Programme Specification for Digital Fashion BA (Hons)
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BA Hons |
|
|
Intermediate awards available |
Cert HE, Dip HE |
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UCAS code |
W235 |
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Details of professional body accreditation |
N/A |
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Relevant QAA Benchmark statements |
Art and Design Benchmark Subject Statement |
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Date specification last up-dated |
August 2012 |
Profile
The summary - UCAS programme profile
BANNER BOX:
Digital Fashion provides students with the opportunity to explore the dynamic nature of digital design and communication in fashion, which is viral, app-ified and socially networked. BA Hons Digital Fashion will provide both ‘Generation D’ and digital migrants, with the opportunity to create digital fashion for our digital age.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Students are selected on their suitability for the programme by a portfolio and skills interview. Applicants would normally have completed an Art and Design Foundation, GAD, or an appropriate BTEC, GNVQ or Access programme of at least one year's duration prior to joining the programme. Students with other relevant professional or life experience will also be considered.
Applicants should normally have GCSE Grade C (minimum) in English, Maths, GCSE Grade B in Art and 2 other subjects.
Students may be admitted through Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes.
In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education undergraduate programmes.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
What is BA (Hons) Digital Fashion?
Fashion has always been defined by the moment – the now – the zeitgeist. The exponential growth of technology is causing a seismic shift in the way it interacts with former craft disciplines. With this shift comes a development in the way we define fashion – which is viral appified and digital, with 3D printed garment catwalks and 360 degree fashion shows. This programme will give you the opportunity to study fashion but without making clothes. Instead, the programme has been designed to reflect the new digital fashion environment by providing you with a wide range of digital and industry required skills, from fashion specification drawings to fashion film and online look books, online media, social networking and interactive marketing and retail experiences, together with the opportunity to understand the design and research processes.
Graduates of BA Digital Fashion will be versatile and highly employable in the rapidly changing, global creative industry.
Digital Fashion at UEL
You will work in an art and design environment in a building designed specifically for Fashion Textiles, Architecture, Fine Art, Digital Arts and Visual Communication and Visual Theories. In the area of Fashion and Textiles, you will work with students on two other BA programmes: Fashion Design, and Printed Textiles Design.
You will be involved in the following activities with project work:
- Design creativity and design development
- Computer-aided design and Computer-aided manufacturing.
- Trend Prediction and forecasting
- Visual, written and verbal communication techniques
- Brand identity, digital portfolio techniques and professional practice
- Research, analysis, problem-solving and critical reflection
- Project Management
Programme structure
FULL TIME – three years
Level 1 EXPLORE
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A
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FT1520 Visual Language 20 credits |
FT1521 Fashion illustration 20 credits |
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VT1003 |
||
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B
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FT1522 Interactive Design 20 credits |
FT1523 Digital Print for Fashion 20 credits |
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VT1016: Fashion a Cultural Context 20 credits |
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Level 2 PROMOTE
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A
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FT2520 Fashion Film and TV 20 credits |
FT2521 Networks and Publications 20 credits |
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VT2012 Network Cultures 20 credits |
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B
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FT2522 Future Identities 20 credits |
FT2523 Digital Fashion Interpretation
20 credits |
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FT2524 Identity for Professional Practice: 20 credits |
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LEVEL 3 / Final Year REALISE
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A
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FT3520 External Project
20 credits |
FT3521 Negotiated Practice - Preparation & research 20 credits |
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VT3045 Thesis 20 credits |
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B
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FT3522 Negotiated Practice – Final Interpretation 40 credits |
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FT3523 Identity for Industry 20 credits |
A = Semester A
B = Semester B
PART TIME – five years
Year 1
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A
|
FT1520 Visual Language 20 credits |
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VT1003 |
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B
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FT1523 Digital Print for Fashion 20 credits |
|
VT1016: Fashion a Cultural Context 20 credits |
Year 2
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A
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FT1521 Fashion illustration 20 credits |
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VT2012 Network Cultures 20 credits |
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B
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FT1522 Interactive Design 20 credits |
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FT2524 Identity for Professional Practice: |
Year 3
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A
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FT2521 Networks and Publications 20 credits |
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FT3202 Textile Futures and Sustainability: |
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B
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FT2522 Future Identities 20 credits |
Year 4
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A |
FT2520 Fashion Film and TV 20 credits |
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B
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FT2523 Digital Fashion Interpretation 20 credits |
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FT3523 Identity for Industry 20 credits |
Year 5
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A
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FT3520 External Project 20 credits |
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FT3521 Negotiated Practice - Preparation & research 20 credits |
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B |
FT3522 Negotiated Practice – Final Interpretation 40 credits |
Shaded boxes = Skills Curriculum
A = Semester A, B = Semester B
Learning environment
BA Digital Fashion is situated in the dedicated building for the School of Arts and Digital Industries (ADI) at the Docklands Campus. The building is home to programmes in Fashion Textiles, Fine Art, Architecture, Graphic Design, Photography, Animation and Illustration. The proximity of this diverse culture of art and design practices will be integral to the learning community and environment of this programme. The programme is centred on individual creative practice and students are expected to be highly motivated and committed to self-direction and learning. All students will be supported by one to one tutorials and group seminars.
