BACHELOR OF DESIGN /
FASHION DESIGN
If you're looking for the best fashion design course in Australia, the Bachelor of Design in Fashion Design stands out above the rest. This program is tailored for creative individuals with a passion for becoming industry-leading, forward-thinking designers. It delivers unmatched experience and knowledge in generating, developing, and executing cutting-edge womenswear, menswear, genderless-wear and accessory designs to a world-class professional standard.
Our program encourages students to hone their unique design vision while understanding the dynamic fashion market. Whether it's mastering classic fashion techniques or pushing the boundaries with innovative design, this course ensures you're fully equipped to excel in every aspect of the fashion industry. The curriculum is carefully curated, blending diverse project work with insights from leading experts and guest lecturers at the forefront of the fashion world.
Key skills you’ll gain include: advanced fashion research methods, flat pattern cutting, draping and sampling, garment construction, tailoring, fabric manipulation, technical specifications, fashion illustration, and branding and marketing strategies. Additionally, students dive into textile exploration, designing your own print, and much more.
With this degree, you're not just studying fashion design, you're entering the fashion industry with the strongest foundation available in the southern hemisphere, positioning yourself ahead of the competition. Australia's top fashion design degree, where creative excellence meets the real-world demands of the fashion industry.
This course covers essential topics to thrive in today's fashion landscape and will prepare you for roles in fashion design, apparel design, luxury fashion, luxury brand management, sustainable fashion, fashion branding, fashion business and fashion marketing.
The Bachelor of Design degree at WHITEHOUSE consists of six trimesters and is completed within two years full-time.
Administrative Date: is the last date that you can complete the requirements for enrolment or progression and finalise any upfront tuition fees for the relevant trimester. The Administrative Date is the trimester commencement date.
Census Date: is the deadline for various requirements, which include things like submitting your electronic request (eCAF) for HELP Assistance FEE-HELP loan. If you miss the census date, and you have not submitted your (eCAF) you will not be eligible to access HELP for that trimester and your fees will revert to an up-front payment. The census date is also the deadline for withdrawing from subjects without incurring the full cost of your subject(s) or a HELP debt.
The Bachelor of Design specialising in Fashion Design is based on six trimesters with five subjects taught in each trimester. It comprises of 18 core subjects and 12 specialisation subjects. To qualify for the award of the degree Bachelor of Design a candidate shall accrue and aggregate of 288 credit points, including satisfactory completion of all subjects.
|:----|:----|:----|
|DC1 - 6|Design Contexts (Core Subject)|6 Credit Points|
|DD1 - 6|Digital Design (Core Subject)|6 Credit Points|
|ID1 - 6|Illustration for Design (Core Subject)|6 Credit Points|
|FD1 - 6|Fashion Design Methods and Processes (Specialisation)|6 Credit Points|
|FW1 - 6|Fashion Workshop (Specialisation)|24 Credit Points|
DESIGN CONTEXTS
In year one, students will be immersed in the foundation elements of design context that look at the historical, cultural and social influences that impact on contemporary design practices. Students relate their research to their chosen specialisation and how the relationship of culture, history and marketplace informs design and designers today. In the second and final year, design context students investigate the relationship between design and marketing, how to integrate design with industry business models and how design integrates with the professional world.
DIGITAL DESIGN
Focuses on visual communication through print and digital media. This area of study examines the principles of communication realised through effective and innovative visual outcomes. Students use the following programs: Adobe Creative Cloud and Style CAD for Pattern making.
ILLUSTRATION FOR DESIGN
Focuses on visual communication techniques using the foundations of elements and principles of design. A diverse range of media is investigated, used and mastered to successfully communicate design intent through illustration.
DESIGN METHODS
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.
DESIGN WORKSHOP
Supports students through the realisation of their 2D design into a 3D prototype. This subject provides students with the opportunity to integrate and apply their skills and knowledge from all other subject areas. Students learn basic to advanced pattern making and construction techniques using a variety of industrial machinery for construction to create a reference portfolio of technical design work.
