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Please note: Last year of entry on this course is September 2024. For September 2025 entry, please visit: Fashion

Expression. Innovation. Production.

The BA (Hons) Fashion course at Northumbria offers you the opportunity to explore craftsmanship, aesthetics and the encapsulation of the body through a range of materials, pattern cutting and manufacturing processes, constructed knitwear and printed textiles for fashion.

This four-year sandwich course has an established reputation for producing directional designers with the creative vision and the commercial realism to begin a career within the Fashion sector.

This Fashion programme has successfully developed the professional identity of our graduates since 1955. 

You will learn how to challenge the conventions of contemporary fashion through design research and critical reflection, set against the study of traditional values of high craftsmanship that underpin garment-making and textile construction; from haute couture collections and archival fashion, to emerging new designers sustainability and ethical fashion practice.

You will be supported in your journey by experienced academic and technical staff helping you to identify a personal fashion design philosophy, and develop your intellectual design practice and artisan craft skills. Moreover, you'll have the opportunity to explore our Fashion Masters program, which will keep you ahead in the constantly evolving fashion industry, allowing you to enhance your creative abilities and excel in this dynamic field. 

Why study Fashion at Northumbria?

Top Department - Northumbria is ranked 12th in the UK for Fashion & Textiles (Guardian University League Table, 2024).

Research Powerhouse - Art and Design at Northumbria is ranked 4th in the UK for research power (REF, 2021). This is a rise of 6 places compared to 2014.

Graduate Prospects - Art & Design at Northumbria is ranked 9th in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Times Good University Guide, 2024).

Student Rated - Over 95% of Students studying Design at Northumbria believed their course positively challenged them to achieve their best work (NSS, 2024).

You can check out our similar courses such as our Ethical Fashion Masters that is a conscious decision to combine your love for fashion with a commitment to social responsibility, as it offers the chance to explore innovative approaches to design and production that prioritize ethical sourcing, sustainability, and positive social impact.

See other similar courses you may be interested in, like BA (Hons) Fashion Communication, MA Fashion Design (Womenswear) and Mens Fashion Design. You can also find our available Design Courses and find the one that suits you.

Please note: Last year of entry on this course is September 2024. For September 2025 entry, please visit: Fashion

Expression. Innovation. Production.

The BA (Hons) Fashion course at Northumbria offers you the opportunity to explore craftsmanship, aesthetics and the encapsulation of the body through a range of materials, pattern cutting and manufacturing processes, constructed knitwear and printed textiles for fashion.

This four-year sandwich course has an established reputation for producing directional designers with the creative vision and the commercial realism to begin a career within the Fashion sector.

This Fashion programme has successfully developed the professional identity of our graduates since 1955. 

You will learn how to challenge the conventions of contemporary fashion through design research and critical reflection, set against the study of traditional values of high craftsmanship that underpin garment-making and textile construction; from haute couture collections and archival fashion, to emerging new designers sustainability and ethical fashion practice.

You will be supported in your journey by experienced academic and technical staff helping you to identify a personal fashion design philosophy, and develop your intellectual design practice and artisan craft skills. Moreover, you'll have the opportunity to explore our Fashion Masters program, which will keep you ahead in the constantly evolving fashion industry, allowing you to enhance your creative abilities and excel in this dynamic field. 

Why study Fashion at Northumbria?

Top Department - Northumbria is ranked 12th in the UK for Fashion & Textiles (Guardian University League Table, 2024).

Research Powerhouse - Art and Design at Northumbria is ranked 4th in the UK for research power (REF, 2021). This is a rise of 6 places compared to 2014.

Graduate Prospects - Art & Design at Northumbria is ranked 9th in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Times Good University Guide, 2024).

Student Rated - Over 95% of Students studying Design at Northumbria believed their course positively challenged them to achieve their best work (NSS, 2024).

You can check out our similar courses such as our Ethical Fashion Masters that is a conscious decision to combine your love for fashion with a commitment to social responsibility, as it offers the chance to explore innovative approaches to design and production that prioritize ethical sourcing, sustainability, and positive social impact.

See other similar courses you may be interested in, like BA (Hons) Fashion Communication, MA Fashion Design (Womenswear) and Mens Fashion Design. You can also find our available Design Courses and find the one that suits you.

Course Information

UCAS Code
W230

Level of Study
Undergraduate

Mode of Study
4 years with placement

Department
Northumbria School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries

Location
City Campus, Northumbria University

City
Newcastle

Start
September 2025

Fees
Fee Information

Modules
Module Information

Discover NU World / A virtual journey through everything Northumbria has to offer.

Explore our immersive 360 tours, informative subject videos, inspirational student profiles, ground-breaking research, and a range of life at university videos and articles.

Student Work / Fashion

Check out current students work and find your inspiration for Fashion at Northumbria.

Instagram / Fashion

Follow our Instagram page and keep up to date with everything that is going on with Fashion at Northumbria.

Fashion BA (Hons) / Digital Portfolio Guide

We are interested in what inspires you, who inspires you and how you communicate that enthusiasm through your statement and your work.

Graduate Showcase / REVEAL

The end of year showcase for our Creative Programmes.

white background with black pen drawing of an abstract garment

REVEAL

Graduate Degree Showcase

Watch as Northumbria students showcase there work in 2022 Reveal show

Delve Deeper / Discover more about life at Northumbria

Book an Open Day / Experience Fashion BA (Hons)

Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study Fashion. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.

Entry Requirements 2024/25

Standard Entry

112 UCAS Tariff points

From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.

Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator

Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our University regardless of personal circumstances or background. To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo

Subject Requirements:

There are no specific subject requirements for this course.

GCSE Requirements:

Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.

Additional Requirements:

A portfolio of creative design work is required. Get advice on preparing your portfolio here: www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/coming-to-northumbria/portfolios-and-auditions

International Qualifications:

We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.

If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

English Language Requirements:

International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).

*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

For further admissions guidance and requirements, please visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/admissionsguidance Please review this information before submitting your application.

Entry Requirements 2025/26

Standard Entry

112 UCAS Tariff points

From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.

Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator

Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our University regardless of personal circumstances or background. To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo

Subject Requirements:

There are no specific subject requirements for this course.

GCSE Requirements:

Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.

Additional Requirements:

A portfolio of creative design work is required. Get advice on preparing your portfolio here: www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/coming-to-northumbria/portfolios-and-auditions

International Qualifications:

We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.

If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

English Language Requirements:

International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).

*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

For further admissions guidance and requirements, please visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/admissionsguidance Please review this information before submitting your application.

Fees and Funding 2024/25 Entry

UK Fee in Year 1: £9,250

* The maximum tuition fee that we are permitted to charge for UK students is set by government. Tuition fees may increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, these are subject to government regulations and in line with inflation.


International Fee in Year 1: £18,250


Please see the main Funding Pages for 24/25 scholarship information.

