Fashion Design
Fashion design is the art of applying design, aesthetics and construction techniques to clothing and accessories. Study fashion design at Otago Polytechnic and you’ll develop your design identity with the opportunity to showcase your work in exhibitions, runway shows, and international competitions.
Our fashion design programmes can lead you towards a creative career in fashion writing, styling, costuming, working with internationally acclaimed designers, or creating your own successful label.
The biggest point of difference at Otago Polytechnic is our real-world approach to learning. You will be immersed in an innovative and supportive environment which allows you to engage in live projects, develop your individual voice as a designer, and learn how to work in a design team. The experience you’ll gain will give you the skills to seamlessly transition from study to employment or promotion. Our programmes have a strong focus on sustainability, giving you a skillset for an increasingly planet-conscious industry.
Fashion Design qualifications
Art, Design
Begin to build the skills and degree-level portfolio you need to apply for our Bachelor of Design (Communication), Bachelor of Design (Fashion), Bachelor of Design (Product) or Bachelor of Visual Arts. A negotiated pathway towards the Bachelor of Architectural Studies may also be possible. This programme will also prepare you for a junior role in a creative workplace.Duration
17 Weeks Full-time
2 Years Part-time
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Entry-level roles, Further tertiary study , Junior Designer
Design
Build your portfolio to apply for our Bachelor of Design (Fashion) or prepare for entry-level roles in the fashion industry assisting with design, styling, retail/merchandising, basic garment construction. You'll learn about fashion design and textiles concepts, fashion industry practice, and fashion production as you develop fashion garments and outcomes. This studio work becomes your portfolio.Duration
17 Weeks Full-time
2 Years Part-time
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Fashion Assistant, Fashion Retailer, Junior Stylist, Merchandiser
Design
Become a skilled, industry-ready fashion professional with this internationally recognised programme. Known for its focus on sustainability, its industry connections and hands-on courses, this leading fashion degree will give you the chance to truly develop your individual style and identity as a designer. We build responsible fashion professionals who are well-equipped for the realities of the fashion world. Our graduates have gone on to work for internationally acclaimed designers such as NOM*d, and to create successful labels such as Maaike and twenty-seven names.Duration
3 Years Full-time
6 Years Part-time
Delivery
On campus, Work-based through Capable NZ
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Design Assistant, Entrepreneur, Fashion Designer, Fashion Writer, Stylist, Tailor
Design
Add a specialist area (Communication, Fashion or Product Design) to your existing degree, or if you are a professional designer or practitioner, develop practical skills and studio project experience to build your existing knowledge.Duration
1 Year Full-time
2 Years Part-time
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Brand Designer, Fashion Designer, Product Designer
Design
If you have already achieved excellence in your undergraduate degree, this postgraduate qualification is a great opportunity to extend and deepen your knowledge and understanding of design research methods and professional design practice. Graduates of this programme will be well prepared for further postgraduate study or employment in a design creative lead role.Duration
1 Year Full-time
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Creative Lead, Digital Artist, Senior Designer, Visual Effects, Web Designer
Design
Perfect if you're returning to study after a long break or if you desire personalised guidance and support. This qualification introduces you to postgraduate study in a guided learning environment. You will have to option to focus on one discipline or take up a cross-disciplinary approach.Duration
6 Months Full-time
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Curator, Design Consultant, Design Lead, Design Manager, Design Researcher, Entrepreneur, Practicing Artist
Design
This qualification is suitable for you if you have a strong professional design background. Extend and deepen your research skills and work on applied research projects which are self-generated or developed with industry/community partners.Duration
1 Year Full-time
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Artist, Collection Curator, Curator, Design Researcher, Practicing Artist
Design
This is an advanced programme with an emphasis on design research. You can choose to conclude the degree by either completing a thesis or developing an integrated body of creative work.Duration
1 Year Full-time
Delivery
Blended learning
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Art Educator, Curator, Design Lead, Design Manager, Design Researcher, Doctoral study, Practicing Artist
Design
Learn how to enhance user experiences through design. You will develop skills to use design as a strategic tool by undertaking applied research tailored to suit your needs. You will explore ways to create new products and systems that contribute to satisfying human interactions. Multi-disciplinary design interaction, criticism and debate will be encouraged throughout the programme.Duration
18 Months Full-time
Delivery
Blended learning
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Curator, Design Consultant, Design Lead, Design Researcher, Entrepreneur, Practicing Artist
Discover our School of Design
Our School of Design is known for producing work-ready graduates. Check out the School of Design page to:
- See all Design qualifications offered
- Meet your lecturers and find out what makes them leaders in their chosen fields
- Hear about our latest news and events
- Learn first-hand what it’s like to study with us from real students and graduates
- Read about our postgraduate research and projects
Contact us
If you’re not sure what to study and would like some guidance, we’re here to help. Feel free to chat to us directly about any questions you may have.
