Somerset College

Who is this course for?

The BA (Hons) Design (Fashion) course is for those who want to build appropriate professional skills and develop their individual creative talents for the demanding and ever changing fashion industry.  The course is designed for those who enjoy a hands-on approach to fashion design, learning the fundamental skills required for the industry, visual communication of ideas, cutting and production of fashion garments. 

Description

The first stage of the course is diagnostic where you are able to try parrallel Textiles, Fashion and Surface Design Modules. Stage two is professional and business based with work experience opportunities, live briefs, national competition and industrial in-put. The final year we encourage individual and independant study where you write your own brief to produce a strong exhibition and statement of your personal strengths.

During the course you will: • Develop a comprehensive understanding of the technical requirements and aesthetic appeal of the materials you work with. • Explore and manipulate fabric and construction techniques as a means of design expression. • Develop fashion design and garment construction skills including fashion drawing, illustration, styling, fashion forecasting and marketing. • Develop digital design skills. You will be able to access our digital workshop which includes equipment for laser cutting, embroidery and fabric printing as well as the print room and sewing room facilities. As well as Photoshop and Illustrator to inform visual presentation. • Undertake live industry set projects supported by people who live and breathe fashion. • Take up work placements to gain valuable first hand experience of the fashion industry. • Be encouraged to enter competitions. • Have your own work and display space in spacious, well-equipped studios. • Enjoy study trips abroad and visits to trade fairs and exhibitions. • Complete a visual culture module that will underpin your studio work. • Focus on your own personal design statement in your final year, which will culminate in your collection being shown at the Somerset College Degree Show. You may also have the opportunity to show your final collection at Graduate Fashion Week, London.

You will work on live projects set by industry and undertake an optional period of work placement.

To download the course leaflet click here.

Personal Skills

We invite all our applicants to an interview with their portfolio of work. This provides you with a valuable opportunity to express your personal skills and qualities. We are looking for you to demonstrate the following personal qualities, although all will be further developed throughout your learning:

• Practical interest in textiles or fashion including good basic practical and conceptual skills. • Studio, group and team work skills possibly gained through school/college projects or part-time employment. • Independent learning skills. • Individuality and creativity. • Written and oral communication skills as you will be required to attend lectures, seminars and tutorials; write essays and a thesis and give oral presentations

Teaching and Assessment

Most of your time will be spent in the studios and workshops, although your practical work will be complemented by a lecture programme in Visual Culture during your first 2 years. Assessment is 100% coursework (no exams) and 30% of the marks are awarded in year 2, 70% of the marks are awarded in year 3 where your final Degree Show exhibition forms an essential part of assessment.

The course is located in spacious, well-equipped design studios next to a large sewing workshop containing a good selection of both standard and specialist machinery and CAD/CAM facilities.  Each student has their own workspace comprising a work surface and a display area.

Career & Progression Opportunities

A well-established advisory panel of successful and respected individuals from the fashion and textiles industry work with us to ensure that our course develops in line with this fast-moving and ever-changing sector. We have a successful record of students winning national competitions and graduating and starting careers in the industry which range from design, retail management, buying, and fashion promotion in companies such as Ted Baker, Courtaulds, Abercrombie and Fitch, Miss Selfridge, Next and Fat Face, New Look Design Team and Peacock's buying team..

Entry Requirements

Foundation Diploma Art and Design (Pass) or National Diploma Art and Design (MPP) or A Levels including Art or an art-based subject (min 160 points including 80 points at A2 level) or AVCE Double Award Arts and Design (min grade C) or Advanced New Diploma (120 points minimum) or Access Certificate Arts and Design.

 We also require students to have GCSE English at grade C (or equivalent).

Students whose first language is not English will be required to attain IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Level 6 with a score of 5 or more in the writing test.

Mature students without formal entry requirements are welcome to apply.

Interviews: Will last approximately 25 minutes. Normally there are two interviewers. This is a valuable opportunity for you to show and discuss your work and demonstrate your personal skills.

Portfolio Presentation: We expect to see a maximum of 45 pieces of work, including sketchbooks and slides or photographs of 3D work.

Costs

£7,500 for 2012/13 academic year

Contact

Tel:  01823 366 331;  Email:  enquiries@somerset.ac.uk