Fashion (Textiles for Fashion)

Three years full-time.

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 are exposed to a range of external visits - both within the UK and Europe in order to broaden their outlook and to appreciate wider design contexts.

The department has strong links with industry which supports live design projects and is an associate member of Guided Image, the Society of Colourists and Dyers and is a member of Graduate Fashion Week. It also has support from the Leslie Church Memorial Fund, which provides bursaries for postgraduate study.

Stage one

Stage one of the course is an introduction to studio design and workshop practice in fashion, printed textiles and footwear and accessories. This is supported by the theoretical studies programme. Throughout this stage students are offered the opportunity to work on 'live' collaborative design projects in conjunction with the industry.

Stage two

Throughout stage two of the course, 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. Some projects will be undertaken in consultancy groups which simulate the working practices of the industry.

Stage three

Stage three of the course entails the final major project, which is the design and production of a collection of fabrics aimed at the fashion market focusing on surface design and print and supported by academic research. Wherever possible the project is produced in collaboration with the industry. Students will be responsible for writing their own 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 Fashion Shows.

• Winner Zandra Rhodes Textiles for the Catwalk award at Graduate Fashion Week 2004/2005/2006 and Zandra Rhodes Textiles for the Catwalk finalist in 2008/2010
• Finalist Como TexPrint Scarf Competition 2009
  
• Winner of The Society of Dyers and Colourists Colour in Textile Design Award - Graduate Fashion Week 2007
• Winner of The Veronica Bell Award for Textile Colour Award - Graduate Fashion Week 2007
  
• Emphasis is placed on the partnership between digital imaging and more traditional screen printing techniques
• Associate membership of the Society of Dyers and Colourists "..standout examples of how original textiles are the best way to make an impact," The Independent
• The opportunity to use our excellent printed textile workshop facilities

• Design Management and Marketing
• Historical and Contextual Studies
• Integrated Design
• Visual Studies and Promotion
• Workshop Practice

Assessment methods include formative assessments, seminars and tutorials.

Graduates have been highly successful in securing employment in the fashion and textile industries. Many choose to continue their studies onto postgraduate courses.