Program Overview

Diploma in Fashion

The Diploma in Fashion is a practical, studio-based programme that develops advanced technical and creative fashion skills. It builds on foundational sewing and garment-construction knowledge and prepares students for careers in fashion production or further study.

Programme Description

In this programme, students will learn a range of advanced technical skills, from traditional flat pattern making and computer-aided pattern making to Adobe Illustrator and textile knowledge, empowering them to design, construct, and showcase creative fashion collections.

Programme Outline

The programme includes two signature projects: Resene Colour of Fashion, where students experiment with contemporary colour palettes and bring Resene's fashion colours to life through silk, and a two-outfit collection, which will be showcased at the Whitecliffe Annual Fashion Show, providing a real-world platform for students to launch their designs into the industry.

Key Dates

• February 2026 Intake: 16/02/2026

Duration

• 1 Year
• Full-time

Available Locations

• Auckland City Symonds Street Campus
• Manukau Campus
• Wellington Campus

Costs

• Domestic: $8,421 + $300 Student Services Levy
• International: $18,460 + $300 Student Services Levy
• Fees free may apply, and all 2026 fees are subject to change and regulatory approval.

Further Study Options

• Level 7 Bachelor of Sustainable Fashion Design

Academic Calendar

• 2025 Academic Calendars available for download

Qualification

• Diploma in Fashion
• NZQA Level 5 (120 credits)

Key Student Information

• Graduates of this programme will be able to:
  • Develop a broad range of pattern making and garment construction skills, textiles knowledge, and creative processes to design, construct, and present a range of finished fashion items
  • Apply the elements and principles of fashion design through development of design concepts and creative techniques
  • Apply knowledge of historical and contemporary fashion industry technical and conceptual influences to inform and develop fashion creation practice
  • Apply knowledge of fashion industry supply chains to inform ethical procurement of textiles
  • Develop the ability to critically evaluate the quality, aesthetic value, wearability, practicality, comfort, and sustainability of fashion designs

Career Opportunities

• Production Assistant
• Cutting Room Assistant
• Warehouse Assistant
• Trainee Machinist

Admission Requirements

• Applicants must:
  • Turn 17 within their first year of study at Whitecliffe
  • Have successfully gained:
    • New Zealand Certificate in Apparel and Fashion Technology (Level 4)
    • New Zealand Certificate in Fashion (Level 4)
    • Demonstrate equivalent industry experience, competent levels of literacy, numeracy, and basic computer literacy
• International applicants must:
  • Turn 18 within their first year of study at Whitecliffe
  • Have successfully gained the Certificate in Apparel and Fashion Technology (Level 4) or equivalent international qualification
  • Meet English language requirements: IELTS Test – General or Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5, or equivalent
  • Meet New Zealand visa entry requirements

Faculty Members

• The faculty team has extensive experience within their respective industries, ensuring graduates have the real-world skills needed for a successful career.
• Team members include:
  • Michelle Wetherell, Programme Head, Fashion + Sustainability
  • Doula Matheos, Programme Lead, Fashion + Sustainability
  • Giles Peterson, Lecturer, Fashion + Sustainability
  • Angela Newson, Lecturer, Fashion + Sustainability
  • Harita Kapur, Lecturer, Fashion + Sustainability
  • Heather Hohenberger, Lecturer, Fashion + Sustainability
  • Lisa Holst, Lecturer, Fashion + Sustainability
  • Pip Stevenson, Lecturer, Fashion + Sustainability
  • SuJin Lim, Lecturer, Fashion + Sustainability
  • Susan Barter, Lecturer, Fashion + Sustainability
  • Tannaz Barkhordari, Lecturer, Fashion + Sustainability
  • Veronica Frankovich, Lecturer, Fashion + Sustainability
  • Nicole van Vuuren, Lecturer, Fashion + Sustainability
  • Denise Callan, Lecturer, Fashion + Sustainability