Here are just some examples of career outcomes our Fashion Design graduates have continued into.
|:----|:----|
|Fashion Designer|Textile Designer|
|Fashion Buyer|Pattern Maker|
|Art Director|Costume Designer|
|Marketing Manager|Visual Merchandiser|
|Blog Director/ Editor|Brand Manager|
|Magazine Editor|Fashion Illustrator|
|Fashion Journalist|Tailor|
|Advertising Manager|Trend Analyst|
With purpose built design campuses in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, Whitehouse students are provided with state-of-the-art facilities within each of their subjects. Exclusive access to digital resources such as FREE Adobe Creative Cloud, trend-forecasting services, a specialist design library, one of the largest design collections from Louis Vuitton/Burberry/Sacai etc, student rooftop garden, student pool area and fully-equipped photography studios.
Whitehouse is continuously updating and improving resources to ensure that students have extensive design research support.
|:----|:----|:----|
|Trimester One / Four|5|$2,922|
|Trimester Two / Five|5|$2,922|
|Trimester Three / Six|5|$2,922|
The Tuition Fee schedule applies for 2025 only and are subject to annual review and alteration. All fees are in Australian Dollars and inclusive of GST where GST is applicable. The Fee document attached is for tuition only and do not include course material costs. For further information on course material cost estimates please call us on 1300 551 433 and ask to speak with the Admissions Team.
TUITION FEE PAYMENT OPTIONS
You can choose to pay your tuition fees in the following ways:
- FEE-HELP
- Pay Fees Upfront
- Upfront Payment for Single Unit/s + FEE-HELP
Tuition fees for each study period are to be paid in advance before the commencement of each study period. You can either elect to pay upfront, in full or a portion upfront, with the balance deferred to FEE-HELP.
If you elect to pay your tuition fees up front, this does not prevent you from accessing FEE-HELP at any time, provided an electronic Commonwealth Assistance form (eCAF) to defer tuition to FEE-HELP assistance form is lodged before the relevant Census Date for the study period.
FEE-HELP
FEE-HELP is a loan scheme that helps eligible Australian fee-paying students (full-time or part-time) pay their tuition fees.
FEE-HELP can cover all or part of your tuition fees. The Australian Government pays the amount of the loan direct to Whitehouse. You’ll make repayments on your loan through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) whenever your income is above the threshold, or you can make voluntary repayment to ATO at any time.
No interest is charged on your FEE-HELP loan, however, the Commonwealth Government applies a one off loan fee and it is indexed each year with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in line with the cost of living.
The Government’s Study Assist website provides more information about FEE-HELP, eligibility and your rights & obligations.
Tuition Schedule for International Students applies as of 2025. All tuition fees are subject to annual review and alteration. All fees are in Australian Dollars and inclusive of GST where GST is applicable. The Fee documents attached are for tuition only and do not include course material costs. For further information on course material cost estimates please call us on 1300 551 433 and ask to speak with the Admissions Team.
TUITION FEE PAYMENT OPTIONS
You can choose to pay your tuition fees in the following ways:
- Pay Fees Upfront
Tuition fees for each study period are to be paid no later than 7 days in advance before the commencement of each study period.
On enrolment, an invoice will be issued to you with online payment options including Apple Pay, PayPal, Visa, American Express and Mastercard. Direct Bank transfer is also available to avoid any applicable surcharge.
Non-tuition fees are governed by the Higher Education Support Act. Students must be able to complete the requirements of their course of study without the imposition of fees that are additional to tuition fees except in the following circumstances:
- for a service that is not essential to the course of study; or
- for alternative forms of access to a service that is an essential component of the course of study, but is otherwise made readily available at no additional charge by Whitehouse; or
- the fee is a fine or penalty, provided it is imposed principally as a disincentive.
