Fashion Design with Business Studies BA(Hons)
Program Overview
The Fashion Design with Business Studies BA(Hons) program at the University of Brighton equips students with the creative and technical skills, as well as business knowledge, for a successful career in the fashion industry. Through a combination of design techniques, digital skills, and industry experience, the program prepares students for a wide range of roles, including fashion designer, buyer, stylist, and merchandiser. Graduates have been employed by leading fashion companies and have a strong track record of employability.
Program Outline
Fashion Design with Business Studies BA(Hons)
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Fashion Design with Business Studies BA(Hons) program is a creative and practical degree designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in the fashion industry. The program combines traditional design techniques with digital and technical skills, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the fashion design process from concept to consumer.
Objectives:
The program aims to:
- Develop students' creative and technical skills in fashion design.
- Provide students with a strong understanding of the business of fashion.
- Prepare students for a wide range of career opportunities in the fashion industry.
- Encourage students to think critically and creatively about fashion in the context of social responsibility, inclusion, and sustainability.
Program Description:
The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and studio practice. Students will be taught by experienced industry professionals and will have access to a range of specialist facilities, including industrial sewing machines, pattern cutting studios, and digital design software. The program also includes a placement year, which gives students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in the fashion industry.
Outline:
Program Content:
- Year 1: Students will develop their fundamental design skills through drawing, pattern cutting, and garment construction. They will also be introduced to the business of fashion, including marketing, branding, and retail.
- Year 2: Students will continue to develop their design skills and will begin to specialize in a particular area of fashion design. They will also undertake a research project on a topic of their choice.
- Placement Year: Students will undertake a placement year in a fashion-related company. This will give them the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and to develop their professional skills.
- Final Year: Students will complete a final-year project, which will showcase their design skills and knowledge. They will also write a dissertation on a topic related to fashion.
Course Schedule:
The program is delivered over a three-year period, with the optional placement year taking place in the third year.
Modules:
- Year 1:
- Market Research and Business in the Creative Industries
- Fashion Fundamentals
- Design and Make
- Personal Design Development
- Design and Culture Under Scrutiny
- Year 2:
- Preparing for and Engaging with Business
- Fashion Concepts, Contexts and Market Awareness
- Fashion Design Specialism
- Creative Collaboration in the Fashion Industry
- The Clothes and Fabrics of Society
- Year 3:
- Design Management and Business Plan
- Fashion Design Research
- Fashion Design Collection and Professional Portfolio
- Historical and Critical Studies Research Project
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
The program is assessed through a variety of methods, including coursework, examinations, and presentations.
Assessment Criteria:
Students are assessed on their creativity, technical skills, knowledge of the fashion industry, and ability to communicate their ideas effectively.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program is taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and studio practice.
Faculty:
The program is taught by a team of experienced industry professionals and academics.
Unique Approaches:
The program emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning, with students encouraged to experiment and develop their own unique design style.
Careers:
Career Paths:
Graduates of the program can pursue a wide range of careers in the fashion industry, including:
- Fashion Designer
- Pattern Cutter
- Fashion Buyer
- Fashion Stylist
- Fashion Merchandiser
- Fashion Journalist
- Fashion Public Relations
Career Opportunities:
Graduates of the program have been employed by a range of leading fashion companies, including:
- Alexander McQueen
- Nicole Farhi
- Margaret Howell
- Roksanda Ilinčić
- Giles Deacon
- Gareth Pugh
- Erdem
- Peter Jensen
- Mary Katrantzou
- Alexander Wang
- Aitor Throup
- John Rocha
- Jaeger
- H&M
- COS
- Monsoon Accessorize
- Bless (Paris & Berlin)
- Bernhard Willhelm
- Henrik Vibskov
- Donna Karan
- DKNY
- Diane Von Furstenberg
Outcomes:
The program has a strong track record of graduate employability, with over 90% of graduates finding employment or further study within six months of graduation.
Other:
Notable Alumni:
The program has a number of notable alumni, including:
- Emma Cook, Design Director, Fashion Consultant
- Fred Butler, Founder of Fred Butler Style
- Mark Eley, Co-founder of Eley Kishimoto
- Julien McDonald, Fashion Designer
Facilities:
The program has access to a range of specialist facilities, including:
- Industrial sewing machines
- Pattern cutting studios
- Digital design software
- Photography studios
- Darkroom
- Letter-press
- Design and media libraries
- The program is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
- The program is part of the University of Brighton's School of Art and Media, which is ranked 1st in the UK for art and design courses in the Complete University Guide 2024.
- The University of Brighton is located in the heart of Brighton, a vibrant and creative city.
UK (full-time) 9,250 GBP International (full-time) 15,900 GBP If you choose to take the professional placement (sandwich) year offered on this course you will pay a reduced fee during this year. This fee may be subject to small increases, in line with inflation.
Entry Requirements:
A-levels or BTEC
- Entry requirements are in the range of A-level BBB–BCC (120–104 UCAS Tariff points), or BTEC Extended Diploma DDM–MMM.
- We are looking for highly motivated and creative students. We will consider you on an individual basis.
- Important: Your portfolio is the most important and mandatory part of your application.
- If your predicted or actual grades fall below the range below but you can evidence your thinking, ideas and abilities through a high-quality portfolio we will still consider your application.
Art foundation diploma
- Pass. A foundation diploma is not a requirement for entry – it is just one of a range of qualifications that is accepted for admission to this course.
International Baccalaureate
- 30 points, with three subjects at Higher level.
Access to HE diploma
- Pass with 60 credits overall. Art and design courses preferred. At least 45 credits at level 3, and 30 credits must be at merit or above.
- A qualification, HE credits, or relevant experience may count towards your course at Brighton, and could mean that you do not have to take some elements of the course or can start in year 2 or 3.
English language requirements
- IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each element.
