The Bachelor of Fashion and Textiles (Sustainable Innovation) is a three-year undergraduate degree that sits at the cutting edge of Australia's fashion and textiles sector. It prepares students to lead transformational change within an industry under increasing pressure to adopt ethical, environmentally responsible, and technologically advanced practices. Rather than focusing solely on traditional garment design, this degree takes a systems-level view — covering digital prototyping, material innovation, circular design, sustainability strategy, smart textiles, and supply chain ethics. Students work across the intersection of design, technology, science, and art, developing both craft-based skills and the analytical thinking needed to challenge how fashion is produced, consumed, and experienced. The degree typically runs over three years full-time and includes a capstone industry project in the final semester.

This course is ideally suited to students who want to disrupt the fashion industry rather than simply work within it. It appeals to those passionate about environmental sustainability, material science, digital technology, and creative problem-solving. Graduates are equipped to develop bio-based textiles, design circular systems that reduce waste, prototype wearable technologies, and build sustainability strategies for major brands. Employers who recruit from this degree span a wide range of sectors, including fashion and apparel brands, sportswear and activewear manufacturers, technical textile producers, protective clothing companies, health-sector wearables developers, and automotive textile innovators. Leading Australian employers such as the Cotton On Group, Country Road Group, Lorna Jane, R.M. Williams, and international brands operating in Australia actively seek graduates with these specialised, future-focused skills.

Because the course is classified under Engineering and Related Technologies (Field of Education 03), it draws on engineering principles around materials science, systems design, and production processes, while combining them with creative and sustainability disciplines. This makes graduates highly versatile — capable of roles in R&D laboratories, corporate sustainability teams, product development studios, start-up ventures, and academic research. Some graduates also pursue Honours or postgraduate study, or establish their own sustainable fashion enterprises.

Most Australian providers offering this degree require completion of an Australian Year 12 qualification (or equivalent overseas qualification) as a minimum academic entry requirement. ATAR requirements vary considerably across institutions — some universities set an indicative ATAR in the low-to-mid 60s range, while many specialist design colleges and some universities place greater weight on a creative portfolio than on ATAR scores, and some have no ATAR requirement at all. Applicants are generally encouraged to have studied subjects such as Visual Arts, Design & Technology, Textiles & Design, or Visual Communication during Years 11 and 12, though these are rarely compulsory prerequisites. Non-school leavers with relevant professional or creative experience may be assessed on the basis of portfolio and interview, and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit transfer pathways are widely available.

A creative portfolio is the most important entry component at most providers. Portfolios typically require 6–12 examples of creative work demonstrating design thinking, materials awareness, and creative process. Work does not need to be fashion-specific and may include illustration, photography, textile design, fine art, digital media, or product design. Some institutions also require a written motivational statement and/or a formal interview. International applicants are generally required to meet English language standards equivalent to IELTS Academic overall 6.5 (with no band below 6.0), though specific requirements vary by institution.

For students who do not meet direct entry requirements, pathway options are typically available through diploma or certificate programs, enabling entry into Year 2 of the bachelor degree. Some institutions offer special admission schemes for mature-age students (21 years and over) or those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Students with a prior diploma in fashion, design, or textiles may be eligible for advanced standing or course credit, shortening the overall duration of study.