NON-TUITION FEES AND CHARGES SCHEDULE
|:----|:----|
|Cancellation Fee O/S – approved notice of withdrawal or deferral received before course commencement = 10% of the study period tuition fee (international students only - penalty)|(max) $1,356.00|
|Refusal of student visa by DIBP – 5% of pre-paid tuition fees or $500.00 (international students only - penalty)|5% or $500.00|
|Electronic transactions surcharge - Visa and MasterCard (service charge)|0.87%|
|Electronic transactions surcharge EFTPOS (service charge)|$0.45 each|
|Late Payment fee (penalty)|$20.00 per day|
|Dishonoured payment (penalty)|$50.00|
|Reissue of Testamur/Qualification<sup>\*</sup> (service charge)|$50.00|
|Reissue of Academic Transcript<sup>\*</sup> (service charge)|$30.00|
|Locker Hire – Annual (service charge)|$45.00|
|Locker Key/Lock reissue (penalty)|$25.00|
|Reissue Whitehouse Student ID card (penalty)|$30.00|
|Overdue Library Book fee: $1 per day up to first 7 days, $10 per day thereafter (fine)|$1.00/$10.00|
|Lost Book Fee: minimum $150 or cost of replacement (fine)|$150.00 minimum|
|Printing fees - library (service charge)|$0.10 to $2.00 per sheet|
|Binding - library (service charge)|$1.45 - $4.50 per set|
|Graduation ceremony (service charge) <sup>\*\*</sup>|$155.00 - $170.00|
|Private Tuition (BDes only – service charge) <sup>\*\*\*</sup>|$85.00 per hour|
* Reissue of academic transcripts and or Transcript/Qualification must be made in writing (see Request Issue of Transcript form) with payment/credit card authority and include current mailing and contact details, and in advance.
** Graduation ceremony – students are not required to attend the ceremony and can be conferred award in absentia without charge.
*** Students may be required to undertake private tuition due change of design specialisation or missed content though unsupported absences to assist with progression. Private tuition is also available upon request.
Whitehouse Institute offers students the opportunity to experience a wide range of different studio practices, each of which will require specific materials and equipment. It is the student’s responsibility to determine what materials and equipment are required for each class prior to the class being held. - this will be listed in the course outline for each subject and often posted ahead of time on Google Classroom. Students are required to attend each class with the correct equipment.
The cost of materials and supplies will vary depending on the specialisation. Costs will be incurred for specialist art papers, fabrics and accessories. Specialised Studio Workshops require additional materials and supplies and these costs are determined by the student’s choice of items.
The design staff have put a Whitehouse specific art and technical kit together to ensure that students have the essential supplies to assist them in the execution of high-quality work and consistency across specialisations. These supplies are required at the commencement of studies. On enrolment an invoice will be emailed to complete this.
FREE ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD PRO LICENCE
You'll receive a free Adobe Creative Cloud Pro licence with your Whitehouse student email for the entire time you're studying Design with us.
|:----|:----:|:----:|
|Higher Education Study (includes bridging or enabling courses)|60|19%|
|Vocational Education & Training (VET) Study|45|14%|
|Secondary Education (recent) Admitted solely on basis of ATAR|N/A|0%|
|Secondary Education (recent) Admitted where ATAR, Portfolio and Motivational Statement were considered|109|34%|
|Secondary Education (recent) Admitted on the basis of other criteria and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, Portfolio & Motivational Statement alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)|88|26%|
|Work and Life Experience|18|6%|
|International Student|4|1%|
|ALL Students|324|100%|
Data based on Trimester 1 – February 2024
Whitehouse does not hold an ATAR requirement. All applicants are to provide a creative portfolio and a motivational statement as well as attend an in-person interview.
The creative portfolio is a selection of your best work, which demonstrates your creative potential. A portfolio usually consists of between 6-8 examples, and can use a variety of mediums which may include illustration, digital design, photography, film, creative writing, textile design, fine artworks and other evidence as appropriate to your chosen specialisation. Whitehouse uses your portfolio to assess your creative potential for success in the Bachelor of Design. We look at how your work demonstrates:
- An understanding of design, a connection with the current design industry and innovation in your creative thinking.
- A desire to learn and the ability to investigate and develop ideas independently.
