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The Bachelor of Textiles (Design) (Honours) is an advanced, one-year honours-level degree designed for graduates of a three-year textiles or fashion design bachelor degree who wish to deepen their specialisation, develop independent design practice, and build research capacity within the textile design discipline. The course immerses students in advanced fashion and textiles design studios, where they engage with creatively challenging and contemporary practice, undertake an independently conceived honours project, and critically examine their design practice within the context of contemporary textiles systems, sustainability, and emerging markets. Students graduate as creative, informed, and future-focused designers with the technical, digital, and research skills required to work effectively in the global textiles industry and related fields.
Australia's fashion and textile industry contributes approximately AUD $27.2 billion to the national economy and directly employs around 489,000 workers, making it one of the country's most significant creative sectors. The Australian government's Seamless Scheme, introduced in 2024, aims to establish a circular textile industry by 2030, signalling major investment in sustainable textile innovation and creating new skilled roles for graduates with advanced design knowledge. There is a well-documented skills gap in research-led, sustainability-focused, and technically advanced textile design — precisely the area this honours degree addresses. Technological investment is also transforming the field, with evidence suggesting that digital innovation in textiles leads to better, higher-value jobs and lifted wages across the sector, making an honours qualification a strong differentiator in the competitive creative industries job market.
The Bachelor of Textiles (Design) (Honours) is a postgraduate-entry honours degree. Applicants must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in textile design, fashion design, or a closely related discipline, with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 out of 4.0. Some institutions require a higher academic standing — typically a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 65 to 72.5 or above — to receive a direct or threshold offer, with competitive merit-based assessment applied to borderline applicants. Equivalent qualifications such as recognised diplomas in the relevant discipline and completion of approved foundation or pathway programs may also be considered by some providers.
In addition to academic requirements, applicants are almost universally required to submit a portfolio of previous design work — typically up to 15 pages — along with a selection task or project proposal of 200–300 words outlining the applicant's intended research focus, design methods, and career direction. A personal statement and a current CV are also commonly required. Applicants who completed their bachelor degree four or more years ago may additionally need to demonstrate relevant industry experience through reference letters from employers.
For international applicants, English language proficiency must be demonstrated through approved tests. Typical minimum requirements include an IELTS Academic overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0), a TOEFL iBT overall score of 79, or a Pearson Test of English (Academic) score of 58. Entry is competitive and applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early as places are limited and assessed on a rolling basis.
This course may be offered in different study modes depending on the university, campus location, course structure and student type. Students should check the available delivery mode before applying, as not every study option is available at every institution.
On-campus study is the traditional mode of delivery where students attend classes, lectures, tutorials, workshops or seminars at the university campus. This option may suit students who prefer face-to-face learning, access to campus facilities, networking with classmates, practical workshops, group projects and direct engagement with academic staff.
Some universities may offer programs fully online or with online subject options. Online study can be attractive for students who need flexibility due to work, family, location or other commitments. Online study may suit domestic students, working professionals or students who want to study from outside Australia.
Hybrid or blended study usually combines online learning with some on-campus classes, workshops, intensive sessions or practical components. This mode may suit students who want flexibility but still want some face-to-face interaction. The exact structure varies between institutions.
Programs in Australia may have different intake structures depending on the university. The most common intake systems are semester, trimester and block mode.
Many Australian universities follow a two-semester academic calendar. The main intakes are commonly Semester 1 (around February or March) and Semester 2 (around July). Semester-based study usually allows students to complete a set number of subjects over approximately 12 to 14 weeks.
Some universities use a trimester system, which generally provides three study periods a year — around February/March, June/July and October/November. Trimester study may provide more flexibility and may help some students complete their course faster.
Some institutions may offer selected subjects or programs in block mode, where students focus on one subject at a time over a shorter, more intensive teaching period. Block mode may suit students who prefer concentrated learning or working professionals managing study around employment.
Some online or professionally focused programs may offer more frequent start dates or flexible entry points throughout the year. Students should not assume that every course has monthly or multiple intakes — availability depends on the institution, course structure and student type.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Textiles (Design) (Honours) are equipped to pursue a broad range of roles across Australia's vibrant fashion, textile, and creative industries. Employers include fashion retail brands such as Country Road Group, Cotton On Group, Forever New, Sportsgirl, and Seed Heritage; interior and homewares companies; textile manufacturers; sustainable fashion startups; design agencies; government arts bodies; cultural institutions; and independent design studios. Graduates also pursue academic and research pathways, PhD candidacy, and entrepreneurial ventures in their own textile labels or sustainable design enterprises. The degree's emphasis on research, sustainability, and emerging markets means graduates are equally sought after in innovation-led and socially conscious organisations.
Entry Level
Graduate Designer / Design Assistant
Graduate Textile Designer, Junior Print Designer, Design Assistant, Production Assistant (Textiles), Assistant Technical Designer
Early Career
Designer / Design Coordinator
Textile Designer, Print Designer, Product Developer, Surface Pattern Designer, Knitwear Designer, Costume Designer
Mid-Level
Senior Designer / Design Specialist
Senior Textile Designer, Senior Print Designer, Senior Technical Designer, Sustainable Design Specialist, Trend and Forecasting Analyst, Design Studio Lead
Senior Level
Design Manager / Head Designer
Head of Design, Design Manager, Senior Product Development Manager, Brand Creative Lead, Textile Innovation Manager
Leadership
Creative Director / Director of Design
Creative Director, Design Director, Director of Product Development, Head of Sustainability and Innovation, Independent Label Founder, Academic Program Director
Salaries for textile design graduates in Australia vary according to experience level, specialisation, employer size, and location, with strong earning potential for those who progress into senior or management roles.
Melbourne
Melbourne is Australia's undisputed fashion and textile design capital, home to the highest concentration of fashion brands, textile manufacturers, design studios, and independent labels, including major employers such as Country Road Group, Cotton On Group, Forever New, Sportsgirl, and Sussan Group. The city also hosts key industry events and has a thriving sustainable fashion scene, making it the ideal environment for textiles graduates to build careers and networks.
Sydney
Sydney is a major hub for fashion retail, luxury brands, homewares, and textile businesses, with a strong cluster of employers including White Fox Boutique and numerous international brand offices. The city's proximity to global fashion markets and its vibrant creative industries scene make it an excellent location for textile design graduates seeking roles in print design, product development, and brand creative teams.
Brisbane
Brisbane's growing fashion and creative industries scene, combined with proximity to Queensland's active surf, activewear, and lifestyle brands (such as those based on the Gold Coast), offers textile design graduates strong opportunities in sportswear, resort wear, and print design. The city's expanding startup and creative economy also supports entrepreneurial design ventures.
Perth
Perth has a niche but distinctive fashion and lifestyle design community, with surf and outdoor lifestyle brands providing opportunities for textile designers with an interest in activewear and performance textiles. The city also has a growing arts and design sector, and its relative isolation fosters a unique, locally focused creative industry with strong community connections.
Adelaide
Adelaide's creative industries sector, supported by institutions and government arts investment, provides textile design graduates with opportunities in arts-based practice, costume and theatre design, craft-focused textile work, and sustainable design enterprises. The lower cost of living makes it attractive for designers looking to establish independent studios or labels.
Canberra
Canberra offers textile design graduates unique opportunities in cultural institutions, national museums, government-funded arts organisations, and heritage textile conservation roles. The city's strong public sector investment in the arts and its proximity to major national collections provide a distinctive career pathway for research-focused and academically oriented designers.
Before choosing a course, students should compare:
International students who want to study in Australia should also consider additional requirements before applying.
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