 


ADDITIONAL COSTS

During your 4 years of study you will incur additional costs such as consumable art & design materials, tools, fabrics and years, books, printing, technology, study visits, promotional materials, final collection materials and promotional exhibitions. In years 1 to 3 your costs will vary according to your individual needs, but you will need to budget for a minimum of 2 x A3 sketchbooks per year, plus art materials (see equipment list), and printing costs. The university provides basic industrial sewing kit and pattern grading square at cost price to first year students (approx. £80). You will also need to budget for calico for toiles, and fabric scissors, pins, etc. (approx. £50+), as well as any additional fabrics/trims over what is already provided by the university for year 1-3 project work. There are optional, subsidised day study trips that may incur small personal costs e.g. meals, entry to museums etc. There are also optional student-funded international study visits, which vary in cost according to destination (budget for approx. £500 for a 3-4 day study visit). There may be costs associated with placement at Level 5. Students on the programme have a mandatory Industrial Placement in Level 5. While the programme advises against taking unpaid roles, students are responsible for any related costs not covered by their placement, and you may need to budget for accommodation, travel and subsistence, depending on your individual circumstances. In final year you will need to purchase fabrics/yarns/trims for your final collection, and a presentation portfolio (£60+). You might also incur exhibition and other costs for your final show, such as travel, accommodation, etc. Participation in competitions in final year may also incur small entry fees (e.g. £30). While there are Macs to work on in university, students prefer to have their own Macbook (approx. £1000). It is recommended that you purchase a portable hard drive(s) to back up your digital work (approx. £50) as well as a personal SD card for digital cameras (approx. £10). Final year students also have their own group website that costs participating students between £10-£20 each.

Fees and Funding 2025/26 Entry

UK Fee in Year 1*: TBC

* Government has yet to announce 25/26 tuition fee levels. As a guide, 24/25 fees were £9,250 per year. 



International Fee in Year 1: £19,350


Please see the main Funding Pages for 25/26 scholarship information.

 


ADDITIONAL COSTS

During your 4 years of study you will incur additional costs such as consumable art & design materials, tools, fabrics and years, books, printing, technology, study visits, promotional materials, final collection materials and promotional exhibitions. In years 1 to 3 your costs will vary according to your individual needs, but you will need to budget for a minimum of 2 x A3 sketchbooks per year, plus art materials (see equipment list), and printing costs. The university provides basic industrial sewing kit and pattern grading square at cost price to first year students (approx. £80). You will also need to budget for calico for toiles, and fabric scissors, pins, etc. (approx. £50+), as well as any additional fabrics/trims over what is already provided by the university for year 1-3 project work. There are optional, subsidised day study trips that may incur small personal costs e.g. meals, entry to museums etc. There are also optional student-funded international study visits, which vary in cost according to destination (budget for approx. £500 for a 3-4 day study visit). There may be costs associated with placement at Level 5. Students on the programme have a mandatory Industrial Placement in Level 5. While the programme advises against taking unpaid roles, students are responsible for any related costs not covered by their placement, and you may need to budget for accommodation, travel and subsistence, depending on your individual circumstances. In final year you will need to purchase fabrics/yarns/trims for your final collection, and a presentation portfolio (£60+). You might also incur exhibition and other costs for your final show, such as travel, accommodation, etc. Participation in competitions in final year may also incur small entry fees (e.g. £30). While there are Macs to work on in university, students prefer to have their own Macbook (approx. £1000). It is recommended that you purchase a portable hard drive(s) to back up your digital work (approx. £50) as well as a personal SD card for digital cameras (approx. £10). Final year students also have their own group website that costs participating students between £10-£20 each.

If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

How to Apply

Please use the Apply Now button at the top of this page to submit your application.

Certain applications may need to be submitted via an external application system, such as UCAS, Lawcabs or DfE Apply.

The Apply Now button will redirect you to the relevant website if this is the case.

You can find further application advice, such as what to include in your application and what happens after you apply, on our Admissions Hub Admissions | Northumbria University



Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

FA4007 -

What is Fashion? Historical and Critical Studies (Core,20 Credits)

In this module, you will explore the question: What is fashion? This research-rich year- long module encourages you to immerse yourself in the world of fashion, past and present. It offers a broad introduction to fashion studies.

With specialist Fashion, Historical and Critical lecturers you will learn about particular themes and developments in the history of fashion design since c.1800: exploring influential designers and placing fashion in the social and cultural contexts of the time through a series of illustrated lectures supported by seminars. Your visual vocabulary will expand through the development of your knowledge of fashion design history, and enable you to take inspiration from the design of the past to apply to your own work in parallel module ‘Introduction to Fashion Design’.

You will also be introduced to how the industry works through a fundamental exploration of topics such as; global context and the fashion year, cultural context and trend forecasting, fashion in the media, types of garment manufacturers, market segments and the retailer, digital designing and e-portfolios, colour, fibres to fabrics, the fashion cycle and responsible design practices. On completion of the module you will have gained a critical understanding of the key aspects of how the industry works, which you can relate to your own practice as a designer.

Hands-on and online analysis will help you develop research skills relevant to fashion design practice, including library and archival research, visual fashion communication and presentation skills, and to support independent learning. You will gain the ability to conduct critical visual analysis and research of fashion design practice and the confidence to articulate clearly your viewpoints in speech and writing.

More information

FA4008 -

Introduction To Fashion Skills (Core,40 Credits)

In ‘Introduction to Fashion Skills’ you will learn a range of skills that will underpin the programme’s craftsmanship ethos, and support your practical making of garments and samples on the Fashion programme, initiating the building of long-term practical skills.

You will be introduced to the appropriate health and safety regulations and procedures to support safe working practices. You will develop the essential practical skills in a technical programme delivered in our specialist workshops, studios and virtual learning environments. You will learn about garments and how they are made through engaging with elementary methodologies and multi-cultural, responsible processes. You will also learn about traditional approaches to pattern cutting and manufacture through a series of experimental workshop-based projects to achieve a fashioned garment or sample-based outcome. This will establish knowledge to enable garment development and technical progression on the Fashion programme.

You will progress to a creative garment project, and will evidence your independent judgement in your ability to generate and explore ideas through experimental pattern cutting techniques for fashion outcomes. You will construct samples, a fashion toile and progressive creative garment from start to finish showing your understanding of the processes learned. You will also demonstrate ability to capture aesthetically your garment design developed in the parallel module; ‘Introduction to Fashion Design’ and interpret a 2D design into a 3D physical outcome, exploring the fashion formal elements of silhouette, colour, fabric and proportion. Part of this process will involve leaning how garments relate to the human form, building material shapes and learning to fit a garment on a body, to critically evaluate your garment development aesthetically, and assess its function. You will also be introduced to a range of fabrications and also given guidance on how to handle and manage cloth.

