Active Sportswear

Content

We understand that creative individuals increasingly need to know more about the appropriate business, technological, environmental, ethical and social issues in order to become selfreliant practitioners and this is reflected the course.

Structure

Stage 1: Students engage with research methods and the generation of innovative design proposals through a variety of processes, technologies and experimental applications. Experimentation is aligned with materials exploration, development processes, and construction techniques. The fundamentals of market awareness, social and environmental issues, consumer behaviour and supply chain management introduce the student to the context of the professional sector.

Your first year encourages experimentation in order to develop creative responses to the issues of market and society through research, practical skills, technical skills and communication. You will benefit from working alongside students from other five courses whilst developing and considering a variety of specialist techniques. Students are supported by demonstrations and experience of the College's digital technology provision - rapid prototyping, body and foot scanners, sonic welding, laser cutting, etc.

In addition, a range of relevant digital software programmes informs students in virtual design, garment construction and ergonomic considerations.

Core units provide a range of opportunities to experience professional practices through sponsored briefs, competitions and subject specialist inputs, covering local, national and international contexts and issues. Students are prepared and supported for an optional year on a hosted work placement by dedicated input and guidance from the College's Fashion Business Resource Studio (FBRS).

The optional Industry Placement year allows you to implement your learning and apply it to the context of a commercial environment. Previous students have gained experience in a vast range of companies such as: Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, Mulberry and Boudicca in London, American Eagle and DKNY in New York, Mexx in the Netherlands and Adidas in Germany. During the year, you will produce a report and the overall experience qualifies for a Diploma in Industrial Studies.

In addition, students may choose units from a range of Discipline Electives - designed to enhance and nurture creativity, understanding and inquiry at undergraduate level.

In the final year you are directed towards creating an individual realisation of your skills and talents by developing your learning in conjunction with your personal strengths and ambitions. You are prepared for a career within your chosen area of strength and interest through professional and personal development and you will also gain confidence and an insight into life as a graduate.