Modules Overview 2026/27
Modules
As a Fashion Design and Marketing student, you will use creative research, design development, and market research to propose original and exciting concepts for new and emerging markets. Coursework may include designing and making projects, reports, presentations, or portfolios. Learning outcomes will assess a combination of knowledge, practical skills, and self-reflection.
Foundation Year
In your first year, you will develop your knowledge of a broad range of creative design disciplines and equip you with the subject knowledge and essential skills that will be required for your entry into this degree. You will have an opportunity to learn contemporary portfolio skills, work on short projects rotating through the 4 different design specialisms of communication design, product design, fashion design and interior design to explore these subject’s areas in more detail.
Year 1
In your first year, you will learn from our skilled team of experts. You will be introduced to the principles of fashion design and marketing, build confidence in practical skills, and expand your market awareness to discover what interests you. You will develop trend forecasting, pattern-cutting, sewing, illustration, and photography skills in a supportive, creative studio and workshop environment.
Year 2
In your second year, you will work on projects aligned with industry needs and explore global trends, emerging technology, sustainability, and ethical considerations. You will develop a keen awareness of positively impacting society and the environment and start to align your interests with your career goals in preparation for industry placement, study abroad, or creative studio briefs.
Year 3
Your third year gives you the opportunity of live industry experiences and studying abroad. This can be through national and international live or simulated industry projects, placements, and opportunities to explore entrepreneurship, fostering your potential, adaptability, and competitive advantage in the job market. You will document your year and share your experiences with staff and peers.
Year 4
In your final year, you can tailor your projects and graduate portfolio to your career goals. You'll create a brand, key products, and promotional outcomes. Students have seen great success in childrenswear, accessories, lingerie, swimwear, sportswear, wearables for pets, and trend forecasting. Realisation is not limited to garment design; it can be storytelling through photography, film, publication, and digital platforms.
Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.
Foundation year
DE3001 -
Design Studio Skills (Core,20 Credits)
The Design Studio Skills module serves as an essential starting point for developing core practical design skills. It provides a comprehensive introduction to key design practices that will prepare you for exploring specialised disciplines in subsequent modules. As an introductory study, it is designed to help you build confidence and competence in fundamental design approaches, ensuring you have a solid grounding in the basics before moving on to design specialisms.
Throughout the module, you will engage in hands-on studio work that covers a range of key design skills, including sketching, visual communication, model making, and the use of digital tools and design software. You will be introduced to the design process, beginning with research and idea generation, and progressing through development, refinement, and final presentation of your ideas. The emphasis will be on experimentation, allowing you to explore different media, materials, and design techniques in a supportive environment.
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DE3002 -
Design Contexts (Core,20 Credits)
The Design Context module explores the historical, cultural, and contemporary issues in design, giving you a broad understanding of how design has evolved and its relevance in today's world. You will study key design movements and the work of influential designers, gaining insight into how their contributions shaped the current landscape. The module also introduces critical debates around contemporary issues, such as sustainability, ethics, and technological innovation, fostering an understanding of the challenges designers face in today’s society.
Through a combination of lectures, group discussions, and case studies, you will explore design within the disciplines of communication design, product design, fashion, and interior design. This broad scope allows you to see how different areas of design intersect and influence each other, laying the groundwork for your progression into a specialised undergraduate programme. The module will also emphasise design's societal impact, encouraging you to think critically about the ethical and cultural implications of your work.
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DE3003 -
Design Specialisms (Core,40 Credits)
This module is designed to introduce you to four key design disciplines, communication design, interior design, product design, and fashion design, giving you a comprehensive overview of each field. The primary aim is to help you explore these areas through hands-on projects and research, allowing you to gain practical experience and understand the unique approaches and methodologies of each discipline. By the end of the module, you will have the knowledge and confidence to make an informed decision about which undergraduate design programme within the School of Design best aligns with your interests and strengths.
