Textile Design

The Bachelor of Textile Design at RMIT University offers students an innovative and comprehensive education in the field of textile art and design, preparing graduates for a dynamic career in the global textile industry. This program combines creative practice with technical knowledge, enabling students to develop unique textile concepts, innovative surface designs, and fabric manipulations that respond to contemporary cultural and technological trends. Throughout the course, students engage in hands-on projects that cover a wide range of textile disciplines, including woven, printed, and knitted textiles, as well as digital and experimental techniques. They learn to utilize state-of-the-art design software, understand sustainable and ethical manufacturing practices, and explore the integration of textiles in fashion, interior, and product design contexts. The curriculum emphasizes innovation, originality, and critical thinking, encouraging students to push the boundaries of traditional textile craftsmanship while embracing emerging technologies such as digital printing, 3D weaving, and smart textiles. Industry collaborations and internships are integral parts of the program, providing students with real-world experience and professional networks that enhance their employment prospects. Upon graduation, students are equipped to enter diverse roles within the textile and fashion industries, including textile designer, surface pattern artist, technical innovator, and freelance creator. The program’s location in Melbourne, a vibrant hub of creative industries, offers students access to numerous galleries, design studios, and cultural events, fostering an inspiring environment for creative development. RMIT’s Bachelor of Textile Design is committed to fostering sustainable practices and social responsibility in textile production, ensuring graduates are prepared to contribute positively to environmental and societal challenges faced by the industry today.

In this practical, hands-on, studio-based program you will study with experienced lecturers who are connected with major industry bodies such as the Design Institute of Australia.

Students will have the opportunity to work on ’real-world’ briefs with Australian and international design companies such as Ladelle, Dryen Australia and Country Road.

You may also study abroad for 1 or 2 semesters at an RMIT-affiliated institution

Year 1

You will study:

• hands-on printing, weaving and machine knitting
• CS6 software for repeat design, storyboarding, digital textile design, communication and illustration
• core textile paper design skills

• croquis, colour, media and illustration techniques
• folio and presentation skills.

Year 2

You will specialise and develop your key skills in surface pattern design (print) or constructed textiles (knit and weave), and:

• design for a broad range of projects using specialist textile software
• be involved in industry projects focused on social and historical aspects of textile design
• select two creative university electives.

Year 3

You will participate in:

• the Textile Industry Engagement and Professional Practice course, which has an emphasis on creating the right folio for industry presentations;
• real-time briefs to create a folio of diverse projects that emphasise your skills and critical thinking;
• the end of year degree show, exhibiting your work to our industry and community partners;
• work-integrated learning (WIL) with an approved textile or fashion company or a suitable creative enterprise.

You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification).

Prerequisites

Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL.

Financial support for the Textile Design program at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) includes a range of options designed to assist both domestic and international students in funding their studies. The university offers various scholarships, grants, and financial aid packages that students can apply for, based on merit, need, or specific criteria such as international status or regional background. RMIT’s scholarships for emerging designers and students enrolling in creative disciplines often recognize talent and potential in the field of textile design, providing financial relief that encourages innovative exploration and practical skill development.

Additionally, the university collaborates with industry partners, brands, and creative organizations to provide sponsorships and internship opportunities that often include stipends or financial stipends to support students during their studies. Students are also encouraged to seek external funding sources, including government grants and international educational bursaries, which can supplement their income and reduce the financial burden of an internationally recognized program.

For domestic students, Australian government loan schemes such as HECS-HELP may be available, allowing students to defer tuition fees and repay them through the taxation system once earning above a certain threshold. International students should consider tuition fee payment plans and optional health insurance schemes that are part of the overall financial planning for their time at RMIT.

The cost of study includes tuition fees, which vary depending on the program level and residency status, as well as additional expenses such as materials, studio access, and exhibitions, which can be funded through personal savings, part-time work, or specific grants aimed at supporting creative projects. RMIT also provides guidance and support services to help students understand their financial options and plan their budgets effectively, ensuring that financial considerations do not hinder artistic and academic development in textile design.

The Bachelor of Fashion (Textile Design) at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) provides students with a comprehensive education in the field of textile design, focusing on creativity, innovation, and sustainability. The program is designed to equip students with the technical skills necessary to create innovative textile patterns, surfaces, and fabrics, as well as an understanding of the broader fashion and textile industries. Throughout the course, students explore a variety of textile techniques, including dyeing, printing, weaving, and fabrication, to develop their own unique design concepts. They also learn about the history and cultural significance of textiles, which informs their design practice and encourages a critical understanding of sustainability issues within the industry. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, often involving collaborations with industry partners and opportunities for internships, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for employment in fashion, interior design, and textile manufacturing sectors. RMIT’s state-of-the-art facilities and resources support experimentation and innovation, fostering an environment where students can push boundaries and develop a distinctive style. Additionally, the program emphasizes entrepreneurial skills, preparing students to launch their own brands or work in design consultancy roles. Upon graduation, students are equipped with a portfolio of work demonstrating their design abilities, technical competencies, and conceptual understanding, making them competitive applicants in the global textile and fashion industries. The program also emphasizes lifelong learning and adaptability, encouraging students to stay at the forefront of technological advances such as digital printing and sustainable fabric production. Overall, RMIT’s textile design program aims to foster creative excellence, industry readiness, and a sustainable approach to fashion and textiles.