BA (Hons)

Course Identity

Course Philosophy

The face of the Global fashion industry is a complex network of opportunities, driven by changing patterns of consumption. BA (Hons) Fashion Studies reflects this reality in its holistic approach to fashion by addressing the growing market forces which includes Fashion Accessories, Jewellery, Writing for Fashion, Fashion Film and Creative Marketing.

BA (Hons) Fashion Studies promotes directional fashion and visionary thinking, through critical reasoning and analysis. What also defines the uniqueness of the Course is the diversity of options available to students and the student-centred experience of learning. Individuals will be encouraged to challenge and ‘risk take’ and devise new concepts through collaborative practice.

Individuals will be nurtured to to establish a unique ‘design philosophy’ whilst questioning existing practices and looking for new solutions. A broad area of the Global Fashion Industry now looks to employ individuals who make conscientious choices and want to make a positive difference. Students will be encouraged to apply and practice integrity in design decisions and collaborate with appropriate external partners.

Internationalism and global markets will be examined and explored within the curriculum and the Level 5 Unit Design: Enterprise & Innovation will offer the opportunity for students to professionally engage with global markets through ‘Live’ projects and collaborations, placements and internships. This will students give flexibility of choice and experience whilst preparing them for the ‘real world’ of employment or through the opportunity of the Eramus Programme, to experience a different cultural and educational environment.

The changing face of Commerce and the employment market will see individuals exploring entrepreneurial opportunities in a broader context.

The BA (Hons) Fashion Studies course will encourage exploration of Creative Business practices appropriate for today’s markets including entrepreneurialism, ‘e-tail’, M-COMMERCE, pop-up retail environs and virtual shopping.

Our students will be encouraged to realise their own potential and its appropriate expression across a range of diverse outcomes. Practical skills and the ability to think conceptually, combined with commercial awareness, will enable students to apply creativity and originality to their work further informed by ethical and social issues. The course supports the development of critical thinking, underpinned by effective research.

The BA (Hons) Fashion Studies course provides a specialist environment in which creative individuals and communities collaborate across levels, courses and with external sources. Key areas of integration within the curriculum are internationalism and global awareness, sustainability, ethics and diversity, all encouraging individuals to consider making choices with a conscience. Internationalism has become a crucial directive for fashion education in the 21st Century.

The diverse expertise of the dedicated staff team is reflected in the options of study available within the course, currency of delivery and content are assured by research and engagement in appropriate professional activity, conferences etc. both in the UK and internationally. In support, specialist visiting tutors and industry professionals will deliver a series of lectures, presentations and workshops on current creative and business practices.

Our aim is to produce reflective practitioners who have the confidence and abilities to productively contribute to the future development of fashion as responsible, creative individuals. Graduates will have an awareness of global issues pertinent to the fashion industry and will be prepared to actively engage in a professional context.