Course Overview

About This Course

Whitehouse Institute's Master of Design balances design research with inter-disciplinary studio practice enabling socially responsible and innovative outcomes. The course will develop students' existing knowledge and skills to achieve mastery in their chosen discipline, whilst encouraging interdisciplinary engagement. The Master of Design (Fashion) has returned in 2026 and is designed for makers who want to build at an advanced level. The program will be delivered on campus at our new Sydney Flagship Campus, with a clear focus on high-end garment development, advanced patternmaking, and advanced Japanese patternmaking techniques, supported by contemporary digital skills through learning StyleCAD and CLO3D. At the centre of the curriculum is a practice-led model that blends: Studio design development (concept to collection), Advanced workshop and construction, Research and fashion context, Industry engagement and professional practice. Across the year, you will continue to develop (or redevelop) your own collection or label identity, working toward two six-body collections in different seasonal directions.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

55 Renwick St, Redfern NSW 2016 (Sydney Campus & Head Office)

2 Short St, SURRY HILLS, NSW 2010

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

To be eligible for the Master of Design, you should have completed an Undergraduate degree in a creative field, or have extensive industry experience.
Applicants who may not have completed an undergraduate degree, or have completed an undergraduate degree but in a non-creative field, are considered on their Industry Professional Practice, which must include significant experience.
You would be required to collate your projects into a portfolio for your application.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Upon graduation from the Master of Design, students will have access to a body of knowledge, and mastery of selected skills prerequisite for professional practice in the creative industries. They will be able to independently plan, organise, conduct, and successfully participate in the resolution of complex design problems. Students will demonstrate design confidence and be creative practitioners who can understand clients' needs and the challenges associated with commercial projects. They will be flexible thinkers who show responsiveness to change and who can drive future and emerging economies. Graduates will have professional readiness for industry pathways, employment, or label development.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units8 units

RW7

Research Workshop for Design

Advanced patternmaking and construction — the technical backbone of the program. Students refine advanced drafting, construction, fitting and finishing skills, with emphasis on high-end methods and Japanese patternmaking approaches. Complemented by digital development including StyleCAD and/or CLO3D.

MC7

Explorations of Material Culture

Design subject where collection direction is developed through design thinking, material investigation, silhouette exploration, and iterative prototyping. Practice-led studio work supports original outcomes that are both creative and commercially aware.

IG7

Frameworks for Ideas Generation

Supports design practice through research, concept articulation, visual communication, cultural analysis, and reflective practice—helping students position their work within contemporary fashion systems and design discourse.

BS8

Reading the Body and Space

Students focus on developing their perception of the body as it relates to space and visual culture, and applications in design projects.

DP8

Design Project

Practice-led, socially responsible examinations and experiments are undertaken as a means by which to challenge and reframe existing design parameters.

PP8

Project Proposal

Research documentation for a prospective project and communication processes available to designers as a means by which to persuade an audience is framed through this subject.

DS9

Design Studio

Practice-led ethical examinations and experiments undertaken as a means by which to challenge and reframe existing production processes for innovative and socially responsible design.

DE10

Design Exhibition and Publication

The capstone subject brings together work in previous subjects with a professionally produced product and associated exhibition and publication, which contribute to a personal portfolio and academic professional profile.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I study the Master of Design without an undergraduate degree?

Yes. Whitehouse considers all applicants who may not have completed an undergraduate degree, or have completed an undergraduate degree but in a non-creative field. These students are assessed on their Industry Professional Practice, which must include significant experience.

What are the tuition fees for the Master of Design?

For domestic students, the 2025 annual tuition fees are $37,216.00, broken down as: Trimester 1 (Graduate Certificate) $6,977.00, Trimester 2 (Graduate Diploma) $11,630.00, and Trimester 3 (Master of Design) $18,608.00. For international students, the 2025 annual tuition fees are $44,620.00. Fees are subject to annual review and alteration. HELP (loan assistance) is available for eligible domestic students.

What digital tools will I learn as part of the Master of Design?

The program incorporates contemporary digital skills including StyleCAD and CLO3D, delivered in a newly upgraded, state-of-the-art computer lab to support digital patternmaking and 3D garment visualisation.

Where is the Master of Design delivered?

The Master of Design (Fashion) is delivered exclusively on campus at Whitehouse's new Sydney Flagship Campus, located at 55 Renwick St Redfern NSW 2016.

What will I produce by the end of the Master of Design?

Across the year, you will develop (or redevelop) your own collection or label identity, working toward two six-body collections in different seasonal directions (for example: Cruise + Spring/Summer, or Autumn/Winter + Resort). Where appropriate, one collection may be outsourced to reflect real-world production pathways and timelines. The capstone subject (Design Exhibition and Publication) brings together work in previous subjects with a professionally produced product and associated exhibition and publication, contributing to a personal portfolio and academic professional profile.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $50,000 to $65,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $65,000 to $85,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $85,000 to $105,000 per year

Career Paths

Graphic DesignerVisual DesignerDigital DesignerCommunication DesignerBrand Designer

Key Skills

Visual communication and design thinkingTypography selection, pairing, and layoutColour theory and brand colour system developmentAdobe Creative Suite proficiency (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)Branding and brand identity design

Full Course Overview

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