BA (Hons)

Fashion Studies FAQ

1) What do you need to see in my portfolio?

A broad range of work that expresses the scope of your creative experiences and shows evidence of enquiry and experimentation. Examples of life or figurative drawings are welcome as well as a sketchbook documenting your ideas. Interests outside of Course work are of particular interest to us even if they are Fashion related. We also consider personality and character to be important at interview.

2) Do I need to know how to sew before I join the course?

It helps to have some practical skills but the course will teach you sewing and construction techniques during the first year of study and build on these through the course.

3) What are the studios like? Are they well equipped?

Our dedicated studios are safe, well equipped spaces with a wide range of industry-standard equipment and resources to support learning and enable you to develop a range of skills. We also have access to workshops where you can make a broader range of Fashion Porduct ie Accessories, Fashion Jewllery etc.

4) What work experience is available? Is there help obtaining this?

The Course has just been validated to deliver an International and UK work placement Under the Unit Design: Enterprise & Innovation. You will be assisted in finding placement and we have Companies already interviewing for Internships. Kenneth Cole – New York, Metal Pointus – Paris. We also offer an international student exchange. These are both important new developments for the Course.

5) Are their opportunities to travel?

We arrange study trips to centers of fashion that include London, New York and Paris. Domestic trips are also arranged depending on identified exhibitions and other cultural events. Previously we visited China and this year our trip to New York included students being interviewed for Internships. Also, as previously mentioned, we offer international student exchanges in the second term of the second year.

6) What are the employment prospects?

Our fashion graduates are capable of taking up a range of employment opportunities that include fashion design, buying, merchandising and visual merchandising as well as trend and fashion forecasting, fashion journalism and PR, freelance work or setting up their own business.

7) Is there theory involved?

Yes, theory informs practice and forms a context for the subject. New Units include Fashion Futures and Writing for Fashion.

8 ) Do I need to be able to draw?

Figurative drawing is required for the portfolio which is expressive with unrealistic proportions; a sense of abstraction in the work is desired.

9) How many students are on the course?

It varies a little but is usually about 55.