BA (Hons) Fashion Design & Garment Technology
Part of York School of Art, our BA (Hons) Fashion Design & Garment Technology degree will explore the design and technical skills associated with the fashion design and technology sectors. You will develop knowledge and technical skills in 2D and 3D technology along with skills associated with research and design of fashion products. You will use specialist facilities that simulate an industrial working environment alongside the latest CAD technology in our fully equipped CAD suite. As the next generation of fashion professionals who have the technical skills our industry desperately requires, you will become proficient in the use of the latest in cutting edge pattern cutting technology from Gerber. This will allow you to build skills in both digital and traditional pattern cutting techniques.
You will have the opportunity to explore themes associated with the global, economic, environmental and social issues that our industry faces today and consider your place in a future, better fashion industry.
Immerse yourself in a range of collaborative projects with industry partners for the opportunity to experience first hand a variety of roles within the fashion industry. You will develop strong working links with our other creative degree courses, allowing for cross-disciplinary partnership and access to specialist resources within many fields such as jewellery, graphics, media make-up, photography and media.
As a student on this course, you will also be invited to take part in a rich and vibrant enrichment programme including external visits to exhibitions, galleries, suppliers and manufacturers and a residential trip to source materials for your final collection and attend global industry trade events.
UCAS Code: 2A5T
UCAS Institution Code: Y70
| Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Fashion Presentation | Commercial Viability | Design Research Proposal |
| Fashion Translation | Product Innovation | Professional Practice |
| Creative Journal | Negotiated Study | Product Development |
| Design Collaboration | Preparing for Industry | Major Design Project |
Entry requirements
The entry requirements for this course are 32 UCAS Tariff points, a Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject or A Levels. Significant relevant prior learning and experience will also be considered. You might be asked to
submit a portfolio of work to support your application.
On receipt of your application, you will be asked to provide a portfolio that demonstrates your ideas and abilities creatively. This may showcase work you have done at school or college, or alternatively this may capture independently devised projects.
How will I be assessed?
A variety of assessment methods are adopted to reflect practices within the fashion industry and prepare you well for progression; from presentations to ‘the client’ to garment realisation. Modules such as the Design Research Proposal at Level 6 and Negotiated Study at Level 5 are written assignments and are underpinned by the academic conventions expected of this level of study. Students must pass each module to progress on to the next level of study.
Skills you will learn
Throughout the degree you will develop skills in; fashion design, manufacturing, communication, problem solving, pattern cutting (traditional and digital), 3D garment simulation, context of social, cultural and environmental issues and brief interpretation. Professional practice skills prepare you for next steps, including garment tech packs (costings, size charts, layplans, technical drawings, method of construction) and entrepreneurial skills to support those looking to pursue self-employment or SME start-ups.
Method of delivery
A wide range of teaching and learning strategies are employed across the programme. Tutor led demonstrations are delivered face-to-face in studio and workshop spaces whilst group collaboration and seminars provide opportunities for discussion and debate. Independent learning is actively encouraged to ensure you achieve the module learning outcomes as effectively as possible. One-to-one feedback within timetabled studio sessions is ongoing. Studio design practice is delivered parallel to workshop activity to facilitate creative garment design, development and production.
Additional costs
Books for suggested reading based around module topics are available to borrow from the Learning & Research Centre, however some students like to purchase their own copies.
Some materials are provided for group projects, however students purchase their own fabrics for final major projects (this can vary dependent upon fabric choice).
Off-site trips such as the residential trip to Paris and day trips to London.
Equipment and tools are provided for use on College premises but we advise students to have a selection of essentials to enable progress through independent study time and to support post-graduation progression. Below is a suggestion, however not essential;
Pattern Master
Large pair of scissors for cutting fabric
Small pair of sewing scissors
Quick unpick
Tape measure
Tailors chalk
Pins (good quality dressmaker pins)
Your next steps
The exploratory nature of this course allows for you to unearth your strengths and tailor them to suit your future career goals. A career in the world of fashion can provide you with opportunities in a number of job roles within a variety of sectors such as womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, bridal wear, tailoring, sportswear, loungewear and so many more! Roles include:
• Garment Technologist
• Fashion Designer
• Product Developer
• Pattern Technologist
• Creative Pattern Cutter
• Digital Pattern Cutter
• Machinist
• Quality Assurance
• Visual Merchandiser
• Retail Management
• Brand start ups
• Fashion/Textiles teaching
Some students choose to continue study on to post-graduate courses such as Master’s degrees, specialist short courses or teacher training programmes.
Furthermore, we have students who choose to pursue entrepreneurial activity such as self employment or SME start-up businesses within a variety of fashion sectors.
"Studying this degree has taught me how to create different types of garments and teaches a lot about the fashion industry. I’ve also learned how to deal with tight deadlines like I would when dealing with companies and clients in the future.
I chose York College University Centre as I wanted a smaller environment with lots of tutor contact, and so the smaller group sizes here are great. It also seemed like a good option after being out of education for many years."
Rebecca O’Leary has been a Fashion Lecturer for the past 13 years. With a 1st class honours degree in Fashion Studies, Rebecca pursued a career in Garment Technology, supplying men’s outerwear to some of the biggest names in UK high street fashion retail. Alongside her teaching role Rebecca set up a bridal and women’s loungewear brand, where she remained a director for 6 years; giving her invaluable insight into the local, national and international fashion industry, both wholesale and direct to customer through online trading platforms. Rebecca is well positioned to advise students on the entrepreneurial skills necessary to set up and run SME’s within the fashion sector as well as supporting those students wishing to progress into other fields associated with the creative industries. Her teaching practice is student centred, ensuring that the curriculum design and assessment methods are reflective of current industry practices.
Reuben is a Digital Art specialist, with a primary focus and skill set in digital illustration, branding, animation, page layout, typography, web design, presentation and professional outcomes. Reuben focuses on teaching and refining digital skills across the industry standard Adobe Creative Suite to make sure any creative idea can be put into practice and become a final piece of design at production level. Teaching across various art disciplines within the Further and Higher education environment for 10 years, Reuben has the experience and skillset to give a very well rounded knowledge of digital outputs to get you ready for industry and current professional and working methods.
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