Why Study Fashion Design with Honours at Massey

• Develop advanced fashion design skills + research capability
• Focus on sustainable and future-focused fashion systems
• Learn complete process: concept → garment → market positioning
• Gain expertise in:
  • Pattern making

  • Textile materials

  • Fashion communication & analysis
• Honours degree gives higher academic standing + postgraduate pathway

 

Programme Structure / Subjects

The degree follows a 4-part structure (Years 1–4):

Year 1 – Design Foundations

• Introduction to design disciplines
• Fashion basics & garment construction
• Visual communication & design thinking

Example:

• Fashioning the Body
• Introduction to Fashion Practice

Year 2 – Skill Development

• Textile exploration (knits & woven fabrics)
• Pattern making & draping
• Inclusive and sustainable fashion

Example:

• Inclusive Fashion
• Creative Contour and Drape

Year 3 – Advanced Fashion Practice

• Industry-focused design
• Collection development
• Tailoring techniques

Example:

• Industry, Markets and Processes
• Tailoring Methods

Year 4 – Honours (Research + Major Project)

• Fashion research & development
• Final major design project / collection
• Preparation for postgraduate study

Example:

• Fashion Design Research and Development

 

Disciplines / Specialisations

Within Bachelor of Design with Honours:

• Major: Fashion Design
• Other available majors (in degree):
  • Textile Design
  • Photography
  • Visual Communication
  • Industrial Design

 

Highlights of the Programme

• 4-year honours degree (advanced level)
• Studio-based, hands-on learning
• Strong focus on sustainable fashion & global impact
• Create a professional fashion collection & portfolio
• Direct pathway to:
  • Master of Design
  • Master of Fine Arts
  • PhD

 

Career Outcomes

Graduates can work as:

• Fashion Designer
• Textile Designer
• Fashion Consultant / Stylist
• Costume Designer (film/theatre)
• Fashion Entrepreneur / Brand Owner
• Design Researcher

 

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Total 480 credits across 4 years
• Must complete:
  • At least 195 credits at 300-level or above
  • 120 credits at 400-level (Honours year)
• Strong emphasis on:
  • Research-based design
  • Independent project work
• Studio workload is intensive and time-demanding

 

Final Summary

The Fashion Design – Bachelor of Design with Honours at Massey University is ideal if you:

• Want a high-level fashion degree with research + practical learning
• Are interested in sustainable, future-focused fashion design
• Aim for lead roles or postgraduate study in fashion

Compared to a normal BDes, this programme offers:

• Deeper expertise
• Stronger portfolio
• Better career & academic progression opportunities