• Students gain breadth of knowledge and understanding of the apparel Industry through the successful integration of Fashion Design and visual culture - theoretical studies.
• Fashion Design is exciting, demanding and competitive. All aspects of design, and theory are taught by staff who are practising designers researchers or theoreticians, experienced in the area of fashion business. All have a broad range of experience in the Fashion Industry

You will be working in an art and design environment in a new building designed specifically for Fashion and Textiles, Fine Art and Digital Arts and Visual Communication, In the area of Fashion and Textiles, you will work with students on three other BA programmes: Fashion Futures, Fashion Design with Marketing and Printed Textiles.

You will be involved in the following activities with project work, sometimes working with established designers or industry practitioners:

• Visual research, drawing and graphic techniques
• Trend prediction and forecasting
• Fabric and colour research
• Design creativity and design development
• Retail Analysis
• Fashion Styling
• Pattern cutting, flat and draped
• Range planning (planning a range of garments)
• Visual communication and presentation
• Garment construction
• Computer aided design

The programme is duration is 3 years. Level 1 Semester A is common with Fashion Design with Marketing and Fashion Futures (Forecasting Innovation and Analysis). Some modules provide flexibility of choice, with regular opportunities to show work in a professional arena. There is opportunity to transfer to linked programmes within the Fashion area at the end of Semester B. All students are given the opportunity to take part in a professional static exhibition of their work in Final Year, and graduate work is selected for a catwalk show in a professional venue

Level 1 - You are introduced to general subjects that will build on skills that you already have, while introducing you to new skills, and encourages strong personal and visual development. Every student is given the opportunity to be individual and original. These fundamental skills will be developed and learnt and will include research and visual development, introductory design and development, 3D moullage – shape making, basic pattern cutting, styling, illustration, CAD, fabric and colour work, garment manufacture, retail reportage, mood boards, forecasting and trend prediction.
Semester A is common to all three fashion programmes. You are given the opportunity to confirm your choice of programme at the end of semester A after having guidance and support from specific tutors.
Structure Diagram (shows modules for all three programmes in the Fashion Area).

BA (Hons) Fashion Deign with Marketing, Fashion Design and Fashion Futures new first year programme
Level One provides three common modules before splitting into three separate programmes

Fashion Futures

Level 1 Common modules Fashion Design with Marketing

Fashion Design

*BA Fashion Design: Follow the first three modules, plus the lower three modules

Level 2 –builds on the skills gained at level l through a variety of Design projects in Fashion design. Some projects at level 2 involve a live clients or company sponsorship from the Fashion Industry. Subjects covered include textile print engineered with design, trend and concept prediction, creative and historically inspired cutting techniques, product development, range planning and an opportunity to explore an area of individual interest as part of a self initiated Learning Contract, which may include a period of work experience.

Level 3 – Students consolidate skills through the development of their own personal design collection including the design development and partial manufacture of a fashion range. All students pursue the design development and realisation of a catwalk collection that may be shown as part of a professional show in a specific, prestigious show case event held in London.

All graduating students partake in a celebration of final year and second year work in the AVA building at Docklands campus.

Teaching and learning methods in the Fashion & Textiles Subject Area (Field) are varied. Most modules include lectures, seminars and tutorials, and some also involve student-led seminars or other forms of group work. Visits to museums, galleries 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 & Textiles 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 organised to destinations such as Paris, New York, Antwerp Berlin Barcelona.

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 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.

There are two opportunities for Fashion Design students to undertake work experience. Firstly within the Learning Contract in Level 2, and secondly during the Summer vacation between Levels 2 and 3. This is usually arranged in conjunction with the placements tutor and the student.

Students usually work for between 6-8 weeks and are asked to produce a piece of work based on the experience, and is assessed by the reference given by the industry host. It is expected that students spend time in the fashion industry – particularly in the area that they have selected as personally interesting for future career.

All assignments are Problem based. Projects are either practical, i.e. answering a specific design brief responding to a given problem, (usually visual 2D and 3D outcomes) or theoretical, i.e. have a written 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 and develop individually. Project work is an important part of the module, and contributes fully towards the assessment.

The programme is sited in a new purpose built Architecture and Visual Arts building on the University’s landmark Docklands Campus. This is in turn, situated in the creative heartland of London, and an area of intense new media activity adjacent to Excel, Canary Warf, City Airport and the new international rail terminus for Europe at Stratford. East London also represents the quintessential multicultural environment on the doorstep of 2000 years of cultural history.

The Programme has strong links with Industry both in the UK and internationally, ranging from Trend and Forecasting Agencies, Design Studios, Media and Public Relations, and many connections within the Cultural Industries.

Programme Staff are well connected with the Fashion Industry, in the area of design, prediction and trend forecasting, many working as practitioners and consultants in the field.

• Designing clothes
• Communicating ideas visually and verbally
• Working with fabrics and new materials
• Developing your individuality
• Planning and organising ranges
• Making garments – both cut and construction
• Being inspired by visual culture
• Becoming aware of the fashion industry and how it works
• Making decisions
• Working within a group or team

• A challenging and innovative programme of study
• Working with others – members of staff, visiting professionals from industry, your peer group, alongside students from other art and design disciplines
• Being introduced to new concepts and ideas
• Using new technology – digital photography, video, IT, CAD
• Always thinking of new ways to present your work
• Learning about the current contemporary and future fashion scene

• To be part of a challenging and exciting programme which offers a range of choices and opportunities
• To be part of the best New University in London…..

You will have the opportunity to develop your skills and interests, focus on your strengths and recognise your ambitions and goals. Our graduates usually have no difficulty in gaining employment in all sectors of the Industry, or successful self employment. We have strong links with our allumni who hold senior positions in the industry and support our students and graduates in finding work through placements and their continued involvement.

The broad spectrum of destination possibilities includes

• Business start up / Entrepreneur
• Designer
• Product Development
• Visual Merchandising
• Retail Management
• Range Planning
• Sourcing
• Public Relations
• Press
• Events organiser

Many of our graduates choose to further their study with applications to Masters programmes (MA International Fashion Futures at UEL)

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 (both UK and Europe) are important components. There are modules in research methods and practice, and an employability module in level 2 prior to the industrial placement. You will have the opportunity to enter national and international competitions sometimes as part of the programme, and sometimes as extra to the curriculum.

There are some opportunities for overseas exchanges, placements, exposure to industry, in one of the most energetic and well situated areas of London and the Southeast.