Specialist academic staff with a range of design industry and research experience will guide you through key areas of each discipline to provide an introductory understanding to the subjects, helping you gain an understanding of each specialism and provide a strong creative basis to be implemented in future subject specific design projects.
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DE3004 -
Major Design Project (Core,20 Credits)
This module provides an opportunity to tackle a design challenge within one of the subject areas you’ve previously explored in the programme. You will follow a complete design process, from research to project realisation, allowing you to build on the skills, knowledge, and understanding gained throughout the Design Foundation modules. The aim is to guide you through researching, conceptualising, and developing a final design solution, encouraging you to explore a range of ideas in a studio environment and take ownership of your learning.
Throughout the module, you will present your design concepts and artefacts to tutors and peers in various formats, learning to reflect on feedback and improve your work. The project will demonstrate how your practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and conceptual thinking have evolved. You will be encouraged to experiment and take creative risks and may present you with an opportunity to enhance your portfolio by exploring a complementary area of design. The final outcome will support your transition into further undergraduate studies, showcasing the critical and reflective approach you’ve developed.
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DE3005 -
Design Portfolio and Exhibition (Core,20 Credits)
On this module, you will learn how to develop and present a professional design portfolio and exhibition that showcases your evolving design skills and creative expertise in one of the four design disciplines; communication design, interior design, product design or fashion design. You will be encouraged to experiment with visual communication, take creative risks, and refine your personal design approach. The process will allow you to become a more confident and competent designer, essential for a professional career in the design industry. You will also learn the fundamental principles of visual communication, this will be complemented by visual research methods and critical thinking skills, helping you build a solid academic foundation for further study and development.
Throughout the module, you will focus on creativity and innovation, exploring how designers work in the modern world and adapting to changing trends. Digital literacy will be essential as you prepare your final portfolio for presentation. Additionally, you will develop collaboration and teamwork skills by working with peers to organise and present your final exhibition.
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Year one
DE4022 -
Interchange 1 – Experimental Processes (Core,20 Credits)
In this module, you will delve into experimental design processes that are directly applicable to your future role in the ever-changing field of design. The boundaries between established design disciplines are continually shifting due to the ongoing collaborative nature of design projects calling on multiple skill sets, technological advancements, evolving design trends and societal needs.
The main objective is to provide you with the opportunity to explore making practice through different media, by acquire new skills or gaining experience in areas that are unfamiliar to you. For example, different briefs might explore 3D printing, upcycling, narrative storytelling and illustration or coding for designers. You will be encouraged to experiment and will be rewarded for taking creative risks. Throughout this process, you will develop into a more competent and self-assured designer, essential for a professional design career.
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FA4014 -
Introduction to Fashion Design & Marketing (Core,20 Credits)
In this Introduction to Fashion Design and Marketing module, you will be introduced to historical and contemporary influences in fashion design, providing the foundation to understand how fashion is traditionally produced, circulated, and consumed. You will also explore some of the principal theoretical approaches to fashion marketing, equipping you with the tools to analyse its operation in the fashion industry.
By studying contemporary design influences, you will learn the history of fashion through various socio-cultural, political, and economic influences. You will discover the roots of fashion and how it has evolved over time, giving you a better understanding of this constantly changing and exciting industry. This module will introduce you to why and how styles have changed and how trends have emerged through key historical events and figures.
Through the introduction to fashion marketing, you will learn basic marketing concepts, principles, theories and techniques. This module will introduce you to the marketing mix and how fashion businesses analyse, segment and target markets.
Through this module, you will learn to be independent, conduct individual study and work collaboratively to formulate ideas and articulate and present the subject confidently. You will also reflect on what you have learned and how this has impacted your design principles at the start of your Fashion Design and Marketing student journey.
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FA4015 -
Fashion Practice (Core,20 Credits)
Fashion Practice introduces you to the professional standards of contemporary fashion design. Technical pattern cutting and sewing inductions, including sample and garment construction, are creatively recorded in a process journal. Practical design research workshops and activities will contextualise the development of technical skills.
