fashion design phd

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Design Graduate Program: Apparel Studies

Apparel studies track: ms & phd.

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Our design graduate program focuses on the study of relationships between humans and their designed objects and environments. Students applying to the design graduate program may choose from four different tracks, including the apparel studies track .

• Program Details
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Graduate study in the apparel studies track advances both theoretical and practical knowledge of textile and apparel products related to human behavior. As a graduate student you will work with established scholars, participate in innovative research, and connect with a cohort of fellow graduate students. The apparel studies track has three concentrations to choose from, product development ; retailing and consumer studies ; and dress, history, and culture .

Dress, History, and Culture 

Dress, history, and culture focuses on understanding and conducting research on material culture, historic trends, and psychological and social behaviors related to dress. As a student you will explore the ways in which historical context, socio-psychological, and cultural factors influence material culture. In this concentration you may select a minor, such as museum studies, anthropology, art history, or American studies.

Product Development  

Product development focuses on theories and processes used in developing wearable soft goods products. An in-depth understanding of user psychological, physical, and social needs provides the foundation for analyzing, implementing, and finalizing design solutions. In this concentration you will have the opportunity to work on industry-sponsored, research-based projects.

Retailing and Consumer Studies  

Retailing and consumer studies emphasizes understanding and conducting research on individuals, groups, and organizations. In this concentration you will research how consumers select, secure, use and/or dispose of goods and services and how environmental, socio-psychological, and cultural factors influence consumption at all stages.

Master of Science Degree Options

Students pursuing a Master of Science have two separate degree plans to choose from. Plan A is more thesis-focused and is considered preparatory for pursuing a PhD. Plan B is project-based and aimed at career advancement. 

The credit amounts shown above are the foundation level required; additional coursework may be required.

Doctor of Philosophy Degree Option

Doctoral study in the apparel studies track of the design graduate program is intended for students interested in academic research and scholarship who seek to become professors.

On-site facilities like the Human Dimensioning Lab, Wearable Technology Lab, and Goldstein Museum of Design as well as faculty-led research projects are pushing the boundaries of apparel design and fueling exciting interdisciplinary collaborations in the fields of mechanical engineering, environmental sciences, medicine, and more.

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Learn more about Apparel Design and Retail Merchandising .

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PhD (Fashion & Textiles)

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Delve into the world of fashion and textiles and utilise your advanced research skills.

You're viewing program information for local students.

RMIT considers you a local student if you are:

• a citizen or permanent resident of Australia, or
• a New Zealand citizen, or
• a person seeking asylum who holds either a: Temporary Protection Visa (TPV), or Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV) or Bridging Visa E or Humanitarian Stay (Temporary) visa or Temporary Humanitarian Concern Visa.

Asylum seekers who reside in Australia and study onshore are required to pay international onshore tuition fees for higher education courses.

If you are unsure or hold a different visa type, please contact  Study@RMIT for more information.

Not a local student?

You're viewing program information for international students..

RMIT considers you an international student if you are:

• intending to study on a student visa, or
• not a citizen or permanent resident of Australia, or
• not a New Zealand citizen, or
• not a a person seeking asylum who holds either a: Temporary Protection Visa (TPV), or Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV) or Bridging Visa E or Humanitarian Stay (Temporary) visa or Temporary Humanitarian Concern Visa.

If you are unsure or  hold a different visa type, please contact  Study@RMIT for more information.

Not an international student?

Not applicable

Research Training Scheme

See admissions

AU$34,560 (2024 annual)

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Fashion and Textiles is suitable of individuals who want to undertake independent original research aligned to one of the School’s Centre for Materials Innovation and Future Fashion or the School’s research streams.

These research areas reflect the School’s research supervisors’ expertise along with the available resources and collaborative relationships with industry and other research organisations.

The program may be undertaken by project or by thesis mode:

• Project mode is directed towards candidates taking a creative practice research approach to conduct research into fashion design, textile design, curatorial practice, communication, or interdisciplinary design.
• Thesis mode is directed towards candidates taking a scientific approach to conduct research into advanced textiles and material science such as protective, medical and forensic textiles, comfort, performance and sport apparel textiles; OR a social science approach to conduct research into an aspect of the fashion and textiles system such as design practice, curatorial practice, historical or contemporary cultural studies, fashion enterprise, business practices, global supply chain or ethical practice.

