Fashion, Textiles, Footwear and Accessories (Top-Up) BA (Hons)

Program Overview

This top-up BA (Hons) in Fashion, Textiles, Footwear & Accessories hones existing skills while providing advanced theoretical and practical knowledge. Students delve into industry-relevant modules, culminating in a Final Creative Collection showcasing their specialization and career aspirations. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and industry collaborations, graduates are well-prepared for roles in fashion design, footwear, textiles, and accessories industries.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This top-up degree provides an opportunity to refine existing skills developed from previous studies, culminating in a BA (Hons) Degree.

Objectives:

• To refine existing skills developed from previous studies.
• To provide rigorous depth of knowledge and industry-relevant skills.
• To prepare students for the industry of the future.

Outline:

Course Content:

• Year 1 (Top-Up):
• Semester 1:
• Develop and explore the concept of a chosen project theme.
• Explore career opportunities in the chosen field.
• Semester 2:
• Take concepts through to realization in preparation for industry or further studies.

Course Structure:

• Modules:
• Digital Positioning (20 Credits):
• Module code: FSH3120
• Status: Compulsory
• Description: This module enables students to showcase their digital, aesthetic, technical, and specialist skills.
It supports students in creating a refined digital platform to position themselves as industry-ready fashion creatives. The online professional profile created will articulate their ethics and values and serve as a springboard to launch their post-graduation careers. It will also showcase various creative outcomes developed over the duration of their program within a digital fashion-related context. Students will use a specialist multi-media platform of their choice.
• Creative Futures; Planning, Practice and Positioning (40 Credits):
• Module code: FSH3121
• Status: Compulsory
• Description: This module offers students the opportunity to identify their individual strengths and future area of specialism in preparation for industry through the integration of theory and practice.
Students will produce a project proposal outlining research areas, the wider context of question or investigation, sustainability, ethics, market level, materials, and resources required.
• Final Creative Collection (60 Credits):
• Module code: FSH4105
• Status: Compulsory
• Description: This cumulative module builds on the project proposal and practical development work produced within the Creative Futures module, exploring individual professional potential and career progression.
This Final Creative Collection requires students to undertake a sustained, in-depth, and informed approach to a design project aligned to their own specialism and career aspirations.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods:
• Essay writing
• Blogs
• Assignments
• Presentations
• Studio presentations
• Portfolio
• Product realization

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• Studio-based projects
• Specialist practical workshops
• Group critiques
• One-to-one tutorials
• Study visits
• Regular personal tutorial support
• Faculty:
• Expert academic and technical staff
• Unique Approaches:
• Links with Northampton Museum & Art Gallery (National Collection of Footwear)
• Live team industry, collaborative, and interdisciplinary projects
• Opportunities to participate in national and international competitions

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Fashion Designer
• Footwear Designer
• Textile Designer
• Accessories Designer
• Fashion Stylist
• Fashion Buyer
• Fashion Journalist
• Fashion Marketing Manager
• Fashion Entrepreneur
• Opportunities:
• Live projects with industry partners
• Competitions
• Work experience
• Guest lecture series with leading brands and high-profile speakers
• Outcomes:
• Development of academic, creative, commercial, and entrepreneurial skills
• Preparation for industry or further studies

Other:

• Degree Show:
• Final year students present a major collection to industry partners and VIP guests.
• Awards:
• Students are regularly recognized for their work through prestigious awards.
• International Exposure:
• Students have displayed their collections at international events like Asian Pacific Leather Fair in Hong Kong, Ningbo Fashion Week in China, Lineapelle in Italy, PV in Paris, and The Wing at Silverstone Racecourse.

UK – Full Time: £9,250 UK – Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module International – Full Time: £16,500