The Certificate IV of Textile Design, Development and Production is a practical, studio-based course that gives you access to state-of-the-art facilities and industry-connected instructors to undertake project briefs.

Learn to create designs for knitted, woven and printed fabrics or textile products for a range of contexts, including fashion, interiors, homewares, craft and other commercial applications. You will develop skills in drawing, painting and illustration, design and concept development, as well as textile history and contemporary practice. You’ll learn how to present your concepts using computer-aided design techniques.

Upon completion of this course, you'll have the opportunity to further your skills with the Advanced Diploma of Textile Design, Development and Production. Here you will develop sophisticated skills and expertise in colour, drawing, design and computing, enabling you to plan, develop and produce screen-printed, machine-knitted or woven fabrics for a variety of applications.

You will build on your skills to create experimental textile samples using a range of materials and processes, including dye technologies, digital printing, laser cutting and fabric manipulation. With a focus on industry-based projects you’ll work with major and independent Australian and international companies, giving you the opportunity to be involved in developing a collection of textiles to technical and market specifications.

As a textile designer, you will create designs for knitted, woven and printed fabrics or textile products for a range of contexts, including fashion, interiors, homewares, craft and other commercial applications.

You can also work with graphics, packaging, greetings cards, ceramics, wrapping and wallpaper.

You can work as a textile design assistant, knitter, weaver and screen printer, fabric wholesaler, and studio assistants in screen printing companies and textile manufacturing companies.

You may also find work in other associated areas, such as:

• fabric importing and distribution
• design education and community arts
• department store fabric buying
• sustainable design.

Typical work activities may include:

• liaising with clients to plan and develop original designs
• interpreting client ideas by producing sketches, mocked-up designs and samples for presentation to customers
• assessing production standards
• experimenting with colour, fabric, fibres and texture
• maintaining up-to-date knowledge of new design and production techniques and textile technology
• meeting industry specifications
• working to a design brief and timeline.

Entry requirements

You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification) with a minimum 50% average (check calculator below).  

Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post-secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.

Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.