The research topic and supervisor’s research approach will determine which mode is suitable. You should discuss these program modes with your potential supervisor/s prior to your application.

NB: DR213 replaces the previous qualification of DR074.

How you will learn

Research at rmit, time spent on research.

Full-time candidates are expected to commit at least four days per week (or at least two days per week for part-time candidates) to their research. The academic year is 48 weeks.

Regular contact with your supervisor

A schedule of meetings with your supervisor/s must be established to assess progress against milestones and timely completion.

Resources, facilities and support

You will have access to the Learning Hub and other online and digital resources through the myRMIT student portal.

You will be part of an active research community and have access to resources and workshops to help you succeed.

School of Graduate Research

The School of Graduate Research works with Schools to further support candidates during their postgraduate research degree.

Learning outcomes

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the  learning outcomes .

Electives and course plan

You will complete this program under academic supervision.

The PhD program is structured to enable you to:

• complete a compulsory research methods course
• receive training in research integrity and ethics
• select studies in qualitative and quantitative research techniques
• complete a thesis/project which demonstrates your original contribution to the field and your ability to communicate complex or original research for peers and the community to an international standard

You are required to complete:

Research Integrity modules

You are required to complete the online modules:

• Research integrity
• Copyright and intellectual property

Research methods for engineering and related disciplines

Research methods courses step you through the literature review and preparing your research proposal for confirmation of candidature. They are taught in large discipline groups.

You may need to complete an ethics module to ensure your research is ethical and responsible.

Research Techniques

You may elect to take (where relevant) electives in qualitative or quantitative research techniques once data collection has begun. You can use your own data to explore different research analysis techniques. Your supervisor will help you decide when you should take these electives.

Co-curricular activities

You are encouraged to participate in activities offered with the university, college and school according to your needs and interests.

This PhD may be undertaken in a project, thesis by publication or thesis mode. Prospective candidates should discuss these modes of submission with their potential supervisor/s.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

*The maximum duration of the PhD program is 4 years full-time and 8 years part-time. However, candidates are expected to complete their program within 3-4 years full-time equivalent and 6-8 years part-time equivalent.

*The maximum duration of the PhD program is 4 years full-time. However, candidates are expected to complete their program within 3-4 years full-time equivalent.

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

As a graduate of the PhD you may pursue an academic career in a university or be employed in the fashion and textiles industry as a textile designer, textile technologist, fashion technologist or fashion designer.

Minimum requirements for admission

Prerequisites, selection tasks.

The minimum requirements for admission to a PhD program are:

• a bachelor degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology courses that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a distinction average in the final year;  or
• a master degree that includes a research component comprised of at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent) with an overall distinction average or a master degree without a research component with at least a high distinction average;  or
• evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.

At RMIT a grade of distinction represents academic achievement of 70% or higher and a high distinction is 80% or higher.

If you are a current master by research candidate, you are able to apply for a transfer to a doctor of philosophy program through the process prescribed in the  RMIT Higher Degree by Research policy .

These entrance requirements are the minimum academic standard you must meet in order to be eligible to apply for the program. You will need to complete a selection task as part of your application.

A selection process will be conducted in conjunction with the School and supervisors you nominate.

For further information on the steps you need to take to apply for a research program see  How to apply – Research programs .

English language requirements

Research proposal and supervisor.

You must attach a substantive research proposal that is 2 to 5 pages in length which articulates the intent, significance and originality of the proposed topic using the following headings:

a) title / topic b) research questions to be investigated in the context of existing research/literature in the area c) significance and impact of the research d) methodology / research tasks required to undertake the research e) particular needs (e.g. resources, facilities, fieldwork or equipment that are necessary for your proposed research program, if applicable).

Your application will not be considered if you have not discussed your research topic with a proposed senior and associate supervisor or joint senior supervisors. You must provide the names of the academic staff in the school you have applied to and with whom you have discussed your proposed research.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

• IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
• TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit  English language requirements and equivalency information .

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at  RMIT English Worldwide .

You can gain entry to this program from a range of RMIT four year  Bachelor and Honours degrees  or  Postgraduate  or Masters by Research programs.

Fee summary

Fee information for masters by research and doctorate (PhD) programs.