Presentation of your fashioned outcomes at critique will allow you the opportunity to convey your thought process to an identified audience. Here you may engage in critical debate and learn how to use feedback to support your progression.

More information

FA4009 -

Introduction to Fashion Design (Core,60 Credits)

In ‘Introduction to Fashion Design’ you will be introduced to creative design thinking and learn how to develop a creative response to a range of project briefs exploring genres of fashion.

You will learn the value of design research through analysis, drawing inspiration from a broad range of historical, contemporary, cultural, global and fashion market sources in the wider design world to inform design direction for responsible fashion outcomes. You will engage with creative exploration of design briefs demonstrating an awareness of design development processes, fashion formal elements (silhouette, pattern, texture, detail, colour and proportion) and issues. You will create a final illustrated garment collection incorporating printed textiles and constructed knitwear.

You will be encouraged to explore your own individual design handwriting through experimental and systematic design development, some of which will inspire garments in ‘Introduction to Fashion Skills’ module. Elements of your 3D creative sampling processes will be included in your design projects to show how this informs garment design.

You will learn how to develop your drawing skills appropriate to specific purposes: observational research drawing, technical drawing and experimental fashion illustration; to communicate your ideas using both manual and digital techniques.

You will learn how to produce a personal portfolio in both physical and screen-based formats and present these at critiques, giving opportunity for evaluative feedback and exchange with peers in preparation for Industrial Placement at level 5.

More information

YB5001 -

Academic Language Skills for Design (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.

More information

AD5007 -

Design Study Abroad (60 credit) (Optional,60 Credits)

The Study Abroad module is a semester based 60 credit module which is available on degree courses which facilitate study abroad within the programme. You will undertake a semester abroad at a partner university equivalent to 60 UK credits. This gives you access to modules from your discipline taught in a different learning culture and so broadens your overall experience of learning. The course of study abroad will be constructed to meet the learning outcomes for the programme for the semester in question, dependent on suitable modules from the partner and will be recorded for an individual student on the learning agreement signed by the host University, the student, and the home University (Northumbria). The module will be assessed by conversion of graded marks from the host University.

Learning outcomes on the year-long modules on which the student is unable to attend the home institution must be met at the host institution, and marks from the host are incorporated into the modules as part of the overall assessment.

More information

FA5010 -

Fashion Thinking 1: Professional Practice Preparation (Core,20 Credits)

In ‘Fashion Thinking 1: Professional Practice Preparation’ you will look at the industry from two perspectives. You will develop a critical understanding of the key social, political, theoretical and practical work-based considerations relating to contemporary fashion design and the broader fashion industry to support your development as a responsible designer in a challenging professional environment.

The module encourages you to extend academic skills in knowledge retrieval, library and web-based research and critical analysis to inform your judgement presented in written, oral and visual presentations. By engaging with lectures and seminars delivered by Fashion Historical and Critical Studies and Design lecturers, you will develop knowledge and a critical perspective on issues and practices in the world of fashion such a sustainability, responsible design practice, corporate responsibility, branding, fast and slow fashion. You will gain important tools to join the fashion industry with a clear vision of the processes involved in sourcing, applying and undertaking of a student internship or study abroad. Skills of analysis and written exposition will evidence your critical awareness of the key issues and practices related to contemporary fashion design.

You will apply your valuable insight to the fashion industry from our long-standing relationship with global fashion companies and designers as you start your preparation for a desirable, exciting fashion experience in a multi-faceted international industry, or in testing an enterprise idea.

You will gain insight to roles and responsibilities, rules of engagement and industry’s expectations of interns from online talks buy industrial partners and experts through role-play and studio workshops. This will to give you a realistic overview of industrial experience and how to realistically approach the application process for a successful outcome. You will develop the ability to evaluate your skills from an area of practice, highlighting your strengths and communicate this in a way that is a desirable asset to a placement provider.

You will be assessed on final outcomes comprising of a 1500-word essay critically reflecting on issues relating to the contemporary fashion industry; and a ‘professional tool kit’ containing documentation; C.V., cover letter and portfolio, balancing personal creativity with professionalism; skills, content and finish in screen-based format, to support the employment application process.

More information

FA5011 -

Fashion Design Project 1 (Core,40 Credits)

In ‘Fashion Design Project 1’ you will learn how to further develop your design skills in relation to professional practice. The creative design brief will be industry focused on a specific market level or brand, as a ‘Live project’. This module will introduce you to the balance designers must achieve between craftsmanship, aesthetic ideals, responsible practice and commercial restraints and opportunities.

This project will help you to understand the relationship between the creative and commercial requirements of Fashion design, and provide the opportunity to develop specialist skills and knowledge of materials, skills and processes in the realisation of your Fashion design concepts. Students are able to select a specialist area of study in this module, exploring the creative challenge of either technical pattern cutting; haute couture construction techniques, fashion print design or constructed knitwear design or a negotiated combination of pattern cutting with printed textile design or constructed knitwear design to support your career aspirations.

You will learn how to research, develop and design a market-led collection of garments presented as a Fashion design portfolio.

In addition to the portfolio, you will produce and communicate a Fashion artefact or creative solution, which will take the form of a garment or a sample package to contextualise the portfolio collection. In the Fashion workshops using industry standard equipment, students specialising in garment design will produce a garment of their own design, students specialising in printed textile design will learn the fundamentals of printed textile design through screen printing to produce a printed textile sample collection while students specialising in constructed knitwear design will learn the fundamental knitting skills on industrial machinery and produce a range of technical constructed knitwear samples.

The industry facing nature of this project supports the industrial placement period, which begins in the following semester in the FA5017 Fashion Industrial Placement module.

More information

FA5017 -

Fashion Industrial Placement (Optional,120 Credits)

‘Fashion Industrial Placement’ will offer you the opportunity to complete a minimum of 24 weeks in the fashion industry, gaining experience in one or more placements. This opportunity affords you a broad insight into how industry operates, its differing market levels and consumer profiles. Being part of a team in a Fashion Company means a greater understanding of design processes; product development and range planning, price points, production processes and lead times. Through your industrial work experience, you potentially gain an understanding of the importance of comparative product analysis; brand image, packaging and labelling, traditional/digital retail, marketing and promotion. By undertaking placement(s), you develop a greater awareness of fashion, contemporary culture and trends and to advance your visual and verbal communication skills. The experience of applying your academic studies in a real work environment will help you to develop a confident and professional attitude and make informed decisions about your future fashion career. In this ‘Fashion Industrial Placement’ module you will keep a digital diary of your learning and professional experience; documenting your new skills and knowledge acquired from your Placement(s).

During this 12 month period you are expected to complete a minimum of 24 weeks. The weeks can run consecutively or as a series of individual placements throughout the year. If you are unable to complete or secure an enterprise or industrial work placement, an alternative industry-focused placement brief will be set. Additionally, a minimum term shorter than 24 weeks may be allowed, should the University implement 'emergency'/mitigating measures, in response to Covid-19 or other significant changes in the operating environment.

