Diploma of Design (Fashion & Sustainability)

Upskill with a Diploma of Design in Fashion & Sustainability from Collarts. Make waves in the fashion industry while championing ethical practices and sustainability.

months full-time

units per trimester

STUDY MODES

Blended, On Campus, Online

NEXT INTAKE

June 2026

LOCATION

Melbourne (Fitzroy)

Study Your Diploma of Design (Fashion & Sustainability) Degree with Collarts

Where creativity meets conscious design.

CRICOS Code 0101951 (2 years)/104506J (3 years)/0101952 (2 trimesters)/104447D (3 trimesters)

Apply Now Download Guide

A Diploma of Design in Fashion & Sustainability from Collarts is where creativity meets conscious design. Led by industry experts who are at the forefront of sustainable fashion design, reinvention, forecasting, and enterprise, you’ll gain the creative and technical skills to design ethically and sustainably in today’s ever evolving fashion landscape.

With the flexibility of a Diploma, you can learn in a way that suits you, whether it’s on campus or online.

You’ll learn the foundations of fashion design, sketching, and technical drawing, while exploring fibres, fabrics, and the environmental impact of material choices. Attain insights into sustainable business models, transparent supply chains, and how circular, recycled, and low-impact systems shape the future of the industry. Experiment with garment reinvention, and lifecycle extension through hands-on construction and digital design tools.

With industry awareness built into the course, you’ll engage with real creative environments, and graduate prepared to contribute to innovative, ethical, and sustainable fashion practices.

Voted as Australia's #1 provider of creative arts courses for Teaching Quality and Engagement.

*(As compared to all creative arts focussed providers and universities that offer courses in Victoria. NB: Excluding specialist field providers.)

Apply Now Download Guide

Course Information

Course Structure

Diploma of Design (Fashion & Sustainability)

The Diploma can be completed in two trimesters (8 months) of full-time study and you have the opportunity to progress into the Bachelor degree (subject to academic performance).

DETAILED UNIT DESCRIPTOR

First Year	Trimester 1	Trimester 2
Design Process	FSDP1 Fashion Design: Function	FSDP2 Fashion Design: Reinvention
Materials & Making	FSMM1 Fibres, Fabrics and Fabrications	FSMM2 Fashion Resourcing and Remaking
Industry & Enterprise	SHSFB Sustainable Fashion Business	FSIE2 History of Fashion Systems
Creative Foundations	CRFCRFS Creative Foundations	CRFIFOS Industry Foundations

REFER TO 2024 unit structures

Fees & Scholarships

Local Student Fee Breakdown

Switch to International Student

UNIT

$3,058.00

TRIMESTER

$12,232.00

(full-time study)

BACHELOR

$73,392.00

(six trimesters full-time study)

FEE-HELP at Collarts

At Collarts, pursuing higher education is made more accessible through the Australian Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme, which can cover all or part of your tuition fees.

FEE-HELP is a loan provided by the Australian Government that assists students to pay for higher education tuition fees at approved providers like Collarts.

Find out more

Entry Requirements & Admission

Entry requirements - Local Students

There are no cookie-cutter moulds to fit into at Collarts. We're all about celebrating diversity, individuality, and the creativity that makes each applicant unique.

We’re looking for individuals who are passionate, driven, and capable of sharing a unique voice. Sounds like you? Apply today.

Year 12’s: No ATAR required, just your creativity.

Non Year 12's: Some previous study or work and life experience.

Find out more

Entry requirements - International Students

There are no cookie-cutter molds to fit into at Collarts. We're all about celebrating diversity, individuality, and the creativity that makes each applicant unique.

We’re looking for individuals who are passionate, driven, and capable of sharing a unique voice. Sounds like you? Apply today.

International students must meet the following criteria:

Applicants must be at least 18 years old at course commencement.
Successful completion of a senior secondary school certificate equivalent to Australian Year 12.
English proficiency.
Applicants might have to attend an interview.

Find out more

How to apply

Apply directly or contact us.

Need help?

You may contact a Future Student Advisor for any questions at 1300 818 777 or admissions@collarts.edu.au

Diploma and Degree International

Pathways

After completing a Diploma of Design (Fashion & Sustainability), pending academic approval, you have the option of continuing your studies and completing a Bachelor of Design (Fashion & Sustainability).

months full-time

units per trimester

STUDY MODES

Blended, On Campus, Online

NEXT INTAKE

February 2026

LOCATION

June (Fitzroy)

Start something Sustainable

CRICOS Code 0101951 (2 years)/104506J (3 years)/0101952 (2 trimesters)/104447D (3 trimesters)

Apply Now Download Guide

This course is your ticket to shaping the future of fashion. Led by industry experts who are at the forefront of sustainable fashion design, reinvention, forecasting, and enterprise, you'll be mentored by the best in the business as you embark on your creative journey.

Immerse yourself in the world of forward-thinking fashion with a strong focus on sustainability and ethical consumption. From the art of sustainable design to understanding the intricacies of supply chains and business strategy, you'll gain the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable fashion.

