Fashion Design and Development

Content

We understand that designers increasingly need to know more about the appropriate business, technological, environmental, ethical and social issues in order to become self-reliant practitioners and this is reflected throughout this exciting programme.

It has been developed in response to feedback from business, tutors, students and graduates and reflects the diverse opportunities within the fashion industry.

This course is part of the Fashion Product group of programmes.

Structure

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 form all the BA (Hons) Cordwainers Footwear and BA (Hons) Cordwainers Accessories courses whilst developing and considering a variety of specialist techniques in clothing design and considering this as a fashion product. You are encouraged to consider the causes of change in society and the impact on the fashion product design and development process.

In the second year, the balance of projects reflects the broad scope of issues facing the industry from issues of sustainability, health and wellbeing, through to the challenges of the highly competitive fashion marketplace and small businesses. You will engage with projects written in collaboration with an Industry partner giving you the opportunity to push the parameters of your abilities with an understanding of a specific market. Examples of recent collaborations include Puma, Top Shop, Clarks and Lacoste.

The optional year in Industry allows you to implement your learning to date and to apply it to the context of a commercial environment. A preparation for the year in industry is provided by specialist input from our Fashion Business Resource Studio with support and guidance in career development, employability skills and an understanding of industry practice. 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 the final year you are directed towards creating an individual realisation of your skills and talents by developing your learning from previous years in conjunction with your personal strengths and ambitions. You are prepared for a career within the fashion/product design industry through professional and personal development and you are also offered a series of networking events in order to gain confidence and an insight into life as a graduate.