This module introduces students to the processes involved with being a Fashion and Textiles designer. Research, extracting visual information, observational drawing, creative drape and pattern cutting, sewing, colour theory, fabric, collage and design development skills. It includes inductions to all Level 4 appropriate fashion technical machinery as well as inductions to the library fashion resources and visit(s) to relevant museums / exhibitions within London.

This module runs throughout the length of the academic year, during which the cohort of students will work by rotation through 3 x seven-week projects, focusing on basic knowledge and skills in knit, weave and surface design (print and embroidery), with an emphasis on a fashion context, underpinned by a design brief which has an overarching consideration of sustainability in all textile areas. It includes inductions to all Level 4 appropriate textile technical machinery.

This module builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills gained in FSH1030, facilitating students in using their acquired design skills to now create a 3D output. Focus is on sustainable fashion design and production methods, including minimal waste, upcycling and re-working existing garments and materials. Students work collaboratively with a BA Fashion Textiles and Design peer or peers throughout this project and further collaborate with BA Fashion Design and BA Fashion Communication and Styling students to produce an exhibition/show of their work. Work-based and peer learning opportunities are also a part of this module through each student assisting a Level 6 student for 2/3 weeks before their Graduate Fashion Show.

This module introduces students to different ways of looking at and thinking about fashion, providing an introduction to historical sources and narratives as well as key cultural and contextual theories relating to fashion. The module draws connections between fashions from the past and the present to encourage students to understand the rich cultural and social meanings of clothing and adornment. It teaches a broad range of visual and material research methodologies that encourage students to be resourceful and explore different archives and historical collections in a hands-on way. The content of the module aims to complement student’s studio projects and develops their written, oral and visual communication skills. The module provides a broad understanding and questioning of the contexts of Euro-centric fashion history and lays the critical foundations necessary for students to select areas of interest and develop their specialist knowledge when they progress to Level 5.

This module builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills gained at Level 4, now moving into advanced learning across both fashion and textiles, conceptual and technical. Students will focus on their chosen textile specialism and the project brief(s) will bridge across fashion and textiles design, allowing students to produce 2D and 3D outputs with both elements fed in cohesively. There is a focus during this module on 3D realisation of ideas and the digital rendering and communication of those ideas through specialist CAD workshops, as well as inductions to all specialist Level 5 appropriate fashion and textile machinery and resources. From the start of Level 5, there is a focus on the development of professional communication skills, so all students will be expected to present their work visually and verbally in front of their tutors and peers

When students return from their Industry Placement, this module continues to develop and enhance students’ research, design and development skills within a contemporary fashion context, as well as widening their awareness of the fashion industry and their potential role in it. There is a focus on detail and quality of technical outputs through both textiles and fashion, by concentrating on the development of samples alongside development of fashion context ideas. Advanced technical workshops run alongside group and one-to-one tutorials. Group workshops in fashion production methods and in some cases using specialist fashion CAD design technologies advance students’ skills whilst broadening their understanding of sustainable design methodologies.

This module runs throughout the academic year but is full-time from Week 12-18 when students complete an Industry Work Placement. Knowledge and understanding of professional practice is developed and support in preparation for internships takes place from Week 1 of Level 5, through a series of group workshops focusing on writing CVs and cover letters, making contacts within industry and confidence building in presentation and interview skills. Students are expected to identify designers and/or studios appropriate to them and make applications independently but are facilitated and supported throughout with the aforementioned workshops as well as one-to-one tutoring. Students have previously completed internships at a range of designer studios including: Alexander McQueen, Matty Bovan, Mary Katrantzou, Simone Rocha and Richard Quinn.

Upon return from their internships, students are required to present their experience visually and verbally in a group presentation, and reflect on the variety of companies within the industry, including market level, structure and job roles. Follow up support workshops focusing on industry practice, to help the student produce an analytical, effective and exciting record of their work experience and insights into industry. The aim of the module is to give students the opportunity for work-based learning as well as for them to develop their own projected path within the industry. Outputs include: research boards, learning journals and verbal presentations with visual aids.

In this module, ‘Fashion Culture and Industry’, students will build upon the core academic research and communication skills introduced in the 'Fashion History and Theory' module at Level 4. Students develop and expand their specialist knowledge and understanding of critical issues in contemporary and historical fashion, and relate this to the production, consumption and mediation of fashion as a global aspect of both culture and industry. Throughout the year we will cover key economic, social and theoretical concepts, and explore how they influence the material, visual and consumer culture of fashion. Students are encouraged to challenge dominant historical narratives of fashion, and unpick fashion's mythologies from a global perspective. Students will develop their own independent research interests in contemporary fashion culture and industry, and expand their critical awareness of the fashion industry, which will help them to position their own creative work in an ethically-informed and culturally competent manner.

This module is optional and runs the length of an academic year, allowing students further opportunities for work-based learning before they start their final modules in Level 6. Building on from the knowledge and skills developed at Level 5, students are expected to work with a degree of autonomy in identifying and securing an industry work placement or placements appropriate to their own personal and professional development. The aim of the module is to utilise the work experience to provide an in-depth insight into the work methods and operation of a fashion business or freelance role in the field of fashion design, textile design and / or production. This provides potential a greater understanding of industry practice before final modules are undertaken, and potential for further experience or employment after graduating.

Consolidate all your previous learning to produce individual and creative fashion and textile responses to personal research and concepts across this year-long module. Explore individual identity, aesthetic and interests through a self-directed project, resulting in the development and production of a final collection of textiles and garments and a professional standard portfolio
You will be encouraged to focus your output by choosing to produce work as a ‘fashion textiles designer’ or a ‘textiles for fashion’ designer and you will learn the practical, creative and personal skills to confidently present your work to industry and pursue a career in fashion and / or textiles.

This module runs throughout the academic year, parallel to the studio modules. Building on skills embedded at Levels 4 and 5, the module focuses on identifying and developing research, as well as conducting critical enquiry and reflection into an area of fashion and textiles of the students’ own choosing, in order to further underpin and contextualise their studio practice. The Contextual Studies Research Project module is supported by a series of lectures, skill-based workshops, reading groups and tutorials. It will give you time and space to identify an individual research topic and question; organize research; identify and evaluate the quality of existing secondary research (bodies of existing literature); apply primary research qualitative and quantitative methods (archive research, critical analysis of visual / aural / material sources, conducting interviews and questionnaires); develop an argument; manage time; actively engage with tutorial dialogues and feedback; and develop ideas and express them critically through written, visual,  and oral outputs.