Critical Evaluations
These happen at key points of the programme to ensure satisfactory progression of the work.
Tutor/s provide formative feedback on a regular basis through studio seminars and group presentations. At the end of each module students receive written summative assessment feedback sheets.
Group Forums/Peer Reviews
Students present their work in a formal setting to other students on the programme and are asked to make a measured judgement on the achievement of the project and the ideas presented by their peers.
Seminars
A seminar is an informal round table discussion with presentation of work and ideas. These seminars are capable of being held in situ or virtually. Students must be prepared for seminars bringing relevant material or having read preparatory texts.
Lectures
Lectures take the form of studio group teaching usually around a particular topic delivered by one or more tutors. Also field trips off campus are research based and form part of the lecture programme.
Interdisciplinary Workshops
Practical demonstrations and hands-on learning take place as well as facilitating your own self initiated projects. These are available in keeping with access and entitlement as well as satisfying Health and Safety requirements.
Facilities
The Fashion & Textiles programmes have large open plan studios designed for a variety of needs and outcomes. The latest computer software is housed in our new Fashion/Textiles Apple Mac CAD Suite. There is Fashion/Textiles CAD suite a specialist Textile print and dye workshop, large garment manufacture workroom, digital output laboratory, and large-scale digital print bureau on campus. Students have access to the Media Production Services, which provides further computer facilities, and the hire of video, audio and photographic equipment. There are also extensive wood and metal workshops, photographic darkrooms and computer suites. Dedicated technical associates support all these facilities.
E-Learning
BA Digital Fashion is supported by blended learning facilities in the form of the institutional virtual learning environment ‘UELPLUS’, web 2.0 social and professional networking sites and e-learning tools and technologies.
Study visits
Scheduled field trips within the UK will form an integral part of the contextual dialogue of this programme together with opportunities for collaboration and workshops.
Assessment
All work is assessed regularly: Summative assessment is given at the end of each module formative assessment is given in class and at regular seminars and tutorials, and in the studio environment. Assignments are verified by an External Examiner, double marked and moderated. There are feedback and appraisal mechanisms in place to encourage students to take responsibility for their own learning, reflect on their learning and progression. There are no exams.
Work experience/placement opportunities
Project work
All assignments are Problem based. Projects are either practical, i.e. answering a specific design brief responding to a given problem, (visual with 2D and 3D outcomes) or theoretical, i.e. have a written outcome. They are designed to enable and encourage you to develop individual, creative, academic potential and demonstrate individuality, flare and insight in research. There will be opportunities to work in groups to develop and learn skills. Project work is an important part of the module, and contributes fully towards the assessment.
Added value
The Programme is delivered within the School of Arts and Digital Industries (ADI), a dedicated building for Art & Design on the Docklands Campus.
All Academic Staff and Technical Associate support staff working in the school are well connected within the Creative Industry and Education, with some working as practitioners and consultants in both fields.
IS THIS THE PROGRAMME FOR ME?
If you are interested in...
