Skip to Content
Need Help Live Chat
Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising MST50119
Show sidebar
  1. Home
  2. Courses
  3. Creative
  4. Fashion
  5. Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising

Overview

Designed as an entry-level qualification in fashion design, this course will teach you skills in design, fashion illustration, technical drawing, textiles, patternmaking, and technical skills for commercial garment construction.

A major component of your course is the design and production of customised fashion garments to create a professional portfolio of work.

This course is in transition. You may be transferred to a replacement course in 2024.

Diploma of Fashion Portfolio Guidelines (PDF 370Kb)

Qualification:

 Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising MST50119

Course No:

 DP-BD40

Campus:

 CIT Reid 

Duration:

 4 semesters (approximately 20 hours per week) full-time delivery including self-directed studio work and online components OR part-time equivalent.

Cost Info:

Further information about fees is available at Course fees and assistance

Indicative Cost:

 $6,135

Likely Job Outcome:

 Fashion designer, junior designer, fashion design support, product developer, patternmaker, grader, fashion magazine assistant, stylist.

Application Type:

 Register Your Interest
Share:

Timetable Information

To help with the enrolment process print your timetable, or keep the window open, so that you can refer back to it for your course code, course name, and the Course Reference Numbers (CRNs) or Block Code.

Skills Recognition

Entry Requirements

To be successful in this course you need a Senior Secondary Certificate (Year 12) Certificate or have relevant work or other practical experience. You may be asked to attend an interview to demonstrate appropriate design aptitude and understanding with a portfolio in an art and design area.

If you are from a culturally and linguistically diverse background, and are using English as a second language (both oral and written), you must have English skills equivalent to IELTS 6.

To study any course at CIT (excluding degrees and non-accredited training) you must have a Unique Student Identifier (USI).

Further Study

University of Canberra
Bachelor of Design
Australian National University
Bachelor of Design

Literacy Skills Information

We suggest that you will need Australian Core Skills Framework literacy levels of at least 3 across reading, writing, learning, oral communication and, depending on your course of study, numeracy skills to successfully complete this course. If you do not have this level, you can still enrol and seek support to improve your skills or you may prefer to begin with the lower level course. Please visit Foundation Skills.

Transition Information

Qualifications at CIT are regularly updated or replaced to meet current industry needs and maximise your employment opportunities. If this occurs while you are part way through a qualification, you may need to vary your learning to meet the new national requirements. CIT will aim to make this as smooth as possible for you.

Subject Cancellations/Changes

To ensure positive outcomes for all students, CIT may need to cancel or change classes at short notice. CIT will make every effort to inform students as soon as changes are made and will also make every effort to offer alternative arrangements for students to meet the requirements of the subject and complete their qualification. In an unfortunate instance when this cannot be met, you will receive a full refund. Please ensure you maintain current contact details via CIT Self Service or by contacting CIT Student Services at infoline@cit.edu.au.


