Launch into a career in fashion
When you complete the Advanced Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising at Bentley, you’re ready to work as a fashion designer, product developer, production manager, CAD operator, CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) operator, distribution coordinator, fashion/ textile and colour forecaster, garment finisher, pattern grader/maker, production consultant, or specialised construction machinist.
The Advanced Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising course is the final year of three years of fashion study. Culminating in a professional showcase of student collections at an industry-attended fashion show, this course covers every aspect of a fashion cycle. Students and staff work together to build a graduate portfolio and professional profile to prepare graduates for employment.
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The fees and duration of study on this website for this qualification are for the final advanced diploma year only, students enter this qualification after completing the Diploma in Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising.
This qualification is also offered part-time. Use the get help form below to start a discussion with our training area.
- specialised digital patternmaking
- costing and pricing strategies
- marketing and branding
In order to make an informed choice about the suitability of this course, you must take into account the essential skills and knowledge required to undertake this study.
- ability to strictly follow workplace safety standards
- an eye for detail and a creative flair
- good hand-eye coordination
- good time management and the ability to work with tight deadlines
- good communication skills
This course is a VET Student Loan eligible course. A VET Student Loan creates a debt that must be repaid to the Commonwealth and is only available to students who are eligible.
To find out if you are eligible or to see the list of eligible courses visit our Student Loans page.
| School Leaver | Non-School Leaver | AQF |
|---|---|---|
| Completion of WACE General or ATAR (Minimum C Grades) or equivalent | Completion of WACE General or ATAR or equivalent (minimum C Grades) | Certificate III |
Requires completion of MST50119 Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising or equivalent.
New students who have not studied MST50119 Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising must apply instead for the lower level qualification due to pre-requisite skills/knowledge requirements.
Students that have already completed MST50119 Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising are eligible to apply for direct entry into the Advanced Diploma.
Attendance in class
This course is equivalent to 3 days per week when studied full time across three semesters.
At-home study
As well as the in-class component, you will need to complete approximately 4 hours of additional study each week outside of class hours, including private study, assignment preparation, and research.
You will need to have the basic technical requirements for at-home study. If you don’t have access to a computer and WiFi at home, we recommend using our library computers during library hours.
Work placement
75 hours of work placement is mandatory for completion of this course. SM TAFE will arrange a suitable work placement within industry for you. This will involve your attendance at a workplace/worksite 1-2 days per week during the program or in a block of weeks at the end of the program depending on the host employer and availability.
Please be aware that industries and employers have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic which has meant that some work placements have been cancelled, put on hold or student places significantly reduced. While every effort is being made to work with our industry partners to secure work placements during this unprecedented time, there may be delays in students being placed. As a result of these delays some students may take longer than the expected time to complete their course. Lecturing staff will keep all students up to date, and will inform students if this may affect them and cause a delay in finishing their course.
What you need for your first day of class
On your first day you should bring your SM TAFE confirmation enrolment receipt, your student ID, stationery (a pen and notepad and wear enclosed footwear and equipment from orientation booklet lists).
Uniforms and workwear requirements: No uniform required, however wear closed in shoes and have hair tied back during construction classes.
Please note this list should be used as a guide only as job titles and qualification requirements may vary between organisations.
SM TAFE actively promotes the employment availability of course graduates to key industry partners and organisations. We also seek expressions of interest from organisations for the placement of our students into work experience. We endeavour to assist students into a career pathway, but please be aware that neither employment nor work experience placement is guaranteed by us.
To access free career planning and job search assistance, visit the Jobs and Skills Centres page.
Become a specialist in your field with university study
The information about university credit points and tuition costs provides a general guide only. SM TAFE recommends students discuss credit points with the university or college of their choice at the time of graduation.
| Estimated tuition fee for all units | Estimated resource fee for all units |
|---|---|
| $14,741.34 | $1,449.50 |
| Estimated tuition fees when pre-requisite credits are applied | Estimated resource fees when pre-requisite credits are applied |
|---|---|
| $4,718.85 | $356.50 |
Costs per unit: MST60119 Advanced Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising units and fees (284 KB) (PDF document)
Indicative fees and charges
The fees quoted are estimates only and are for all units in the course for students enrolling on a full-time basis. If you're a student that has successfully completed a lower-level qualification that is a prerequisite for this course, you'll only pay for the units that you need to enrol in to complete this course. Please view the full list of fee disclaimers.