Fashion Design - BA Hons Degree
Course Code: VA1HE12
UCAS Code: WW23
Next available course:
| Start Date | Location | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09/09/2019 | University Centre | 3 Years | Apply |
| 08/09/2020 | University Centre | 3 Years | Apply |
Course Overview
B&FC’s Fashion Design degree course is positioned at the interface of high fashion and creative costume. The degree is unique in that it has a dual focus from the earliest stages of the course and is taught alongside the Fashion Design (Contemporary Costume) Degree in the skill building stages. It does however also facilitate students who have a specific desire to work exclusively in either the fashion or costume industries.
In the second year of study students are asked to confirm their final degree pathway, either BA Hons Fashion Design, or BA Hons Fashion Design (Contemporary Costume) to specialise in their chosen field and gain the qualification that is the most suited to their future career.
The unique selling point of this course is the versatility of the curriculum and the freedom to experiment across specialist areas. The fashion industry is made up of many different facets and students are encouraged to develop critical enquiry and pursue areas of interest and strength, in this way targeting potential employment opportunities.
Both our current and past students have enjoyed the variety provided by different projects, which supports a learning environment that is both exciting and stimulating and allows for creative decision making and freedom of expression. Ultimately the advantage is that our graduates are perfectly positioned for a career in their specialist field.
Our studios are equipped with the latest technology and are beautifully presented, providing students with a spacious and inspiring environment in which to work. Class sizes are normally small and again this is so beneficial to students, giving them opportunity for a tailored personal learning situation and plenty of help and support. There are always opportunities to work within the fashion department and because of this, in student surveys, our graduates score their experience with us very highly indeed.
Entry Requirements
A minimum of 96 UCAS points in an appropriate discipline excluding Functional Skills and GCSE English Language and maths at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent). Applicants who are able to demonstrate relevant work/life skills or knowledge will also be considered on an individual basis. All applicants will be given the opportunity to attend a workshop or send in their work electronically
Qualification Obtained
Assessment Methods
Coursework
Most courses are assessed via a combination of coursework and exams – the percentage weighting of each of these is outlined below. Coursework might range from written tasks and assignments to the collation of a portfolio of evidence based around a work placement. Coursework differs from exams in that it is usually non-timed and carried out independently.
Exam
Exams are formal, timed written assessments, carried out in a controlled environment and overseen by one or more invigilators. They assess your grasp of the theory and underpinning knowledge related to your chosen career area. The opposite of practicals, they require you to set out your practical understanding within an academic context. Some courses have no exams – the exam/coursework ratio is outlined below.
Practical
Practical assessments identify your technical ability to apply theory to hands-on tasks in your chosen career area. They can be timed or non-timed and involve observation of your practical skills and competencies, either in a work-based environment or a dedicated College setting that closely resembles the workplace. Practical work-based assessments are supported and carried out by a trained assessor.
| Assessment Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 92% | 93% | 96% |
| Exam | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Practical | 8% | 7% | 4% |
Course Structure
Level 4 Modules
| Title | Code | Credits | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pattern Cutting Garment Construction Intro | VA4MD015 | 20 | Mandatory |
| Pattern Cutting and Garment Construction | VA4MD016 | 20 | Mandatory |
| Visualisation and Digital Image Contemp Context | VA4MD017 | 20 | Mandatory |
| Design Practice Communication and Styling | VA4MD018 | 20 | Mandatory |
| Textiles and Experimental Surface Design | VA4MD019 | 20 | Mandatory |
| Engaging the Archive | VA4MD033 | 20 | Mandatory |
Level 5 Modules
| Title | Code | Credits | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research into Practice | VA5MD016 | 20 | Mandatory |
| Product Develop and Tech Skills | VA5MD017 | 20 | Mandatory |
| Fashion Industry and Enterprise | VA5MD018 | 20 | Mandatory |
| Digital Illustration and Brand Communication | VA5MD019 | 20 | Mandatory |
| Industry Design Realisation | VA5MD020 | 20 | Mandatory |
| Independent Creative Project Fashion | VA5MD021 | 20 | Mandatory |
| Independent Creative Project Contemp Cost | VA5MD022 | 20 | Mandatory |
| Critical Perspectives | VA5MD035 | 20 | Mandatory |
Level 6 Modules
| Title | Code | Credits | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research and Design Innovation | VA6MD016 | 20 | Mandatory |
| Career Planning and Portfolio Development | VA6MD017 | 20 | Mandatory |
| Creative and Technical Development Fashion | VA6MD018 | 20 | Mandatory |
| Adv Realisation and Communication Fashion | VA6MD019 | 40 | Mandatory |
| Independent Research Project | VA6MD031 | 20 | Mandatory |
Teaching and Learning Methods
Scheduled Learning
Scheduled time relates to the time you spend in directed study with the guidance and support of our academic tutors. Scheduled learning can take a variety of forms and will vary from one course to the next, but may include lectures, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, demonstrations, studio or workshop time, fieldwork and external visits.
Independent Study
Higher education courses rely on students undertaking work outside of formal, scheduled sessions and this is generally categorised as independent study. Independent study might include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks and revision.
Placement
Many of the degree programmes at B&FC incorporate opportunities for work placements to provide you with the opportunity to link your studies to relevant professional practice in a real work environment. Our programme teams are able to offer support in securing an appropriate work placement where it forms part of your programme, and will work closely with you during the placement to ensure that the opportunity allows you to develop personally, professionally and academically.
| Learning Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled | 770 | 1072 | 952 |
| Independent | 430 | 528 | 248 |
| Placement | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 1200 | 1600 | 1200 |
Industry Placement and Field Trips
Other Costs and Equipment Needed
Expert Tutors
All staff involved in the delivery of higher education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver. The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.
Tuition Fees
Read our tuition fees guide.