If you do not have a Creative Portfolio, or have questions about yours, call us on 1300 551 433 or email study@whitehouse-design.edu.au to talk to us.
Whitehouse offers short workshops throughout the year, which assist students and applicants with their portfolio development. We recommend anyone considering a career in design or applying for the Bachelor of Design, to attend a workshop with us.
Details of all of Whitehouse's Workshops can be found here:
To assist you in your tertiary level design studies, it is recommended that a combination of the following subjects be undertaken during years 11 and 12: Modern or Ancient History, Design & Technology, Visual Arts, Visual Communication and Textiles & Design.
Whitehouse does not have any compulsory pre-requisite subjects.
Whitehouse offers a Certificate III in Design Fundamentals (VET for Secondary School Students) course, which offers its graduates direct entry into the Bachelor of Design at Whitehouse. Students can take this course in Year 10, 11 or 12 of High School.
Cert III in Design Fundamentals
Whitehouse suggests that all applicants take a Whitehouse Workshop. More information on the link below.
Absolutely, we are here to help. We recommend meeting with us, giving us a call or coming in for a tour. You can do any of those by clicking on the links below.
Call now 1300 551 433
Email us study@whitehouse-design.edu.au
An ATAR of 67.95* is desirable if applying with a secondary education only but is not the only criteria for acceptance. With your latest academic results, creative portfolio and motivational statement, an adjustment/equity factor may apply.
Adjustment or Equity factors might apply to study, work, cultural background or life experiences that have been impacted by location, study choices, disability, illness or family disruption and will be considered for admission. Each application will be considered on its merit, based on the evidence supplied by you attesting to your individual circumstances.
An adjustment factor to the application will be taken into consideration if:
- Applicant has completed a Certificate III in Design Fundamentals (or equivalent) at Whitehouse or at another RTO
- Evidence is produced indicating exceptional creative endeavours. Whitehouse will also consider: volunteering, internship, work experience, past/current employment and or extracurricular activities
- Applicant is of mature age
You may also be considered for admission on the basis of identifying with an equity group or experiencing disadvantage. Whitehouse may then increase your selection rank for that course - this is called an 'equity adjustment'.
If there is evidence of the applicant requiring an ‘equity adjustment’:
- Applicant identifies as one of the following equity groups:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- people from lower socio-economic backgrounds
- people with disability
- people from remote, rural or isolated areas
- people who are the first in their family to attend a university or other higher educational institution
- people from non-English speaking backgrounds
- There are specific categories of disadvantage that Whitehouse will also consider, which are detailed below. Your educational performance and/or personal situation prior to enrolment must have been seriously affected, normally for a period of at least six months, due to circumstances beyond your control or choosing.
- Disrupted Schooling
- Severe Family Disruption
- Excessive family responsibilities
- Personal Illness/disability
- Refugee Status
Applicants may be set literacy or creative tasks to assist with assessing eligibility for admission.
Congratulations! You have been made an offer of enrolment but you are not quite ready to commence study. You may defer commencement of studies until the next intake without the need to reapply. For more information on application, enrolment or deferral, you can discuss your options with Admissions.
ACADEMIC CREDIT / RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL)
Credits for single subjects may be awarded to accredited subjects previously undertaken at another education provider and/or relevant industry experience.
To apply for Academic Credit:
- Download and complete the Application for Academic Credit
- Fill in the form including all subject titles and descriptions of the units for which you are applying for RPL
- Submit completed form with supporting documentation and evidence to Whitehouse Institute
ADVANCED STANDING
Advanced Standing may be awarded to students who have completed courses in a similar field of study. Depending on the level of study completed, you may be eligible to receive direct articulation into study period two, three or four of the Bachelor of Design. Download or request the Application for Direct Entry - submit with your current/previous qualification and transcript of academic results. If advanced standing is awarded the length of your study may be reduced.
For more information on Academic Credit and Advanced Standing, simply contact Whitehouse Institute Admissions or discuss during your interview.
Please read the course page and the "frequently asked questions" section carefully, you should find the answers to your questions.
If not, please use the contact form below.