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Foundation Year in Fashion

Learn about the course below
Code
See how to apply
Start
September 2024
Duration
1 year
+ 3 years full-time
Attendance
Full-time
Fees
£9,250 (UK) *
£16,600 (INT) *
Course leader
Matt Ryalls
The Foundation Year in Fashion is offered as an entry route to a fashion degree for students who don't yet meet the entry requirements for degree-level study.


Why study the Foundation Year in Fashion at Middlesex University?

Gain essential technical skills while we prepare you for a stimulating career in the fashion industry, whether you want to be a designer, maker, stylist, or photographer. As well as technique, we will equip you with the confidence and independence you need to engage with the fashion world and move forward in your fashion education with us at Middlesex.


You will enrol on a four-year course which includes the one-year foundation year. The number of students who progress to degree study is very high. The Foundation Year in Fashion will be taught in a blended approach, including online learning and in our excellent studios and facilities at our Hendon campus by the same lecturing staff who teach on our degree courses. You are taught in small group seminars and workshops.


The Foundation Year is for you if:

  • you do not have the right qualifications for a full degree
  • you feel you are not yet ready for degree-level study
  • you have limited or no technical experience, and wish to gain confidence in technical areas of study
  • you are returning to study and feel you need some help to get up to speed with the demands of learning before embarking on a degree


How to apply

If you are interested in studying the Foundation Year in Fashion, you must apply to one of our four-year degree courses. Please have a look at the how to apply tab in entry requirements for further information. Successful completion of the foundation year guarantees entry onto your chosen degree.

We offer the following courses:

Course title UCAS code
BA Fashion with Foundation Year W2B2
BA Fashion Communication and Styling with Foundation Year W23V

Course Highlights

  • Gain essential technical skills while we prepare you for a stimulating career in the fashion industry
  • Build the confidence and independence you need to engage with the fashion world and move forward in your fashion education
  • Benefit from a blended approach learning including a combination of online learning and access to our excellent studios and facilities at our Hendon campus
  • Learn from expert tutors that cover extensive knowledge and experience

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What will you study on the Foundation Year in Fashion?

The first year of the course is an intensive experience which will enhance your creative and communication skills as they apply to the broad and exciting world of the fashion industry.

Your learning will focus on making and learning specialist techniques; developing a creative portfolio, and developing skills in fashion-specific research and writing. At the end of your first year, you will have developed a strong portfolio that will showcase your skills and reflect your future professional direction.

Modules

  • Core modules

    • Fashion: Creative London (30 credits) - Compulsory​

      This module aims to give students an insight into the resources and cultural reference points that inform London’s fashion and creative industries and how they can respond to these creatively. Students will develop confidence and competence in acquiring and using academic English language skills within the specific context of the creative and cultural industries. Students will become familiar with fundamental academic research skills.

    • Fashion Skills (15 credits) - Compulsory​

      This module aims to build on the research skills acquired whilst studying the Understanding Fashion Module to develop an understanding of self-identity as a fashion creative.

      Through experimentation with textile and fashion design skills, students will have the opportunity to develop a design idea towards fully realised 3D outcomes.

      Skills needed to present the technical and development processes needed to produce creative work will be introduced to allow students to reflect on experimentation and decision making within design.

    • Understanding Fashion (15 credits)

      This module aims to introduce students to the global fashion communication industry through identifying and researching appropriate sources. A wide range of resources will be introduced, such as The Sheppard Library, Materials Room and special collections and how to use them.

      A range of fashion communication skills such as photography, image making, and presentation will be introduced to allow students to create images and media that responds to their choice of platform and responds to a set brief.

    • Fashion Construction & Communication (30 credits)

      This module aims to consolidate previous learning into the full design process, bringing together research, design development, outcome and reflection. Foundational skills of construction will be further developed to realise a fully functional 3-Dimensional garment, exploring various techniques used for garment design. Students will be introduced to technical drawing and design plans and the process of toile making.

    • Fashion Realisation (30 credits)

      This module aims to consolidate previous learning into the full design process, bringing together research, design development, outcome and reflection. Foundational skills of construction will be further developed to realise a fully functional 3-Dimensional garment, exploring various techniques used for garment design. Students will be introduced to technical drawing and design plans and the process of toile making.

See the course specification for more information about typical course content outside of the coronavirus outbreak:

Optional modules are usually available at levels 5 and 6, although optional modules are not offered on every course. Where optional modules are available, you will be asked to make your choice during the previous academic year. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, or there are staffing changes which affect the teaching, it may not be offered. If an optional module will not run, we will advise you after the module selection period when numbers are confirmed, or at the earliest time that the programme team make the decision not to run the module, and help you choose an alternative module.

  1. Standard entry requirements
  2. International
  3. How to apply
  1. UK
  2. International
  3. Additional costs

Matt Ryalls
Programme leader

Matt studied Fashion Design at Central St. Martins and has worked as a stylist and Fashion Editor for Arena, Dazed & Confused, Exit, Nylon, POPand The Face magazines. In addition he has collaborated with numerous designers on runway presentations internationally. Matt publishes various ‘zines that explore themes of identity, sexuality and gender that he exhibits internationally.

  • Faye Wong

    Foundation Year in Fashion BA

    I was able to progress onto the BA Fashion Design after my foundation year. The skills I've developed have focused on the different ways of layout for my portfolio as well as sewing techniques such as for different seams and pockets. The thing I enjoyed most was the space we had in our studio and the fashion tutors were very helpful throughout the whole course. And what I've most enjoyed about studying at Middlesex would be the overall environment because even though it is a place of study, it still makes me feel comfortable to be around.


We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.

Other courses

Fashion Communication and Styling BA Honours

Start: September 2023, September 2024

Duration: 3 years full-time

Code: WF30

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