Subject Information

Complete 35 subjects

Core: Complete all 9

  • MSMENV272   Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
    • CIT Code: ENVI143
      Cost: Standard $102.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to comply with environmental regulations, identify environment issues and minimise the risks of negative impact on work and carry out improvements in own work area. This unit applies to operators and team members who are required to follow procedures to work in an environmentally sustainable manner. This unit applies to all sectors of the manufacturing industry and members of its value chain. It may also be applied to all sections of an organisation, including office and warehouse. This unit will need to be contextualised for the industry sector, organisation and section. This unit applies to an individual working alone or as part of a team and working in liaison with other shift team members and the control room operator, as appropriate.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSTFD4006   Interact and network with fashion industry participants
    • CIT Code: FASH233
      Cost: Standard $238.00
      Description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to interact and network with fashion industry participants.This unit of competency applies to communication and networking with people who work along the fashion industry supply chain. The unit of competency applies to industry appropriate communication and relationship building techniques to maintain effective industry networks, and to ensure design and production processes meet requirements.Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSTGN2013   Identify fibres, fabrics and textiles used in the TCF industry
    • CIT Code: FASH430
      Cost: Standard $176.00
      Description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to identify fibres, yarns, fabrics and textile materials and how they are used in the construction of garments and accessories and in textile production processes. The unit of competency applies to a range of natural and synthetic materials which may be used for knitted, woven, spun, tufted or non-woven products. While the unit relates to a comprehensive coverage of textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) materials, evidence may be contextualised to a sector or workplace. The unit of competency applies to work conducted in all clothing design, production and merchandising, and textile production and finishing processes using fibres, yarns and textile materials. This unit of competency is applicable to all sectors of the TCF industry. Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team related activities.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSTGN2014   Operate computing technology in a TCF workplace
    • CIT Code: FASH431
      Cost: Standard $110.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to use computing technology in a textiles, clothing and footwear (TCF) workplace. It involves identifying the types and sources of information required, and using computing technology to access, enter, manipulate and store that information. The equipment may include computers and other equipment based on computing technology and must be related to work role. The unit applies to small to large scale workplaces in all sectors of the TCF industry and may involve individual and team activities.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSTFD4023   Calculate cost estimates for TCF products
    • CIT Code: FASH432
      Cost: Standard $66.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to calculate cost estimates for products developed for the textiles, clothing and footwear (TCF) industry, including sample production and bulk production runs. The unit applies to small to large scale workplaces in the TCF industry, and may involve individual and team activities
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSTFD5010   Develop and present design concepts within specific guidelines
    • CIT Code: FASH246
      Cost: Standard $110.00
      Description: The unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to develop and present fashion design concepts to the client, in response to a brief. It applies to a garment or small range for adult or children’s market which includes some distinctive style and features. Work is conducted according to workplace practices and procedures as a member of a team or under supervision. Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSTCL3001   Identify fabric performance and handling requirements
    • CIT Code: FASH260
      Cost: Standard $119.00
      Description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to identify fabric performance and handling requirements. The unit of competency applies to fabrics used to produce garments and accessories and includes sourcing information from reference material and industry specialists, as well as conducting simple tests to identify fabric types and properties. Identification methods and tests covered by this unit are those where the procedure has already been determined and the range of outcomes established.Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities.
      Prerequisites: MSTGN2013 Identify fibres, fabrics and textiles used in the TCF industry
  • MSMWHS200   Work safely
    • CIT Code: OHSS485
      Cost: Standard $66.00
      Description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to apply workplace policies and procedures to maintain a safe work environment for self and others. The unit of competency covers identifying work health and safety (WHS) hazards, assessing risk and following safety procedures in the workplace with minimal supervision. Compliance with legislative requirements and duty of care are embedded in this unit through workplace instructions and procedures. Workers will be provided with clear directions, information, instruction, training and appropriate supervision regarding the relevant state/territory WHS legislation, codes of practice, relevant industry standards, workplace procedures and work instructions. This unit of competency applies to an individual working alone or as part of a team/work group and working in liaison with other shift team members and the control room operator, as appropriate.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSS402051   Apply quality standards
    • CIT Code: MANU127
      Cost: Standard $66.00
      Description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to apply quality standards to work operations in an organisation. The unit is designed to complement competitive systems and practices units. This unit applies to an individual who is expected to take responsibility for the quality of their own work, and to take actions specified in the procedures and within the scope of their job and authority to ensure that quality standards are met. This unit requires the application of skills associated with interpreting and applying workplace standards and identifying and addressing problems that interfere with quality outcomes. The unit requires initiative, enterprise and self-management to ensure quality standards are achieved.
      Prerequisites: Nil