More information

FA5023 -

Industrial Placement Option (Optional,60 Credits)

This Industrial Placement module offers you the opportunity to complete a placement/s in the fashion industry, gaining experience in one or more placements. This opportunity affords you a broad insight into how industry operates, its differing market levels and consumer profiles. Being part of a team in a Fashion Company means a greater understanding of design processes; product development and range planning, price points, production processes and lead times. Through your industrial work experience, you potentially gain an understanding of the importance of comparative product analysis; brand image, packaging and labelling, traditional/digital retail, marketing and promotion. By undertaking placement(s), you develop a greater awareness of fashion, contemporary culture and trends, and to be able to advance your visual and verbal communication skills. The experience of applying your academic studies in a real work environment will help you to develop a confident and professional attitude and to make informed decisions about your future fashion career. In the Industrial Placement module you will keep a digital diary of your learning and professional experience; documenting your new skills and knowledge acquired from your Placement(s).

During this period you are expected to complete a minimum requirement in industry. The weeks can run consecutively or as a series of individual placements throughout the module period. If you are unable to complete or secure an industrial work placement an alternative industry-focused placement brief will be set.

More information

YB5001 -

Academic Language Skills for Design (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.

More information

AD5007 -

Design Study Abroad (60 credit) (Optional,60 Credits)

The Study Abroad module is a semester based 60 credit module which is available on degree courses which facilitate study abroad within the programme. You will undertake a semester abroad at a partner university equivalent to 60 UK credits. This gives you access to modules from your discipline taught in a different learning culture and so broadens your overall experience of learning. The course of study abroad will be constructed to meet the learning outcomes for the programme for the semester in question, dependent on suitable modules from the partner and will be recorded for an individual student on the learning agreement signed by the host University, the student, and the home University (Northumbria). The module will be assessed by conversion of graded marks from the host University.

Learning outcomes on the year-long modules on which the student is unable to attend the home institution must be met at the host institution, and marks from the host are incorporated into the modules as part of the overall assessment.

More information

FA5013 -

Fashion Thinking 2: Concepts and Theory (Core,20 Credits)

‘Fashion Thinking 2: Concepts and Theory’ offers insights to key subjects and external influences relevant to academic theoretical study and advanced fashion design practice. This module will inform your understanding of the changing fashion landscape and zeitgeist in the study of the global, contemporary, cultural and market influences that impact on the fashion industry and contemporary issues,

The module encourages you to extend academic skills such as knowledge retrieval, visual analysis, object and image-based and archival research, through proposal writing, critical justification and visual communication.

In Component 1 you will learn how to research and write a proposal in preparation for the Level 6 AH6007 Dissertation module.

In Component 2 you will be guided by specialist tutors on how to use creative and critical thinking to confirm who you are as a designer. You will work on your creative practice holistically across both FA5013 and the parallel FA5014 Fashion Design Project 2 modules. In this FA5013 module you will develop your creative practice conceptually and theoretically by creating your own fashion concept within the zeitgeist, taking into consideration relevant issues such as identity, diversity, responsible design practice and new technologies, enabling you to set your practice within contemporary culture.

You will refine your aesthetic judgement and visual communication skills through taking an intellectual approach to advanced image making in sketchbook and portfolio. You will be encouraged to move beyond the barriers of fashion and look to other disciplines and approaches to advance your creative practice and find new ways of thinking, working and making. Philosophical and communication theories will help support your experimental approach to image making using hand-rendered and digital techniques

There may be an opportunity to take part in relevant national competitions or live/collaborative projects, that will allow you to work with industrial partners to develop your professional skills and understanding.

This work may be used to underpin final collection work at Level 6 where relevant.

More information

FA5014 -

Fashion Design Project 2 (Core,40 Credits)

In ‘Fashion Design Project 2’ you will identify emerging developments in fashion to inspire individual creative direction and enquiry of fashion design practice, cumulating in garment/sample realisation and portfolio communicating a distinctive individual handwriting that confirms who you are as a designer. You will work on your creative practice holistically across both FA5014 and the parallel FA5013 Fashion Thinking 2: Concepts & Theory modules.

You will learn how to form a creative concept from research gathered independently over your industrial placement and/or study abroad experience covering a range of global, historical, contemporary and cultural influences with a view to you to evolving your personal design philosophy. You will revisit design methodologies in research translating ideas to design development and engage in the production of garment prototypes, printed textiles or constructed knitwear sampling in specialist studios and workshops developing your knowledge and own focus within individual study skills. You will be encouraged to challenge production processes within the specialism producing investigative sampling to inform garment design.

The module challenges you to broaden knowledge of fashion market levels, extending your previous experience, by focusing on ‘Luxury’ fashion as a conduit for developing progressive knowledge of aesthetic principles and skills in fashion craftsmanship. This will enable you to make decisions about your ambitions for personal development towards level 6 and employment.

Your portfolio will give you opportunity to develop an experimental approach to fashion Illustration through personal investigation of creative and intellectual stimuli. You will be encouraged to integrate traditional and digital media with a view to communicating your fashion outcomes to a range of audiences.

You will create a fashion presentation communicating your creative outcomes appropriate to Fashion context.

More information

FA5017 -

Fashion Industrial Placement (Optional,120 Credits)

‘Fashion Industrial Placement’ will offer you the opportunity to complete a minimum of 24 weeks in the fashion industry, gaining experience in one or more placements. This opportunity affords you a broad insight into how industry operates, its differing market levels and consumer profiles. Being part of a team in a Fashion Company means a greater understanding of design processes; product development and range planning, price points, production processes and lead times. Through your industrial work experience, you potentially gain an understanding of the importance of comparative product analysis; brand image, packaging and labelling, traditional/digital retail, marketing and promotion. By undertaking placement(s), you develop a greater awareness of fashion, contemporary culture and trends and to advance your visual and verbal communication skills. The experience of applying your academic studies in a real work environment will help you to develop a confident and professional attitude and make informed decisions about your future fashion career. In this ‘Fashion Industrial Placement’ module you will keep a digital diary of your learning and professional experience; documenting your new skills and knowledge acquired from your Placement(s).

During this 12 month period you are expected to complete a minimum of 24 weeks. The weeks can run consecutively or as a series of individual placements throughout the year. If you are unable to complete or secure an enterprise or industrial work placement, an alternative industry-focused placement brief will be set. Additionally, a minimum term shorter than 24 weeks may be allowed, should the University implement 'emergency'/mitigating measures, in response to Covid-19 or other significant changes in the operating environment.