Our team of technical specialists will conduct workshops to help you acquire the necessary practical skills for adhering to health and safety regulations and procedures. You will learn the fundamental methodologies and processes of pattern cutting and garment construction. You will learn sewing techniques to create a garment and sampling. Through demonstrations you will receive guidance on handling and preparing different types of fabric, laying out patterns and the basics of moulage. Studio activities will complement the development of your technical skills, for example, analysing and drawing garments, peer reviews of student work across various levels, and presentations to inspire and contextualise the practical skills you will learn.
You will creatively record all skills development in a process journal. This journal will serve as a sketchbook where you will record your progress by including observational drawings, technical worksheets, photographs, annotations, and small samples. You can refer to this journal and add to it at any point during your academic journey as you improve your pattern-cutting and construction skills. This module is a foundation that will prepare you for a creative make project later in the academic year and beyond.
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FA4016 -
Fashion Photography & Illustration (Core,20 Credits)
In this Fashion Photography & Illustration module, you will learn essential intellectual, creative, and technical skills to prepare you for working in the fashion industry. As a Fashion Design and Marketing student, you will be required to creatively communicate via illustration and visualise brand and product promotion through photography and film; this module will underpin the creative marketing outcomes of all future modules, helping you to develop your portfolio skills year on year. The module will introduce the importance of being aware of intellectual property when creating fashion imagery and explore using AI as a creative tool, engaging in design discourse around the use of technology in fashion illustration and photography. You will learn how brands use imagery, typography, and photography to convey their company brand values and products, and you will be able to apply this knowledge to develop your aesthetics and design awareness in your promotional work.
Fashion Illustration workshops will introduce you to fashion-related visual communication skills by exploring different types of hand-rendered and digital drawings for various purposes using a range of media techniques and experimentation.
You will learn to use Digital SLR cameras and photography equipment and how to set up our Fashion Photography Studio or a location shoot to produce contemporary fashion photography and film, considering light and composition. You will also learn the importance of creating a personal visual narrative as well as digital image editing and creative publishing techniques to underpin your knowledge and understanding of visual literacy skills.
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FA4017 -
Fashion Trend Forecasting (Core,20 Credits)
In this Fashion Trend Forecasting module, you will learn essential intellectual, creative, and technical skills to prepare you for working in the fashion industry. You will be introduced to the fundamentals of Trend Forecasting in the fashion industry, a highly creative and inspirational field grounded in business practicalities, by a team of experienced specialist tutors.
Market research underpins trend forecasting, and both play a fundamental role in the fashion design industry. Academics will introduce you to the key trend forecasting companies and explore the resources they produce and their role in design businesses.
Through fashion research, trend, and market analysis, you will explore innovative concepts to produce a fashion trend forecasting package communicated through illustrative, photographic, and graphic practices. Through observation and practical exercises, you will learn visual communication skills by exploring different types of hand-rendered and digital drawing for a range of purposes, experimenting with a variety of media techniques. AI will be explored as a tool for generating conceptual material for trend packages. You will learn the importance of range planning and fashion specification drawing, and how these can be created using the relevant drawing tools and digital software. You will learn about responsible fashion practices through human and planet-centred design principles, and you will apply these appropriately to your proposed range plan.
You will use your fashion trend forecasting package to inform the realisation of one design in your next module Fashion Product. You will carry forward your chosen fashion specification drawing for further development through pattern cutting and construction in Block 2.
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FA4018 -
Fashion Product (Core,20 Credits)
The Fashion Product module allows you to apply and build on what you have learned across your level 4 studies in blocks 1 and 2. You will apply what you have learned in the Fashion Practice module, using the knowledge and skills gained through your technical inductions and introduction to pattern-cutting and construction techniques. You will use your fashion trend forecasting package from block 2 to inform the realisation of one design, carrying forward your chosen specification drawing for further development and sampling. You will demonstrate your knowledge of responsible practice through development and realisation of your proposed design.
