ObjectivesThis specialist course offers highly creative students a unique opportunity to explore the relationship between innovative design and contemporary technology concept, context and realisation. You will acquire and develop both technical and business skills to succeed in today's competitive womenswear industry as well as study the processes involved in unstructured (sportswear) as well as structured fashion garments (tailoring) as these are the building blocks for any successful fashion designer.
Entry requirementsYou should: * have a Foundation in Art and Design * have 2 Advanced Level passes at grade C or above (or equivalent awards) * have passes in 3 subjects at GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent awards) * have a minimum of 160 UCAS tariff points * have IELTS level 6.0 or equivalent if English is not your first language
The first year projects are about developing skills and imagination - how to look, record, develop, and make. The overall theme is a structured approach to understanding the creative process and what this means to the designer. The Cultural Studies programme compliments the core programme and enables you to see current practice and product in a range of relevant contexts.
The second year is about the reality of fashion business and how various aspects work. You will be offered a range of projects and competitions that are usually sponsored, or live. The projects ask you to work to specific requirements - a season, brand, range requirement, or perhaps to design and make a range that extends or develops a current fashion product.
This experience is further enhanced with the work placement - an opportunity to spend a term working with a chosen designer or company, learning about real professional practice and allowing you to gain first hand experience of the current employment market.
During year three you will decide to format your own project - typically a collection of fashion garments. You work as individuals, project managing with staff who are briefed by you on the chosen area of study. At the end of the programme there are opportunities for you to showcase your work to industry professionals.