Bath Spa University

This page may contain additional navigation below.

Fashion Design

A fast-paced, dynamic and demanding course with a strong emphasis on creativity and skills.

For more information about this course please visit the Bath School of Art and Design website.

This course encourages the development of your individual design identity through the translation of personal research into design ideas underpinned with strong technical skills.

During the course, you will be given the opportunity to develop individuality and creativity through concentrating on the following areas: research and development of ideas, colour and fabric sourcing, drawing and portfolio presentation all underpinned by strong technical skills including flat pattern cutting, construction, tailoring and stand modelling and draping.

The course has a unique partnership with the world famous Fashion Museum where you will have special access to an unrivalled collection of fashion.

The course offers a personalised learning environment, created through one-to-one tutorials and work reviews with staff and invited guests from industry. You will be taught by staff that have national and international reputations as professional designers and pattern cutters with many years fashion industry experience. There is also an extensive range of visiting lecturers and a lively programme of speakers from industry.

Course Structure and Content

Year 1

The course is delivered as a sequence of modules. A module in Professional Contexts introduces you to a range of contemporary professional practice and an awareness of the industry including design, research and drawing.

Modules in flat pattern drafting and tailoring are undertaken, both of which continue the practice of design, fabric sourcing, colour and the development of ideas. Historical and Critical studies introduces you to fashion history and context as well as an introduction to the Fashion Museum and the collections.

You will be encouraged to think visually, and analytically engage with technical processes and put it all into work in set projects. Other key skills will develop your ability to communicate and to take responsibility for your learning.

Year 2

Studio work initially focuses on the creative art of stand modelling and draping where students will develop the technical skills of drapery whilst using these skills creatively within design projects. A Professional Contexts module develops your skills in digital design and range planning for commercial collections. A portfolio module allows you to further develop your presentation and drawing skills and an external industry set project will give you the opportunity to work independently to a professional brief.

Year 3

Independent, self initiated work forms the basis of the year, you will be encouraged to develop independently and have the freedom for originality and creative output utilizing the skills acquired throughout the course. This culminates in a Final Collection that will be exhibited in the final year degree show and may be exhibited at Graduate Fashion Week.

A Professional Contexts module connects your practice with your professional aspirations and prepares you for employment by producing a professional portfolio.

Teaching Methods and Resources

The course encourages active, experiential learning and places emphasis on individual development and an increasing independence of thought and critical engagement. Design principles are introduced through direct engagement with materials and processes and technical skill.

You will benefit from:

• Visiting lecturer programme: from practising designers, pattern cutters, stylists, magazine, buyers and other fashion related positions;
• Workshops: a key part of the work of the course, including designing, drawing, pattern cutting, construction and draping on the stand;
• Seminars: discussion groups to debate issues of interest and to ensure that you are well informed about past practise, current practise and future ideas;
• Tutorials: regular personal tutorials and work reviews;
• Visits/links with the industry: organised visits to exhibitions, industry, shows and museums both nationally and internationally;
• Work placements and exchanges: may be made nationally and internationally.

Assessment Methods

The course is delivered through a sequence of modules, varying in length and weighting, which are assessed on completion: 84% main study modules, 16% historical and critical studies.

Industry Projects and Work Placements

Industry led projects have included: Ted Baker, Nicole Farhi, Anthony Hendley, Jaeger, Double O, Karen Millen, Griffin, Kent and Cerwin, Voodoo Dolls and Whistles.

Work placements include: Alexander McQueen, Bristol Old Vic wardrobe department, Nicole Farhi, Ted Baker, Whistles, Karen Millen, Ben de Lisi, Dewhirst Ladieswear, the Fashion Museum, New Look, Stella McCartney and Betty Jackson.

Entry Requirements

Standard general art and design requirements.

All short listed applicants will be interviewed.

Alternative qualifications welcome.