Why Study this Course?
Designed for committed individuals who have an interest in fashion design and apparel manufacture, this course aims to provide students with the knowledge and work-based training skills required for success within the ever changing world of Fashion Design offering a number of exciting career prospects. The course centres on the acquisition of fundamental design and professional skills. Responding to the diverse and fast changing needs of the international fashion industry the course offers a stimulating creative environment and equips students with knowledge of contemporary fashion and design practice. Concept development, creative pattern production, technical studies, illustration and computer aided design studies will provide the skills and knowledge toward the preparation of a professional portfolio for employment. For those students already working in the industry, or who wish to take a part-time course to enter the field, this course is ideal.
Course Content
The programme being vocationally based, aims to prepare learners for the requirements of the design and creative industries. It introduces you to the philosophy and practice of fashion design through a range of realistic and challenging projects. Each project focuses on differing aspects of this discipline and provides opportunities to develop your skills and increase your understanding of the environment in which fashion operates.
Course Structure
The course consists of two years full time or three and a half academic years of part-time study. Each year is divided into two semesters varying modules of study in each. Modules are periods of study specially designed to enable students to explore a subject in depth. The proportion of structured teaching and independent study will vary between modules. The course is taught through a series of projects including practical subjects in fashion design and professional development. The curriculum encourages both experimental and practical learning and is supported by critical and theoretical study as well as work-based learning.
Fashion Design: projects will develop an experimental approach to the development of unique, creative ideas through exploration of trend research; the design process with the use of colour, texture, balance and scale; illustration and presentation techniques from initial concept to realisation.
Pattern production: projects relating to the diagnosis and solving of design problems; the translation of the two dimensional design into three dimensional product.
Digitally based design and CAD/CAM allows a specialisation in the use of digital applications for design and manufacture towards a professional standard.
Throughout the course, visits are organised to exhibitions, galleries, and events of educational and cultural interest. Visits to professional venues and studios will also develop a contextual awareness of professional practice with additional industry guest speakers to support the professional development modules. In Year 2 students are given the opportunity to visit Premiere Vision in Paris and a number of other international trips are available.
Work Placement
The course includes periods of work placement and the opportunity for live briefs. Work experience takes place in a variety of locations within the fashion design and textile industries. In the past students have successfully secured placements with Paul Smith, Zandra Rhodes, Ben de Lisi, Angels Costumiers, Diesel UK and Vivienne Westwood amongst others.
Many of the course team are practising professionals providing a wealth of knowledge, experience and contacts that are actively part of the course.
Future Career
The course prepares graduates for career progression into the creative industries, with a personal confidence in their problem solving ability and a skills portfolio relevant to a sector of the employment market.
Future Study
On successful completion of all level one modules, students can achieve a Higher Certificate in Fashion Design (2 years). The course will also provide the necessary academic and specialist knowledge for progression on to Level 3 of our BA (Hons) Fashion Design programme. This course is validated by the University of Essex
For an explanation of qualifications, have a look at our IAG page on this site www.creativeway.org.uk/quals. 40 UCAS points of equivalent; BTEC National; BTEC Foundation Diploma in Art and Design; Access to Higher Education Diploma; Other preparatory courses in art and design;In addition; GCSE Grade C or above Maths; Grade C or above English Language or equivalent; Mature students welcome. Interview and portfolio are required.
This course is validated by the University of Essex
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