Course Overview

The UK fashion industry is large with a global reputation, contributing around £35bn to the UK economy and supports around 900,000 jobs. Clothing has always been big business for the UK, even in medieval times, the wool trade accounted for 80% of exports.

This course is for those who wish to pursue a career in the fashion and textiles industry. You will gain high level and specialist training in how to present and exhibit your work to industry standard and how to realise your fashion collection from idea to catwalk.

The course will provide you with real industry experience working on live projects, as well as gaining invaluable knowledge through optional internships and work experience. You will be encouraged to enter prestigious competitions in order to market yourself as a designer and will have the opportunity to take part in the College's annual fashion show.

Darren Scott, HND alumni student and Midland Fashion Awards 'Emerging Designer Award' winner 2018 said, "If you believe in something and you're passionate about it, follow it through. That's what I think is the biggest thing for anybody who's doing anything creative."

A variety of learning and teaching opportunities will be available on your course, approximately 30% of your learning will include lectures, tutorials and classroom based learning supplemented by workshop activities. Studying can include individual and group working. Higher education courses also require students to undertake independent study and so approximately 70% of your studies will be through independent learning, research, reading and completing assessments. Independent study can also include working in the library or joining a study workshop at the College where you can gain support on study skills.

You will learn new techniques, explore innovative processes and fashion trends, and develop an independent mode of working. You will also be able to specialise in the areas you are most interested in, which include pattern cutting, garment manufacture, illustration, specialist textile techniques such as printmaking, embroidery and knitting and computer aided design. The practical skills learnt will be complemented by a strong understanding of the social, political and historical factors that influence trends within the fashion industry. On completion of your studies you will have created a professional portfolio of work that will showcase your technical abilities to future employers.

General Eligibility

You will need to be aged 18 years or over on or before 31 August of the academic year the course commences.

You will need a minimum of 48 UCAS points which may be gained from the following qualifications:

• Two A Levels

• One A Level and an AS Level pass in an appropriate subject

• BTEC National Diploma or Extended Diploma

• BTEC National Certificate

• Level 3 Diploma or equivalent such as NVQ, GNVQ, International Baccalaureate, Scottish Certificate of Education

• A recognised (Kitemarked) Access course

• Other relevant international qualifications

You will also need to hold a GCSE English or equivalent to a level 2 in English or IELTS with a score of 5.5

Alternatively, if you have significant relevant work experience or other professional qualifications, you may be eligible for the course. Contact the College who will be able to advise and discuss your suitability for the course.

Part Time Work Details

20 Hours of Work permit weekly for international students.

Language Requirement

• IELTS with a score of 5.5