Why Study/Key Benefits

• Develops both creative and technical skills for a professional career in fashion design.

• Combines fashion concept development with practical training in textiles, patternmaking, garment construction, fitting and finishing.

• Includes digital garment development and visualisation, helping students understand contemporary design and production processes.

• Provides cross-disciplinary learning, allowing students to explore ideas and approaches from other design specialisations.

• Includes 130 hours of industry- or community-based learning with clients and collaborators.

• Emphasises sustainable, ethical and culturally responsible fashion practice, including consideration of Te Tiriti and Aotearoa New Zealand’s creative contexts.

• Builds a professional portfolio and culminates in a major self-directed design project.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The programme progresses from foundational fashion and design skills to advanced studio practice, professional preparation and an independent major project.

- Level 5 – foundation:

• Digital Design Skills – 15 credits.

• Aotearoa Creative Contexts – 15 credits.

• Modernity and Postmodernity – 15 credits.

• Fashion Design Principles – 15 credits.

• Technical Foundations in Fashion – 15 credits.

• Textiles for Creative Practice – 15 credits.

• Fashion Studio 1 – 15 credits.

- Level 6 – developing technical and professional practice:

• Critical Contexts – 15 credits.

• Practice as Research – 15 credits.

• Professional Studies – 15 credits.

• Technical Exploration in Fashion – 15 credits.

• Digital Garment Development – 15 credits.

• Fashion Design Inquiry – 15 credits.

• Fashion Studio 2 – 15 credits.

- Level 7 – advanced and professional practice:

• Work Integrated Learning – 15 credits.

• Portfolio – 15 credits.

• Major Project – 30 credits.

• Fashion Studio 3 – 30 credits.

Disciplines/Specialisations

• The selected specialisation is Fashion.

• The wider Bachelor of Design qualification also includes other design disciplines. However, this programme’s fashion-specific study covers:

  • Fashion concept development and design principles.

  • Fashion illustration and technical drawing.

  • Patternmaking and garment construction.

  • Textile and material development.

  • Digital garment development.

  • Fashion research and design inquiry.

  • Sustainable and ethical fashion practice.

  • Portfolio development and professional practice.

Programme Highlights

• 360-credit Level 7 bachelor’s degree.

• Three-year full-time programme.

• Practical studio-based learning.

• 130 hours of industry- or community-based learning.

• Training in both traditional garment-making techniques and digital garment development.

• Professional portfolio and major self-directed project.

• Focus on sustainable, ethical and culturally responsible fashion.

• Possible further study pathways include Ara’s Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Practice and Master of Creative Practice.

Career Outcomes

Ara identifies the following career opportunities:

• Fashion designer.

• Patternmaker.

• Fashion production assistant.

• Self-employed or freelance fashion designer.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The current Ara programme page advertises the February 2027 intake, with a start date of 15 February 2027.

• A portfolio is compulsory and forms part of the programme’s selection process.

• Applicants must also submit the Bachelor of Design Additional Requirements Form.

• Ara provides a separate Fashion Portfolio Preparation document; applicants should follow its instructions when preparing their submission.

• The programme includes 130 hours of industry- or community-based learning.

• Credit recognition may be available for relevant previous study or learning, subject to Ara’s assessment.

• The official programme page indicates that the programme may be available for a New Zealand student visa. This is not a guarantee of visa approval; Immigration New Zealand makes the visa decision.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students intending to study this full-time, three-year degree in New Zealand will generally need to apply for a Fee Paying Student Visa, subject to their individual circumstances and Immigration New Zealand’s decision.

• Offer of place: applicants need an offer of place from an approved New Zealand education provider.

• Tuition fees: students must show that they have paid the required tuition fees, can pay them, or have an acceptable scholarship or other approved arrangement.

• Living funds: for tertiary study lasting one year or longer, Immigration New Zealand requires evidence of NZD 20,000 per year, or an acceptable sponsor. For a three-year course, students should plan to demonstrate the required funds for each year, or provide an acceptable funding plan for the subsequent years.

• Return travel: students must show that they can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay, through a return ticket or evidence of funds to purchase one.

• Medical and travel insurance: students must have insurance acceptable to their education provider for the period required by their visa.

• Health and character: applicants must meet applicable health and character requirements and provide medical examinations, chest X-rays or police certificates if requested.

• Genuine study intention: applicants must demonstrate a genuine reason for studying in New Zealand and comply with their visa conditions.

• Visa application fee: from NZD 850, according to the current Immigration New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa information.

• Processing time: Immigration New Zealand currently states that 80% of applications are processed within seven weeks. Processing times can vary.

• Visa duration: this visa may allow a stay of up to four years, depending on the course, tuition paid and individual circumstances.

• Work rights: eligible student visa holders may be permitted to work up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time during scheduled holidays, depending on the conditions printed on their visa. Work rights are not automatic for every student.

• Application timing: Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least three months before intended travel.