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Fashion and Textile Design Skills (Foundation Degree)

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This course covers both fashion and textiles in equal measure so that you can pursue a chosen path in the fashion and textile industry.

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

Why study Fashion and Textile Design Skills (Foundation Degree)?

Throughout the course you will be given a wide range of skills and experiences, both technical and creative, supported by an understanding of cultural, social and business skills.

Course structure

The course takes place at City of Bath College, in the centre of Bath - this is where you will be based. It provides a lively and demanding introduction to the basics of Fashion and Textiles with the emphasis on innovation, skills and creativity.

Year 2 provides an opportunity to build on textile and fashion design skills, including a work placement and projects set with the industry. The final project gives the opportunity to specialise either in Textiles with Fashion or Fashion with Textiles.

Throughout the course you will be given a wide range of skills and experiences, both technical and creative, supported by an understanding of cultural, social and business skills.

Modules

Year 1

This year provides an introduction to technical processes in Fashion and Textiles.

  • Design Skills for Textiles and Fashion
  • Introduction to Basic Textile Techniques in Knitting, Printing, Embroidery and Felting
  • Drawing and Visual Research
  • Introduction to Flat Pattern Cutting
  • Sewing and Construction Skills
  • Introduction to Stand Modelling
  • Fashion Illustration and Presentation
  • Life Drawing
  • Historical and Cultural Understanding of Fashion and Textiles
  • Study Visits
  • Visiting Lecture Series

Year 2

The emphasis in the second year is to build on creativity and professionalism.

  • Digital Technology used in Fashion and Textiles
  • Design for Textiles and Fashion
  • Textile Techniques
  • Illustration and Flats for Fashion
  • Advanced Making and Construction Skills
  • Pattern Cutting
  • Introduction to Computer Aided Manufacture in Textiles and Fashion
  • Study Visits in the UK and Overseas
  • Historical and Critical Studies
  • Introduction to Business Studies
  • Work Placement and Industry-led Project
  • Work Journal and Business Studies Report
  • Exhibition and/or Fashion Show

After successful completion of this course, you may wish to apply to progress to the third year of an associated honours degree course. In the event of insufficient places being available to accommodate all Foundation Degree students who wish to progress, there will be a selection process based on achievement during the Foundation Degree, supplemented by audition and interview as appropriate, and will be subject to satisfactory academic references. 

Course assessment

Coursework, portfolio and exhibition.

Specialist equipment includes:

  • A new industrial multi-needle embroidery machine
  • Irish embroidery machine
  • Cornelly embroidery machine
  • Passap and Dubied knitting machines

The course aims to train students primarily through experience of practice in designing and making, giving a practical skills base.

Teaching methods

  • Visiting lecture programme: from practising designers, designer makers and other related positions
  • Workshops: including designing, pattern cutting, construction, textile techniques and processes
  • 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
  • Work Reviews
  • Visits/links with the industry: organised visits to exhibitions, industry, shows and museums both nationally and internationally
  • Work placement and exchanges may be made nationally and internationally
  • Industry led project

Course enquiries

For more information please contact Course Leader Fhiona McKie on mckief@citybathcoll.ac.uk

Entry requirements

180-220 UCAS Tariff points (eg BB; CDD), with minimum 80 points from Art or Design, Textiles or related subject.

OR Art Foundation Course.

All applicants will be interviewed.

Career opportunities

  • Junior designers
  • Self employment
  • Junior buyers
  • Visual merchandising
  • Product development
  • Design and wardrobe
  • Designer maker and stylist