Overview
Fashion is competitive. Get the best start
Kick start your fashion design career with a degree from the school that has produced designers like Kate Sylvester, Kathryn Wilson, Rebecca Taylor, and Sean Kelly (Project Runway NY winner, 2014).
Level
- Undergraduate, NZQF Level 8
Campus
- Wellington
Duration
- 4 year(s) full-time. Available part-time.
International
- Available for international students studying in NZ
Other
- Selected entry programme
Explore and develop fashion design concepts, garments, accessories or systems that respond to the times. Consider the global impact of the multi-billion dollar fashion industry and explore how fashion can have a more sustainable future.
You’ll learn skills in idea generation, fashion communication, patternmaking, construction, materials, historail and contemporary fashion analysis, and critical thinking.
Degree-level study of fashion design teaches innovative and creative design of apparel, skills in producing patterns and prototype garments, knowledge of textile materials, market and trend analysis. This qualification will help you develop the ability to position fashion products in the marketplace.
Get the full picture
Careers and further study
Careers
Massey's fashion design major has been the starting point for many successful fashion designers who now own or work in multi-million dollar fashion businesses. Studying design with an emphasis on fashion prepares you for a broad range of opportunities and roles. You could develop your own label, work in design, production, marketing or merchandising for a fashion house, or other design-related careers, locally and internationally.
Enter fashion design and brand development in diverse areas, including:
- high fashion
- sports
- corporate and other specialised clothing
- buying and selling
- display
- costume for stage and film
- production planning
- quality assurance
- materials sourcing,
- specification development roles.
Further study
Further your design research and practice with a Master of Design or Master of Fine Arts at Massey, or go on to create new knowledge with a PhD.
International students
New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated five star plus by the QS World University Rankings.
Massey University has small class sizes, and our lecturers and staff are friendly and approachable.
As an international student, there are entry requirements that will apply to you. We recommend that you apply at least three months before your anticipated start date so your application can be processed in time. There are additional steps you will need to take. These include obtaining a visa and travel bookings if your study is to be in New Zealand.
Entry requirements
University admission
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Programme admission
Required
This programme is a selected entry programme. This means there are a number of extra requirements you must meet.
To enter the Bachelor of Design with Honours programme you will:
- submit a portfolio (if you do well in NCEA Level 2 art, design or technology (or equivalent) you may not need to submit a portfolio. See details below.)
Application closing date
If you are a new-to-Massey student, applications for this programme close on 15 February 2021 (Semester One) and 30 June 2021 (Semester Two). Late applications will be considered subject to available spaces.
English language requirements
To study this programme you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
Other requirements
Portfolio requirements
There are three main ways to gain entry to the Bachelor of Design with Honours.
Automatic entry
If you achieved NCEA Level 2 or 3 with Merit or Excellence overall, and a Merit or Excellence endorsement in an approved art, design or technology subject, you have automatic entry and will not have to submit a portfolio.
This also applies for Cambridge International students achieving an AS grade A or B in an approved art, design or technology subject.
Portfolio pre-approval entry
You can show work in progress to a Massey College of Creative Arts staff member during a school visit, Massey Open Day or other University event, or in a video call. They’ll look at examples of your work with you and if it shows the creative potential we’re looking for, they’ll sign a portfolio pre-approval letter. Then you won’t need to submit a final portfolio with your application.
Portfolio entry
When you apply online, submit a portfolio showing a selection of your creative work that demonstrates your creative potential with your application to study.
See full details about portfolio requirements and pre-approvals
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Enquire button on this page.
If you do not have the entry requirements
English language and foundation courses
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, we have courses and programmes that may help.
- English Language Proficiency
- Foundation Certificate in Academic English
- Foundation Certificate in Advanced Academic English
- Full Foundation - Certificate in Foundation Studies
Summer School
If you need to do a course before you start your programme, there may be options for you in Summer School.
Courses and planning
Credit summary
480 credits
360 credits
Compulsory courses from the Schedule to the Degree including:
Compulsory core courses
Studio course selection
Major courses
120 credits
Elective courses
Include at least 30 credits at 400 level
Ensure across your courses you also have:
- Not more than 180 credits at 100 level
- At least 90 credits at 200 level
- At least 90 credits at 300 level
- At least 120 at 400-level or above
This is a parts-based qualification. This means there are regulations around your completion of Part One before progressing to Part Two, etc.
See ‘Courses for this programme’ below for schedules of courses.
Courses for this specialisation
Part One
| 212157 | Studio I (Dress) | 15 |
Part Two
| 212257 | Design Studio IIA (Fashion) | 30 |
| 212258 | Design Studio IIB (Fashion) | 30 |
Part Three
| 212357 | Design Studio IIIA (Fashion) | 30 |
| 212358 | Design Studio IIIB (Fashion) | 30 |
Part Four
| 212453 | Fashion Design Research and Development | 30 |
| 212454 | Fashion Design Research Project | 45 |
Planning your programme
Planning overview
If you study full-time, in your first year, you’ll take eight 15-credit courses, making a total of 120 credits.
If you wish to study over two semesters, you should aim for 60 credits per semester. You may be able to take some courses at summer school. Make sure you include courses that are prerequisites for the next level of courses you wish to study.
