Bachelor of Design (Fashion Technology and Design)

Establish a name for yourself in the fashion industry by combining your flair, creativity and passion with professional expertise and technical skills

Our degree programme aims to give you tools to become an independent designer or garment producer. You'll learn key skills in design strategy, drawing, garment construction and pattern making.

You'll also get to choose two courses from a wide range of electives that will help you to develop specialist skills that suit your goals. As well as studio courses, you'll complete a group of core courses in academic subjects, including both professional and contextual studies, which will give you great communication skills, knowledge of a range of creative practices, and basic business skills.

You'll gain real-world industry experience in year one, hearing from guest speakers about their journeys and inspirations, and benefitting from the learning their career paths have given them. We'll also give you opportunities like competitions and fashion events to expose your work to the wider industry.

In year two you'll undertake a 40-hour industry placement, which is collection-based. Here you'll gain real world learning about current trends and marketing methods.

In the final year you'll have the opportunity, with the guidance of Ara fashion staff, to undertake a further 80-hour work placement where you'll design your own collection based on a designated brief.

The company hosting your placement will critique your work and you'll gain invaluable industry experience from those at the top of your field.

To conclude your final year you'll undertake a major project encompassing all of the skills you've acquired in design, marketing, small business ownership and construction.

Entry Requirements:

Academic Requirement:

University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at level 3 and 20 credits at level 2 or higher) which must include 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three approved* subjects and:

• Literacy* - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading, 5 credits in writing,

• Numeracy* - 10 credits at Level 1 or above (specified achievement standards, or unit standards 26623, 26626, 26627)

OR a qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework at Level 4 or above in a related discipline.

English Requirements

What if English is not my first Language?

If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.

• Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.

• If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.

• If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.

• IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.

• What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?

• You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.

Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic

• 5.5 Listening

• 5.5 Reading

• 5.5 Writing

• 5.5 Speaking