Students gain breath of knowledge and understanding of the Fashion Industry through the successful integration of studying fashion design and textiles manipulation,  visual culture – theoretical studies, visual communication, digital media and professional practice.

Fashion Design is exciting, demanding and competitive.  All aspects of design and theory are taught by experienced staff who are practicing designers, researchers or theoreticians, who have a broad range of experience in the Fashion and Creative Industries.

The BA (Hons) Fashion programme aims to provide a learning environment where critical thinking, creative innovation and originality is harnessed, whilst encouraging you to venture into new areas of fashion, which will challenge your future.  You are encouraged to develop your creative, design communication and technical ability to a higher level, which is engineered through research, lectures, workshops and practical demonstrations, through project and problem-based learning.  This approach is student-centered with emphasis on professional awareness of process and materials in the contemporary fashion industry.           

The curriculum content reflects current professional practice in womenswear, menswear and childrenswear.  Modules are designed to encourage innovation and creativity, balanced with commercial sensibilities which meet the demands of fashion design in the professional landscape.

Fashion Design Programme Structure Diagram 

Bridging Studies

In addition the one month bridging studies at the beginning of the programme provides a variety of short workshops to equip students and assist them to adapt to the new learning environment. They will be carried out prior to the commencement of the course for one month prior to the start of the academic year.

The aims of the bridging studies are to enable you to:

• Prepare for the transition from the Diploma Programme to the culture and pace of the BA (Hons) Programmes.
• Respond to set projects  in your own personal way
• Develop your skills to respond creatively to a particular set of requirements
• Expand  your range of research methodologies
• Encourage independent study
• Critically evaluate your own work

You will be set 4 projects to include:

• Technical Drawings
• Research methodologies
• Fashion Illustration
• Textile Techniques

You will receive the assignments post interview for completion prior to the start of the academic year. You will be required to come to school for a briefing of the projects and will meet once a week (over a 4 week period) with the relevant tutors to discuss your progress.
The work will not be formally assessed but will act as a vehicle for tutorial discussion at the beginning of the course.

This is a one year top up degree programme – you will study five modules which will culminate in a final catwalk show held at Nanyang Academy of fine Arts. The programme provides you will the opportunity to study fashion design in a creative Department of Fashion Studies, delivered by a creative and professional staff team. The duration is one year, or two semesters, allowing you to consolidate your skills and knowledge in Fashion theory and practice.

The programme (Level 3) allows you to realise your creative potential through challenging modules, external connections and extended learning opportunities, in order to prepare for a successful career in the fashion and creative industries or post graduate study. You will realise your potential as a fashion designer in the production of a fashion collection, together with the realisation of textile techniques and research skills.

Fashion Design students work alongside students from the other programme in the area, Fashion and Marketing.  They are given an ‘open-plan’ studios and a fashion production room which are adjacent with each other.  Each student is assigned with a personal work station and a tailored dummy.  These dedicated workplaces allow students to concentrate in their learning, spending time in their developmental work and executing out-of-class activities.  For lectures, practical and tutorial sessions, they are delivered in classrooms and technical workshops.  At the second level of the fashion building, there are two computer rooms, with all PCs fully equipped with Adobe CAD and CAM system.  Students are also encouraged to use the library facilities for research, self-study and small group discussions.  These are all the available facilities to support students in their learning.  

Teaching and learning methods in Fashion Studies area are varied.  Most modules include lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and other forms of group work.  Visits to museums, galleries, retailers, agencies, manufacturers and other relevant field work play an important part in the Fashion Design curriculum, and where appropriate there may be video and film screenings.   

Teaching methods and learning outcomes of all Fashion Design modules are commensurate with the level of study.  Descriptions of the individual modules provide information of teaching formats, learning outcomes, assessment methods and relevant criteria.  Overseas field trips are organized to work renowned fashion capitals such as London and Paris to explore the cultural heritage, lifestyle and identity of European Fashion markets.

All work is assessed regularly: Summative assessment is given at the end of each module.  Formative assessment is given at regular tutorials, at the end of each module and at mid-term reviews.  Assignments are verified by an External Examiner, double marked and moderated.  There are feedback and appraisal mechanisms such as grades assigned for progressive development for every module.   The purpose is to encourage students to take responsibility for their own learning, reflecting on their learning and progression.

