New Zealand Certificate in Fashion (Level 4)
Design
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Build your portfolio to apply for the Bachelor of Design (Fashion) or prepare for entry-level roles in fashion industry assisting with design, styling, retail/merchandising, and basic garment construction. Learn about fashion design, textiles, industry practice, and production while developing garments and outcomes that form your portfolio.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Dunedin, Dunedin
It will take a total of 17 weeks
This course requires 36 hours per week
Core skills this course teaches
Fashion Industry Knowledge
Understand global and local fashion industry practices, sustainability, ethical challenges, merchandising, and consumer behaviour.
Creative Fashion Design Skills
Apply the fashion design process using various communication methods including drawing and writing.
Textile Techniques
Explore textile structures and creative textile project development.
What You're Signing Up For
This hands-on programme enables students passionate about fashion to transform enthusiasm into career pathways in the dynamic fashion industry. Students learn fashion design and textile concepts, fashion industry practices, and garment production, culminating in a portfolio to support further study applications or entry-level employment. The programme focuses on creativity, technical skills with industrial sewing equipment, garment construction, pattern making, and fashion communication through drawing and writing. Career paths include fashion design, journalism, buying, patternmaking, styling, and costume design. Delivered by Otago Polytechnic School of Design, the programme provides access to modern facilities and skilled lecturers. International and domestic students study on campus in Dunedin, with intake in July. Full-time duration is 17 weeks; part-time option available over two years for domestic students. Entry is open with a statement of interest and possible interview. English language requirements apply for internationals. Fees differ for domestic and international students, with estimated tuition fees and additional costs for materials. This certificate is a foundation to progress to the Bachelor of Design (Fashion).
Course Content
- Fashion Industry Practice: Global and local fashion industry, sustainability, ethical practices, merchandising, consumer behaviour, retail display projects, portfolio development (15 credits)
- Fashion Design and Textile Concepts: Fashion design process, communication through drawing and writing, textile structure and techniques, creative textile project (15 credits)
- Fashion Production: Industrial sewing, garment construction, pattern making, technical and creative projects culminating in a fashion design project (30 credits)
What you need to know first
Open entry
300-word statement of interest in fashion industry
Possible interview
For international students: NZ University Entrance or IELTS Academic 5.5 with no band below 5.0 or accepted equivalent
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Fashion
Textile
Future employment opportunities might be
Entry-level roles assisting with design, styling, retail/merchandising, basic garment construction
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.