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Sustainable Fashion Design

Certificate in Fashion

Students develop design skills with a foundation of fashion knowledge, which equips them with skills for further tertiary study.

This is supported by practical learning including sewing skills, pattern making and garment construction.

 

The 18-week programme introduces students to foundational technical skills, textile knowledge and creative processes to design, construct and present fashion designs.

Certificate in Fashion, fashion design, fashion workroom, sustainable fashion design

Outline

This programme focuses on the hands-on skills needed to bring your fashion ideas to life. You’ll learn the basics of pattern making, garment construction, and textile knowledge, giving you the technical foundation to design and create your own pieces.

Through practical projects, you'll gain real-world skills in sewing, garment making, and fashion industry processes.

By the end, you'll have a portfolio showcasing your finished garments and the technical know-how to take your skills to the next level.

Duration

18 weeks

Full-time

Key Dates

February 2025 Intake

17/02/2025

 

July 2025 Intake

21/07/2025

 

Available Locations

Auckland City Symonds Street Campus
Manukau Campus
Wellington Campus

Costs

Fees free may apply
All 2025 fees are subject to change and regulatory approval.

Domestic: $3,972 + $150 Student Services Levy

International: $9,100 + $150 Student Services Levy

Start your fashion journey by learning how to sew, then level up by designing and creating your own outfit from scratch.

Further study options:

Level 7 Bachelor of Sustainable Fashion Design Certificate in Fashion, Programme level 4, Fashion. Whitecliffe, Certificate, bag, student work, Whitecliffe student

Academic Calendar

2025 Academic Calendars

Key Student Information

NZ Government key information link for students.

Qualification

Certificate in Fashion
NZQA Level 4 (60 credits)

Where could this programme take you?

Students develop appropriate design-thinking skills, and gain a foundation of fashion knowledge, so they are equipped with learning strategies and skills for further tertiary study.

Production Assistant
Cutting Room Assistant
Warehouse Assistant
Trainee Machinist

Featured student work

Featured Alumni

Admission Requirements

Applicants must

  • Turn 17 within their first year of study at Whitecliffe
  • No formal qualification or portfolio is required
    for admission

International applicants must

  • Turn 18 within their first year of study at Whitecliffe
  • English language level of overall IELTS score (Academic Format) of 5.5 (no band score lower than 5) or equivalent (whitecliffe.ac.nz/english-proficiency-outcome)
  • Meet New Zealand visa entry requirements
    whitecliffe.ac.nz/international-students

Faculty Members

The vast majority of our team have extensive experience within their respective industries. This is key in helping us ensure our graduates have the real-world skills they need for a successful career and bright future.

Veronica Frankovich, Lecturer, Fashion and Sustainability, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

Veronica Frankovich

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

Veronica’s extensive fashion background spans from traditional fashion methodology to graphic a ...

Angela Newson, Lecturer, Fashion and Sustainability,Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

Angela Newson

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

Angela holds a Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology from Massey University, where she receive ...

Denise Callan, Lecturer, Fashion + Sustainability, Faculty, employee, staff, Whitecliffe, team, member

Denise Callan

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

Denise Callan graduated from Whitecliffe College with a Bachelor in Jewellery Design and Technolo ...

Doula Matheos, Programme Leader, Fashion and Sustainability, Faculty, employee, staff, Whitecliffe, team, member

Doula Matheos

Programme Leader

Fashion + Sustainability

Doula has a rich background in fashion design, having graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Fashi ...

Giles Peterson, Lecturer, Fashion and Sustainability, Faculty, employee, staff, Whitecliffe, team, member

Giles Peterson

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

Giles Peterson is a distinguished educator and independent curator at Whitecliffe College of Arts ...

Harita Kapur, Lecturer, Fashion and Sustainability, Faculty, employee, staff, Whitecliffe, team, member

Harita Kapur

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

Harita Kapur is an academic and design professional with over 30 years of experience in integrati ...

Heather Hohenberger, Lecturer, Fashion and Sustainability, Faculty, employee, staff, Whitecliffe, team, member

Heather Hohenberger

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

Working with such a diverse range of people brings Heather immense satisfaction. She truly believ ...

Lisa Holst, Lecturer, Fashion and Sustainability, Faculty, employee, staff, Whitecliffe, team, member

Lisa Holst

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

As a graduate of the Wellington Polytechnic School of Fashion, Lisa discovered her passion for fa ...

Michelle Wetherell, Whitecliffe Head of School, Whitecliffe Fashion and Sustainability, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

Michelle Wetherell

Head of School - Fashion + Sustainability

Fashion + Sustainability

Michelle holds a Master’s degree in Fashion from Central Saint Martins, a Postgraduate Certific ...

Nicole van Vuuren, Whitecliffe Lecturer, Fashion and Sustainability, Fashion, Sustainability, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

Nicole van Vuuren

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

Nicole integrates innovative design methodologies with a commitment to sustainability and critica ...

Susan Barter, Lecturer, Fashion + Sustainability, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

Susan Barter

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

Born in Yorkshire during a time when crafting and repurposing were everyday practices, Susan Bart ...

Tannaz Barkhordari, Lecturer, Fashion and Sustainability, Fashion, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

Tannaz Barkhordari

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

Tannaz Barkhordari is a fashion designer and educator, specialising in sustainable fashion practi ...

Pip Stevenson

Pip Stevenson

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

Pip has been involved in the fashion industry since completing her Bachelor of Design (Fashion) a ...

Christina Doherty, Lecturer, School of Fashion and Sustainability, Fashion, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

Christina Doherty

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

Christina has enjoyed a wonderfully diverse career. This has encompassed the design of lingerie, ...

SuJin Lim, Lecturer, Fashion and Sustainability, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

SuJin Lim

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

SuJin is an experienced jewellery CAD designer who has been serving the New Zealand industry sinc ...