More information

FA5023 -

Industrial Placement Option (Optional,60 Credits)

This Industrial Placement module offers you the opportunity to complete a placement/s in the fashion industry, gaining experience in one or more placements. This opportunity affords you a broad insight into how industry operates, its differing market levels and consumer profiles. Being part of a team in a Fashion Company means a greater understanding of design processes; product development and range planning, price points, production processes and lead times. Through your industrial work experience, you potentially gain an understanding of the importance of comparative product analysis; brand image, packaging and labelling, traditional/digital retail, marketing and promotion. By undertaking placement(s), you develop a greater awareness of fashion, contemporary culture and trends, and to be able to advance your visual and verbal communication skills. The experience of applying your academic studies in a real work environment will help you to develop a confident and professional attitude and to make informed decisions about your future fashion career. In the Industrial Placement module you will keep a digital diary of your learning and professional experience; documenting your new skills and knowledge acquired from your Placement(s).

During this period you are expected to complete a minimum requirement in industry. The weeks can run consecutively or as a series of individual placements throughout the module period. If you are unable to complete or secure an industrial work placement an alternative industry-focused placement brief will be set.

More information

FA6008 -

Fashion Collection: Concept Development (Core,40 Credits)

This module will draw upon and develop your previous learning experience in Fashion and give you the opportunity to create a personal Fashion collection within your chosen specialism. The outcome of this module will provide substantial evidence of your autonomy and unique Fashion design abilities in preparation for your application to the Fashion profession, or post-graduate education.

On this module, you will be given the opportunity to identify a personal Fashion design brief and philosophy that defines your design approach and expresses your professional aspirations. You will independently conduct a challenging, experimental and sophisticated body of original Fashion research considering commercial, aspirational, luxury and directional fashion trends.

You will be able to reflect upon and critically evaluate your research findings, developing your independent judgement to enable the design development of your Fashion collection to a professional standard.

In practical studio and workshop sessions, and extended studio and virtual learning approaches you will have the opportunity to develop your expertise and knowledge in the use of specialist Fashion skills and technologies and to contextualise pattern cutting, constructed knitted fabrics, or textiles within your Fashion collection.

You will compile sketchbooks, process books and portfolios of practical Fashion research and design development work and present three-dimensional sampling and toileing in support of the further development and construction strategy of your Fashion collection.

More information

FA6009 -

Final Fashion Collection and Portfolio (Core,60 Credits)

In this module you will demonstrate your advanced knowledge and design practice to produce and present a forward thinking, professional fashion collection alongside a portfolio within the context of your chosen specialism: pattern cutting, printed textiles, or constructed knitwear. You will create an edited Fashion collection alongside your portfolio, to enable you to place a deeper focus on your specialism, in support of your professional ambitions. Students may opt for either a sample or a garment-based collection.

You will self-determine an intellectually challenging, fashion collection brief, that builds upon your prior learning reflecting upon your personal strengths and research interests. In-depth cultural, aesthetic, technical and commercial research will be harnessed using critical design thinking processes, to synthesise advanced fashion solutions. You will experiment with a range of appropriate tools, media, materials, techniques and processes in atelier-style and academic working sessions, with supported extended studio and virtual learning activities. You will apply advanced technical methodologies in the interpretation of fashion concepts to fashion design outcomes, using professional pattern cutting and experimental moulage techniques.

You will analyse your work objectively against educational, professional and personal criteria, reflecting upon your work-in-progress, You will present and defend your work, both formally and informally, to your peers, specialist tutors and industrial partners where relevant at identified key points of the module.

Your professional physical and screen-based illustrated design portfolio will enhance your employability and enterprise skills through the application of your individual style to a range of fashion genres, brands and customers. Participation in live projects, national and international competitions, and interaction with industrial partners where possible, will support your transition into the fashion workplace or post-graduate study.

Advanced illustration, portfolio and 3D presentation skills will support the promotion of your creative practice to a range of audiences including potential employers, assessors, press, competition judges etc. This could be in a variety of formats; exhibitions, portfolio websites or physical / virtual presentations.

More information

FA6017 -

Fashion Dissertation (Core,20 Credits)

This module provides an opportunity for final-year students to develop a critical, informed position in relation to theoretical and contextual issues surrounding design practice. By writing a 6,000-word Design Report (dissertation), you will articulate your knowledge of a particular subject and demonstrate your skills in research, critical thinking and using advanced analytical techniques to present an argument in written form. These are skills that will benefit you in your professional career and/or in postgraduate study. The subject will usually be related to your design specialism, but you are free to examine any viable subject within the broad field of visual and material culture. In most cases, the subject will be based on a research proposal that you will produce at Level 5. You will be supported by an assigned academic supervisor, with whom you will discuss work in progress.

More information

YB5001 -

Academic Language Skills for Design (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.

More information

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

FA4007 -

What is Fashion? Historical and Critical Studies (Core,20 Credits)

In this module, you will explore the question: What is fashion? This research-rich year- long module encourages you to immerse yourself in the world of fashion, past and present. It offers a broad introduction to fashion studies.

With specialist Fashion, Historical and Critical lecturers you will learn about particular themes and developments in the history of fashion design since c.1800: exploring influential designers and placing fashion in the social and cultural contexts of the time through a series of illustrated lectures supported by seminars. Your visual vocabulary will expand through the development of your knowledge of fashion design history, and enable you to take inspiration from the design of the past to apply to your own work in parallel module ‘Introduction to Fashion Design’.

You will also be introduced to how the industry works through a fundamental exploration of topics such as; global context and the fashion year, cultural context and trend forecasting, fashion in the media, types of garment manufacturers, market segments and the retailer, digital designing and e-portfolios, colour, fibres to fabrics, the fashion cycle and responsible design practices. On completion of the module you will have gained a critical understanding of the key aspects of how the industry works, which you can relate to your own practice as a designer.

Hands-on and online analysis will help you develop research skills relevant to fashion design practice, including library and archival research, visual fashion communication and presentation skills, and to support independent learning. You will gain the ability to conduct critical visual analysis and research of fashion design practice and the confidence to articulate clearly your viewpoints in speech and writing.

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FA4008 -

Introduction To Fashion Skills (Core,40 Credits)

In ‘Introduction to Fashion Skills’ you will learn a range of skills that will underpin the programme’s craftsmanship ethos, and support your practical making of garments and samples on the Fashion programme, initiating the building of long-term practical skills.

You will be introduced to the appropriate health and safety regulations and procedures to support safe working practices. You will develop the essential practical skills in a technical programme delivered in our specialist workshops, studios and virtual learning environments. You will learn about garments and how they are made through engaging with elementary methodologies and multi-cultural, responsible processes. You will also learn about traditional approaches to pattern cutting and manufacture through a series of experimental workshop-based projects to achieve a fashioned garment or sample-based outcome. This will establish knowledge to enable garment development and technical progression on the Fashion programme.

