Footwear Design BA (Hons)

Program Overview

The Footwear Design BA (Hons) at De Montfort University offers a comprehensive education in shoe design, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to excel in the fashion industry. The program emphasizes the relationship between design and manufacture, with a focus on the needs of the footwear industry. Students have the opportunity to specialize in various areas of footwear design, including men's, women's, children's, and performance footwear. The program features a mix of practical and written assessments, as well as opportunities for industry collaborations and competitions.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program provides a comprehensive education in the fascinating world of shoe design, equips students with the knowledge and skills to excel in the fashion industry, and prepares them for successful careers in various sectors. The curriculum emphasizes the crucial relationship between design and manufacture, while focusing on the needs of the footwear industry. With a rich heritage dating back over a century, the course provides students with the opportunity to learn from industry professionals and renowned brands through direct collaborations, gaining valuable insights into new products and technologies. Students have the chance to specialize in men’s, women’s, or children’s footwear, as well as performance footwear, which is unique to a UK university.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Block 1: Design Fundamentals: Introduction to diverse styles and techniques, product illustration, mood board creation, research methodologies, presentation skills, material sourcing, design development process, fashion markets, range building.
• Block 2: Design Exploration: Introduction to pattern cutting for footwear design, development of basic shoe styles into pattern form using 2D and 3D techniques, practical and technical knowledge acquisition, critical studies of designers and industry trends.
• Block 3: Design Development: Technical processes and methods for footwear manufacture, pattern development, material selection, and construction techniques.
• Block 4: Design Communication: Advanced design research and development skills, concept development, digital and traditional communication approaches, introduction to visual and technical communication methods.

Year 2:

• Block 1: Bespoke Principles: Elements of Bespoke footwear, practical demonstrations, specialist lectures, unique skills related to Bespoke, Orthopaedic, and Biomechanical Performance footwear production, external feedback and analysis opportunities.
• Block 2: Design Concepts: Design development and communication for specific market and sector areas, design role, investigation of materials and components, influence of consumer product areas on design process, presentation skills development using CAD, critical studies of clothing communication, society, and professional practice.
• Block 3: Design Innovations: Design development, resolution, and communication for performance markets, exploration of design and technical processes in depth, Biomechanics lectures and seminars, external client and practitioner input and feedback.
• Block 4: Concept Realisation: Advanced 3D and digital production workshops, design development, resolution, and communication via self-initiated project, investigation of a defined market and context, in-depth research and development of design methodologies, technical processes, materials, and design communication.

Year 3:

• Block 1: Conceptual Inquiry: Expanding conceptual thinking, research, creative, and technical skills, strengthening of personal design direction through a specific project brief, visual research, technical experimentation, access to diverse practical and digital workshops.
• Block 2: Creative Realisation: Advance research, creative, and technical skills, strengthen personal design direction through co-created project brief, visual and technical research, technical experimentation in processes and materials, competition opportunities.
• Block 3 and Block 4: Design Resolution: Independent research, creative, and technical methods, co-created project brief, individually focused visual and technical research, thorough investigation and analysis, technical experimentation in various processes and materials, access to diverse practical and digital workshops, Design Cultures department support for extended essay or alternative assessment.

Assessment:

• A mix of practical and written assessments, including design development packages, technical research files, presentations, essays, and final design resolutions.
• Focus on building on acquired skills throughout the program.
• Encouragement to participate in national and international competitions for wider exposure and recognition.

Teaching:

• Strong emphasis on practical application through studio sessions, workshops, and projects.
• Balance between theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.
• Access to well-equipped, open-plan studios and specialized resources tailored to footwear design.
• Expert faculty with industry and teaching experience, including Nanette Westberg-Brown (Programme Leader), Jonathan Morss (Senior Lecturer in Footwear Design), Phil Stewart (Senior Lecturer in Footwear Design), Michaela Wilson-George (Technical Instructor in Footwear Design), and Dr. Elizabeth Lambourn (Professor of Material Histories).
• Block teaching approach for focused learning and faster feedback.
• Opportunities to work with industry professionals and leading brands.
• Encouragement to enter competitions and showcase work.

Careers:

• Graduates pursue diverse careers in the footwear industry, including design, technical product development, buying, and marketing.
• Employment opportunities with prestigious brands such as Givenchy, Jimmy Choo, Sophia Webster, New Balance, Adidas, Nike, Lacoste, Kickers, Dr. Martens, Irregular Choice, Kurt Geiger, Dune, Office, Next, and Foot Soldiers.
• Success stories include graduate Sam Lilley, who won the Cordwainers Footwear Awards 2022 and secured a position at Alexander McQueen.

Other:

• International opportunities through DMU Global program, including trips to shoe factories, tanneries, and exhibitions in Italy, France, and Spain.
• Award-winning program recognized as one of the best fashion schools in the world (CEOWORLD, 2022 and 2023) and top 10 in the UK for 'career after 15 months' (The Guardian University Guide 2022).
• Sustainable approach to education, recognized by the Green Gown Awards and The School of Fashion and Textiles.
• Supportive learning environment with personal tutor guidance throughout the program.

2024/25 UK tuition fees:£9,250 2024/25 international tuition:£15,750 Additional costs