Get hands-on with real-world projects that put your skills to the test. Whether it's upcycling t-shirts into stunning new garments for major events like Melbourne Fashion Week or collaborating with one of our other industry partners, you'll graduate with a portfolio brimming with valuable industry experience.

Apply Now Download Guide

Course Information

Course Structure

Diploma of Design (Fashion & Sustainability)

The Diploma can be completed in 8 months of full-time study and you have the opportunity to progress into the Bachelor degree (subject to academic performance).

DETAILED UNIT DESCRIPTOR

First Year	Trimester 1	Trimester 2	Trimester 3
Design Process		FSDP1 Fashion Design: Function	FSDP2 Fashion Design: Reinvention
Materials & Making	FSMM1 Fibres, Fabrics and Fabrications		FSMM2 Fashion Resourcing and Remaking
Industry & Enterprise	SHSFB Sustainable Fashion Business	FSIE2 History of Fashion Systems
Creative Foundations	CRFCRFS Creative Foundations	CRFIFOS Industry Foundations

REFER TO 2024 unit structures

Fees & Scholarships

International Student Fee Breakdown

Switch to International Student

UNIT

$3,635.00

On-Campus

UNIT

$3,058.00

Online

International Scholarships

Collarts is proud to make creative arts education more accessible for international students. With scholarships of up to $12,000 AUD for bachelor's degree and $4,000 AUD for diplomas, students can pursue their passion in Australia with greater support.

Find out more

Entry Requirements & Admission

Entry requirements

There are no cookie-cutter moulds to fit into at Collarts. We're all about celebrating diversity, individuality, and the creativity that makes each applicant unique.

We’re looking for individuals who are passionate, driven, and capable of sharing a unique voice. Sounds like you? Apply today.

International students must meet the following criteria:

Applicants must be at least 18 years old at course commencement.
Successful completion of a senior secondary school certificate equivalent to Australian Year 12.
English proficiency.
Applicants might have to attend an interview.

Find out more

How to apply

Apply directly or contact us.

Need help?

You may contact a Future Student Advisor for any questions at (+61) 1300 818 777 or admissions@collarts.edu.au

Pathways

Opportunities and experiences.

Fast-track your career in sustainable fashion.

The Diploma of Design (Fashion & Sustainability) course is perfect for people wanting to shape the future of the fashion industry. Students will learn how to create forward-thinking fashion with a focus on sustainability and ethical consumption.

Throughout the Diploma, you will:

Create, develop and produce ethical fashion products and services.
Acquire an in-depth understanding of global fashion practices, design, and sustainability.

Gain knowledge and experience in fashion business, styling, ethical responsibility, and zero waste techniques and technologies.
Develop an industry-relevant portfolio of creative projects.
Partake in sought-after internships and experiences at major events like Melbourne Fashion Week, Fashion Revolution and more.
Study in our warehouse campus in the heart of Melbourne’s fashion district, or study online for flexible learning.

Options? We’ve got plenty. Get ready to be inspired.

Explore Collarts' in-depth courses and discover your creative future. Speak with a careers consultant or download our course guide today.

Download Guide BOOK A CHAT

Diploma Benefits

Fast-track your career in sustainable fashion with a Diploma of Design (Fashion & Sustainability).

This course is perfect for people wanting to upskill, change careers or pursue a passion, the flexibility of this Diploma will get you there. Shape the future of the fashion industry. You'll learn how to create forward-thinking fashion with a focus on sustainability and ethical consumption.

Throughout the Diploma of Design in Fashion & Sustainability, you will:

Build strong foundational skills in fashion design, including sketching, technical drawing, and visual communication.
Gain hands-on experience with fibres, fabrics, construction techniques, and the environmental impact of material choices.
Develop the ability to analyse and extend the lifecycle of garments through resourcing, reusing, and remaking techniques.
Use digital tools and software for design development and technical production, preparing you for modern sustainable design workflows.
Acquire an in-depth understanding of global fashion practices, design, and sustainability.
Study in our warehouse campus in the heart of Melbourne’s fashion district, or study online for flexible learning.

Future Careers

The fashion industry offers roles as diverse as its style options. Your degree is a door to a number of careers that will have you waking up every day to a job you’re passionate about.

Fashion Design Assistant in Garment Remake/Upcycling

Working in fashion studios or sustainable labels to redesign, remake or upcycle garments; using knowledge of fibres, fabrics, and sustainable design practices; contributing to collections that prioritise eco-friendly materials and garment lifecycle.

Average industry salary*:

$54k - $70k

Textile Designer

Specialise in creating and developing fabrics and surface designs for various applications, including fashion, interior design, and upholstery. Use artistic flair and technical expertise to manipulate colours, patterns, and textures to produce unique and innovative textiles that enhance the aesthetic appeal of products.

Average industry salary*:

$79k- $85k

Visual Merchandiser

Curate visually appealing product displays and store layouts, aligning aesthetics with brand identity. Blend creativity, sustainability and market trends to enhance the overall shopping experience, influencing consumer perception and driving sales.

Average industry salary*:

$50k- $80k

Meet your faculty

Meg Parry - Program Leader

A fashion designer, pattern maker and creator, Meg trained in Melbourne, before venturing abroad to pursue industry opportunities in London, UK. There she worked with a diverse range of fashion businesses from; artisan, luxury, to mass market manufacturing. She has since returned to Melbourne, and established her business Meg Parry Studio.

