Associate Degree of DesignFASHION DESIGN
Build on your construction foundations and take your fashion design further - from skirts and shirts through to print, soft tailoring and menswear - in four accelerated trimesters.
COURSE INFORMATION
- Degree:
- Associate Degree
- Delivery:
- On Campus
- Next Intake:
- February 2027
- Format:
- Full-Time / Part-Time
- Intakes:
- Feb, Jun, Sept
- Location:
- Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
- Duration:
- 4 Trimesters Accelerated
- Tuition:
- FEE-HELP Approved
FASHION DESIGN OVERVIEW
The Associate Degree of Design with specialisation in Fashion Design takes you beyond the foundations of garment construction into print, tailoring and menswear. Over four accelerated trimesters, you combine garment design, pattern making, construction and illustration with the business and marketing knowledge the industry runs on - graduating with a fuller portfolio, ready to step into the industry or continue straight into the Bachelor of Design with full credit for your completed trimesters.
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The curriculum is refreshed every 12 weeks to reflect current design trends from Paris, London, Milan and New York, so what you're studying stays connected to what's actually happening in fashion right now, not a fixed syllabus written years ago.
You'll move between hand and digital skills throughout - flat pattern cutting, modelling on the stand, garment construction and tailoring finishing, alongside fashion illustration and the Adobe Creative Cloud suite (including Illustrator, InDesign and StyleCAD). With 20+ hours of face-to-face studio contact per week - more than double the national average - this is one of the most hands-on fashion design programs in the country.
Why study Fashion Design at Whitehouse
Craft first - every project at Whitehouse builds real construction and pattern making skills.
Exclusive industry access - past students have interned with Vogue Australia, Country Road, MECCA, FENDI, Dior and LVMH, and at Fashion Weeks.
Graduate with a standout portfolio and a direct, credited pathway into the Bachelor of Design.
WHY WHITEHOUSE?
#1
FOR SKILLS DEVELOPMENT*
We achieved 92.1% in the QILT Student Experience Survey 2025, the strongest result of any creative arts and design institution in the country.
20+
STUDIO HOURS A WEEK
You'll get real face-to-face studio time, more than double the national average.
INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
Students intern at names like Maticevski, Dior, Mariam Seddiq, Carla Zampatti and Rebecca Vallance.
*QILT Student Experience Survey 2025 when compared to institutions offering creative arts and design courses.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
What you'll learn
- Flat pattern cutting, modelling on the stand and garment construction
- Tailoring processes and professional finishing techniques
- Textiles exploration with designing your own print pattern
- Fashion illustration, in both hand and digital styles
- Adobe Creative Cloud: Illustrator, InDesign and StyleCAD
- Trend forecasting, research and design development
- Marketing, business and professional practice for the fashion industry
What you'll graduate with
- A professional portfolio built from versatile design and construction projects
- A portfolio of four industry-style projects, from daywear and print through to menswear tailoring
- Confident garment construction and tailoring skills, from concept through to finished piece
- An industry-aware understanding of trend forecasting, sourcing and the business of fashion
COURSE STRUCTURE
The Associate Degree of Design specialising in Fashion Design comprises 12 core subjects (Design Contexts, Digital Design + Illustration for Design) and 8 specialisation subjects (Fashion Design + Fashion Workshops), at a full-time study load this is delivered across 4 trimesters. To be awarded the Associate Degree of Design, candidates must accrue an aggregate of 192 credit points, including satisfactory completion of all subjects.
The course is offered both full-time and part-time. At a full-time study load, students complete the degree in four trimesters, undertaking five subjects each trimester.
Design core subjects
Design Contexts 1 to 4DC1 to DC4. 6/24 credit points
Builds students' understanding of the cultural, historical and sustainable contexts that frame contemporary design, revealing the broader relationships between fashion practice and the history and culture of design, art and the marketplace. In the second year, the subject evolves into design in business, marketing and professional contexts.
Digital Design 1 to 4DD1 to DD4. 6/24 credit points
Develops the skills to create professional visual images and a design portfolio for both print and digital. Students use the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, including Photoshop, Lightroom and InDesign, to describe, develop and market their projects, mastering how digital media produces effective, meaningful communication.