Electives: Complete 26 subjects

  • MSTFD3004   Draw a trade drawing for fashion design
    • CIT Code: FASH231
      Cost: Standard $109.00
      Description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to draw an accurate trade or technical drawing based on specifications and a design. The unit of competency applies to the patternmaking or design room, where accurate trade or technical drawings are required to interpret and clarify a garment design. Work is supervised and may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises. Work may involve individual and team activities.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSTFD4001   Apply design studio process
    • CIT Code: FASH232
      Cost: Standard $228.00
      Description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to apply design studio processes when interpreting and responding to a specified brief to produce a fashion design product.The unit of competency applies to the integration of skills across the design process and focuses on experimentation of design studio processes to result in the production of a fashion design product. The design brief may be contextualised to a particular context within the fashion industry and includes clear specifications for the product design.Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSTCL3009   Develop patterns from a block using basic patternmaking principles
    • CIT Code: FASH237
      Cost: Standard $172.00
      Description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to develop patterns from a block using basic patternmaking principles.The unit of competency applies to the development of a variety of pattern styles utilising the basic principles of patternmaking, including dart manipulation and square blocking.Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities.Work is conducted according to defined procedures.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSTFD4003   Assist in preparation of preliminary design concepts
    • CIT Code: FASH238
      Cost: Standard $228.00
      Description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to assist in the preparation of preliminary design concepts.The unit of competency applies to preparing preliminary design concepts for garments, for self or others, using generally basic stable fabrics.It applies to original creation or adaptation of designs or interpretation of sketches for single or multiple production styles and ranges, made-to-measure and theatre costuming.Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSTFD4005   Communicate and sell design concepts
    • CIT Code: FASH239
      Cost: Standard $66.00
      Description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to communicate and sell design concepts.The unit of competency applies to the use of design tools, such as storyboards and inspiration boards, to communicate and sell design concepts to other fashion industry professionals.The unit of competency applies to work in a production environment where design decisions impact on the work and where design concepts must be communicated to other fashion industry professionals in order to gain agreement for further development.The unit of competency includes the application of the elements and principles of design, and how they impact on the process of producing fashion items. It includes impact of colour on the design process. Work is supervised and may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSTFD4010   Create pattern to meet design specifications applying advanced patternmaking principles
    • CIT Code: FASH240
      Cost: Standard $238.00
      Description: The unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to create a pattern from an existing block, using advanced patternmaking principles, including contouring, square blocking and pivoting.Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities.
      Prerequisites: MSTCL3009 Develop patterns from a block using basic patternmaking principles
  • MSTFD4011   Cut fabrics for prototype designs
    • CIT Code: FASH241
      Cost: Standard $139.00
      Description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge to lay up, make marker and cut work for sample designs where only a couple of garments would be cut out at a time, as required by the designer to test design or pattern. The unit of competency applies to situations where single garments or only a couple of layers of fabric may be cut. The marker may be developed directly on the fabric lay or planned separately and applied. Cutting tools and equipment would include dress maker's shears, electric cutting tools and rotary cutters.Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSTFD4013   Grade 2D patterns
    • CIT Code: FASH242
      Cost: Standard $238.00
      Description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge to grade flat or 2-D patterns used for garment production.The unit of competency applies to production of a basic style garment where discretion and judgement may be required in planning and selecting processes, procedures or outcomes.Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSTFD5011   Produce fashion illustrations to assist product visualisation
    • CIT Code: FASH247
      Cost: Standard $161.00
      Description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to produce fashion illustrations that will visually communicate the fashion figure in a variety of poses and silhouettes.The unit of competency applies to producing fashion illustrations using stylised drawing and rendering techniques.Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSTCL3002   Prepare and produce a complex whole garment from specifications
    • CIT Code: FASH261
      Cost: Standard $183.00
      Description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to prepare, align and sew a complex whole garment.The unit of competency applies to sample machining involving all operations in the assembly of a garment from written specifications. Work may be self-directed and unsupervised, and may include carrying out a work plan to specifications.Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities.
      Prerequisites: MSTFD2006 Use a sewing machine for fashion design
      MSTGN2013 Identify fibres, fabrics and textiles used in the TCF industry
  • MSTFD2005   Identify design process for fashion designs
    • CIT Code: FASH273
      Cost: Standard $98.00
      Description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to identify design process for fashion designs.The unit of competency applies to identifying the criteria for a fashion design brief, and how they impact on the process of producing fashion items. It includes the impact of colour on the design process in a production environment.Work is conducted according to defined procedures, in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSTFD4015   Create pattern from block to meet customer specifications
    • CIT Code: FASH282
      Cost: Standard $141.00
      Description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to create a pattern from an existing block for an individual size, and to meet the styling requirements of the customer.Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities.
      Prerequisites: MSTCL3009 Develop patterns from a block using basic patternmaking principles
      MSTFD4010 Create pattern to meet design specifications applying advanced patternmaking principles
  • MSTFD4020   Use electronic fashion design tools
    • CIT Code: FASH286
      Cost: Standard $279.00
      Description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to use a range of electronic design programs and equipment, such as software programs and computing technology. The unit of competency applies to the creation of designs, patterns or production specifications using electronic programs and equipment, such as graphic and design software, computers and peripherals, and specialised equipment.Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSTFD5015   Develop patterns for complex fashion garments
    • CIT Code: FASH291
      Cost: Standard $251.00
      Description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to develop patterns for the production of complex fashion garments with advanced styling requirements.The unit of competency applies to the development of patterns using an existing block and applying advanced patternmaking principles. Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities.
      Prerequisites: MSTCL3009 Develop patterns from a block using basic patternmaking principles
