Fashion

BA (Hons)

A fashion programme which offers an innovative approach to the creative design process, where students develop their ideas through collaborative live projects and individual exploration.

Overview
Content
Additional information
How to apply
Fees and funding
International

Course level

Undergraduate

Modes of study

Full time

Location

Avenue Campus

Entry requirements

Standard entry requirements apply. A typical offer is around 220-260 UCAS. Applicants will normally possess a BTEC diploma in Foundation Art and Design, a diploma in general Art and Design or other appropriate diploma (with three merit passes). Applicants are invited to interview with a portfolio of their work.

UCAS details

UCAS code: W230

UCAS description: BA/Fash

School

School of The Arts

Attendance

3 years full-time.

Course content

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. Students benefit from the School's strong links with the industry, which supports live design projects. The course offers a stimulating working environment where students are encouraged to develop their own individual aesthetic signature. Emphasis is placed on technical finesse, balanced by creative exploration and material investigation.

Students select their chosen pathway at the conclusion of stage two. Students are invited to present their skills to academic staff and representatives from the industry, their skills supported by a portfolio of work developed over the first two stages. Stage three is dedicated to specialist projects with the focus on either fashion, textiles for fashion or footwear/accessories. Students may also get the chance to produce work for the London and/or Northampton Graduate Fashion Shows.

Stage one

There is an introduction to studio design and workshop practice in fashion, printed textiles, footwear and accessories, supported by the theoretical studies programme. Throughout this 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

The final major project is the design and production of a capsule collection supported by academic research. Students develop a self negotiated project, which should promote their personal aims and ambitions. Subjects covered include pattern cutting, manufacture, printed textiles, design research, portfolio presentation, design management and marketing, fashion photography and styling, fashion PR, fashion forecasting and CAD.

Special course features

Emphasis is placed on students' creative development whilst recognising the importance of marketing and management skills
Finalist (top ten) River Island Gold Award - Graduate Fashion Week 2008/2010
International Fashion Salon Show - Asian Pacific Leather Fair, Hong Kong 2009
Leathersellers' Scholarships from £1200 to £800 for fashion leather collections
Success in national and international student design competitions e.g. ORIBE (Japan), PIELESPANA (Barcelona) Graduate Fashion Week (London)
Finalists for Ultimate Little White Dress 2007, Graduate Fashion Week
Fashion Salon Show - Leathersellers' Company, London
Annual exhibitor at Clothes Show Live "...vibrant and multicultural collections that won't be forgotten in a hurry..." www.vogue.com
Finalist Merchant Taylors' Company Golden Scissors award 2007

Typical modules

Design management and marketing
Historical and contextual studies
Integrated design
Visual studies
Visual studies and promotion
Workshop practice

Assessment

Theory is assessed through essay writing, assignments, a dissertation and presentations, while practical work is judged through studio presentations and exhibitions.

Career opportunities

Graduates have been highly successful in securing employment in the fashion design industry. For example, one graduate began her career working on POP Magazine.

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

Fees quoted are for home and EU students for the academic year 2010/2011. Tuition fees are payable for each year of the course. The fees are subject to annual increases in subsequent academic years.

Full time fees

£3290

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 2010/11 tuition fees for BA/BSc programmes for ELQ students will be £5,000.