Fashion, Textiles, Footwear & Accessories BA (Hons)
Program Overview
This BA (Hons) program in Fashion, Textiles, Footwear, and Accessories equips students with skills for the dynamic fashion industry through theoretical and practical learning, specializing in fashion, footwear/accessories, or textiles. The program prepares graduates for careers in design, production, and other industry roles, emphasizing sustainability and industry connections.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This BA (Hons) degree in Fashion, Textiles, Footwear & Accessories is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the fast-paced and dynamic fashion industry. The program offers a comprehensive exploration of industry-relevant topics, allowing students to specialize in either Fashion, Footwear and Accessories or Textiles. The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical skills, providing students with a strong foundation in fashion design principles, technical skills, and industry practices. Students will have access to specialist workshops, expert academic and technical staff, and a range of facilities that support the design process from concept development to materiality and 3D visualization.
Outline:
The program is structured over three years of full-time study, with the option for a four-year program including an Integrated Foundation Year (IFY).
Year One:
- Introduces students to the design development cycle, from concept to production.
- Covers topics such as illustration & portfolio skills, CAD, computer-aided design & manufacture, design research & contextual studies, technical skills in garment production, presentation skills & communication.
- Encourages students to respond to environmental, political, and global issues to contextualize their work.
Year Two:
- Builds upon the skills learned in Year One.
- Focuses on group project work, live briefs, in-depth research, and portfolio development.
- Prepares students for their final year projects.
Year Three:
- Students develop their own briefs and create a final collection of work to showcase their individual concept and design aesthetic.
- Students have the opportunity to participate in national and international competitions, awards, and opportunities.
Modules:
- Stage 3:
- Digital Positioning (20 Credits): This module focuses on developing students' digital skills, enabling them to create a refined digital platform to showcase their work and position themselves as industry-ready fashion creatives.
- Creative Futures; Planning, Practice and Positioning (40 Credits): This module helps students identify their individual strengths and future areas of specialization, integrating theory and practice to prepare them for industry.
- Final Creative Collection (60 Credits): This cumulative module builds upon the project proposal and practical development work from the Creative Futures module, requiring students to undertake a sustained, in-depth, and informed approach to a design project aligned with their chosen specialization and career aspirations.
Assessment:
- Theory: Assessed through essay writing, blogs, assignments, and presentations.
- Practical Work: Judged through studio presentations, portfolio, and product realization.
Teaching:
- The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including studio-based projects, specialist practical workshops, group critiques, one-to-one tutorials, study visits, and regular personal tutorial support.
- Students receive feedback throughout the year, verbally, written, and online.
Careers:
- The program prepares students for a wide range of careers in the fashion, textile, and footwear industries, including:
- Designers
- Pattern cutters
- Illustrators
- Production Managers
- Buyers
- The program has strong industry links, providing students with opportunities for live projects, competitions, work experience, and guest lectures from leading brands and professionals.
Other:
- The program is designed to contribute towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
- Students have access to a range of CAD packages, including Lectra, as well as laser cutters, digital printers, full-size printing tables, print room facilities, footwear and accessory workshops with specialist machinery for the production of leather goods.
- The program is supported by the Northampton Employment Promise, which guarantees a paid internship for students who complete the program.
UK – Full Time: £9,250 UK – Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250 International – Full Time: £15,200 International – Integrated Foundation Year: £15,200