Course summary

Arts University Plymouth is an arts university for the 21st century, preparing students who are uniquely placed to provide creative solutions to the complex global challenges of a changing world. Formerly known as Plymouth College of Art, we were granted full university title in Spring 2022. We are now the city of Plymouth’s first and only specialist arts university, allowing us to offer our students a dynamic and unique learning experience. Discover Distance Learning with a difference, and join a truly global community of creative learners. Starting in January each year, these degrees will kickstart your future in the creative industries, allowing you to study your first year online at home, in the studio or at an international host institution. These three-year courses all share a common distance-learning first year, while specialising in a chosen subject, then progressing into named awards in year two and three. The first year of your January Entry BA (Hons) Fashion Design course can be studied at home, in your own studio space, or at our dedicated international host institution. You will begin in January 2024, and your studies will finish in August 2024, allowing you to immediately progress on to your second year of study in September 2024. What will I study? Our BA (Hons) Fashion Design degree provides a comprehensive design education for independently-minded fashion thinkers and makers who are looking to influence change within the industry. From future forecasting, concept and design development, creative pattern cutting through to leading compelling marketing campaigns, Fashion is one of the largest employers in the UK’s creative industries - offering endless opportunities to those forward-thinking individuals who seek to challenge the assumptions of design, take creative risks and communicate their individual style through their work. You will have the freedom to hone your signature aesthetic without the confines of a house style. The course covers all aspects of the design process, from trend analysis, research and design development, drawing and illustration, colour and fabric development, historical and cultural studies, translation of ideas from 2D to 3D through to presentation, marketing and business development. You’ll learn to cut and manufacture quality one-off garments and collections with high levels of craftsmanship, and we’ll provide the tools for you to realise your ideas, and develop design specialisms in menswear, womenswear, lingerie, knitwear, performance, sportswear, and other technical routes. How will I learn? With online support from our expert teaching staff and technicians, you’ll investigate sustainable design and ethical manufacturing, acquiring a deep appreciation for every step of the commercial supply chain. You will become industry ready and develop entrepreneurial activity through collaborative projects with the Makers HQ, a visionary Plymouth College of Art initiative and community interest company, created to provide cut, make and trim services to the fashion industry, with a strong focus on achieving ethical and local British manufacture. Through expert industry speakers, live briefs and collaborations with brands like Finisterre and Hiut Denim you’ll develop market awareness, project management and communication skills, along with insight into factors that impact design, development and production.