Course summary

This exciting and comprehensive course will prepare you for a career in the fashion and textiles industry. Throughout the course you will gain realistic ‘industrial’ level experience in order to prepare you for the workplace. Fashion designers generally work in three different areas: ‘haute couture’, designer ready-to-wear and high-street fashion. Within these areas, they will often specialise further, for example in men’s, children’s or sportswear. The course will provide opportunities to develop your personal vision and ideas and explore areas of specific interest to you. It will also encourage you to develop your creative skills. On completion of the course you will be well-versed in the many aspects of fashion design, textile design and production. These skills will be complemented by an understanding of the historical, social, political, and economic influences on fashion design, and a sound knowledge of business and marketing principles to ensure a broad understanding of the industry and its organisation. The course offers a broad experience for fashion illustration and design including projects set by associates from industry. Pattern construction, garment production and textile embellishment all play an important part of the course. You will be encouraged to enter prestigious competitions, to gain placements and employment in the industry, encouraged to progress and establish your own label or to continue to develop your skills to degree level. All students have the opportunity of taking part in a fashion show or high profile fashion shoot. Fashion students also have the opportunity to participate in exhibiting at Clothes Show Live event at the NEC. Private study is required.