Learn More

Georgette Tahche - Lecturer

A passionate fashion professional and educator of over nine years, Georgette has a background in global fashion design and business. Her fashion industry expertise has been gained over 25 years working successfully in middle market, designer and haute couture sectors of the fashion industry in Melbourne, Sydney, London and Paris.

Learn More

Tamara Leacock - Lecturer

Julie Goodwin - Lecturer

Richard McCoy - Lecturer

Fiona Wilshin - Lecturer

The Collarts Experience

Experience life at Collarts through a vibrant creative community shaped by industry insight, cultural relevance and real-world learning—explore campuses, events and student life via Collarts Life. This ethos is embedded throughout our courses.

Student Life

Student life at Collarts mirrors real-world creative industries, offering a collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment where students learn alongside peers from across the creative spectrum. From hands-on projects to campus events, students are supported by dedicated wellbeing and academic services throughout their studies. Discover what student life at Collarts is all about and how it shapes your Bachelor experience via Student Life at Collarts.

George St Campus

2/156 George St, Fitzroy VIC 3065

Book a Campus Tour

Life After Collarts

Jordyn, Fashion & Sustainability Alumni

"Everything that we learnt at Collarts was from a place of wanting to make a difference in the industry."

Need more information

Join an online or in person information session to meet your teaching staff, visit the campuses, and ask questions.

Browse Information Sessions and Events

Frequently Asked Questions

What career opportunities can I pursue with a Bachelor of Design (Fashion & Sustainability) from Collarts in Melbourne?

Your Collarts Fashion and Sustainability degree opens doors to roles such as Fashion Designer, Textile Designer, Production Manager, Sustainability Consultant, or Fashion Coordinator. Your learning experience will be backed by a strong focus on ethical fashion, innovation, and multiple placement opportunities.

What sustainability and ethical design skills will I develop in this course?

Collarts’ Fashion and Sustainability course explores circular and zero-waste fashion, ethical business models, sustainable material sourcing, remaking, and capstone projects grounded in real-world sustainability challenges. You’ll graduate with real-world project experience, a robust sustainability-focused portfolio, and practical insight into sustainable supply chains and ethical business strategy.

Does the Fashion and Sustainability course at Collarts include real-world industry experience?

Yes! Collarts partners with leading organisations like Melbourne Fashion Week, Ethical Clothing Australia, Textile Recyclers Australia and Thread Together to enrich your industry experience. Our Fashion and Sustainability degree also embeds live briefs, industry placements and hands-on projects. You'll complete at least 60 hours of industry placement, gaining real-world insights and expanding your professional network with mentorship from sustainability-focused industry experts.

When will I start hands-on sewing and design skills in the Bachelor of Design (Fashion & Sustainability) at Collarts?

You’ll begin by developing strong drawing and design foundations in your first trimester. From Trimester 2 onwards, you’ll move into sewing and garment construction, using professional industrial sewing machines. This ensures you build both creative design skills and technical expertise, preparing you for careers in sustainable fashion design, production and retail.

Can I study the Diploma of Design (Fashion & Sustainability) online at Collarts?

Yes - the Diploma of Design in Fashion & Sustainability course is available to study online, at our Fitzroy campus in Melbourne.

If you study online, you’ll still get access to teacher check-ins, creative forums, and due dates that keep you on track - so whether you’re local or remote, you’ll feel connected to the Collarts community.

The Diploma of Fashion & Sustainability or the double degree in Fashion & Sustainability and Fashion Marketing can be studied on campus.

What makes Collarts’ Bachelor of Design (Fashion & Sustainability) stand out in fashion education?

Collarts is not your average uni. Think small classes, fast-tracked degrees, industry-connected lecturers, and campuses located in Melbourne’s creative hub. Collarts leads with ethical innovation, real-world projects, personalised mentorship and exclusive industry opportunities—empowering you to launch your fashion career and transform the industry.

Your Diploma of Design (Fashion & Sustainability) course can’t wait. Neither can you.

Search.

Diploma of Design (Fashion & Sustainability)

months full-time

units per trimester

STUDY MODES

NEXT INTAKE

LOCATION

Study Your Diploma of Design (Fashion & Sustainability) Degree with Collarts

Where creativity meets conscious design.

Course Information

months full-time

units per trimester

STUDY MODES

NEXT INTAKE

LOCATION

Start something Sustainable

Course Information

Options? We’ve got plenty. Get ready to be inspired.

Diploma Benefits

Future Careers

Fashion Design Assistant in Garment Remake/Upcycling

Textile Designer

Visual Merchandiser

Meet your faculty

Meg Parry - Program Leader

Georgette Tahche - Lecturer

Tamara Leacock - Lecturer

Julie Goodwin - Lecturer

Richard McCoy - Lecturer

Fiona Wilshin - Lecturer

The Collarts Experience

Student Life

George St Campus

Jordyn, Fashion & Sustainability Alumni

Need more information

Frequently Asked Questions