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Study Guide: Fashion Design in Malaysia
The fashion industry is a multibillion global sector involving the design, manufacture, production, promotion and retailing of all styles of clothing, from designer brands to affordable daily wear. The word “fashion” can be described as the style of clothing or accessories worn for a certain period of time by a group of people.
Fashion related degrees and courses will give students an understanding of the fashion business, from design concept to manufacturing, as well as the branding and marketing of the end product. If you believe that expressing yourself through fashion is your biggest motivation for creativity, then the fashion industry is the right career path for you.
WHAT IS FASHION DESIGN?
Fashion design is the study which incorporates principles of arts with design and manufacturing. A typical fashion designer will design either garments or elements of a garment. Some fashion designers choose between designing for high couture or daily wear but the procedure remains the same for both of these categories.
A course in fashion design will appeal to those who love to study fashion trends, sketching designs, selecting materials and have a part in all the production process of designing apparels. The field of fashion designing have contributed to the creation of millions, if not billions of pieces of clothing and accessories purchased by consumers on a yearly basis. These designs can vary according to women's, men's and children's apparel, including sportswear, maternity wear, outerwear, underwear, formal wear, eyewear and footwear. There are also accessory designers who design belts, scarves, hats, handbags and hosiery.
Within the field of of fashion design, there are various branches of fashion design such as:
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Textiles
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Apparel Management
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Aesthetic Theory
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Labour Studies
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Environmental Apparel
WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS TO STUDY FASHION DESIGN?
These are the general entry requirements to pursue a fashion design degree. Entry requirements for some universities may be higher, so do make sure you check the details carefully.
SPM/O-Level:
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A pass with 5 credits including Bahasa Malaysia and English (applicable to STPM, Government Matriculation and Pre-University programmes)
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A pass with 3 credits including Bahasa Malaysia and English (applicable to diploma qualification)
PATHWAYS TO STUDY FASHION DESIGN
This is the general pathway to study fashion design after completing your SPM or IGCSE.
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Step 1: Complete STPM/UEC/Pre-university programme for 1-2 years. You can also opt to be enrolled in Diploma in Fashion Design for 2.5 years.
Step 2: Once you graduate with a diploma, you can choose to go straight to the workforce.
Step 3: If you want to pursue a fashion design degree, enrol in a 3-year degree programme.
Step 4: Once you've completed your degree, you can choose to go straight to the workforce.
WHAT WILL YOU STUDY IN FASHION DESIGN?
In Malaysia, a Fashion Design degree takes at least 2.5 years long to complete and the total anticipated costs for a 2.5-year fashion design degree might range from RM85,000 to RM95,000.
In general, most fashion design degrees will require you to study core / compulsory subjects in your 1st year, covering topics such as:
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Fashion Illustration
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Textile Studies
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History of Fashion
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Fashion Design
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Trends & Forecasts
Essentially, the fashion design industry is a very hands-on field, and it will most likely reflect on your fashion design course too. Be prepared to work on multiple design projects and assignments throughout your fashion design studies. That said, you will still be required to pick up the necessary fashion design concepts and structures to refine your approach to design works.
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A FASHION DESIGN DEGREE?
When considering a career in fashion, there is often a misconception regarding the roles available on completion of a fashion degree. Because the fashion degree covers so many subject topics, graduates are able to seek real-world work options – across a range of industries – using these newly-acquired skills.
Here are a few careers you can consider on completion of your fashion degree:
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Fashion Designer
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Product Developer
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Production Manager
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Pattern Maker
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Fashion Illustrator
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Design Room Coordinator
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Pattern Maker’s Assistant
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Dispatch Room Coordinator
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Cutter
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Textile Designer
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Fabric Development and Consultation
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Accessories Planner
WHERE CAN YOU STUDY FASHION DESIGN IN MALAYSIA?

Taylor's University Lakeside Campus
Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Bachelor of Fashion Design Technology (Hons)
Intakes: January, March & August
Total Fees: RM104,190
Duration: 3 years