About this major
The Fashion Design major in the Bachelor of Design with Honours consists of 210 credits.
Minors
Completing a minor is optional and may be a way for you to show the breadth of your degree.
A minor must be in a different subject from your major and be made up of at least 60 credits.
If you’re interested in doing a minor you should contact us using the enquire button on this page. Our student advice team will be able to talk you through your options and help you plan your degree.
More information: ‘Yellow Book’.
Maximum time limits for completion
There are maximum time limits to complete some undergraduate and all postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the programme if you wish to continue your studies.
Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit
If you complete this programme within the stated time limit, you will normally be able to graduate with a class of Honours.
Look for further information under ‘Student Progression’ in the regulations for this programme.
More information
- Read the regulations for this programme thoroughly
- Contact us through the Enquire button on this page if you have any questions.
Fees and scholarships
Fees and finance
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
If you already know which courses you are going to take, you can use our fees calculator to get an estimate of your fees.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.
Current and returning Massey students will find their National Student Number on their student homepage.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student homepage login
A good fit if you:
- love to make and get hands-on in the studio
- want to think critically about the fashion industry and its effects on the world
- dream of seeing your work on the runway.
Meet our students
“
The World of Wearable Arts gave my garments life on stage. I’m honoured to have stood beside established international designers.
” Anna Baines
“
I’m inspired by what it means to be human in our world today, how we can occupy our own spaces and how that impacts how we dress and how we see ourselves.
” Kimberley Franklin
Master of Design student
“
I am now much more willing to look for resources, contact people, not just settle for what I can get my hands on. I feel much more confident to work with other people and across countries.
” Yoshino Muruyama
Junior designer, Kowtow
Accreditations and rankings
Massey University's College of Creative Arts is ranked as one of the Top 100 art and design schools in the world by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds).
The Wellington School of Design is ranked Number 3 in Asia–Pacific for design concept by Red Dot—the only Australasian university in the top ten.
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Regulations
Review this important information before you apply for this programme. This gives you full details of the rules and regulations about what you need to study and what you must achieve in order to graduate with this qualification. That includes structure, courses and requirements. These regulations should be read in conjunction with all other Statutes and Regulations of the University including the below.
Undergraduate programmes
Applying and enrolling
Applying for the programme
Check you are ready
If you are ready to apply, have a look at our application checklist. It will help you get prepared with what you need. Please also check the entry requirements carefully before you apply.
Choose your programme and click on Apply now
You will apply for the programme using the Apply now button on this page. You’ll also choose your specialisation (major, subject or endorsement) if applicable.
Some programmes have additional requirements such as the submission of a portfolio or CV. Click on Apply now and you will be able to submit those documents as part of the application process.
Receive and accept an Admission Offer of Place
You will receive an Admission Offer of Place when you have been accepted into the programme. You need to accept this before you can enrol in your courses. International students also need to pay their fees at this point.
Enrolling in courses
You’ll then get access to your own student homepage (also known as the student portal). This is where you can enrol in courses. Any updates on your application or enrolments will also be on your student homepage. Make sure you check this regularly.
When you choose courses, ensure you check for any requirements that apply including:
- prerequisites (courses you have to do before the one you are enrolling in)
- corequisites (courses you have to do at the same time as the one you are enrolling in)
- restrictions (courses that you cannot enrol in if you are completing or have completed another identified similar course)
- location – for instance some distance-based courses still have an on-campus element, so double check that the way the course is taught is suitable for your situation.
Each of our courses has its own webpage where you can find this information. You can use our course search to find course pages.
More information on courses is in the ‘Courses for this programme’ section on this page.
You can find information on application due dates and semester dates on the key dates page.
We look forward to welcoming you to Massey!
If you have any questions, contact us through the Enquire button on this page.
What are courses and credits?
What are courses and credits?
Each Massey programme is made up of courses (in some tertiary institutions they are called ‘papers’).
You will have some compulsory courses and some you can choose from.
Each course is worth a certain amount of credits (often 15 credits, but this does vary). You must gain a set number of credits to be able to graduate from this programme.
There may also be some rules about which courses you need to pass to progress to the next year, or stage, of your study (known as progression). There are also courses you must pass to graduate with a specialisation.
- See the ‘Courses for this programme’ section for the list of courses.
- Courses search
Understanding course numbers
The first three digits of our course numbers show you which subject the course is about.
The second three digits show you the level and course ID number. For instance:
- sub-degree courses are '0' (i.e. xxx.0xx)
- undergraduate study begins at 100-level, (i.e. xxx.1xx)
- as you progress through 200- and 300-level courses this number changes to 2 and 3 respectively. The higher the number that starts the second three digits, the higher the level of study.
| 1 | 6 | 2 | . | 3 | 0 | 1 | |
| Subject area | Level | Course ID number | |||||
About electives
Electives are courses that are not compulsory. Certain guidelines are usually provided on courses you may take. Elective courses contribute to the programme, but not to your major or specialisation.
Workload and time management
Use this tool to help determine how much time you will need each week to complete your studies.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the programme or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these programmes go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Enquire button on this page if you have any questions.
Scholarships and awards
Scholarships related to this programme
There are a number of scholarships available for new and current students. They could relate to your situation, achievement or interest.