FdA Fashion Design and Technology

THE COURSE
Whether your interests lie in design, merchandising, buying or technical disciplines, this course provides a realistic insight into the variety of career possibilities in the fashion industry. We use industry methods to solve complex design and production problems and aim to convey some of the buzz of working in an environment that is constantly inventing and reinventing itself.

Students learn that their skills, both professional and personal, must continually evolve to reflect this and make them serious contenders for employment. Not only will you be able to design a garment, put it together and write a buying plan, but you will also be able to demonstrate commitment, motivation and employability.

Students will have the opportunity to exhibit their work in a professional context. Everything that we do on the course mirrors the standards and practices of industry. We expect our students to create garments that are as appealing when hanging in a high street store as they are when on the catwalk on a professional model.

RESOURCES
We have modern studios, all equipped with industry standard facilities and equipment; students receive formal training, through activities such as seam and pocket exercises. There are stands that are measured to our specifications as they would be in industry; we have over-lockers, cover stitchers and industrial sewing machines. We also use a variety of additional studios and teaching spaces throughout the University College, including the Enterprise Pavilion and the life drawing studios; our learning space extends beyond a purely sewing environment.

As well as our full and part-time staff, we employ theory and technician tutors and enjoy a range of illuminating lectures from visiting tutors. The team has considerable experience of professional practice. London-based designers regularly provide advice and guidance during studio sessions and (accompanied by a team of quality controllers, garment technologists and a model) the senior buyer and analyst at New Look has delivered one of our course units over a number of years. We aim to provide real industry integration into learning on the course.

YEAR 1
In Year 1, you will be introduced to pattern cutting, design and construction through a programme of practical workshops and studio-based teaching. We will expect students to individually produce a number of toile garments and a fully styled finished outfit by the end of the year. Emphasis is placed on the various roles and functions within fashion, which include designing, buying, merchandising, allocating, styling and public relations. Studies in these areas, as well as personal development and computer studies (image creation software), generally involve three to four taught days a week. All students are required to complete a compulsory placement during Year 1. First Year students are eligible to apply for a sponsored Scholarship award, which awards £3000 for students to use to enhance and develop their studies.

YEAR 2
In Year 2, you will specialise in your chosen area and may choose to create an individual collection or decide to collaborate with students from different courses across the University College – perhaps to carry out a fully styled photo shoot with the Commercial Photography students, or to work with Digital Media Production students to design and collate a press pack. Our aim during Year 2 is to encourage students to manage their own learning and to think independently.

Students who successfully complete this Foundation Degree will have a guaranteed route of progression to the third year of BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Technology (*)

BA (HONS) DEGREE (TOP UP)
This additional year offers you the opportunity to develop individual, independent lines of creative and commercial enquiry. You will develop your skills further and reflect upon your previous experience and study, allowing you to demonstrate design and technical skills at an advanced level. You will have the opportunity to complete an extended 12 week placement with one of our established fashion link organisations (which include John Lewis, Warehouse, Tesco, Beales and Top Shop) ensuring relevant experience and industry links. The overriding aim is to produce fashion professionals who can create innovative design solutions and potentially influence the industry at the highest level.

This BA (Hons award is not offered as a three year course and is only available to those articulating from a Foundation Degree. Students may also apply to the third year of other Honours Degree courses, where their suitability will be considered by the relevant course team. Students who are not currently studying at the University College may also apply to the third year of this BA (Hons) course if they hold the relevant subject qualification. Applicants to the final year of a BA (Hons) qualification may be required to undertake Bridging Studies to prepare them for studies on the Honours degree course.

INTERVIEWS AND PORTFOLIOS
Interviews are an opportunity for you to demonstrate your commitment and self-motivation, and to discuss aspects of your chosen course. We expect applicants to radiate enthusiasm and commitment to fashion, both in its own right and as a potential career choice. You should possess and display a developed understanding of contemporary fashion as evidenced through visits to exhibitions, shows and galleries.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR
We look for enthusiasm and creativity, together with a willingness to learn and engage with others. We do not want our students working in isolation; from the outset we encourage cooperation and team working. Energy and openness are qualities we like to see in our students. We require evidence of the creative process in some form, together with a good sense of colour, good drawing skills, a technical ability and the willingness and ability to experiment.

SKILLS AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Work placements are an excellent opportunity to make contacts and gain invaluable work experience. We have secured places at John Lewis, Top Shop, New Look, Animal and Alice Temperley. We also undertake a number of live projects with local companies such as Animal. Each year we endeavour to undertake an international visit to destinations such as Paris and New York. We have attended The Clothes Show Live in recent years and a live fashion show has also been held annually, in collaboration with fellow students.

On graduating you may find work in all areas of the fashion world. You will have an expanded ‘tool kit’ of skills and knowledge that allows you to progress successfully in your chosen career path. Employment gained by previous graduates includes Assistant Accessories Buyer for New Look, Pattern Cutter for Alice Temperley and Visual Merchandiser for Debenhams. Alternatively, students may wish to embark on further study.

* Course subject to validation

COURSE DETAILS

Mode of Study: Full-time

Course Duration:

2 years full-time

Institution Code: A66

UCAS CODE

W232
BA (Hons) Top Up: WJ24

COURSE LEADER

Sarah Charles

CONTACT

Admissions