This new Foundation Degree provides a creative, dynamic and commercially-focused environment in which to acquire in-demand skills for today's fashion industry.
It is your opportunity to understand how the introduction of digital technology, fabric innovation and global sourcing is changing the way that you will design, produce or retail fashion when you graduate.
The course focuses on product awareness and the application of the product development cycle from concept through to mass production. You will be encouraged to combine good commercial design knowledge with the technical skills and business awareness necessary to succeed in the contemporary fashion industry. Over time, you will gain a rounded understanding of various market sectors ranging from haute couture through to prêt a porter. In particular, you will concentrate on design and production for the high street and the processes which underpin this.
You will explore fashion consumer behaviour-related trends and how new collections are derived and developed to produce key new looks (for example: staples for seasons, taster ranges, shop placement timings). This course will teach you how to analyse trends looking at the role of prediction, the fabric calendar, the relationship of silhouettes to fabric prediction and innovation, cultural contexts and the impact of new design. You will be equipped with appropriate tools to analyse brands and to explore the role of diffusion ranges in enabling to designers to position their product competitively in the market place.
The globalisation of the fashion industry and the shift of cut, make and trim (CMT) away from Europe means new relationships between suppliers and the design room. You will understand this commercial reality and how it relates to the practicalities of buying cycles, prototyping, lead times, specification sheets, samples, manufacturing and shipping for fashion products.
Particular emphasis will be placed on the exploitation of digital technology creatively in concept development, design and production processes. You will hone skills in computer aided design and manufacture (CAD/CAM) and its use in pattern cutting, grading, lay-planning, and translate these into three-dimensional prototyping.
Level 1
Introduces you to the various digital solutions and practices within the fashion industry relating to womenswear, menswear and fashion textiles (print). You will also take an elective that allows you to sample another fashion pathway alongside the three year BA (Hons) Fashion.
Level 2
Further explores the practice of integrated digital technology within external and industry briefs. You will also undertake a short work placement during the second term.
In addition, each Level is supported by Contextual Studies, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, and Personal and Professional Development to give you a rounded education that prepares you for professional life.
4 GCSEs (A-C) or equivalent (preferably including English, Media/Technology), and at least one of the following or equivalent UK or international qualification: 1 A Level (A-C); 2 AS Levels (A-C); Level 3 Foundation Diploma or National Diploma; Progression Diploma (A-C) or International Baccalaureate (24 points or above). Also, an interview and a portfolio, showreel or other indicator of creative or technical practice where appropriate. For an explanation of qualifications, have a look at our IAG page on this site www.creativeway.org.uk/quals.
A Progression Agreement is a formal arrangement between two or more
education providers. It spells out what a learner needs to do to be
considered for a place on a named programme of study. Progression Agreements
may vary in the conditions they specify but they all aim to give guaranteed
pathways into higher education.
Advice on courses and careers:-
The Creative Way IAG team provides a specialist service for anyone
interested in finding out about courses and careers in the creative and
cultural industries. We can provide information direct to Students,
Parents/ Carers, Tutors and Careers Advisers via email, phone or organised
workshops and 1 to 1 sessions.
To find out more, visit our IAG page on this site on
http://www.creativeway.org.uk/IAG Or contact one of our career advisers: Matt Ball 07889 001764
m.ball@uel.ac.uk or Sarah
Comerford 07515 051509
s.comerford@uel.ac.uk