COURSE CURRICULUM

The Fashion Design course is structured over three years with a clear progression from foundational exploration to advanced creative realization. In the first year, the focus is on investigation and discovery through a grounding in research, 2D illustration, technical processes, and design development. Students engage in modules that cover creative contexts, technical workshops in pattern cutting and garment construction, and digital skills such as CAD and Photoshop. Sketchbook development and communication techniques are central to all projects. The year includes introductory tasters for specialist pathways like Contour Fashion, Fashion Textile Design, Footwear Design, or Textile Design, allowing students to consider a transfer based on their emerging interests. The second year builds on this foundation, guiding students to develop more advanced techniques and work on focused projects in outerwear and tailored garments, with a choice between womenswear and menswear. This year emphasizes critical design thinking, cultural context, and global awareness, supported by theoretical studies in sustainability and diversity. Collaboration is also a key theme, with group projects in specialist areas such as knit, weave, or digital textiles. Modules further encourage personal development through embellishment experimentation and professional skills like CV writing and digital portfolio creation. In the final year, the course consolidates all skills and knowledge through independent, creative expression. Students engage in complex design briefs including live industry competitions, and then move to develop a pre-collection that informs their final major project. The major project is a self-negotiated body of work reflecting the student's design identity, including final garments and a strong conceptual underpinning. Alongside this, the Design Cultures component asks students to produce an extended essay or alternative academic assessment that links theory and practice. This capstone year prepares students for professional roles in the global fashion industry through portfolio development, advanced technical proficiency, and critical design analysis.