Higher National Certificate Millinery

What it's all about?

Ours is one of the few colleges in the country to offer a specialist millinery course, and we are establishing a growing reputation in the area of hat-making and design. You'll learn professional and innovative techniques for producing a range of hats, together with design and presentational skills.

One of our students has recently exhibited her work in London and Paris at three top fashion shows and the Musee de Chapeau in Lyon. Recent awards won by our students while at the College include, International Felt Makers: Innovative Use of Felt 2009, Hat Designer of the Year 2008 (semifinalist), Hat Designer of the Year 2007 (finalist), Hat Designer of the Year 2006 (semi-finalist), and International Feltmakers Awards 2006 (third prize).

Is this the course for you?

If you're working in industry (possibly on a freelance basis), or just want to increase your existing knowledge and skills, you will be able to achieve a recognised qualification without having to embark on full-time study. The course is designed to complement the experience you gain in the workplace.

Course content

You will learn to produce a wide range of hats, from basic soft flat-pattern to blocked hats and model millinery; for private business, the fashion world, or particular applications such as theatre or television. You'll also acquire the skills to design and present your ideas effectively on paper, using illustrative techniques.

First year (Tuesday 9.30am-4pm)

Millinery and Headdresses, Drawing Techniques and Approaches, Visual Communication, Historical and Contextual Referencing, Millinery Materials Understanding

Second year (Wednesday 9.30am-4pm)

Research and Development for Millinery, Realising a Millinery Collection, Critical Study, Professional Practice and Development, Professional Studies.

Assessment

Assessment will be based on your coursework.

Live briefs

You'll be encouraged to enter competitions and to exhibit your work whenever possible. In 2006, live projects included: Skills Challenge-Design a Hat for a Celebrity Wedding; Headdresses for the Eventium Charity Fashion Ball at the Royal Armouries; Bridal Buyers' Magazine competition for a bridal headpiece; and hats for the Knitting & Stitching Show in Harrogate.

Resources

You will have access to all the equipment needed to run a business.

Progression & career opportunities

The course is designed to help progress your career within the clothing/fashion industry.