Course summary

As a BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Garment Technology student, you will be a part of the Art and Design department which is one of the biggest and most active departments at York College. The teaching facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms and specialised workshops equipped with industrial machinery to provide the relevant support for pattern cutting and garment manufacture to ensure you get the finest learning experience. The programme fully explores the core disciplines of fashion, research, design development and garment production. You’ll learn how to design inspiring original collections through live projects, combining an experimental, innovative approach to study through project-based activity. The ability to solve problems and an understanding of form, function and design principles is developed through direct involvement with fabrics and the design process. Throughout the programme you will learn to negotiate with employers, develop confidence in your technical and creative abilities and develop professional and interpersonal skills. You will embrace emerging technologies to investigate fashion issues and identify areas of research and development in context of current social and cultural issues. The traditional methods of creating garments through prototype making are as important as Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided pattern cutting and manufacture. A real working atmosphere is enriched by regular external visits to reflect the annual fashion calendar. Links with potential employers and industry partners, including the Company of Cordwainers and the Company of Merchant Taylors, ensures the professional direction of the award, making it highly distinctive. You will see your designs come to life in the end-of-year Fashion Show held each year, providing a high profile platform for your work to be seen. Competitions and fashion events provide essential networking opportunities, giving a valuable taste of industry practices. The course has a modular structure taught over three years and attendance will usually be timetabled across three days per week to allow time to participate in a work environment. Modules include:

• Fashion Presentation

• Fashion Translation

• Creative Journal

• Design Collaboration

• Commercial Viability

• Product Innovation

• Negotiated Study

• Preparing for Industry

• Design Research Proposal

• Professional Practice

• Product Development

• Major Design Project