Fashion (Footwear and Accessories)

BA (Hons)

The course aims to equip graduates with a broad range of skills relevant to the fashion and associated industries and our students have an excellent track record of success in national and international design competitions.

Overview
Content
Additional information
How to apply
Fees and funding
International

Course level

Undergraduate

Modes of study

Full time

Attendance

Three years full-time.

Location

Avenue Campus

Entry requirements

General entry requirements apply. A typical offer is around 260-300 UCAS points to include an A level in an Art or Textiles related subject, or successful completion of a Foundation Art and Design course or equivalent qualification. However, applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements but are able to demonstrate an appropriate level of ability will also be considered. Applicants are interviewed and are requested to provide a portfolio of their own work. Applications from HND students seeking direct entry onto stage two are also considered.

UCAS details

UCAS code: W232

UCAS description: BA/FWA

School

School of The Arts

Course content

This is a course which offers an innovative blend of design, aesthetic and technical appreciation. Students are encouraged to develop a knowledge of leather and its design capabilities for fashion footwear and accessories, utilising specialist computer aided design (CAD) facilities. The department has strong links with industry, which supports 'live' design projects, and receives considerable support from the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers with specific student bursaries ranging from £500, £1000, £1500 to £2000, the Lilley Benevolent Fund and the Leslie Church Memorial Fund, which provides bursaries for postgraduate study.

Stage one

An introduction to studio design and workshop practice in fashion, textiles and footwear and accessories, supported by the theoretical studies programme. Throughout the stage students are offered the opportunity to work on 'live' projects in collaboration with the industry.

Stage two

The emphasis is placed on students' creative potential and individuality, with opportunity for coordinated work experience. Projects are generally led by external contacts and sponsors and some projects will be undertaken in consultancy groups which simulate the working practices of the industry. The design management and marketing programme includes a range of guest speakers in support of preparation for the world of work.

Stage three

This stage encompasses the final major project, which is the design and production of a capsule collection of footwear and/or accessories supported by academic research. Wherever possible, the project is produced in collaboration with industry. Students will be responsible for writing their own final major project, which should promote their personal aims and ambitions. Subjects covered on the course include pattern cutting, manufacture, printed textiles, design research, folio presentation, design management and marketing, photography and styling, textile/fabric/colour forecasting and CAD. Students may also get to produce work for the London and/or Northampton Graduate Fashion Shows.

Special course features

Emphasis is placed on students' creative development with recognition of the importance of marketing and management skills
Winner Technical Excellence in Footwear Construction Award - Shoe Bar/Peter's Shoes 2010
Winner Design a Bag - Asian Pacific Leather Fair, Hong Kong 2008
Highly Commended for Footwear Excellence - Graduate Fashion Week 2007
Winner of the 2005 Drapers Record Student Footwear Designer of the Year Award "...the Northampton Fashion Show included some of Graduate Fashion Week's brightest collections" - Hilary Alexander, Fashion Editor, Daily Telegraph
Winner of Glove competition 2006 - Gloves Guild

Typical modules

Design Practice: Concept, Research and Design Development
Creative and Technical Exploration: Fashion/Footwear and Accessories and Printed Textiles
Visual Communication and Promotion
Historical and Contextual Studies
Final major project

Assessment

All projects are assessed. Formative assessments, seminars and tutorials, self and peer assessment continue throughout the course.

Career opportunities

Graduates are successful in securing employment in the design industry and many students establish their own footwear and accessory design label.

For undergraduate application information please see our how to apply page.

For 2012/13, please see the Fees and funding information 2012/13 page.

Fees quoted are for home and EU students commencing their course in the academic year 2011/12. Tuition fees are payable for each year of the course. The fees are subject to annual increases in subsequent academic years.

Undergraduate students who commence their course in 2011 and continue on the same course in 2012 will pay 2011/12 fees quoted below for the duration of that course (plus annual inflationary increase).

Full time fees

£3375

Students who already hold a qualification and are considering studying for another course which is an equivalent or lower level qualification may be considered to have ELQ status for tuition fee purposes. In 2011/12 tuition fees for BA/BSc programmes for ELQ students will be £5,130.