DIPLOMA FASHION
DESIGN & CREATIVE ARTS

Program Duration: 2 years (84weeks)

Prices: Domestic $36,000.00
Prices: International $39,000.00

Co-op: 3 years

Prices: Domestic $37,350.00

Prices: International $39,000.00

Location: 1888 West 1st Ave

Start Dates: January, May, September.

Your Instructors: Carla Jones, Julie Berg

Program Overview

Reimagine and refine your design philosophy by building technical skills with our Fashion Design & Creative Arts Diploma. Designed for aspiring fashion professionals, our curriculum offers hands-on training to guide your design concepts from ideation to realization. Deep design-thinking is core to the

study program, developing the ability to take compelling creative concepts through the initial design stages, through the patterning and production process, and into a professional design brief, costed and consumer-ready.

Why Choose The Cut Design Academy?

Expert-Led Education
Learn from industry experts and guest speakers with local and international experience infashion design, product development, and creative business applications. Our instructors include celebrated designers and professionals dedicated to shaping the next generation of talent.

Comprehensive Curriculum
From garment construction and digital pattern-making to marketing and branding, our curriculum balances practical skills with industry-relevant theory. You’ll gain expertise in:

  • Fashion Design & Illustration

  • Pattern Making & Garment Assembly

  • Apparel Supply Chain Management

  • Fashion Marketing & Business Development

  • Ethical and Sustainable Practices

State-of-the-Art Tools

Students develop digital skills using industry-standard software like Adobe Illustrator® and Gerber AccuMark®, ensuring their education meets the demands of leading design houses and brands.

Career Opportunities

  • Fashion Designer – Create innovative collections that define trends and inspire markets.

  • Pattern Maker – Develop precise patterns that bring designs to life with technical accuracy.

  • Product Developer – Oversee the journey of fashion products from concept to consumer.

  • Technical Designer – Combine creativity and engineering to ensure impeccable garment fit and functionality.

  • Fashion Marketing Specialist – Shape the brand narratives that connect with audiences and drive sales.

  • Creative Director – Curate and manage brand products and stories with compelling content that inspires market trends.

Tailored Learning Paths

Customize your education with four core certificates and two electives:

Core Certificates

  • Pattern Making & Garment Assembly

  • Product & Manufacturing

  • Fashion Marketing

Electives

  • Gerber Pattern Making & Grading

  • Couture Pattern Making

  • Technical Pattern Making

  • Costume for TV and Film

Program Highlights

Program Details

Course Structure

Two-Year Program:

  • 84 weeks / 1,680 hours

  • 20 hours per week

Three-Year Program with Co-op:

  • 126 weeks / 2,520 hours (including 840 co-op hours)

Key Milestones by Term

  • Term 1-3: Fashion Design Illustration, Pattern Making, Product Development, Sourcing, and Marketing.

  • Term 4-6: Advanced Techniques, Capsule Collection, Professional Development, and Co-op Placement.

Our fashion design diploma program with a Co-op option offers paid work experience, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world settings and build a competitive portfolio before graduation.

We seek passionate, driven individuals ready to make their mark on the fashion world. Applicants must provide:

  • High school diploma or mature student status (19+).

  • A Letter of Intent (minimum 250 words) detailing career goals.

  • A portfolio of 8-12 original art pieces (digital submissions accepted).

  • English proficiency (if applicable).

  • Admissions interview with the Dean or Director of Admissions.

What Sets Us Apart?

Innovative Education, Endless Possibilities.
The Cut Design Academy is where creativity meets practicality. With a 98% post-graduation employment rate, our graduates enter the industry with market-ready technical and creative expertise that defines the next generation of fashion consumers.

Admission Requirements

Meet your professors

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Julie Berg

Julie Berg brings 25 years of forward-thinking fashion design and energy-fuelled marketing talent to the table. A product development specialist for both retail and private labels, she’s crafted contemporary designer sportswear and accessories collections for small-sized independent retailers and big brands alike.