You will progress to a creative garment project, and will evidence your independent judgement in your ability to generate and explore ideas through experimental pattern cutting techniques for fashion outcomes. You will construct samples, a fashion toile and progressive creative garment from start to finish showing your understanding of the processes learned. You will also demonstrate ability to capture aesthetically your garment design developed in the parallel module; ‘Introduction to Fashion Design’ and interpret a 2D design into a 3D physical outcome, exploring the fashion formal elements of silhouette, colour, fabric and proportion. Part of this process will involve leaning how garments relate to the human form, building material shapes and learning to fit a garment on a body, to critically evaluate your garment development aesthetically, and assess its function. You will also be introduced to a range of fabrications and also given guidance on how to handle and manage cloth.

Presentation of your fashioned outcomes at critique will allow you the opportunity to convey your thought process to an identified audience. Here you may engage in critical debate and learn how to use feedback to support your progression.

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FA4009 -

Introduction to Fashion Design (Core,60 Credits)

In ‘Introduction to Fashion Design’ you will be introduced to creative design thinking and learn how to develop a creative response to a range of project briefs exploring genres of fashion.

You will learn the value of design research through analysis, drawing inspiration from a broad range of historical, contemporary, cultural, global and fashion market sources in the wider design world to inform design direction for responsible fashion outcomes. You will engage with creative exploration of design briefs demonstrating an awareness of design development processes, fashion formal elements (silhouette, pattern, texture, detail, colour and proportion) and issues. You will create a final illustrated garment collection incorporating printed textiles and constructed knitwear.

You will be encouraged to explore your own individual design handwriting through experimental and systematic design development, some of which will inspire garments in ‘Introduction to Fashion Skills’ module. Elements of your 3D creative sampling processes will be included in your design projects to show how this informs garment design.

You will learn how to develop your drawing skills appropriate to specific purposes: observational research drawing, technical drawing and experimental fashion illustration; to communicate your ideas using both manual and digital techniques.

You will learn how to produce a personal portfolio in both physical and screen-based formats and present these at critiques, giving opportunity for evaluative feedback and exchange with peers in preparation for Industrial Placement at level 5.

More information

YB5001 -

Academic Language Skills for Design (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.

More information

AD5007 -

Design Study Abroad (60 credit) (Optional,60 Credits)

The Study Abroad module is a semester based 60 credit module which is available on degree courses which facilitate study abroad within the programme. You will undertake a semester abroad at a partner university equivalent to 60 UK credits. This gives you access to modules from your discipline taught in a different learning culture and so broadens your overall experience of learning. The course of study abroad will be constructed to meet the learning outcomes for the programme for the semester in question, dependent on suitable modules from the partner and will be recorded for an individual student on the learning agreement signed by the host University, the student, and the home University (Northumbria). The module will be assessed by conversion of graded marks from the host University.

Learning outcomes on the year-long modules on which the student is unable to attend the home institution must be met at the host institution, and marks from the host are incorporated into the modules as part of the overall assessment.

More information

FA5010 -

Fashion Thinking 1: Professional Practice Preparation (Core,20 Credits)

In ‘Fashion Thinking 1: Professional Practice Preparation’ you will look at the industry from two perspectives. You will develop a critical understanding of the key social, political, theoretical and practical work-based considerations relating to contemporary fashion design and the broader fashion industry to support your development as a responsible designer in a challenging professional environment.

The module encourages you to extend academic skills in knowledge retrieval, library and web-based research and critical analysis to inform your judgement presented in written, oral and visual presentations. By engaging with lectures and seminars delivered by Fashion Historical and Critical Studies and Design lecturers, you will develop knowledge and a critical perspective on issues and practices in the world of fashion such a sustainability, responsible design practice, corporate responsibility, branding, fast and slow fashion. You will gain important tools to join the fashion industry with a clear vision of the processes involved in sourcing, applying and undertaking of a student internship or study abroad. Skills of analysis and written exposition will evidence your critical awareness of the key issues and practices related to contemporary fashion design.

You will apply your valuable insight to the fashion industry from our long-standing relationship with global fashion companies and designers as you start your preparation for a desirable, exciting fashion experience in a multi-faceted international industry, or in testing an enterprise idea.

You will gain insight to roles and responsibilities, rules of engagement and industry’s expectations of interns from online talks buy industrial partners and experts through role-play and studio workshops. This will to give you a realistic overview of industrial experience and how to realistically approach the application process for a successful outcome. You will develop the ability to evaluate your skills from an area of practice, highlighting your strengths and communicate this in a way that is a desirable asset to a placement provider.

You will be assessed on final outcomes comprising of a 1500-word essay critically reflecting on issues relating to the contemporary fashion industry; and a ‘professional tool kit’ containing documentation; C.V., cover letter and portfolio, balancing personal creativity with professionalism; skills, content and finish in screen-based format, to support the employment application process.

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FA5011 -

Fashion Design Project 1 (Core,40 Credits)

In ‘Fashion Design Project 1’ you will learn how to further develop your design skills in relation to professional practice. The creative design brief will be industry focused on a specific market level or brand, as a ‘Live project’. This module will introduce you to the balance designers must achieve between craftsmanship, aesthetic ideals, responsible practice and commercial restraints and opportunities.

This project will help you to understand the relationship between the creative and commercial requirements of Fashion design, and provide the opportunity to develop specialist skills and knowledge of materials, skills and processes in the realisation of your Fashion design concepts. Students are able to select a specialist area of study in this module, exploring the creative challenge of either technical pattern cutting; haute couture construction techniques, fashion print design or constructed knitwear design or a negotiated combination of pattern cutting with printed textile design or constructed knitwear design to support your career aspirations.

You will learn how to research, develop and design a market-led collection of garments presented as a Fashion design portfolio.

In addition to the portfolio, you will produce and communicate a Fashion artefact or creative solution, which will take the form of a garment or a sample package to contextualise the portfolio collection. In the Fashion workshops using industry standard equipment, students specialising in garment design will produce a garment of their own design, students specialising in printed textile design will learn the fundamentals of printed textile design through screen printing to produce a printed textile sample collection while students specialising in constructed knitwear design will learn the fundamental knitting skills on industrial machinery and produce a range of technical constructed knitwear samples.

The industry facing nature of this project supports the industrial placement period, which begins in the following semester in the FA5017 Fashion Industrial Placement module.

More information

FA5017 -

Fashion Industrial Placement (Optional,120 Credits)

‘Fashion Industrial Placement’ will offer you the opportunity to complete a minimum of 24 weeks in the fashion industry, gaining experience in one or more placements. This opportunity affords you a broad insight into how industry operates, its differing market levels and consumer profiles. Being part of a team in a Fashion Company means a greater understanding of design processes; product development and range planning, price points, production processes and lead times. Through your industrial work experience, you potentially gain an understanding of the importance of comparative product analysis; brand image, packaging and labelling, traditional/digital retail, marketing and promotion. By undertaking placement(s), you develop a greater awareness of fashion, contemporary culture and trends and to advance your visual and verbal communication skills. The experience of applying your academic studies in a real work environment will help you to develop a confident and professional attitude and make informed decisions about your future fashion career. In this ‘Fashion Industrial Placement’ module you will keep a digital diary of your learning and professional experience; documenting your new skills and knowledge acquired from your Placement(s).