      MSTFD4010 Create pattern to meet design specifications applying advanced patternmaking principles
      MSTFD4015 Create pattern from block to meet customer specifications
  • MSTFD5018   Determine and specify advanced construction processes
    • CIT Code: FASH293
      Cost: Standard $272.00
      Description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to determine and specify advanced construction processes to achieve desired design details.The unit of competency applies to design details which achieve specific effects in the production of garments to give a garment a more unique, individual appearance. It also applies to producing samples and developing construction specifications and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to guide the production of garments which incorporate design detail.Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSTFD5019   Analyse individual fit and make pattern alterations
    • CIT Code: FASH294
      Cost: Standard $261.00
      Description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to analyse the fit of a garment or toile on the individual body, make necessary adjustments and alter the pattern.The unit of competency applies to fitting a garment or toile, making size and fit alterations on the garment or toile, then transferring these alterations to the pattern.Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities.
      Prerequisites: MSTCL3009 Develop patterns from a block using basic patternmaking principles
      MSTFD4010 Create pattern to meet design specifications applying advanced patternmaking principles
  • MSTFD4014   Identify influences on contemporary fashion designs and construction techniques
    • CIT Code: FASH389
      Cost: Standard $139.00
      Description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge to identify influences of the 20th Century on fashion design and construction techniques.The unit of competency applies to the analysis of the most important economic, social, political and technological factors in the 20th Century that have had an impact on fashion development and demand. Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSTFD5017   Apply design studio processes to meet client brief
    • CIT Code: FASH413
      Cost: Standard $198.00
      Description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to apply design studio processes when working to a client brief to design and produce fashion garments.The unit of competency applies to integrating skills across the design and production process and focuses on experimentation and continuous improvement in order to achieve desired design effects and meet a client brief for individual garments or a small range.Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSTFD5005   Manipulate fabrics to create new finishes
    • CIT Code: FASH414
      Cost: Standard $95.00
      Description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to use manipulation techniques to create decoration for fabric design effects. The unit of competency applies to manipulating a range of textiles that are used in the production of garments and accessories. Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities.
      Prerequisites: MSTCL3001 Identify fabric performance and handling requirements
      MSTGN2013 Identify fibres, fabrics and textiles used in the TCF industry
  •   Fashion design studio processes
    • CIT Code: FASH417
      Cost: Standard $323.00
      Description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to develop and present a fashion range of at least ten items to the client. This unit of competency applies to design development and presentation of a fashion range based on an occasion, theme or storyline. Design concept development processes will be conducted according to workplace practices and procedures. The fashion range developed must consist of at least ten garments. Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities. This subject achieves Unit of Competency MSTFD6006 Develop a fashion range.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSTFD5021   Conduct digital patternmaking and grading
    • CIT Code: FASH428
      Cost: Standard $433.00
      Description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to use digital technologies to produce patterns and conduct grading for fashion designs. The unit of competency applies to the use of specialised electronic programs and computing equipment to digitise patterns and access existing pattern block libraries to create and grade pattern styles for a set size range. Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSTFD2006   Use a sewing machine for fashion design
    • CIT Code: FASH429
      Cost: Standard $258.00
      Description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to use a sewing machine to align and sew pattern pieces and sew components.The unit of competency applies to aligning and sewing straight seams, joining flat pieces of stable fabric together, sewing components and stitching hems, using basic stitching. Work is conducted according to defined procedures and would not be applied in a large scale production environment.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSTFD5025   Analyse influences on contemporary fashion designs
    • CIT Code: FASH433
      Cost: Standard $110.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to research and analyse significant influences that determine current individual preferences and future fashion trends. It involves analysing fashion theories on adoption and dissemination of new trends, as well as investigating fashion trends. The unit applies to those in the textiles, clothing and footwear industry developing designs that meet specific design briefs and current market demands. Work may be conducted in small to large scale workplaces and may involve individual and team activities..
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSTFD5024   Evaluate fashion designs against set criteria
    • CIT Code: FASH434
      Cost: Standard $66.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to evaluate fashion designs against set criteria, which may include the design brief, a brand, or a stakeholder requirement, to determine if the design and techniques applied meet specifications and stakeholder needs. The unit applies to small to large scale workplaces in the textiles, clothing and footwear industry, and may involve individual and team activities.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSTFD5023   Develop marketing plans for fashion products
    • CIT Code: FASH435
      Cost: Standard $110.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan marketing and promotional activities to support the sales of fashion products. Proposed activities must be appropriate to the price point of the fashion design and the overall objectives of the stakeholder. The unit applies to local and international individual and team activities typical in the promotion and sale of fashion products in small to large scale workplaces in the textiles, clothing and footwear industry. Development of marketing plans may be central to the work role or completed as part of the overall sale of design concepts to stakeholders.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSTFD5029   Assess impact of current fashion industry innovations and practices
    • CIT Code: FASH436
      Cost: Standard $220.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to conduct research to determine current industry innovations and practices and assess their impact on own practice. The unit applies to small to large-scale workplaces in the textiles, clothing and footwear industry, and may involve individual and team activities.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSTFD5016   Grade complex patterns
    • CIT Code: FASH437
      Cost: Standard $132.00
      Description: This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to conduct allometric grading of shaped or 3-D patterns for fashion garments. The unit of competency applies to grading patterns where the focus is on taking into account differences in body growth for a specialised fit. Allometric grading must consider the relative growth rate of different parts of the body. Discretion and judgement may be required in planning and selecting processes. Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities.
      Prerequisites: MSTFD4013 Grade 2D patterns

Related Courses

Certificate III Applied Fashion Design and Technology MST30819

More Information

For more information about this course please contact CIT Student Services on (02) 6207 3188 or email infoline@cit.edu.au