Design Illustration 1 to 4ID1 to ID4. 6/24 credit points
Builds the knowledge and skills to create visual images across a variety of illustrative media and styles in support of design projects. Students explore hand and digital illustration to communicate design outcomes, developing a visual language that transcends words and equips graduates to work on a global scale.
Fashion Design specialisation subjects
Fashion Design 1 to 4FD1 to FD4. 6/24 credit points
Fashion design methods and processes explores the "how to" of the design process. This subject investigates and interrogates design innovation in Fashion Design. Design Methods has a strong focus on putting your ideas into practice and preparing for industry.
Fashion Workshop 1 to 4FW1 to FW4. 24/96 credit points
Each trimester integrates and applies learning from every other subject into a major industry-style project, developing both creativity and discipline-specific technical practice. Projects progress from a fashion daywear skirt and shirt, through pants, blouse and soft jacket, and print, to an introduction to tailoring and menswear.
THE PROJECTS
In this accelerated four-trimester degree, you'll complete four industry focused projects through briefs that you're issued at the commencement of each trimester. You're given a client, a design problem to resolve, a colour palette from the latest trend research and then together with your design teacher, you come up with an original design solution.
Trimester One
The Skirt + Customised Shirt
You'll start out simply with a skirt, this is a foundation project to get you used to industrial machines, pattern-making and garment construction techniques. You'll design, toile, sample your garment and work with your design and workshop teachers to bring your 2D illustration to life in 3D form. Your task is to design a trans-seasonal fashion forward daywear outfit featuring a skirt for womenswear and a re-worked shirt. You'll end up producing two pieces and presenting them, styled together for a runway or editorial to create an entire look.
Trimester Two
Fashion Daywear Pants + Blouse/Shirt + Optional Soft Jacket
Design a capsule collection of five-six pieces which can be worn across two-three bodies. You'll learn how to create a powerful contrast between functionality of traditional design garments and non-fashion utility garments. Luxe volume and high fashion textures. You're tasked with working for a high-end concept store to create an innovative, captivating womenswear collection that is design directional, functional and commercial. You'll examine silhouettes and proportions in current hybridised utility wear collections.
Trimester Three
Print Design (Dress + Soft Jacket)
In an exploratory journey of advanced colour, print, bold design and styling, you'll design and produce your own signature fabric print. The task, you'll design a daywear dress and one jacket / outwear piece inspired by the trench coat. The project has a higher degree of complexity as you need to work with bold print and interesting colour combinations to create high-end design impact. You'll need to then use your trench coat pattern-making skills and adapt it for a soft jacket and reconfigure the proportions, scale, purpose and position all while maintaining a fashion-forward commercial tone.
Trimester Four
Tailoring & Menswear Introduction
Through trade design lectures, speedy design sessions and original product design you'll explore and learn an introduction to techniques for high end menswear jacket tailoring. You'll use elements and principles of design to apply scale, proportion, texture, colour and fabrication to menswear. Radical thinking and experimentation are required alongside research and exploring deeper methods of design, industry practice and sustainability. Your task is to design three bodies of six to eight pieces that are innovative and executed to a professional standard.
Later, in the Bachelor of Design
The Associate Degree covers 4 of the 6 trimesters required for the Bachelor of Design. Continue straight into Trimester Five with full credit, and take these on next.
- Trimester FiveSignature Hero Garment
- Trimester SixGraduate Collection
CAREER OUTCOMES
The Associate Degree gives you the construction, design and industry skills to step into the fashion industry. Graduates go on to roles such as assistant designer, pattern maker or production assistant, or continue into the Bachelor of Design to complete a graduate collection.
Graduates go on to work as
Design & studio practice
Assistant Fashion Designer / Pattern Maker / Machinist / Sample Maker
Retail & commercial
Production Assistant / Merchandising Assistant / Assistant Buyer
Media & creative
Fashion Illustrator / Stylist Assistant / Content Creator
“It was incredible to be surrounded by so many talented students, I think that healthy competition is a brilliant way to push yourself and to become the best designer you can possibly be. I also loved the fact that we had wonderful industry experienced teachers who were passionate about what they taught and excited to share their knowledge and their skillsets.”