- Communicating ideas visually, verbally and digitally
- Exploring design and creativity
- Developing your knowledge on CAD/CAM
- Exploring the use of digital media in fashion
- Developing your individuality
- Becoming aware of the global fashion industry and how it works
- Being inspired by visual culture
- Developing project management skills and making decisions
- Working within a group or team or on your own
If you enjoy...
- Communicating ideas visually and verbally
- Problem solving
- Being challenged and exploring new ideas
- Exploring the use of digital media in Fashion
- Developing your individuality
- Exploring visual culture and fashion theory
- Developing an awareness of the fashion industry through professional practice
- Realising your creative potential
- Realising your professional goals
- Working within a group or team or on your own
If you want...
- To be part of a challenging and exciting programme, which offers a range of choices and opportunities
- To develop your practical skills alongside the theoretical knowledge
- To be equipped with the right skills to join other practitioners in the fashion industry
- To participate in group or team work, organising events both internally and externally
- To be prepared to meet the future challenges of the fashion and creative industries
- To work in an area that will contribute to the future of fashion
- To be challenged and excited by visual culture and digital media
- To contribute to the fashion environment and the visual media
Your future career
You will have the opportunity to develop your skills and interests, focus on your strengths and recognise your ambitions and goals.
The broad range of destination possibilities includes:
- Fashion graphic designer
- Social media manager
- Communications manager
- Fashion Graphic Print Designer
- Brand consultant
- Stylist
- Illustrator
- Design Co-ordinator
- Public relations / promotion
- Business start up / Entrepreneur
- Events organisation
How we support you
The University provides a comprehensive range of support services for students which includes: residential / student finance advice / careers advice / study skills development / IT learning resources. The programme provides strong personal tutor guidance and professional advice related to the practice and area in general. Visiting designers, researchers, and professionals will visit the programme regularly, and study trips to working environments are important components. There are modules in research methods and practice, and an employability module in level 2. You will have the opportunity to enter national and international competitions sometimes as part of the programme, and sometimes as extra to the curriculum.
Bonus factors
The East London environment offers excellent access to galleries, libraries, museums and art collections, shops and retail. The proximity to a wide range of creative industries enables regular visits from industry professionals from all subject disciplines. Trips are organised regularly to specific and relevant points of interest in London and beyond.
Outcomes
Programme aims and learning outcomes
What is this programme designed to achieve?
This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:
- Explore creativity in Digital Fashion
- Discover and develop digital design skills
- Introduce a range of visual, verbal and digital communication skills
- Develop your professional practice
- Enhance your personal and professional profile
- Examine contemporary contexts and meanings in fashion, theory and visual culture and digital communication
- Realise your creative potential
- Prepare for a successful career in the global creative industry
What will you learn?
Knowledge
- Articulate awareness of the digital fashion design and communication processes
- Apply and consolidate a broad range of information to specific tasks in design, management and production
- Extended range of contextual frameworks, to develop both visual and entrepreneurial ideas
- Synthesise research information from various sources
Thinking skills
- Analyse research undertaken in all areas of the discipline
- Interpret and develop ideas innovatively and creatively
- Apply resourcefulness and entrepreneurial skills to support practice and the practice of others
- To be critical and analytical
Subject-Based Practical skills
- Generate ideas and concepts independently in response to set briefs
- Confidence in digital media
- Formulate proposals, arguments and solutions in response to a range of tasks
- Situate your work in a professional context
- Work effectively in a team or independently
- Assimilate skills in planning, design and management in line with Fashion industry standards
Skills for life and work (general skills)
- Analyse a range of information and experiences
- Reflect, review and evaluate work
- Identify personal strengths and needs
- Plan, manage and organise your time
Structure
The programme structure
Introduction
All programmes are credit-rated to help you to understand the amount and level of study that is needed.
One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (this includes everything you do e.g. lecture, seminar and private study).
Credits are assigned to one of 5 levels:
0 equivalent in standard to GCE 'A' level and is intended to prepare students for year one of an undergraduate degree programme
1 equivalent in standard to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
2 equivalent in standard to the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
3 equivalent in standard to the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
M equivalent in standard to a Masters degree
Credit rating
The overall credit-rating of this programme is 360 credits.