During this 12 month period you are expected to complete a minimum of 24 weeks. The weeks can run consecutively or as a series of individual placements throughout the year. If you are unable to complete or secure an enterprise or industrial work placement, an alternative industry-focused placement brief will be set. Additionally, a minimum term shorter than 24 weeks may be allowed, should the University implement 'emergency'/mitigating measures, in response to Covid-19 or other significant changes in the operating environment.

More information

FA5023 -

Industrial Placement Option (Optional,60 Credits)

This Industrial Placement module offers you the opportunity to complete a placement/s in the fashion industry, gaining experience in one or more placements. This opportunity affords you a broad insight into how industry operates, its differing market levels and consumer profiles. Being part of a team in a Fashion Company means a greater understanding of design processes; product development and range planning, price points, production processes and lead times. Through your industrial work experience, you potentially gain an understanding of the importance of comparative product analysis; brand image, packaging and labelling, traditional/digital retail, marketing and promotion. By undertaking placement(s), you develop a greater awareness of fashion, contemporary culture and trends, and to be able to advance your visual and verbal communication skills. The experience of applying your academic studies in a real work environment will help you to develop a confident and professional attitude and to make informed decisions about your future fashion career. In the Industrial Placement module you will keep a digital diary of your learning and professional experience; documenting your new skills and knowledge acquired from your Placement(s).

During this period you are expected to complete a minimum requirement in industry. The weeks can run consecutively or as a series of individual placements throughout the module period. If you are unable to complete or secure an industrial work placement an alternative industry-focused placement brief will be set.

More information

YB5001 -

Academic Language Skills for Design (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.

More information

AD5007 -

Design Study Abroad (60 credit) (Optional,60 Credits)

The Study Abroad module is a semester based 60 credit module which is available on degree courses which facilitate study abroad within the programme. You will undertake a semester abroad at a partner university equivalent to 60 UK credits. This gives you access to modules from your discipline taught in a different learning culture and so broadens your overall experience of learning. The course of study abroad will be constructed to meet the learning outcomes for the programme for the semester in question, dependent on suitable modules from the partner and will be recorded for an individual student on the learning agreement signed by the host University, the student, and the home University (Northumbria). The module will be assessed by conversion of graded marks from the host University.

Learning outcomes on the year-long modules on which the student is unable to attend the home institution must be met at the host institution, and marks from the host are incorporated into the modules as part of the overall assessment.

More information

FA5013 -

Fashion Thinking 2: Concepts and Theory (Core,20 Credits)

‘Fashion Thinking 2: Concepts and Theory’ offers insights to key subjects and external influences relevant to academic theoretical study and advanced fashion design practice. This module will inform your understanding of the changing fashion landscape and zeitgeist in the study of the global, contemporary, cultural and market influences that impact on the fashion industry and contemporary issues,

The module encourages you to extend academic skills such as knowledge retrieval, visual analysis, object and image-based and archival research, through proposal writing, critical justification and visual communication.

In Component 1 you will learn how to research and write a proposal in preparation for the Level 6 AH6007 Dissertation module.

In Component 2 you will be guided by specialist tutors on how to use creative and critical thinking to confirm who you are as a designer. You will work on your creative practice holistically across both FA5013 and the parallel FA5014 Fashion Design Project 2 modules. In this FA5013 module you will develop your creative practice conceptually and theoretically by creating your own fashion concept within the zeitgeist, taking into consideration relevant issues such as identity, diversity, responsible design practice and new technologies, enabling you to set your practice within contemporary culture.

You will refine your aesthetic judgement and visual communication skills through taking an intellectual approach to advanced image making in sketchbook and portfolio. You will be encouraged to move beyond the barriers of fashion and look to other disciplines and approaches to advance your creative practice and find new ways of thinking, working and making. Philosophical and communication theories will help support your experimental approach to image making using hand-rendered and digital techniques

There may be an opportunity to take part in relevant national competitions or live/collaborative projects, that will allow you to work with industrial partners to develop your professional skills and understanding.

This work may be used to underpin final collection work at Level 6 where relevant.

More information

FA5014 -

Fashion Design Project 2 (Core,40 Credits)

In ‘Fashion Design Project 2’ you will identify emerging developments in fashion to inspire individual creative direction and enquiry of fashion design practice, cumulating in garment/sample realisation and portfolio communicating a distinctive individual handwriting that confirms who you are as a designer. You will work on your creative practice holistically across both FA5014 and the parallel FA5013 Fashion Thinking 2: Concepts & Theory modules.

You will learn how to form a creative concept from research gathered independently over your industrial placement and/or study abroad experience covering a range of global, historical, contemporary and cultural influences with a view to you to evolving your personal design philosophy. You will revisit design methodologies in research translating ideas to design development and engage in the production of garment prototypes, printed textiles or constructed knitwear sampling in specialist studios and workshops developing your knowledge and own focus within individual study skills. You will be encouraged to challenge production processes within the specialism producing investigative sampling to inform garment design.

The module challenges you to broaden knowledge of fashion market levels, extending your previous experience, by focusing on ‘Luxury’ fashion as a conduit for developing progressive knowledge of aesthetic principles and skills in fashion craftsmanship. This will enable you to make decisions about your ambitions for personal development towards level 6 and employment.

Your portfolio will give you opportunity to develop an experimental approach to fashion Illustration through personal investigation of creative and intellectual stimuli. You will be encouraged to integrate traditional and digital media with a view to communicating your fashion outcomes to a range of audiences.

You will create a fashion presentation communicating your creative outcomes appropriate to Fashion context.

More information

FA5017 -

Fashion Industrial Placement (Optional,120 Credits)

‘Fashion Industrial Placement’ will offer you the opportunity to complete a minimum of 24 weeks in the fashion industry, gaining experience in one or more placements. This opportunity affords you a broad insight into how industry operates, its differing market levels and consumer profiles. Being part of a team in a Fashion Company means a greater understanding of design processes; product development and range planning, price points, production processes and lead times. Through your industrial work experience, you potentially gain an understanding of the importance of comparative product analysis; brand image, packaging and labelling, traditional/digital retail, marketing and promotion. By undertaking placement(s), you develop a greater awareness of fashion, contemporary culture and trends and to advance your visual and verbal communication skills. The experience of applying your academic studies in a real work environment will help you to develop a confident and professional attitude and make informed decisions about your future fashion career. In this ‘Fashion Industrial Placement’ module you will keep a digital diary of your learning and professional experience; documenting your new skills and knowledge acquired from your Placement(s).

