Our programmes are designed to facilitate, implement, and redesign the value of fashion, past, present, and future, through critically reflective sustainable fashion research and practice, theory, and craft. Students get to showcase collections at Graduate Shows and work across various industry projects.
Internationally recognised programmes that focus on the importance of being creative, responsive and socially conscious. You will gain connections to industry professionals and extensive design practice.
Our shorter Certificates (18 weeks) are ideal for school-leavers or career changers looking to break into fashion design or jewellery with practical projects teaching a design mindset.
The longer programmes (1 year) provide more vocational, technical and job-ready skills and a pathway into the diploma.
Our Diploma in Fashion is a one year programme building technical skills and deepens the knowledge of fashion garment production. It is more of a vocational course perfect for those looking to elevate their craft.
Our degrees are for those wishing to fully explore the design, and craft, of Fashion and Jewellery. Perfect for those who want to take roles in the creative sectors of fashion and jewellery, whilst gaining the skills of technical craft.
With internships and industry exposure through fashion shows and shoots, they are taught over 3 years.
July 2025 Intake
21/07/2025
February 2026 Intake
16/02/2026
Auckland City Symonds Street Campus
Manukau Campus
Wellington Campus
Where will this programme take you?
February 2026 Intake
16/02/2026
Auckland City Symonds Street Campus
Manukau Campus
Wellington Campus
Where will this programme take you?
February 2026 Intake
16/02/2026
Auckland City Symonds Street Campus
Manukau Campus
Wellington Campus
Where will this programme take you?
February 2026 Intake
16/02/2026
Auckland City Symonds Street Campus
Manukau Campus
Wellington Campus
Where will this programme take you?
July 2025 Intake
21/07/2025
February 2026 Intake
16/02/2026
Auckland City Symonds Street Campus
Where will this programme take you?
July 2025 Intake
21/07/2025
January 2026 Intake
26/01/2026
Auckland City Symonds Street Campus
Where will this programme take you?
With world-class faculty, communal studios, and strong industry connections, studying fashion or jewellery at Whitecliffe means learning from award-winning designers in a creative, hands-on environment. Students participate in major events like NZ Fashion Week and graduate into diverse roles across the global fashion and jewellery industries.
The stats speak for themselves
of the global workforce
1/8
annual global growth
sustainable fashion
Global shortage
Skilled Jewellery craftspeople
Thanks to our strong connections with top designers and internships, we have graduate successes nationally and internationally.
We partner with Globally recognised brands
We offer programmes at every level, from introductory certificates to a three-year Bachelor of Sustainable Fashion Design. Whether you're just starting outor ready for a degree, we have a pathway for you. Our programmes includean 18-week Certificate in Fashion, a one-year Diploma in Fashion, and thecomprehensive Bachelor’s degree, all focusing on combining technical skillswith ethical and innovative practices.
The degree focuses on teaching you to create beautiful fashion that is alsoethical, innovative, and environmentally responsible. You will learn corehands-on skills like patternmaking, garment construction, and digital design,while also mastering concepts like zero-waste cutting, circular design, andmaterial innovation to become a leader in the future of fashion.
This degree goes beyond just aesthetics to focus on the entire lifecycle of agarment, from source to end-of-life. While a traditional programme mightfocus primarily on trends and construction, our curriculum challenges you tothink critically about supply chains, textile waste, and social impact, givingyou the tools to design systems, not just single objects.
You will be prepared for a wide range of creative and strategic roles that arein high demand in the modern fashion industry. Graduates can launch theirown ethical labels or work as Fashion Designers, Product Developers, TextileResearchers, or Sustainability Consultants for established brands. You’llgraduate with a professional portfolio and the skills to make a meaningfulimpact.
Yes, industry experience is built directly into the curriculum through liveprojects, internships, and exhibitions. We have strong connections withleading New Zealand designers and brands focused on sustainability. Theseopportunities allow you to apply your skills in a professional context, build yournetwork, and gain valuable experience for your CV.
The main requirements for the degree are University Entrance (or equivalent)and a portfolio of your creative work. Your portfolio should demonstrate yourcreative process, your passion for fashion, and your potential. The AdmissionsTeam can talk you through exactly what’s needed and review your work.
You can still apply by starting with one of our certificate programmes to buildyour foundational skills and develop a portfolio. Our Certificate in Fashion isan excellent entry point. It's designed for beginners and will give you theconfidence and the body of work needed to apply for the degree programme.
Tuition fees vary by programme, and financial support is available for eligibledomestic students. You can find the most up-to-date fee details on ourwebsite. Domestic students can explore options like StudyLink student loansand the government’s Fees Free policy, and our Student Finance team canadvise on scholarships and payment plans.
Yes, we welcome and support applications from international students. Youwill need to meet the programme's academic requirements, provide evidenceof your English language ability, and obtain a valid student visa. OurAdmissions Team is experienced in assisting international students and canguide you through the entire process.
You will learn in professional, purpose-built fashion studios equipped withindustry-standard machinery. Our facilities include dedicated spaces forpatternmaking with large cutting tables, a range of industrial sewingmachines and overlockers, and specialised equipment for textiledevelopment. This hands-on environment ensures you are comfortable andskilled in a real-world studio setting.
