Expand your creative and technical skills for the fashion and apparel industry by gaining hands-on experience in conception, design, production, and sales through a self-directed garment project.
What you will learn
- Fashion production
- Technical illustration (Illustrator, Photoshop)
- Pattern drafting
- Computer aided drafting (CAD) and digitization with Gerber
- Draping
- Knit garments
- Lined dresses
- Office attire
- Pattern grading and size ranges
- Niche body types
- Fabric properties, testing, and sourcing
- Textile industry ethics
- Fashion industry issues and trends
- Fashion history and culture
- Precision drawing
- Professional hand and machine sewing
- Textile print and dye techniques
- Garment construction
- Creative vision
- Branding and marketing
- Final runway collection or product line
- Manufacturing specifications
- Business skills
- Overseas production
- Website design and e-commerce
- Professional communication
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
The Fashion Design & Production Diploma has 28 courses (1417.5 hours) and students must successfully complete all courses in this program to be eligible for the diploma.
There are two options for completion:
- Two-year program. This is a full-time, daytime offering. After successfully completing the nineteen courses in Year One and with completion of a 120-hour work experience, students will have the foundational skills to opt for a Fashion Design & Production Certificate exit. Continuing onto Year Two, students will apply skills to a self-directed garment project and learn industry specific software: successful completion of the final nine courses will produce the Fashion Design & Production Diploma.
- Three-year program. The first two years are a part-time, daytime offering. After successfully completing nineteen courses over two years and with completion of a 120-hour work experience, students will have the foundational skills to opt for a Fashion Design & Production Certificate exit. Alternatively, for the third year, students can transfer to the full-time, program to complete the final nine courses, in which they will apply skills to a self-directed garment project and learn industry specific software. Successful completion of the final nine courses will result in the Fashion Design & Production Diploma. Entry into the full-time final year must be done within two years of completing the first nineteen courses.
The maximum allowable completion time is five years for both completion options.
- Mandatory attendance
- Practical labs and demonstrations
- Team activities
- Computer work
- Field trips
- Independent learning
- Student presentations
- Individual and group projects
- Written exams
- Research assignments
- Self-assessments
- Portfolio creation
- Lectures, seminars, videos
- 120-hour industry practicum
Admission requirements
Program-specific
Admission is a competitive selection based on the following criteria:
- Grade 12 graduation, or equivalent
- English 12 (C grade), or equivalent
- Letter of Intent (500 words or less)
- Two Letters of Reference
- Portfolio:
- Two pieces of original artwork
- Sketch book including a minimum of 20 fashion-related drawings
- Two sewn items
- Interview with selection committee
VCC recognizes that some applicants may not possess a detailed portfolio or sewing experience. A demonstrated interest in fashion through hobby, education, portfolio, or work experience are acknowledged and seriously considered by the department. These applicants will still need to submit all other documentation, participate in an interview, and potentially take sewing and/or drawing courses prior to starting the program.
General
- Seats are offered to applicants who have met all admission requirements, on a first-qualified, first-served basis.
- International applicants must be 17 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and educational documents as required by their course or program.
- All VCC applicants are required to function successfully in an English-speaking classroom. English requirements vary by program. For details, visit VCC International - English Requirements.
Recommended Characteristics
- Imagination and creativity
- An aesthetic point of view
- Comfort with a fast paced environment
- Good communication skills, both verbal and written
- The ability to receive, consider, and incorporate feedback
- The ability to work well with a wide variety of people
- Motivation, curiosity, and research-orientation
- Demonstrated interest in fashion
- Comfort and proficiency with basic computer systems and software
Courses *
This program can be completed in two to three years.
Prior learning assessment and recognition
VCC recognizes Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) as one of multiple pathways for students to complete their individual course of study.
PLAR is available for some courses in this program and will be assessed by the Department according to standardized practice and using one or more of the following components: project, professional portfolio, demonstration, and/or interview.
See Course Outlines for availability.
PLAR fees for every course apply without exception. The maximum number of credits of PLAR that a student may receive towards the diploma is 32.5.
| Term One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| FSHN 1101 | Fashion Cycle 1 | 1.5 |
| FSHN 1103 | Fashion Cycle 2 | 1.5 |
| FSHN 1105 | Fashion Fundamentals | 1.5 |
| FSHN 1107 | Illustration and Design 1 | 2 |
| FSHN 1109 | Pattern Drafting 1 | 2 |
| FSHN 1111 | Sewing Techniques 1 | 2 |
| FSHN 1113 | Draping | 2 |
| Credits | 12.5 | |
| Term Two | ||
| FSHN 1201 | Fashion Cycle 3 | 1.5 |
| FSHN 1203 | Fashion Cycle 4 | 1.5 |
| FSHN 1205 | Fashion History | 1.5 |
| FSHN 1207 | Illustration and Design 2 | 2 |
| FSHN 1209 | Pattern Drafting 2 | 2 |
| FSHN 1211 | Sewing Techniques 2 | 2 |
| FSHN 1215 | Tech Fashion Illustration 1 | 1.5 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Term Three | ||
| FSHN 1301 | Fashion Cycle 5 | 3 |
| FSHN 1305 | Fashion Marketing | 1.5 |
| FSHN 1313 | Fabric and Textile Studies | 2 |
| FSHN 1315 | Tech Fashion Illustration 2 | 3 |
| FSHN 1319 | Textile Surface Design | 2 |
| Credits | 11.5 | |
| Term Four | ||
| FSHN 2101 | Fashion Cycle: Project Preview | 2 |
| FSHN 2103 | Fashion Cycle: Project Final | 9 |
| FSHN 2105 | Business Planning | 1.5 |
| FSHN 2109 | Computer Aided Drafting | 2 |
| FSHN 2115 | Website Design and Ecommerce | 1.5 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Term Five | ||
| FSHN 2205 | Overseas Production | 1.5 |
| FSHN 2209 | Pattern Grading | 2 |
| FSHN 2215 | Fashion Portfolio | 2 |
| Credits | 5.5 | |
| Term Six | ||
| FSHN 2321 | Work Experience for Fashion Design | 4.5 |
| Credits | 4.5 | |
| Total Credits | 62 | |
* This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Discover Open Studies
Open Studies lets you take courses from credit programs without having to be accepted into one. Based on availability, you can sample different courses, earn credits, and build new skills.
Explore your optionsFees and other costs *
Tuition deposits are payable usually within three weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 145 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 35919 | |
| Student union | 410 | |
| College initiative | 153 | |
| Materials | 555 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 360 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 421 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 149 | |
| U-PASS | 812 | |
| Graduation | 40 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 0 | |
| Total |
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable.
Fees listed are for international students. For domestic programs, visit vcc.ca.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's international refund policy.
Apply now
STATUS INFORMATION
- Apply Now: Qualified applicants may receive offers of admission if seats are available, or placed on waitlists if seats are full.
- Closed: Applications are not accepted.
- For details about application availability based on study permit status and recommendations if the application status is closed, visit the Availability Status page.
For more information and tips, see Apply page