FdA Fashion Design and Technology (with BA Top Up option)
Design: Emily Knight
COURSE OVERVIEW
The fashion industry is constantly looking for innovative thinkers and technically gifted graduates. This creative and practical course gives you the skills you need in the competitive world of fashion. You’ll learn to create, construct and make garments to industry standards using advanced technologies.
The journey from design to shop window or fashion catwalk is a fascinating one. You’ll discover the complexities of buying, selling and promotion - and the need for entrepreneurial behaviour. You’ll start to specialise and think about possible careers such as designer, pattern cutter, garment technologist, product developer, and fashion buyer, merchandiser or promoter. The chance to work in a fashion business will help you develop as a versatile performer who is creative, technically skilled and highly employable.
RESOURCES
· The course team has a wide range of professional expertise and is supported by experienced technicians.
· Specialist visiting tutors, London-based designers and creative business entrepreneurs provide practical sessions, expertise and vital industry knowledge.
· Our studios have a full range of industry-standard facilities and equipment.
· We have a specialised industry software system (Lectra), which links the design, technical and promotional aspects of fashion.
YEAR 1
In Year 1 you’ll be introduced to pattern cutting, design and construction through practical workshops and studio-based teaching.
· You’ll produce a number of toile garments and a fully styled finished outfit by the end of the year.
· You’ll learn about the various roles and functions within fashion, including: designing, buying, merchandising, allocating, styling and public relations.
· You’ll learn how to use image creation software.
· You’ll be given a work placement during Year 1 to gain professional experience.
YEAR 2
In Year 2 you’ll specialise in your chosen area.
· You’ll create an individual collection or collaborate with students from different courses. For example, you might organize a fully styled photo shoot with Commercial Photography students, or work with Digital Media Production students to design and collate a press pack.
· We’ll show you how to manage our own learning and to think independently.
· Students who successfully complete this Foundation Degree are guaranteed progression to the BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Technology.
This course currently offers a BA (Hons) Top Up option - see bottom of this page. However, from 2012 we propose to offer the course as a BA (Hons) Degree, subject to validation.
For further information, please go to the BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Technology course page

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.
A CLOSER LOOK AT THIS COURSE
More student
work, together with a look at our studios, recent projects,
exhibitions, industry links and details of our course staff, can
all be viewed in the ‘Showcase’ for this
course.
BA (HONS) DEGREE (TOP UP)
We do not currently anticipate being able to accept direct
entrants to this course in 2012/13.
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.
For further details go to the BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Technology Top Up page.
COURSE LEADER
Sarah Charles
CONTACT
Admissions
Tel: 01202 363228/363225
Email: admissions@aucb.ac.uk

- Mode of Study: Full-time
- Course Duration: 2 years
- Institution Code: A66
- UCAS Code: W232
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- Entrance and Other Requirements
- Application and Interview
- Course FAQs
- Fees
- Open Days
- View Student Work
- Fashion Design and Technology Showcase
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