YOUR PATHWAY
Continue into the Bachelor of Design with full credit for your completed trimesters, then on to the Master of Design.
- ASSOCIATE DEGREEYou are here
- BACHELOR OF DESIGN2 more trimesters, with full credit
FACILITIES
With purpose-built design campuses in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, Whitehouse students work within professional-standard environments designed around the way the industry actually operates. Not lecture halls, but studios, workshops and resources you'll use in your specialisation every week.
Professional atelier studiosDesign Collection (Sydney Only)Adobe Creative Cloud suiteIndustry partnerships and sourcing networkResearch servicesView detailsHide details
Professional atelier studios
Fully-equipped studios give you the space to move between manual and digital design methods - from pattern cutting and garment construction to digital design in the Adobe Creative Cloud suite and StyleCAD.
Design Collection (Sydney Only)
At the Sydney campus, students have rare access to one of Australia's most significant design archives, including original pieces from Louis Vuitton, Burberry and Sacai - a hands-on resource for studying construction, detail and the language of luxury up close.
Adobe Creative Cloud suite
Every student receives free access to the full Adobe Creative Cloud suite, giving you the same tools used across professional design, editorial and creative direction. From week one you'll work in Photoshop, Lightroom, InDesign and Illustrator.
Industry partnerships and sourcing network
Whitehouse connects students to the network the fashion industry runs on - fabric and materials suppliers, industry competitions and brand partnerships with organisations including LVMH, Christian Dior, Carla Zampatti, Mariam Seddiq, Camilla, Melbourne Fashion Week, Australian Fashion Week and The Woolmark Company.
Research services
Fashion Design students draw on industry-grade trend-forecasting services and a specialist design library, developing the research rigour behind every strong creative decision, from mood and colour direction to sourcing and concept.
Whitehouse continually updates and expands its resources to ensure every student has extensive design research support throughout their degree.
FEES
| 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Trimester Tuition Fee (full-time study) | $14,610 |
| Indicative Average Unit Fee (5 units) | $2,922 |
Domestic fees
All Design courses are FEE-HELP eligible for domestic students. No upfront payment for tuition fees needed if eligible.
Fees exclude course materials and technical kits.
International fees
See the International section for information on international fees.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for the Associate Degree of Design with specialisation in Fashion Design, submit a direct application through the Whitehouse Institute of Design website.
Whitehouse has no application fees.
Important dates
Applications for Whitehouse's Associate Degree of Design with specialisation in Fashion Design are open year-round, with three main intakes each year - February, June and September. Applications typically open within 6 to 12 months of the intake commencing. We recommend applying early to secure your preferred campus and start date.
Entry requirements
- ATAR
- No ATAR required
- Academic
- Completion of Year 12 or equivalent
- Design Meeting
- All applicants attend a Design Meeting
- Portfolio
- All applicants provide a portfolio
Here are the main requirements to get you started. The full entry requirements are in the links below, and our team is happy to talk them through.
In addition to standard entry requirements, international students must have a minimum level of English language skills as well as a valid and appropriate visa for studying in Australia.
FAQS
What is the Associate Degree of Design in Fashion Design at Whitehouse?
The Associate Degree of Design with specialisation in Fashion Design at Whitehouse Institute of Design takes you beyond the foundations of garment construction into print, tailoring and menswear. Over four accelerated trimesters you combine garment design, pattern making, construction and illustration with the business and marketing knowledge the fashion industry runs on.
How long is the Associate Degree of Design in Fashion Design?
The Associate Degree of Design in Fashion Design takes 4 accelerated trimesters at a full-time study load, with five subjects each trimester. It is also offered part-time.
When and where can I study the Associate Degree of Design in Fashion Design?
You can study the Associate Degree of Design in Fashion Design on campus at Whitehouse in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. There are three main intakes each year, in February, June and September, with the next intake in February 2027.
What will I learn in the Associate Degree of Design in Fashion Design?
You'll learn flat pattern cutting, modelling on the stand, garment construction, tailoring and professional finishing, print design and fashion illustration in hand and digital styles. You'll also use Adobe Creative Cloud (including Illustrator, InDesign and StyleCAD) and study trend forecasting, marketing, business and professional practice.
