Bachelor of Design - International (Fashion Design)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Queensland University of Technology

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Design – International (Fashion Design) at Queensland University of Technology is perfect for creative students who want to turn their love of fashion into a global career. You’ll get hands-on experience designing and making collections while spending a full year studying overseas, helping you develop your own style and industry-ready skills.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
You’ll start by building a strong foundation in design through units like Design Impact Lab 1 and Design Impact Lab 2: People, where you work on real-world challenges in teams. At the same time, Fashion Design Studio and Design Fabrication introduce you to essential fashion techniques, helping you bring your ideas to life.

Year 2:
In your second year, you’ll take your design skills further with units like Fashion Design Studio Development and Global Fashion Cultures, exploring trends, sustainability, and ethical practices. You’ll also develop your creative thinking and communication skills, preparing you for the international fashion scene.

Year 3 (International Year):
This is the exciting part—you’ll spend a full year studying abroad at one of QUT’s partner universities. It’s a chance to experience global fashion trends, learn different cultural approaches to design, and expand your professional network, all while growing your portfolio.

Year 4:
In your final year, you’ll put everything together in units like Product Development and Retail Readiness and your Major Fashion Design Project. You’ll create a professional-level collection that showcases your unique style and prepares you to step confidently into the fashion industry.

Focus Areas

Fashion design studios, design fabrication, global fashion cultures, sustainability and ethics, product development, international design experience

Learning Outcomes

Develop your own design identity, create industry-ready collections, apply sustainable and ethical practices, work with a global perspective, and build a professional portfolio

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Graduates can join the Design Institute of Australia (DIA), giving you professional recognition and support as you launch your career.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

QUT is ranked #1 in Queensland for art and design (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025), reflecting strong industry connections and graduate success.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At QUT, your learning goes far beyond lectures — you’ll be creating, experimenting, and bringing your fashion ideas to life from the very start. The program is all about hands-on studio work, where you’ll turn concepts into actual garments using industry-standard facilities, guided by experienced fashion mentors. You’ll collaborate on real-world projects, take part in team challenges, and even spend a year abroad, giving you global experience that strengthens both your skills and your portfolio. By the time you graduate, you’ll have not only creative confidence but also professional-ready projects that showcase your abilities.

Here’s how that looks in practice:

Studio and workshop experience: Work in purpose-built design studios within QUT’s Creative Industries Precinct, offering everything from sewing labs to fashion workshops where you can develop your ideas hands-on.
Team and industry projects: Collaborate on real briefs with classmates and take on projects that simulate the professional fashion world.
Global exposure and internships: Spend a full year overseas at a partner university, and explore potential internships with top brands to gain real-world insights.
Digital and industry tools: Learn and experiment with digital fashion technologies, sustainable design practices, and industry-standard workflows to keep your skills current.
Supportive campus facilities: Access the Kelvin Grove Library, computer labs, collaborative learning spaces, and technology-equipped studios to research, design, and develop your work.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from this program opens doors to exciting creative careers where your skills, portfolio, and global perspective really make you stand out. QUT fashion graduates often move into roles like fashion designer, stylist, product developer, or fashion marketer, and many have gone on to work with major brands both in Australia and around the world:

Career support services: QUT’s Career Development Centre helps you with everything from CVs and portfolios to interview preparation and industry networking events, giving you a strong head start in your job search.
Industry partnerships & internships: You’ll have opportunities to work with leading fashion brands, including Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Antipodium, and Tom Ford, gaining real-world experience while you study.
Professional recognition: Graduates are eligible to join the Design Institute of Australia (DIA), which offers professional support, events, and recognition to help you build a long-term career.
Employment outcomes: QUT design graduates are highly sought after thanks to the program’s focus on practical skills and portfolio-driven learning, helping you step confidently into the fashion industry.
Salary insights: While specific figures vary, creative graduates from QUT typically earn competitive starting salaries aligned with Australia’s design and fashion industries.

Further Academic Progression:
Once you complete this degree, you can continue your studies with a Master of Design or other specialised postgraduate programs in areas like fashion business, creative entrepreneurship, or strategic design. This can help you take on leadership roles, explore research-driven projects, or even move into teaching and high-level creative direction.