All assignments are problem-based.  Projects are either practical (attending a specific design brief responding to a given problem) or theoretical (executing a written or formal presentation outcome).  They are designed to enable and encourage students 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 aspect of the module and it contributes fully towards the assessment.

The programme is delivered at Fashion Campus of Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, located in a vibrant district being promoted by the Singapore Government as an artistic educational hub.  Its strategic location town area allows easy access to visual and retail research.  You will have excellent access to museums (Singapore Art Museum, National Museum), prime shopping area (Orchard Road), mega fabric store (Spotlight) and the National library, all within walking distance.

• Exploring design and creativity
• Communicating ideas visually verbally and digitally
• Discovering and exploring with fabrics and new materials
• Developing your individuality
• Planning and organizing ranges
• Developing garments – both cut and construction
• Being inspired by visual culture
• Becoming aware of fashion industry and how it works
• Buying and Merchandising
• Fashion Marketing and Branding
• Making decisions
• Working within a group or team or on your own   

• Exploring design through clothes
• Communicating ideas visually and verbally
• Discovering the properties of fabric and new materials
• 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 a team or individually

• To be part of a challenging and exciting programme, which offers a range of choices and opportunities
• To develop your practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge
• To be equipped with the right skills to join other practitioners in the fashion industry
• To participate in group and team work, organizing events both internally and externally
• To 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
• To contribute to the fashion environment and the visual media

Our programme provides diversity of opportunities in its approach and strategies.  Staff expertise is drawn from a broad variety of disciplines and experiences in design, technical and theoretical aspects.  You will have the opportunity to develop your skills and interests, focus on your strengths and recognize your ambitions and goals.  With inspiration drawn from a broad variety of disciplines and experiences, it will help to promote a sharing and potential cross-over of creative and interdisciplinary practices, aligned to the needs of contemporary designers and practitioners.  

• The broad range of destination possibilities includes:
• Fashion Designer/ Design Development
• Design Coordinater
• Pattern Maker
• Fashion Technologist/ Sourcing
• Product Development
• Business start up/ Entrepreneur
• Visual Merchandising
• Fashion Photography and Styling 
• Fashion Journalism
• Retail Management/ Boutique Management
• Range Planner
• Public Relations/ promotion / media
• Events management 

Note:  The programme equips you with a range of transferable skills.  Therefore our graduates are able to apply their talents to a range of careers in the creative industries which may not be listed above.

Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts provides a comprehensive range of support services for students.  These include:  student care unit/ student finance advice/ career advice/ IT learning resources.  The programme provides strong personal tutor guidance and professional advice related to the practice and area in general.

The European Study Trip
The European study trip offers a 2 week organized overseas study visit to two of the main fashion capital cities of Europe: London and Paris.

London
You will visit UEL, and have the opportunity to study there for a 5 day programme to be set by UEL Fashion staff.
You will also experience London’s best shops, galleries, and cultural hubs. You will be able to carry out extensive research for your Fashion Collection and Portfolio by visiting the V and A Museum, the British Museum, contemporary galleries and exhibitions, fabric shops and many different retail environments from Liberty’s of London to Brick Lane in the East End, representing many different markets, designers and brands. You will gain inspiration and insights as you observe the diverse lifestyles, cultures, architecture and historical background of London.
There will also be an opportunity to visit places of interest outside London on organized day trips.

Paris
You will visit Premier Vision, the most high profile and important textiles trade fair in the Fashion industry. You will be able to experience first hand industry practice in fabric buying and trend research and prediction. You will also visit the Louvre, Musee de Mode, Rue St Honore de Faubourg and the fabric shops of Montmartre.
This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your research and your understanding of the various European markets, culture, retail and lifestyle.

You will be set specific projects whilst you are in Europe that directly relate to your module guides and will be submitted as part of your fashion portfolio for assessment. You will be given a comprehensive itinerary to enable you to record your experiences of the incredible diversity of these 2 cities, both historical and contemporary.