MST40519 Certificate IV in Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising

National ID
MST40519
WA Course Code
BEP8
CRICOS code
0100784
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Why choose this course?

Start a creative career in fashion with this qualification. This course will immerse you in the dynamic fashion industry by teaching you a range of skills such as fashion design and colour principles, fashion forecasting, technical fashion drawing, fibre and textile investigation and sourcing, and sustainability and ethical production.

You will also learn about the digital technologies for fashion design, patternmaking and grading and how to construct specialist garments.This course has a supervised work placement in which you can practice the skills you have learnt in an industry setting.

Career opportunities

  • Design Assistant
  • Production Machinist

  • An IELTS score (academic) of 5.5 with no band score less than 5.0 or equivalent.

  • Completion of the equivalent of Australian Year 10.

​Please view Admission requirements for your country of origin.

Your study options

Semester 1, 2024

At this campus
South Metropolitan TAFE, Bentley Campus has been Perth’s leading fashion design institution for over 40 years. Our staff are fashion design specialists and work with students to create a buzzing study environment that is supportive, collaborative and passionate.  Our fashion design and merchandising courses provide students with versatile design and business study skills that get them jobs in a fast-paced, global industry. The campus provides free parking, Computer Aided Design (CAD) patternmaking studios, grading and illustration facilities, world class fashion design and textile forecasting resources, and over 80 specialised industrial sewing machines.  The staff are fashion industry specialists and our courses include “live work” design projects where you will be involved in external design exhibits and Perth fashion shows, meeting guest lecturers and industry excursions.
Duration | 2 semesters
When | Semester 1, 2024
Where | South Metropolitan TAFE (52787)

Location map

How | On campus and work placement, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $12,480
  • Resources fee: $1,224
  • Materials fee: $1,020

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement

Students are required to undertake a minimum of 30 hours of supervised work placement in a relevant industry setting.  Industry placements are approved and appointed by the course coordinator.  Workplaces are regular assessed for suitability of training and all parties understand the outcomes to be achieved. The coordinator provides all prescribed insurances and recording documentation to students and industry partners.  The work placement helps students to strengthen the skills and knowledge learnt during the course in a real workplace environment.

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 25 units. These 25 are comprised of 7 core units and 18 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • MSMENV272 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
  • MSMWHS200 Work safely
  • MSS402051 Apply quality standards
  • MSTFD4006 Interact and network with fashion industry participants
  • MSTFD4023 Calculate cost estimates for TCF products
  • MSTGN2013 Identify fibres, fabrics and textiles used in the TCF industry
  • MSTGN2014 Operate computing technology in a TCF workplace
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • MSTCL3001 Identify fabric performance and handling requirements
  • MSTCL3002 Prepare and produce a complex whole garment from specifications
  • MSTCL3009 Develop patterns from a block using basic patternmaking principles
  • MSTFD2005 Identify design process for fashion designs
  • MSTFD2006 Use a sewing machine for fashion design
  • MSTFD3004 Draw a trade drawing for fashion design
  • MSTFD4001 Apply design studio process
  • MSTFD4002 Apply principles of colour theory to fashion design development
  • MSTFD4003 Assist in preparation of preliminary design concepts
  • MSTFD4010 Create pattern to meet design specifications applying advanced patternmaking principles
  • MSTFD4012 Develop product specifications for fashion design
  • MSTFD4013 Grade 2-D patterns
  • MSTFD4014 Identify influences on contemporary fashion designs and construction techniques
  • MSTFD4015 Create pattern from block to meet customer specifications
  • MSTFD4016 Sew design prototypes
  • MSTFD4020 Use electronic fashion design tools
  • MSTFD4022 Source materials and resources for production of TCF designs
  • MSTFD5024 Evaluate fashion designs against set criteria

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course include written questions, practical demonstration of skills including construction of garments, components, patterns and artwork, practical assessments in a simulated work environment, projects  such as external competitions and assignments aligned to ‘live work’ activities,  and preparing reports.  These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is available in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use the matrix to ensure assessments, are undertaken across the duration of the course, rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.  Learning resources may include access to a simulated garment production environment, Blackboard, workbooks, PowerPoint presentations, handouts, library, subscription to WGSN international forecasting resource and design lines retail shop which exposes you to various materials and notions.  Facilities and equipment may include access to manufacturing studios with machinery positioned in a simulated factory arrangement such as straight sewers, cover stitch, over lockers, blind hemmers etc, cutting room with purpose built tables and cutting equipment, pattern making studio, textile room, design studio, CAD studio with industry specific CAD Gerber grading equipment including cardboard plotter, digitising tables, pattern marker printer, and specific computer rooms uploaded with fashion industry specific software including full adobe suite and Microsoft office.

