Move into the future of fashion
Fashion design is entering a new era. Developments in technology and textiles allow us to consider fashion design through a digital lens.
Move beyond traditional approaches. Explore how digital and manual techniques intersect. Learn to design and create clothing for both physical and digital bodies. Apply these skills not only to fashion, but also to creative digital fields like animation and video games.
Studying Fashion Design Technology will prepare you to work in a variety of design roles related to textiles and clothing the body, and to actively shape the future of this industry.
Cutting-edge facilities and equipment
Our fashion studio is purpose-built with a comprehensive suite of equipment, including:
- a design lab with studio tables
- industry-standard computers and Wacom tablets
- a digital patternmaking suite—with Clo3d and PAD software, PAD digitiser for digitising physical patterns, and a plotter to print out digitally designed patterns
- a traditional apparel workshop with industrial steam irons, fusing press, and a range of specialist industrial sewing machines including plain sewers, leather sewing, over-lockers, cover-seamers, digital buttonhole, and knitting machine.
Choose your study path
You can do Fashion Design Technology as your major or minor subject in a three-year Bachelor of Design Innovation (BDI).
Our BDI gives you many ways to structure your study and to combine Fashion Design Technology with other subjects. If you’re studying for a double degree or conjoint degree, Fashion Design Technology goes well with Humanities and Arts, Commerce, or Law.
Degree support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Study options
Find out how you can study Fashion Design Technology at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
A major in Fashion Design Technology will prepare you to work as a designer with a focus on appearance, textiles and the body. You’ll have the knowledge and practical design, creativity, and research skills to work in a variety of roles across and beyond the fashion industry.
There’s an increasing need for clothing expertise in digital industries. Our design major will teach you to use cutting-edge digital tools and workflows. You’ll graduate with skills to work in international digital workspaces, collaborating with technical and creative teams.
Jobs you might do
You might work as a fashion designer, fashion and costume specialist, or costume designer in areas such as:
- fashion media
- fashion services
- character and costume design
- accessory design
- sustainable fashion
- textile design
- wearable technology.
More career information
Find out more about careers in Fashion Design.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have first-year and school-leaver scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Design Innovation
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This scholarship will support a student studying an undergraduate degree in Architecture, Design Innovation, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Design Technology, Electric & Computer System Engineering, Software Engineering or Cybersecurity Engineering. The scholarship may also be awarded in conjunction with a Trimble Internship.
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This scholarship is for students undertaking or intending to undertake an Honours or Masters degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in areas related to Peace Building or Peace Studies, Trust Building, Conflict Resolution, addressing Historical Injustice, Restorative Justice, Social Cohesion, Community building and promoting cross-cultural understanding, Change Making or Ethical Leadership.
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Studio Pacific Architecture wish to support a student undertaking their first year of study at Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also offer specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Design Innovation
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This scholarship is to assist students in the last year of their first Bachelors degree at Victoria University of Wellington. The scholarship fund will be awarded equally between male and female students.
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate study
If you get good results in your undergraduate study you could continue on to study a Master’s or PhD if you want to do independent research.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you're facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.