If you are an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen you may be eligible for a Research Training Scheme (RTS) place where your tuition costs are funded by the Commonwealth Government under the RTS and you have full exemption from tuition fees.

Acceptance in an RTS place is very competitive and places are granted on the condition that you meet annual progress requirements and complete within the allotted time for your program and your status as a part-time or full-time candidate.

This means a maximum of 2 years for a full-time Masters by Research or 4 years for a PhD (or the equivalent part-time).

Contact the School of Graduate Research for more information.

The  student services and amenities fee (SSAF)  is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

In addition to the SSAF there may be  other expenses  associated with your program.

Income tax deductions

Candidates may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to their employment. See the  Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website  for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

The annual tuition fee for 2024 is AU$34,560.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$144,000.

International applicants

• Fees information  for international candidates looking to study at RMIT's Melbourne campuses.
• PhD  and  masters by research  fees for international candidates studying offshore. 

Other costs

Important fee information.

Find out more details about  how fees are calculated  and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a  refund  as a continuing international student.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information.

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

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We have 9 Fashion PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

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Fashion PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

Are you passionate about fashion and eager to make a mark in the industry? Pursuing a PhD in Fashion can be the perfect opportunity for you to delve deeper into the world of creative arts and design, and make a significant contribution to the field.

What's it like to study a PhD in Fashion?

Studying a PhD in Fashion allows you to explore the intersection of creativity, innovation, and cultural influences in the realm of fashion. You will have the chance to conduct in-depth research on topics such as sustainable fashion, fashion marketing, textile design, or fashion history. Through your research, you will gain a deeper understanding of the industry and its impact on society.

During your PhD journey, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with industry professionals, attend conferences and seminars, and present your research findings to a wider audience. This will not only enhance your academic and research skills but also provide you with valuable networking opportunities within the fashion industry.

Entry requirements for a PhD in Fashion

To pursue a PhD in Fashion, you will typically need a Master's degree in a relevant field, such as fashion design, textile design, or fashion management. Additionally, you will need to submit a research proposal outlining your intended research topic and methodology. This proposal should demonstrate your passion for the subject and your ability to contribute to the field.

PhD in Fashion funding options

Funding for PhDs in Fashion may be available from various sources, including governments, universities and charities, business or industry. See our full guides to PhD funding for more information.

PhD in Fashion careers

A PhD in Fashion opens up a wide range of career opportunities. You could become a fashion researcher, working for fashion brands, design houses, or research institutions. Your expertise in fashion can also lead to teaching positions at universities or colleges, where you can inspire and educate the next generation of fashion professionals. Additionally, you may choose to establish your own fashion consultancy or pursue a career in fashion journalism or fashion marketing.

With a PhD in Fashion, you will have the knowledge and skills to critically analyze the industry, drive innovation, and contribute to the development of sustainable and ethical practices in fashion. Your research can have a lasting impact on the industry, shaping trends, and influencing the way fashion is perceived and consumed.

Embark on a journey of creativity, research, and innovation by pursuing a PhD in Fashion. Expand your knowledge, make a difference in the industry, and unlock exciting career opportunities in the world of fashion.

Sustainable Fashion Products and Textiles Production Using Environmentally Benign Fibres Manufacturing Process PhD

Phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Self-Funded PhD Students Only

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

Natural Polymer Textiles & Fibres for Sustainable Fashion Sector PhD

Research degrees at uca, funded phd programme (students worldwide).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. Applications for this programme are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Funding may only be available to a limited set of nationalities and you should read the full programme details for further information.

Arts Research Programme

Arts Research Programmes present a range of research opportunities, shaped by a university’s particular expertise, facilities and resources. You will usually identify a suitable topic for your PhD and propose your own project. Additional training and development opportunities may also be offered as part of your programme.

PhD in Art, Design and Media

The PhD opportunities on this programme do not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

PhD Research Programme

PhD Research Programmes present a range of research opportunities shaped by a university’s particular expertise, facilities and resources. You will usually identify a suitable topic for your PhD and propose your own project. Additional training and development opportunities may also be offered as part of your programme.

Research degrees in the School of Design

Knitwear longevity and regeneration, the language of textiles, customer engagement with sustainability labelling and indices: a sustainable marketing perspective, photography and digital marketing for fashion.

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