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

Semester 1, 2025

At this campus
South Metropolitan TAFE, Bentley Campus has been Perth’s leading fashion design institution for over 40 years. Our staff are fashion design specialists and work with students to create a buzzing study environment that is supportive, collaborative and passionate.  Our fashion design and merchandising courses provide students with versatile design and business study skills that get them jobs in a fast-paced, global industry. The campus provides free parking, Computer Aided Design (CAD) patternmaking studios, grading and illustration facilities, world class fashion design and textile forecasting resources, and over 80 specialised industrial sewing machines.  The staff are fashion industry specialists and our courses include “live work” design projects where you will be involved in external design exhibits and Perth fashion shows, meeting guest lecturers and industry excursions.
Duration | 2 semesters
When | Semester 1, 2025
Where | South Metropolitan TAFE (52787)

Location map

How | On campus and work placement, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $12,480
  • Resources fee: $1,224
  • Materials fee: $1,020

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement

Students are required to undertake a minimum of 30 hours of supervised work placement in a relevant industry setting.  Industry placements are approved and appointed by the course coordinator.  Workplaces are regular assessed for suitability of training and all parties understand the outcomes to be achieved. The coordinator provides all prescribed insurances and recording documentation to students and industry partners.  The work placement helps students to strengthen the skills and knowledge learnt during the course in a real workplace environment.

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 25 units. These 25 are comprised of 7 core units and 18 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • MSMENV272 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
  • MSMWHS200 Work safely
  • MSS402051 Apply quality standards
  • MSTFD4006 Interact and network with fashion industry participants
  • MSTFD4023 Calculate cost estimates for TCF products
  • MSTGN2013 Identify fibres, fabrics and textiles used in the TCF industry
  • MSTGN2014 Operate computing technology in a TCF workplace
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • MSTCL3001 Identify fabric performance and handling requirements
  • MSTCL3002 Prepare and produce a complex whole garment from specifications
  • MSTCL3009 Develop patterns from a block using basic patternmaking principles
  • MSTFD2005 Identify design process for fashion designs
  • MSTFD2006 Use a sewing machine for fashion design
  • MSTFD3004 Draw a trade drawing for fashion design
  • MSTFD4001 Apply design studio process
  • MSTFD4002 Apply principles of colour theory to fashion design development
  • MSTFD4003 Assist in preparation of preliminary design concepts
  • MSTFD4010 Create pattern to meet design specifications applying advanced patternmaking principles
  • MSTFD4012 Develop product specifications for fashion design
  • MSTFD4013 Grade 2-D patterns
  • MSTFD4014 Identify influences on contemporary fashion designs and construction techniques
  • MSTFD4015 Create pattern from block to meet customer specifications
  • MSTFD4016 Sew design prototypes
  • MSTFD4020 Use electronic fashion design tools
  • MSTFD4022 Source materials and resources for production of TCF designs
  • MSTFD5024 Evaluate fashion designs against set criteria

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course include written questions, practical demonstration of skills including construction of garments, components, patterns and artwork, practical assessments in a simulated work environment, projects  such as external competitions and assignments aligned to ‘live work’ activities,  and preparing reports.  These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is available in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use the matrix to ensure assessments, are undertaken across the duration of the course, rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.  Learning resources may include access to a simulated garment production environment, Blackboard, workbooks, PowerPoint presentations, handouts, library, subscription to WGSN international forecasting resource and design lines retail shop which exposes you to various materials and notions.  Facilities and equipment may include access to manufacturing studios with machinery positioned in a simulated factory arrangement such as straight sewers, cover stitch, over lockers, blind hemmers etc, cutting room with purpose built tables and cutting equipment, pattern making studio, textile room, design studio, CAD studio with industry specific CAD Gerber grading equipment including cardboard plotter, digitising tables, pattern marker printer, and specific computer rooms uploaded with fashion industry specific software including full adobe suite and Microsoft office.

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

There may be further semester intakes available for enrolment. You can view any further intakes when you submit your online application(opens in a new tab).

For information about pathways from TAFE to university, view our Pathways to university page.

How to apply

Apply to study at TAFE in six steps:

  1. find a course;
  2. check entry requirements;
  3. submit an application;
  4. accept your offer and pay;
  5. apply for your student visa; and
  6. receive your visa and come to Australia for your studies.

View our TAFE application process for detailed advice

Cutoff dates to apply for TAFE Semester 2, 2023:

  • Students not in Australia: applications close Friday 19 May 2023.
  • Students already in Australia: applications will be assessed depending on availability.
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TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA) is the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) provider, for the delivery of training to international students, enrolled in a TAFE course in Western Australia. This nationally recognised course is delivered by a Western Australian TAFE college on TIWA's behalf. TIWA retains responsibility for the quality of the training and assessment delivered by the TAFE colleges and for the issue of certification documentation to students.

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Last updated on November 18, 2022