Course description
More about the course
This exciting programme is designed to develop your creative abilities within an industrial and commercial context so that designing, selling and marketing are all seen as connected creative pursuits. The programme teaches different aspects of fashion design from creation (including traditional and avant-garde methods of pattern-cutting), through to successful retailing.
There is a strong emphasis on fashion communication and brand building with the creative use of merchandising, graphics, photography, advertising, interior and shopping experiences alongside fashion design. Part of the programme’s focus is on new avenues for fashion retail and you will be encouraged to develop promotional skills accordingly. You will benefit from experience at the ‘sharp end’ of design and promotion through involvement behind the scenes with London Fashion Week and other similar events. You will also be given the opportunity to visualise your designs as products intended for sale from the outset, with the need to grab the attention of buyers.
You will be able to take advantage of our staff team which is drawn from nationally and internationally recognised directional fashion practitioners who bring their research and professional interests from both experimental and commercial positions.
Work placement
During Semester B in your second year, you have the opportunity to undertake a work placement. This is self initiated and can be with some exciting retailers and designer. The outcomes can lead towards offers of employment when you graduate.
Previous work experience includes Collado Garcia.
Careers
The emphasis throughout the degree is on a range of knowledge and skills in fashion and clothing design, including practical aspects of production awareness and marketing. This will equip you to work in a broad range of areas in the fashion industry, from design, styling, marketing, manufacturing, visual merchandising, buying and selling. Teaching methods
In Level 1, the focus is on developing core skills and knowledge from traditional and non typical pattern-cutting techniques. There is also a strong focus on developing visual, analytical and verbal research abilities with an emphasis on design development and the evolution of a personal illustrative technique. You also receive CAD teaching including Photoshop and Illustrator with access to specialist Fashion CAD. Students are also taught the fundamental principles of fashion related commercial practice.
In Level 2, you further develop key skills with a greater emphasis on live projects working with influential industrialists. We develop your key skills including textile technology awareness and understanding of materials.
In Level 3, you are taught how to prepare yourself for your final year with emphasis on your degree essay and your design and commercial directions. There is greater emphasis on self initiated work enabling you to think and work independently. This is an exciting time where you will be working towards a professional portfolio and final collection.
Course content
Year 1 - full details
Core modules
-Fashion Critical and Cultural Studies 1
-Fashion: Developing Designs for the High Street
-Fashion: Technical and IT Skills 1
-Fashion: Technical and IT Skills 2
-Introduction to Fashion: creative processes and skillsYear 2 - full details
Core modules
-Fashion Critical & Cultural Studies 2
-Fashion in Context
-Fashion:Negotiated Projects
-Fashion:Technical and IT Skills 3
-Fashion:Understanding Markets and ManufactureYear 3 - full details
Core modules
-Fashion Degree Essay 3
-Fashion Directions
-Fashion: Professional Portfolio
