16th Jul 18
- Diploma of Screen and Media (Specialist Make-Up Services)17th Jul 18
- Certificate III in Beauty Services17th Jul 18
- Certificate III in Visual Arts (Textile, Print & Surface Design) - Part Time20th Jul 18
- Airbrush Makeup21st Jul 18
- Diploma of Screen and Media (Specialist Make-Up Services)3rd Sep 18
- Halloween Make-Up Workshop13th Sep 18
- Want to Be a Photographer?17th Sep 18
- Design and Sew a Skirt in a Day17th Sep 18
- Eyelash Extension Workshop17th Sep 18
- Discover Interior Design17th Sep 18
- Spray Tanning Workshop17th Sep 18
- Design Your Own Print18th Sep 18
- Discover Interior Design18th Sep 18
- Street Style Image & Fashion Flat Lays18th Sep 18
- Special Effects Makeup19th Sep 18
- Abstract Painting20th Sep 18
- Eyelash Extension Workshop20th Sep 18
- Spray Tanning Workshop20th Sep 18
- Design and Sew a Skirt in a Day21st Sep 18
- Design Your Own Print21st Sep 18
- Special Effects Makeup21st Sep 18