Typical duration
The expected duration of this programme is three years when attended in full-time mode or five years in part-time mode. It is possible to move from a full-time mode of study to a part-time mode of study and vice-versa, to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period.
How the teaching year is divided
The teaching year begins in September and ends in June but some programmes also allow students to join at the start of Semester B, in February.
A typical student, in full-time attendance mode of study, will register for 120 credits in an academic year. A student in a part-time mode of study may register for up to 80 credits in any academic year.
What you will study when
This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A student registered in a full-time attendance mode will take six 20 credit modules (or fewer, if any are 40 credit modules) per year. An honours degree student will complete modules totalling 120 credits at level one, modules totalling 120 credits at level 2 and modules totalling 120 credits at level 3.
It is possible to bring together modules from one field with modules from another to produce a combined programme. Subjects are offered in a variety of combinations:
Single 120 credits at levels one, two and three
Major 80 credits at levels one, two and three
Joint 60 credits at levels one, two and three
Minor 40 credits at levels one, two and three.
|
LEVEL |
UEL |
TITLE |
SKILLS |
CREDITS |
STATUS |
STATUS |
STATUS |
STATUS |
|
1 |
FT1520 |
Identifying the Visual Language |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core |
Core |
|
1 |
FT1521 |
Fashion Illustration |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
Option |
Option |
|
1 |
VT1003 |
Skills for academic learning |
Y |
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core* |
|
|
1 |
FT1522 |
Interactive Design |
|
20 |
Core |
Option |
|
|
|
1 |
FT1523 |
Digital Print for Fashion |
|
20 |
Core |
Option |
Option |
Option |
|
1 |
VT1016 |
Fashion a Cultural Context |
|
20 |
Core |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
FT2520 |
Fashion Film and Online TV |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
Option |
Option |
|
2 |
FT2521 |
Networks and Publications |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
Option |
Option |
|
2 |
VT2012 |
Network Cultures |
|
20 |
Core |
|
|
|
|
2 |
FT2522 |
Future Identities |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core |
Option |
|
2 |
FT2523 |
Digital Fashion Interpretation |
|
20 |
Core |
|
|
|
|
2 |
FT2524 |
Identity for Professional Practice |
Y |
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
FT3520 |
External Project |
|
20 |
Core |
|
|
Core |
|
3 |
FT3521 |
Negotiated Practice – Preparation & Research |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
Option |
|
|
3 |
VT3045 |
Thesis |
Y |
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core* |
|
|
3 |
FT3522 |
Negotiated Practice – Final Interpretation |
|
40 |
Core |
Core |
Core |
|
|
3 |
FT3523 |
Identity for Industry |
|
20 |
Core |
|
|
Core |
*Unless taken on other programme
Modules are defined as:
Core Must be taken
Option Select from a range of identified module within the field
University Wide Option Select from a wide range of university wide options
The following are the core and optional requirements for the single, major, joint and minor routes for this programme
The Skills Modules listed in the Joint Route are Core, unless the equivalent Skills Modules are taken in your other combined subject.