Carla Jones

Carla is a passionate multi-disciplinary creative with a sharp eye for the details that make great product design. They are a graduate of LaSalle College’s fashion design program, with a focus on technical development and design. Carla has since worked at Lululemon on their Product Innovation team, where they supported the development of a female-focused apparel line for ultra-marathon runners among other exciting projects. Carla now focuses on teaching, building their personal brand, and pursuing creative projects with private clients.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

You have questions, we have answers.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for in our FAQ section below, use our online submission form.

 This program has been approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
The Cut Design Academy is designated with PTIB

  • The program is available in three different formats:

    • One-year program: 42 weeks (840 hours)

    • Two-year program: 84 weeks (1,680 hours)

    • Three-year program with Co-op: 126 weeks (2,520 hours), including paid work experience

  • The program is led by experienced professionals, including:

    • Melissa McSorley

    • Julie Berg

    • Magali Blanc

    Each instructor brings extensive industry experience and expertise, providing students with valuable insights into the world of fashion design.

  • The program has three intake periods each year: January, May, and September.

  • The program is offered at 1888 West 1st Ave.

  • To apply for the Fashion Design & Creative Arts Diploma, candidates must meet the following requirements:

    • High school graduation or equivalent, or mature student status (19+)

    • An admissions interview (in person or via Skype) with the Dean or Director of Admissions

    • A Letter of Intent detailing your career goals (minimum 250 words)

    • English proficiency at a B2 level (IELTS 5.5, TOEFL 57 internet-based, 63 computer-based, or FCE Exam), if English is not the first language or previous education was not in English

    • A digital portfolio of 8-12 art pieces created by the applicant

  • No specific administrative fee has been mentioned. Please contact the admissions office for details on any additional fees that may apply.

  • While the tuition fee covers most program costs, there may be additional expenses for materials or supplies required for specific courses. For more details, please consult the admissions office.

  • The tuition fees for domestic students are as follows:

    • One-year program: Contact admissions for pricing details

    • Two-year program: $36,000

    Three-year program with Co-op: $37,350

  • International students pay the following tuition fees:

    • One-year program: Contact admissions for pricing details

    • Two-year program: $39,000

    Three-year program with Co-op: $39,000

  • The three-year program with Co-op costs $37,350 for domestic students.

  • The Fashion Design & Creative Arts Diploma covers a comprehensive range of topics to prepare students for various roles in the fashion industry, including:

    • Fashion Design Illustration

    • Creative Direction

    • Pattern Making

    • Assembling Techniques

    • Product Development & Production

    • Sourcing

    • Fashion Marketing

    • Branding

    • Elective Courses (e.g., Costume Design, Couture Techniques)

    • Capsule Collection Development

    • Professional Development

  • Throughout the program, students will develop essential skills such as:

    • Fashion design and illustration techniques

    • Garment construction and pattern-making skills

    • Knowledge of product development and manufacturing processes

    • Marketing, branding, and business management

    • Creative direction and design thinking

    • Professional skills, including portfolio development and presentation

  • Graduates of the Fashion Design & Creative Arts Diploma program are prepared for various roles, including:

    • Fashion Designer

    • Pattern Maker

    • Product Developer

    • Fashion Marketer

    • Creative Director

    • Brand Manager

    • Costume Designer for TV and Film

    These career paths span diverse industries such as luxury fashion, retail, costume design, and fashion marketing.

  • The program is structured to meet industry standards, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education. For specific accreditation details, please reach out to the admissions office.

  • To speak with a student advisor, you can contact the school directly via phone or email, which are available on the program’s website. Advisors can provide information about courses, application procedures, and other inquiries.

  • For more information, visit the official program website or contact a student advisor to schedule a consultation. You can also request a brochure or attend an information session to learn more about the curriculum, instructors, and career prospects.