Course summary

The Level 4 HNC Fashion specialist study programme is a one-year course designed to equip you with a wide range of technical and creative skills that will enable you to work as a fashion or textiles designer within the industry. The purpose of Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Fashion and Textiles is to develop students as professional, self-reflecting individuals able to meet the demands of employers in the fashion and textiles sector and adapt to a constantly changing world. The qualifications aim to widen access to higher education and enhance the career prospects of those who undertake them. The objectives of the Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Fashion and Textiles are to: ● give students the skills, knowledge and understanding they need to achieve high performance in the international fashion and textiles environment ● develop students with enquiring minds, who have the abilities and confidence to work across different business functions and to lead, manage, respond to change, and tackle a range of complex fashion and textiles situations ● provide the core skills required for a range of careers in fashion and textiles, specifically those related to management and operations ● offer a balance between employability skills and the knowledge essential for students with entrepreneurial, employment or academic ambitions ● develop students’ understanding of the major impact that new digital technologies have on the fashion and textiles environment ● provide insight into international business operations and the opportunities and challenges presented by a global marketplace ● equip students with knowledge and understanding of culturally diverse organisations, cross-cultural issues, diversity and values, and to allow flexible study to meet local and specialist needs. The Level 4 modules lay the foundation of learning by providing a broad introduction to fashion and textiles. This develops and strengthens core skills while preparing students for specialist subjects at Level 5 or to enter employment with the qualities necessary for job roles that require some personal responsibility. Students will gain a wide range of fashion and textiles knowledge linked to practical skills gained through research, independent study, directed study and workplace scenarios. Students are involved in vocational activities that help them to develop behaviours (the attitudes and approaches required for a competence) and transferable skills. Transferable skills are those such as communication, teamwork, research and analysis, which are highly valued in higher education and in the workplace. By the end of Level 4, students will have sound knowledge of the basic concepts of fashion and textiles. They will be competent in a range of subject-specific skills as well as in general skills and qualities relevant to key areas of fashion and textiles.