Fashion Design | BA (Hons) Degree

This unit introduces you to a variety of fashion studio workshop skills, which will equip you with knowledge and skills that underpin all future projects. Key technical skills of garment construction techniques are developed through practice and logged as a future resource. Pattern cutting is explained and explored in 2D and 3D and is a firm foundation to developing designed products.

This unit introduces the language of fashion and the principle of using critical analysis of primary and secondary visual sources to inform design concepts. It equips you with tools and knowledge of processes within the development of ideas and concepts which will underpin future work. It investigates fashion segments and trends which influence and support design direction. It introduces and develops ways of communicating ideas through traditional illustration and CAD methods.

This extended unit is linked to Unit 2 Research and Design. Ideas and concepts developed in Unit 2 are translated into 3D outcomes through exploration and applying advanced pattern cutting techniques. It introduces fabric, behaviour and purpose in realising intended design outcomes. It extends the process of enquiry, exploration and realisation to deepen an understanding of the subject. Professional studio practice of testing and sampling is key.

This unit further familiarises you with alternative creative pattern cutting / CAD CAM lay planning garment construction/ illustration methods. Sessions will be linked to the context of ethical fashion production practices, organic fabric sourcing and dyeing, low waste cutting and climate friendly garment production methods.

Research & Design development skills are further explored encouraging wide- ranging, in-depth research and design development with appropriate computer software.

This unit aims to encourage and develop your awareness of the historical, social and cultural context that underpins the contemporary practice of creatives in a professional and academic context. You will be encouraged to develop critical and analytical approaches through the introduction of research skills, critical examination and investigation and how to connect this to your own practice.

This unit explores an alternative to ‘fast fashion’ by considering bespoke techniques and finishes as a key factor to longevity. Through group discussion and research, it will explore the concept of high quality durable design through custom methods and tailored garments. 

You will consider a client’s needs, generate and develop ideas that fulfil these needs, in order to design a specialist garment or outfit for a given body shape and form in response to the set brief.

This unit will enable you to build upon knowledge of the design process gained in Level 4 and respond to a design brief set by industry or an international design competition organisation. You will be encouraged to develop critical and analytical problem-solving skills underpinned by in-depth research in order to explore and formulate design ideas in response to a set design brief. 

You will extend drawing skills, colour manipulations and mark - making through traditional and computer aided design to develop a range of textile samples for fashion. Through a range of drawing and illustration techniques you will also demonstrate textile driven fashion outcomes that demonstrates an innovative and contemporary translation of a chosen theme. 

This unit will enhance your professional, interpersonal and organisational skills and allow appropriate industrial contacts to be made. This will assist the selection of your future career pathway and in your preparation for finding, securing and approaching work experience.

Engagement with social media and professional platforms will secure the development of your independent learning. Confidence building seminars and forums will assist in preparation for the workplace. You will be encouraged to generate and develop design ideas in order to create promotional materials including an online portfolio. Use of Adobe software and digital experimentation will be vital in your final outcome. Social networking on professional forums will cement your future digital presence.

With communication and support from a Work Experience Mentor, you will participate in work experience or an external industry linked project such as trade show exploration, professional interviews and trade competitions.

This unit aims to continue to develop your understanding of the historical, social and cultural environment in relation to your practice. You will continue to develop your critical and research skills through your examination of a topic, and develop your communication style in the presentation of the results of this investigation in an academic format.

This unit will enable you to create innovative, experimental research in preparation to realise a collection of fashion products. In this unit you will develop visual research through to design prototypes. Fabric suitability and textile design needs to be considered and developed to produce a unique and exciting collection. 

This unit supports you in preparation and development of a professional portfolio for prospective employers, recruitment agencies and industry exhibitions. You will identify a relevant market to develop a bespoke portfolio appropriate to your chosen career path within the fashion industry.

Typically, it will encompass the best of your work over the 3 years of the course and include a variety of content that reflects creative and professional ability, personal attributes and ambitions. 

In preparation for graduation and your move into the professional world, this unit will support you to produce the written, visual and personal presentation skills to prepare you to take and create opportunities within your creative field. You will research and investigate progression opportunities (e.g.: employment, self-employment, further study or training) within your industry and prepare for your next steps. 

You will prepare for interview by producing a CV as well as personal promotional material including a look book showing professional fashion shoots of your final collection. You will work with photographers, stylists, models and hair and make-up artists to perfect the look.

This unit aims to consolidate your ability to develop a research informed examination of a topic through self-directed research and a detailed critical investigation.