During this 12 month period you are expected to complete a minimum of 24 weeks. The weeks can run consecutively or as a series of individual placements throughout the year. If you are unable to complete or secure an enterprise or industrial work placement, an alternative industry-focused placement brief will be set. Additionally, a minimum term shorter than 24 weeks may be allowed, should the University implement 'emergency'/mitigating measures, in response to Covid-19 or other significant changes in the operating environment.

More information

FA5023 -

Industrial Placement Option (Optional,60 Credits)

This Industrial Placement module offers you the opportunity to complete a placement/s in the fashion industry, gaining experience in one or more placements. This opportunity affords you a broad insight into how industry operates, its differing market levels and consumer profiles. Being part of a team in a Fashion Company means a greater understanding of design processes; product development and range planning, price points, production processes and lead times. Through your industrial work experience, you potentially gain an understanding of the importance of comparative product analysis; brand image, packaging and labelling, traditional/digital retail, marketing and promotion. By undertaking placement(s), you develop a greater awareness of fashion, contemporary culture and trends, and to be able to advance your visual and verbal communication skills. The experience of applying your academic studies in a real work environment will help you to develop a confident and professional attitude and to make informed decisions about your future fashion career. In the Industrial Placement module you will keep a digital diary of your learning and professional experience; documenting your new skills and knowledge acquired from your Placement(s).

During this period you are expected to complete a minimum requirement in industry. The weeks can run consecutively or as a series of individual placements throughout the module period. If you are unable to complete or secure an industrial work placement an alternative industry-focused placement brief will be set.

More information

FA6008 -

Fashion Collection: Concept Development (Core,40 Credits)

This module will draw upon and develop your previous learning experience in Fashion and give you the opportunity to create a personal Fashion collection within your chosen specialism. The outcome of this module will provide substantial evidence of your autonomy and unique Fashion design abilities in preparation for your application to the Fashion profession, or post-graduate education.

On this module, you will be given the opportunity to identify a personal Fashion design brief and philosophy that defines your design approach and expresses your professional aspirations. You will independently conduct a challenging, experimental and sophisticated body of original Fashion research considering commercial, aspirational, luxury and directional fashion trends.

You will be able to reflect upon and critically evaluate your research findings, developing your independent judgement to enable the design development of your Fashion collection to a professional standard.

In practical studio and workshop sessions, and extended studio and virtual learning approaches you will have the opportunity to develop your expertise and knowledge in the use of specialist Fashion skills and technologies and to contextualise pattern cutting, constructed knitted fabrics, or textiles within your Fashion collection.

You will compile sketchbooks, process books and portfolios of practical Fashion research and design development work and present three-dimensional sampling and toileing in support of the further development and construction strategy of your Fashion collection.

More information

FA6009 -

Final Fashion Collection and Portfolio (Core,60 Credits)

In this module you will demonstrate your advanced knowledge and design practice to produce and present a forward thinking, professional fashion collection alongside a portfolio within the context of your chosen specialism: pattern cutting, printed textiles, or constructed knitwear. You will create an edited Fashion collection alongside your portfolio, to enable you to place a deeper focus on your specialism, in support of your professional ambitions. Students may opt for either a sample or a garment-based collection.

You will self-determine an intellectually challenging, fashion collection brief, that builds upon your prior learning reflecting upon your personal strengths and research interests. In-depth cultural, aesthetic, technical and commercial research will be harnessed using critical design thinking processes, to synthesise advanced fashion solutions. You will experiment with a range of appropriate tools, media, materials, techniques and processes in atelier-style and academic working sessions, with supported extended studio and virtual learning activities. You will apply advanced technical methodologies in the interpretation of fashion concepts to fashion design outcomes, using professional pattern cutting and experimental moulage techniques.

You will analyse your work objectively against educational, professional and personal criteria, reflecting upon your work-in-progress, You will present and defend your work, both formally and informally, to your peers, specialist tutors and industrial partners where relevant at identified key points of the module.

Your professional physical and screen-based illustrated design portfolio will enhance your employability and enterprise skills through the application of your individual style to a range of fashion genres, brands and customers. Participation in live projects, national and international competitions, and interaction with industrial partners where possible, will support your transition into the fashion workplace or post-graduate study.

Advanced illustration, portfolio and 3D presentation skills will support the promotion of your creative practice to a range of audiences including potential employers, assessors, press, competition judges etc. This could be in a variety of formats; exhibitions, portfolio websites or physical / virtual presentations.

More information

FA6017 -

Fashion Dissertation (Core,20 Credits)

This module provides an opportunity for final-year students to develop a critical, informed position in relation to theoretical and contextual issues surrounding design practice. By writing a 6,000-word Design Report (dissertation), you will articulate your knowledge of a particular subject and demonstrate your skills in research, critical thinking and using advanced analytical techniques to present an argument in written form. These are skills that will benefit you in your professional career and/or in postgraduate study. The subject will usually be related to your design specialism, but you are free to examine any viable subject within the broad field of visual and material culture. In most cases, the subject will be based on a research proposal that you will produce at Level 5. You will be supported by an assigned academic supervisor, with whom you will discuss work in progress.

More information

YB5001 -

Academic Language Skills for Design (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.

More information

To start your application, simply select the month you would like to start your course.

Fashion BA (Hons)

Home or EU applicants please apply through UCAS

International applicants please apply using the links below

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Any Questions?

Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help.  They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.

 

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

Accessibility and Student Inclusion

Northumbria University is committed to developing an inclusive, diverse and accessible campus and wider University community and are determined to ensure that opportunities we provide are open to all.

We are proud to work in partnership with AccessAble to provide Detailed Access Guides to our buildings and facilities across our City, Coach Lane and London Campuses. A Detailed Access Guide lets you know what access will be like when you visit somewhere. It looks at the route you will use getting in and what is available inside. All guides have Accessibility Symbols that give you a quick overview of what is available, and photographs to show you what to expect. The guides are produced by trained surveyors who visit our campuses annually to ensure you have trusted and accurate information.

You can use Northumbria’s AccessAble Guides anytime to check the accessibility of a building or facility and to plan your routes and journeys. Search by location, building or accessibility feature to find the information you need. 

We are dedicated to helping students who may require additional support during their student journey and offer 1-1 advice and guidance appropriate to individual requirements. If you feel you may need additional support you can find out more about what we offer here where you can also contact us with any questions you may have:

Accessibility support

Student Inclusion support

If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

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Northumbria Open Days

Open Days are a great way for you to get a feel of the University, the city of Newcastle upon Tyne and the course(s) you are interested in.

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NU World Virtual Tours
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Virtual Tour

Get an insight into life at Northumbria at the click of a button! Come and explore our videos and 360 panoramas to immerse yourself in our campuses and get a feel for what it is like studying here using our interactive virtual tour.

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