Requirements for gaining an award
In order to gain anhonoursdegree you will need to obtain 360 credits including:
- A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level three or higher
In order to gain anordinary degreeyou will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including:
- A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
- A minimum of 60 credits at level three or higher
In order to gain aDiploma of Higher Educationyou will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher and 120 credits at level two or higher
In order to gain aCertificate of Higher Educationyou will need to obtain 120 credits at level one or higher
In order to gain an Associate Certificate you will need to obtain a minimum if 20 credits at level one or higher
In order to gain a Foundation Degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 240 credits including:
A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
(A Foundation degree is linked to a named Honours degree onto which a student may progress after successful completion of the Foundation degree
Degree Classification
Where a student is eligible for an Honours degree, and has gained a minimum of 240 UEL credits at level 2 or level 3 on the programme, including a minimum of 120 UEL credits at level 3, the award classification is determined by calculating:
|
The arithmetic mean of the best 100 credits at level 3 |
× |
2/3 |
+ |
The arithmetic mean of the next best 100 credits at levels 2 and/or 3 |
× |
1/3 |
and applying the mark obtained as a percentage, with all decimals points rounded up to the nearest whole number, to the following classification
|
70% - 100% |
First Class Honours |
|
60% - 69% |
Second Class Honours, First Division |
|
50% - 59% |
Second Class Honours, Second Division |
|
40% - 49% |
Third Class Honours |
|
0% - 39% |
Not passed |
Assessment
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching and learning
Knowledge is developed through
- Practically based design projects developing the key skills (research, design, recording information, exhibiting and presenting work
- Lectures, seminars and practical demonstrations
- Live client project work and visiting professionals
Thinking skills are developed through
- Research both primary and secondary, quantitative and qualitative
- Essays, reports and action plans
- Formulations of judgements with presentations and exhibitions
- Self directed study
Practical skills are developed through
- Working with academic, visiting and support staff
- New technologies, CAD digital media, digital fabric printing, photography and digital imagery
- Competitions, national and international
Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through
- Presentations, individually and in groups
- Industrial placement, working with professionals as part of a team
- Working in teams and group situations in project and assignment work
Assessment
The criteria by which all modules are assessed in Fashion and Textiles are:
- Enquiry and use of sources
- Knowledge and understanding of subject matter
- Critical judgement and analytical ability
- Visual communication
- Written Communication
- Oral Communication
- Technical skills
- Creativity
- Team working
Creativity
The aim is to celebrate and reward independence of thought and innovation. Measurements of such qualities should be qualified by an awareness and appreciation of standard norms of practice and precedents. Examples of creative work might include the ability to identify and solve problems, to think and act flexibly and to respond and react positively to changing situations.
Knowledge is assessed by
- Essays
- Proposals
- Action plans
- Reports
Thinking skills are assessed by
- Research outcomes, qualitative and quantitative
- Research dossiers
- E-portfolios
- Assignments
Practical skills are assessed by
- Coursework
- E-portfolios
- Exhibitions and displays, screenings and web pages
Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by
- Presentations
- Group work
Quality
How we assure the quality of this programme
Before this programme started
Before this programme started, the following was checked:
- there would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme;
- adequate resources would be in place;
- the overall aims and objectives were appropriate;
- the content of the programme met national benchmark requirements;
- the programme met any professional/statutory body requirements;
- the proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy and student support mechanisms.
This is done through a process of programme approval which involves consulting academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions.
How we monitor the quality of this programme
The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:
- external examiner reports (considering quality and standards);
- statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate);
- student feedback.
Drawing on this and other information, programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation. The process is monitored by the Quality and Standards Committee.
Once every six years an in-depth review of the whole field is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions. The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed.
The role of the programme committee
This programme has a programme committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (e.g. library/technician staff). The committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality. The programme committee plays a critical role in the quality assurance procedures.
The role of external examiners
The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner. External examiners have two primary responsibilities:
- To ensure the standard of the programme;
- To ensure that justice is done to individual students.
External examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including:
- Approving exam papers/assignments;
- Attending assessment boards;
- Reviewing samples of student work and moderating marks;
- Ensuring that regulations are followed;
- Providing feedback through an annual report that enables us to make improvements for the future.
Listening to the views of students
The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme:
- Module on-line evaluations
- Student representation on programme committees (meeting 3 times a year)
- Student representation on school board (meeting 3 times a year)
- Student/Staff consultative committee (meeting 3 times a year)
Students are notified of the action taken through:
- Circulating minutes of the programme committee
- Circulating minutes of the school board
- Providing details on the programme on UEL Plus
Listening to the views of others
The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties:
- Annual student satisfaction questionnaire
- Discourse with visiting practitioners
- Feedback from exhibitions
Further Information
Alternative locations for studying this programme
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Location |
Which elements? |
Taught by UEL staff |
Taught by local staff |
Method of Delivery |
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Where you can find further information
Further information about this programme is available from:
- The UEL web site http://www.uel.ac.uk
- The programme handbook
- UEL Manual of General Regulations http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/
- UEL Quality Manual http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/
- Regulations for the Academic Framework http://www.uel.ac.uk/academicframework/
- Current External examiners
- External examiner reports (available from UEL virtual learning environment (UELPlus or Moodle))
