Develop the technical and practical skills to produce custom-made footwear, focusing on design, pattern, manufacturing and the presentation of finished ideas. In the only dedicated footwear course in Australia you’ll develop the technical and practical skills to produce custom-made (bespoke) footwear. Over one year of study you will learn how to produce high-level custom made footwear, focusing on design, patterns, manufacturing and the presentation of finished design ideas. By understanding the nature and environment in which footwear is created, you’ll learn the skills that are applied at each stage of the construction process. From the creation of freehand to computer aided design sketches and technical drawings, you’ll learn how to prepare, cut and sew the necessary components using a variety of materials to create uniquely original shoes. International opportunities There is the opportunity to join the Fashion and Textiles Merchandising students on the annual study tour to China. The aim of the tour is to study supply chain and cultural awareness for all fashion related areas, including footwear. RMIT’s Global Mobility supports students to undertake an exchange or short term mobility activity with over 165 partner universities worldwide. Career As a graduate, you will be able to enter the industry as an assistant where, over time, you may progress to a head footwear designer role within a large company. Head footwear designers lead large design teams and travel or conduct market research to gain insight into current trends. A number of graduates currently own and operate their own footwear design businesses. Other graduates work as: Designers Product developers Production/quality controllers Supply chain managers and technical officers for footwear and accessory companies As a footwear designer your daily activities may include: Working with other designers, clients and stakeholders Sketching design drawings by hand or using computer aided design programs Attending fashion shows and events for research Making prototype shoes Sourcing materials such as leather or synthetic or sustainably produced materials Pathway options You can gain entry into the Certificate IV in Custom made Footwear from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs. Further study You may wish to continue your studies in any of the following RMIT programs: Advanced Diploma of Textile Design, Development and Production Associate Degree in Fashion and Textile Merchandising Bachelor of Arts (Textile Design) Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT vocational study or undergraduate programs.