Fashion Design and Production (Diploma)

Diploma: Diploma

Location: Downtown

International students admissibility: Accepts International Students

A woman is laying out fabric patterns on a red cloth in a workspace with sewing machines in the background.

On this page

42

Overview

Expand your creative and technical skills for the fashion and apparel industry by gaining hands-on experience in conception, design, production, sales, and more. Part-time and full-time options offer flexibility in completing the certificate and diploma programs.
Tuition N/A
Credential Diploma
Length 2-3 years
Hours N/A
Delivery Class-based
Campus Downtown
Start Dates
Tuition $37,370
Credential Diploma
Length 2-3 years
Hours Full-time
Delivery Class-based
Campus Downtown
Start Dates
PGWP Not listed as eligible

What to expect

What you will learn

  • Draft patterns with an eye to fit and function
  • Plan and execute garment construction using professional industry-standard techniques and equipment
  • Develop and express a creative vision in design
  • Strategize and problem-solve the full cycle of fashion production, given a variety of contexts
  • Examine, critique and re-imagine fashion industry practices and norms
  • Collaborate effectively with diverse teams across the fashion industry

Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion

The Fashion Design & Production Diploma Program can be completed in 2 years, maximum duration for completion is 5 years. The program is designed for flexibility allowing students to complete it in a variety of part time and full time options.

Students may choose to exit the program and receive a Certificate credential upon completion of all first-year courses (20 courses, 36.5 credits) and FSHN 2321 Work Experience for Fashion Design. 

To achieve the Fashion Design & Production Diploma, students must successfully complete all first- and second-year courses (28 courses, 60.5 credits) which includes FSHN 2321 Work Experience for Fashion Design.

Admission Requirement

Program-specific

Admission to this program is through a competitive selection process.
Admission Requirements:
  • Grade 12 graduation, or equivalent
  • English 12 with a mininum ‘C’ grade, or equivalent
  • Letter of Intent (500 words or fewer)
  • Portfolio:
    • Two pieces of original artwork
    • Sketch book including a minimum of 20 fashion-related drawings
    • Two sewn items
  • Interview with Program Coordinator

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

  • Program activities involve extended periods in fixed positions and repetitive hand, wrist, and arm movements, such as assembling or using specialized tools.
  • Program tasks require precise hand-eye coordination and dexterity. Activities may include detailed assembly, intricate cutting or decorating, and small-scale technical work requiring steady hand movements.
  • Program environment includes regular exposure to industrial grade machinery that may be loud, may vibrate and give off heat.  
  • With appropriate safety protocols, the program environment may involve exposure to chemical products and strong odors. Students may also work with solvents and adhesives used in sewing and surface design environments.
  • Program environment involves regular exposure to airborne fabric particles.
  • Program involves physical contact with models during fittings.
  • Program tasks may involve high-pressure situations requiring quick decision-making, time-sensitive task completion, and sustained focus such as a photo shoot and fashion show. 
  • Some elements of the program are self-paced, requiring students to manage their own study schedule and assignment completion.
  • Program tasks require access to a modern computer capable of running Microsoft Windows with full privileges. Required hardware consists of at least a quad-core processor and 16GB of RAM and 256GB storage, in order to complete assignments or connect to the lab computers remotely. 
  • Online courses require audio/video hardware including webcam, speakers and microphone

Program Availability

Not currently available.

Not currently available.

Courses

International students

This program can be completed in two to three years.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year Credits
FSHN 1101 Fashion Cycle 1 1.5
FSHN 1103 Fashion Cycle 2 1.5
FSHN 1107 Illustration and Design 1 2
FSHN 1109 Pattern Drafting 1 2
FSHN 1111 Sewing Techniques 1 2
FSHN 1313 Fabric and Textile Studies 2
FSHN 1215 Tech Fashion Illustration 1 1.5
FSHN 1201 Fashion Cycle 3 1.5
FSHN 1203 Fashion Cycle 4 1.5
FSHN 1115 Fashion Portfolio 1 1
FSHN 1207 Illustration and Design 2 2
FSHN 1209 Pattern Drafting 2 2
FSHN 1211 Sewing Techniques 2 2
FSHN 1315 Tech Fashion Illustration 2 3
FSHN 1301 Fashion Cycle 5 3
FSHN 1309 Introduction to Pattern Grading 1
FSHN 1205 Fashion History 1.5
FSHN 1317 Fashion Exploration 2
FSHN 1319 Textile Surface Design 2
Credits 35
Second Year
FSHN 2117 Project Final 1 6.5
FSHN 1113 Draping 2
FSHN 2109 Computer Aided Drafting 2
FSHN 2315 Fashion Portfolio 2 1.5
FSHN 2217 Project Final 2 6
FSHN 2309 3D Pattern Making 1.5
FSHN 2205 Overseas Production 1.5
FSHN 2320 Business of Fashion 1.5
FSHN 2321 Work Experience for Fashion Design 4.5
Credits 27
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.

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?

Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.

Technical requirement

General technology requirements for online learning

Tuition deposits are payable usually within three weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.

Tuition deposit $10,600 $10,000 non-refundable
Application fee $145
Tuition $37,370
Student union $434
College initiative $159
Medical & Dental $570 Provided by Student Union
Temporary medical insurance $149
U-Pass $1,126 Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more.
Graduation $45
Total $40,926

* 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?

Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.

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.