FASHion dESiGn And tEcHnoloGyucas codeBa (Hons) FasHion design and tecHnology: W235course leader: saraH cHarlesSubject to validationtHe courseInnovative and technically accomplished graduates are in highdemand within today’s fashion industry and <strong>the</strong> content <strong>of</strong>this creative and highly practical course relates directly to <strong>the</strong>realities <strong>of</strong> this industry – you will learn to create, construct andmanufacture garments to industry standards using advancedtechnologies, with technical excellence.The journey from design through to retail destination or fashioncatwalk and <strong>the</strong> understanding <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> buying, merchandising,promotional and entrepreneurial activities required is supportedby a dedicated team, excellent resources and industrypractitioners. Once this process is understood, you will selectto specialise in an appropriate area <strong>of</strong> study and undertakework placement which will reinforce your interests and helpyou to develop as a multi-faceted practitioner who is creative,technically skilled and, above all, highly employable.Potential career opportunities include Designer, Pattern Cutter,Garment Technologist, Product Developer, Fashion Buyer,Fashion Merchandiser and Fashion Promoter.resourcesOur modern studios have a full range <strong>of</strong> industry-standardfacilities and equipment; you will receive training in essentialcore skills through a series <strong>of</strong> practical workshops in patterncutting and construction methods.Digital technology skills play an important and integral part in<strong>the</strong> course (with training in Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign).We also have a specialised industry s<strong>of</strong>tware system (Lectra)which allows communication between <strong>the</strong> design concept,technical and promotional aspects <strong>of</strong> fashion, used from <strong>the</strong>start to <strong>the</strong> finish <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> production process.The course team has a wide range <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essional expertiseand is supported by experienced technicians. Specialistvisiting tutors, London-based designers and creative businessentrepreneurs also provide practical sessions, expertise andvital industry knowledge.16 | 17
year 1In year 1 you will be introduced to <strong>the</strong> essential industrystandard skills required to develop pr<strong>of</strong>essionalfashion garments, including design, pattern cuttingand construction methods. This is achieved throughpractical workshops and studio-based teaching whichnot only builds a skill base but develops your individualconfidence in <strong>the</strong> decision-making process. Emphasisis also placed on <strong>the</strong> lifecycle <strong>of</strong> designs, includinggarment technology, buying, merchandising, stylingand marketing - much <strong>of</strong> this being underpinned bytechnological processes, including advanced s<strong>of</strong>twarepackages for pattern cutting and design. You willalso have <strong>the</strong> opportunity to undertake a short workplacement to gain greater understanding <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>fashion industry.All first year students are eligible to enter <strong>the</strong>irwork for a £3000 sponsored scholarship award.year 2In Year 2 you will have <strong>the</strong> opportunity to specialise.Whichever route you decide to take - whe<strong>the</strong>r it becreating a full catwalk fashion collection, developingbranding and marketing strategies, or specialising ingarment technology - <strong>the</strong> emphasis will be on technicalexcellence and innovation. Using <strong>the</strong> skills gained inYear 1, you will be encouraged to think independently,engage with industry pr<strong>of</strong>essionals, and ultimatelyproduce work to <strong>the</strong> highest standard. You will alsoundertake an extended 12 week placement with one<strong>of</strong> our established fashion link organisations (whichinclude John Lewis, Warehouse, Tesco, Beales and TopShop) ensuring relevant experience and industry links.year 3Year 3 allows you <strong>the</strong> opportunity to develop individual,independent lines <strong>of</strong> creative and commercial enquiry.You will develop your skills fur<strong>the</strong>r and reflect uponyour previous experience and study, allowing youto demonstrate design and technical skills at anadvanced level. The overriding aim is to producefashion pr<strong>of</strong>essionals who can create innovative designsolutions and potentially influence <strong>the</strong> industry at <strong>the</strong>highest level.This course is currently <strong>of</strong>fered as a FoundationDegree with BA Top-Up option. We propose to<strong>of</strong>fer <strong>the</strong> course as a BA (Hons) Degree from <strong>2012</strong>(subject to validation).interVieWs and portFoliosInterviews are an opportunity for youto demonstrate your commitment andself-motivation, and to discuss aspects<strong>of</strong> your chosen course. We expectapplicants to radiate enthusiasm andcommitment to fashion, both in itsown right and as a potential careerchoice. You should possess anddisplay a developed understanding <strong>of</strong>contemporary fashion as evidencedthrough visits to exhibitions, showsand galleries.WHat We looK ForWe look for enthusiasm and creativity,toge<strong>the</strong>r with a willingness to learn andengage with o<strong>the</strong>rs. We do not wantour students working in isolation; from<strong>the</strong> outset we encourage cooperationand team working. Energy andopenness are qualities we like to seein our students. We require evidence<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> creative process in some form,toge<strong>the</strong>r with a good sense <strong>of</strong> colour,good drawing skills, a technicalability and <strong>the</strong> willingness and abilityto experiment.more inFormationA ‘Showcase’ has been designedto give you <strong>the</strong> opportunity totake a closer look at <strong>the</strong> facilities,studios, staff and tutors <strong>of</strong> thiscourse, toge<strong>the</strong>r with examples <strong>of</strong>current student projects, recentwork placements, graduate careerprospects, exhibitions, eventsand awards, links with industryand o<strong>the</strong>r interesting facts. Thereis also fur<strong>the</strong>r information aboutentry qualifications and <strong>the</strong> potentialcost <strong>of</strong> materials and visits.WWW.aucB.ac.uK/FasHiondesignsHoWcase