What projects do you make in the Associate Degree of Design in Fashion Design?
You complete four industry-focused projects, one each trimester: a skirt and customised shirt, a daywear capsule collection of pants, blouse or shirt and optional soft jacket, a print design dress and soft jacket, and an introduction to tailoring and menswear.
Is the Whitehouse Associate Degree in Fashion Design hands-on?
Yes. The Associate Degree of Design in Fashion Design includes 20+ hours of face-to-face studio contact per week, which Whitehouse notes is more than double the national average, and every project builds real construction and pattern making skills.
What will I graduate with from the Associate Degree of Design in Fashion Design?
You'll graduate with a professional portfolio of four industry-style projects, from daywear and print through to menswear tailoring, plus confident garment construction and tailoring skills. You'll also have an industry-aware understanding of trend forecasting, sourcing and the business of fashion.
What careers can I get with an Associate Degree of Design in Fashion Design?
Graduates of the Whitehouse Associate Degree in Fashion Design go on to roles such as Assistant Fashion Designer, Pattern Maker, Machinist, Sample Maker, Production Assistant, Merchandising Assistant, Assistant Buyer, Fashion Illustrator, Stylist Assistant or Content Creator. You can also continue into the Bachelor of Design to complete a graduate collection.
How does the Associate Degree of Design relate to the Bachelor of Design?
The Associate Degree of Design covers 4 of the 6 trimesters required for the Bachelor of Design. You can continue straight into Trimester Five of the Bachelor with full credit, completing a Signature Hero Garment and your Graduate Collection in two more trimesters.
Can I get into the Associate Degree of Design from the Diploma of Design?
Yes. The Whitehouse Diploma of Design in Fashion Design provides a direct pathway into the Associate Degree of Design with full credit for your completed trimesters.
What are the entry requirements for the Associate Degree of Design in Fashion Design?
No ATAR required. You need to have completed Year 12 or equivalent, attend a Design Meeting and provide a portfolio. You apply directly through the Whitehouse website with no application fee. International students also need a minimum level of English language skills and a valid visa for studying in Australia.
What is a creative portfolio, and what if I don't have one?
A creative portfolio is a selection of your best work, usually 4 to 6 examples in mediums such as illustration, digital design, photography, textile design or fine art, that shows your creative potential. If you don't have one, call Whitehouse on 1300 551 433 or email study@whitehouse-design.edu.au, and consider the short portfolio workshops Whitehouse runs throughout the year.
What high school subjects are recommended for the Associate Degree of Design?
Recommended Year 11 and 12 subjects include Design & Technology, Visual Arts, Visual Communication, Textiles & Design, and Modern or Ancient History. Whitehouse has no compulsory prerequisite subjects.
Do you learn graphic design in the Associate Degree of Design in Fashion Design?
Yes, in effect. The Digital Design subjects are best described as a graphic design course within your degree, using Adobe Creative Cloud tools such as Photoshop, Lightroom and InDesign, applied directly to your fashion projects across print and digital formats.
How much does the Associate Degree of Design in Fashion Design cost, and is FEE-HELP available?
For 2026, the domestic tuition fee is $14,610 per trimester at a full-time study load, an indicative average of $2,922 per unit across 5 units, excluding course materials and technical kits. The Associate Degree is FEE-HELP approved, so eligible domestic students need no upfront payment for tuition fees.
FEE-HELP limits apply. Check the latest limits and eligibility on the Australian Government's StudyAssist website.
Can I get academic credit or defer my Associate Degree enrolment?
Yes, you may be eligible for both. Whitehouse may award credit for accredited prior study or relevant industry experience, and if you have an offer but aren't ready to start, you can defer to the next intake without reapplying, as long as you do so before the census date.
What AQF level is the Associate Degree of Design, Fashion Design?
The Associate Degree of Design, Fashion Design is an AQF Level 6 qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework, one level below a bachelor degree. Graduates can continue into the Whitehouse Bachelor of Design (AQF Level 7) with full credit for their completed trimesters.
Still have questions? Call 1300 551 433.
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