Fashion Design and Production (Certificate)

Diploma: Certificate

Location: Downtown

A young woman is smiling while working on an embroidery project at a table in a modern workspace. She is surrounded by sewing supplies and design materials, with other people engaged in work in the background.

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Overview

Develop creative and technical skills for the fashion and apparel industry by learning design, production, and sales through fast-paced fashion cycles.
Tuition N/A
Credential Certificate
Length 2-3 years
Hours N/A
Delivery N/A
Campus Downtown
Start Dates

What to expect

  • 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
  • Lectures, seminars, videos
  • 120-hour industry practicum

What you will learn

  • Draft patterns with an eye to fit and function
  • Interpret and execute garment construction
  • Express a creative vision in design
  • Engage in real-world business environments
  • Practice the art of communication
  • Demonstrate professional excellence

Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion

The Fashion Design & Production Certificate has 20 courses (918 hours) and students must successfully complete all courses in this program to be eligible for the certificate. There are two options for completion:
  1. One-year program. This is a full-time, daytime offering. After successfully completing the nineteen courses in Year One and a 120-hour work experience, students will have met the requirements for a Fashion Design & Production Certificate.
  2. Two-year program. This is a part-time, daytime offering. After successfully completing nineteen courses over two years and a 120-hour work experience, students will have met the requirements for a Fashion Design & Production Certificate.
If students wish to continue on to the Fashion Design & Production Diploma, they may join the full-time diploma cohort.  Upon successful completion of the final eight courses, students will have met the requirements for 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 for the certificate program is three years.

Admission Requirement

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.

Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.

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

Program Availability

Not currently available.

Courses

Plan of Study Grid
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 2321 Work Experience for Fashion Design 4.5
Credits 4.5
Total Credits 40.5

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.

Fees and Costs

* 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. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).

Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.

Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.

Need help with tuition?

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Technical requirement

General technology requirements for online learning

How to Apply

Ready to apply?

Online

You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.

Mail

Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5

Contact us

Advising services

Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: studentservice@vcc.ca

Advising services for International students

study@vcc.ca

Indigenous Territory Acknowledgment

VCC is located on the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, and we acknowledge our privilege to be here.