Fashion Design
Fashion design is the art of applying design, aesthetics, clothing construction and natural beauty 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 and 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.
Fashion Design qualifications
Design
Prepare for junior roles in the fashion industry assisting with design, styling, retail/merchandising, basic garment construction or for further study in fashion. During this hands-on programme, you’ll learn about fashion industry practice, fashion design and textile concepts, and fashion production. You will leave with a portfolio of work which you can use to apply for our Bachelor of Design (with your chosen electives).
Duration
17 Weeks Full-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 globally recognised degree. You’ll develop your individual style and identity as a designer and become prepared for the realities of the fashion world. Sewing skills aren't essential, as long as you're into fashion, you're creative, a hard worker and a risk taker.
Duration
3 Years Full-time
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Design Assistant, Entrepreneur, Fashion Designer, Fashion Writer, Stylist, Tailor
Design
If you are looking to achieve an applied qualification in a specialist area to complement your existing design degree or experience, you can opt for this programme and specialise in either Communications, Fashion or Product Design. This diploma will help you gain an understanding of the professional and strategic requirements of your industry, and to extend your professional research techniques. The skills you develop will then be applied to your selected area-specific courses and showcased in your final project.
Duration
1 Year Full-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
Get a taste of what it’s like to study this field at Otago Polytechnic:
- See all qualifications offered
- Meet your lecturers and find out what makes them leaders in their chosen area
- 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.
