Contemporary Fashion Design
UCAS Code: Combined honours only - please see Combinations tab|Duration: 3|Full Time|Creative Campus
UCAS Campus Code: L46
Work placement opportunities|International students can apply
About the course
Contemporary Fashion is a dynamic practice-based course that explores a breadth of current themes and issues from inclusivity to adaptable fashion. Centred around the exciting possibilities of adorning the body and exploring materials, you will learn about the fundamentals of designing, making and understanding the role that fashion plays in wider society. The course will encourage individuality, collaborative working and support diverse career trajectories.
During your studies you will be taught by established practitioners and have access to a vast range of equipment, workshops and studios. You will be immersed in a professional environment that enables rich interdisciplinary approaches at undergraduate level. This includes working with live briefs and competitions, as well as engaging with established national and international contacts.
As a Combined Honours Degree, this programme offers an exciting opportunity to combine your fashion practice with other subjects, which will influence your individual approach to fashion and can be tailored to individual interests.
Course structure
Teaching on this degree includes lectures, practical seminars, technical masterclasses and weekly group tutorials.
In addition to formal teaching, you are expected to spend a number of hours each week studying independently: researching and practising your technical skills.
Access to studios and facilities outside of taught contact time is provided to enhance individual and flexible independent study.
Assessment and feedback
Throughout your three years of study, you will have informal and formal assessments where you will be given written and verbal feedback on your work.
Formal assessments are normally held at the end of each academic year and you are required to complete a series of assessment tasks. These typically include a portfolio of creative work, accompanied by contextual documentation. In your final year, you are also required to complete a research project/dissertation.
You will have the opportunity to discuss your work during regular one-to-one tutorials.
Curriculum overview
During year one, students will build an introductory understanding of contemporary fashion design. Thematic projects take students through a series of making, drawing and material workshops to explore personal approaches.
During year two, students will further develop their fashion practice skills exploring these through projects within the field, supported by a series of professional development workshops.
The final year of the programme enables students to define their professional fashion practice and personal approaches, selecting a specific project area.
Year One
Contemporary Fashion: Fundamentals
Working within the studio, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of practical fashion through exploring a range of making skills, relevant machinery and processes. A series of thematic projects will explore shifting ‘making’ mindsets from throw-away and non-reusable to lasting and precious. The emphasis will be on experimentation and learning the basics through material-led investigation.
Tutorial
The weekly student-led tutorial will provide time to come together as a group to share practice, develop study skills and connect to the wider university network.
Design Development and Fashion Illustration
In this element, you will be developing core design and illustration skills which underpin your practical work. The sessions will focus on areas including sketchbooks and visual research, fashion photography and digital explorations.
Visual Culture
The Visual Culture lectures will introduce contemporary themes, artists and designers within the field. Each lecture will highlight research materials and theoretical approaches, which will shape and direct your practice.
Year Two
Contemporary Fashion: Directions
In year two, you will be supported to develop your fashion practice skills through exploring these within diverse professional contexts. Projects initiated by the programme will have an emphasis on sustainable and ethical practices and community engagement. Collaborations with local organisations, communities and practitioners will enable new experiences and directions for practice.
Professional Development
This element will focus on core professional skills which will support your practice and direction within the industry. The sessions will integrate with your live project work, focusing on team-work, project planning, communication and presentation. In the final semester, you will also identify an appropriate work experience placement.
Tutorial
The weekly student-led tutorial will provide time to come together as a group to share practice, develop study skills and connect to the wider university network.
Visual Culture
The Visual Culture lectures will continue to highlight a series of contemporary work, supported by external visits. Each lecture will highlight research materials and theoretical approaches, which will shape and direct your practice.
Year Three
Contemporary Fashion: Futures
The final major project at year three enables you to define your fashion practice and personal approaches. A series of masterclasses and guidance throughout the year will support you in the realisation of an ambitious collection. Your practice-based research could take a variety of forms that might include concept or garment design, styling, print and accessories. You will have the opportunity to exhibit your work within the Cornerstone Gallery at the Creative Campus. Year three also provides the opportunity to bring together your combined subjects as a possible source of inspiration and output.
Professional Development
In this final year, your professional development research will enable you to clarify and define your personal ambitions. You will experience a broad range of workshops, including careers mapping, online presence, advanced digital application and professional engagement tools.
Tutorial
The weekly student-led tutorial will provide time to come together as a group to share practice, engage in group critiques and develop study skills and connect to the wider university network.
Visual Culture
The Visual Culture lectures will continue to highlight a series of contemporary work, supported by external visits. Each session will highlight research materials and theoretical approaches, which will shape and direct your practice.
Entry requirements
| A-Levels | BBC |
|---|---|
| UCAS Tariff Points | 112 |
| BTEC | DMM |
| Access to HE | 112 Tariff Points |
| IB | 28 |
| Irish Leaving Certificate | 112 |
| Welsh Baccalaureate | This qualification can only be accepted in conjunction with other relevant qualifications. |
| T-Levels | 120 Tariff Points / Merit |
| Subject Requirements | All applicants are required to attend an interview, bringing a portfolio of your work with you. |
International entry requirements
| Specific Country Requirements | Select your country |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0 overall (with reading and writing at 6.0) and no individual score lower than 5.5. We also accept a wide range of International Qualifications. For more information, please visit our English Language Requirements page. |
Careers
The Contemporary Fashion Design programme equips learners with a wide range of practical skills and theoretical knowledge. Alongside the development of a personal creative design practice (with a corresponding portfolio of professionally documented outcomes), students will acquire proficiency in the entrepreneurial skills necessary for establishing a sustainable career as an independent design practitioner. Students will be well placed to lead on these emerging challenges, which are set to shape the future of the fashion industry.
Careers might include: working within the design field and creative industries, fashion marketing and styling, teaching practice, community practitioner and research. The course will also provide a good foundation for further study at postgraduate level.
Enhancement opportunities
Work Placement Opportunities
All students will be encouraged to uptake work-placements with an appropriate company/design studio.
SALA
The Service and Leadership Award (SALA) is offered as an extra-curricular programme involving service-based experiences, development of leadership potential and equipping you for a career in a rapidly changing world. It enhances your degree, it is something which is complimentary but different and which has a distinct ‘value-added’ component. Find out more on our Service and Leadership Award page.
Study Abroad
As part of your degree, you can choose to spend either a semester or a full year of study at one of our partner universities as part of our Study Abroad programme. Find out more on our Study Abroad page.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2023/24 academic year are £9,250 for full-time undergraduate courses.
If you are a student from the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands, your tuition fees will also be £9,250.
The University reserves the right to increase Home and EU Undergraduate and PGCE tuition fees in line with any inflationary or other increase authorised by the Secretary of State for future years of study.
Scholarships
We have a range of scholarships to help with the cost of your studies. Visit our scholarships page to find out more.
International tuition fees
The International Tuition fees for 2023/24 are £12,500.
Visit our International fees page for more information.
Course combinations
This course is also available as a Combined Honours degree with the following subjects: