Bespoke Footwear Biomechanics MA

Term one

Research Methods (Compulsory)
Teaches you a range of conceptual and practical research skills, such as questionnaire design and interview techniques. As part of this module, you will formulate your major project proposal, specifying your aims, objectives, research methods and expected outcomes. You will also learn how to undertake the literature review for your major project.

Design Innovation (Optional)
A pathway-specific module that explores the development of conceptual thinking, creative approaches to design and the technical aspects of product realisation. An introductory design brief considers the use of primary research sources as inspiration for the generation of a collection of innovative, pathway-specific, product design statements.

3Dplus CAD 1
This module covers aspects of using a 3D CAD system to develop a digital prototype of a footwear design. This will include using a library of pre-existing lasts and will provide you with the opportunity to develop designs in both 2D and 3D space. The module will cover style creation, pattern development, unit design and visualisation techniques. You will create a portfolio of 3D designs following an in depth investigation into the software that relates to your chosen field.

Design Communication
Helps you to develop a detailed understanding of the fashion portfolio and to hone your 2D communications skills. Using CAD and hand-crafted illustrative work, you will explore fashion illustration, technical drawings, print developments and layout techniques.

Term two

Promotion and Portfolio
A practice-based module that equips you with an understanding of the marketing processes for the fashion industry and the methods for self-promotion, including online options.

Design Research Development (Optional)
A pathway-specific module that further develops your design research capabilities, creative thinking, design expertise and specialist technical skills. You will investigate potential new designs and technical applications within the pathway, which will culminate in developing a pre-collection to your Major Project.

3Dplus CAD 2
You will need to have studied 3Dplus CAD 1 prior to embarking on this module. This module covers aspects of using a 3D CAD system to produce a last and orthotic for a bespoke shoe. This will include using a scanner in order to digitally analyse and measure feet in both 2D and 3D space. The module will cover style creation, development, last design, orthotic design, measuring, fitting and visualisation techniques. You will create a portfolio of a 3D CAD Last and orthotic blue prints.

Business Planning for the Creative Entrepreneur
Develops your business knowledge and planning skills enabling you to identify the potential for a new product or service. You will study the key issues in starting a business and covers topics such as business plans, leadership, investment and risk management.

Term three

Major Project Design/Practice Outcomes, Exhibition and Reflective Report
Allows you to explore the aesthetic, conceptual and technological considerations of your chosen research area within your pathway. At this stage in your course, you have the opportunity to further tailor your learning to your strengths. You will produce a 3D prototype collection with a 2D portfolio, supported by a personal, illustrated critical and reflective thesis (5,000 words).

Major Project Design Concept
Enables you to explore the aesthetic, conceptual and technological considerations of your chosen research area within your pathway. At this stage in your course, you will further tailor your learning to your design concept/product and develop an extensive body of written work (12-20,000 words).

Work-Based Project (optional)
This work-based module allows you to use the skills developed during your course and enables you to undertake a negotiated investigative project in a real-world setting while gaining valuable work experience in a company/charity. You will be expected to demonstrate that you can exercise initiative, take personal responsibility, embrace complex decision-making processes and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level. As part of the project, you will be required to produce a project proposal, 10,000-word report and a 30-minute presentation.

Note: All modules are subject to change in order to keep content current