As you progress to a creative garment project, you will evidence your independent judgement in your ability to generate and explore ideas through experimental pattern-cutting techniques. You will also be introduced to a range of fabrications and given guidance on how to handle and prepare cloth.
What you have learned in the Fashion Photography and Illustration module will be utilised when you present a photostyling image of your realised design, considering the mood and aesthetic of your trend and how to capture this appropriately through photography or film.
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YB5001 -
Academic Language Skills for Design (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)
Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.
The topics you will cover on the module include:
• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.
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Year two
DE5021 -
Interchange 2 – Emerging Issues and Practices (Core,20 Credits)
In this module, you will explore some of the most important emerging design issues and practices that are shaping contemporary design and design research. As designers, we are in a perpetual state of evolution, responding to a world that is constantly in flux, where new challenges and opportunities arise on an almost daily basis.
This module occurs at a critical and timely stage in your design education, where you will delve into the heart of design's developing practice opportunities or most compelling dilemmas. You will learn to identify, analyse, and propose innovative opportunities to these dynamic and often complex situations. You will also learn to react to these challenges by working with others, leveraging your collective skills and knowledge to develop more nuanced design outcomes.
Emerging issues and practices may include a diverse range of topics, from sustainability, responsibility, inclusivity and diversity to technology and innovation, which may in turn have implications for cross-cultural design and global design trends.
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FA5025 -
Fashion Futures (Core,20 Credits)
Fashion Futures is a dynamic module that combines research and theory with practical workshops and demonstrations to explore, discover and propose innovative concepts for fashion design and marketing. Academic staff will introduce you to consumer behaviour theory, encourage you to analyse and debate contemporary design issues, and, through investigating ethics and sustainability in the fashion industry, demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of how these approaches and trends impact the fashion industry. You will work collaboratively with peers to analyse a fashion business and present your report as a group to share your observations, explore topics through reflective discussion, and receive feedback from staff and peers.
To contextualise some of the themes explored in this Fashion Futures lecture series, you will participate in demonstrations and workshops to explore and experiment with new and emerging craft skills. Workshops and demonstrations supported by the technical team will broaden your awareness and introduce you to new experimental making methods and digital skills to further enrich your practice as a designer for future consumers.
You will present and relate your skills development and research to areas of potential personal interest in the industry, further evidenced through the creative proposal of a fashion product or marketing concept that applies these principles. You will creatively present or pitch this concept to staff and peers for feedback with the potential of developing this further to realisation in block 2 - module Fashion Concept to Product.
This module is designed to adapt and embed new technology, staff research and emerging design theory.
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FA5026 -
Professional Practice Portfolio (Core,20 Credits)
The Professional Practice Portfolio module looks ahead to the next academic year to prepare you to embark on industry/enterprise placement, studying abroad or creative studio options. The module will introduce you to the placement staff and systems to help you create professional self-branding, work on creative confidence and explore future ambitions.
You will select from a range of live or simulated industry briefs to tailor a portfolio project to your professional goals based on emerging strengths and interests. You will develop confidence in creatively and professionally presenting your work for feedback by integrating professional practice skills to build a CV, write professional applications and practice pitching and interview skills. This portfolio will support the application for Design Placement, Design Study Abroad, or Creative Studio.
Building on your prior learning from Level 4, this module follows industry practice; research will inform your idea and concept development, culminating in a professionally presented portfolio project that answers the industry brief. You will appropriately apply a range of illustrative and digital media to creatively communicate research and development methods through to the realisation of sophisticated design outcomes. You will advance your illustration skills and take your Adobe competencies to the next level. Your portfolio will demonstrate your skills in producing a detailed fashion specification drawing using Adobe Illustrator or relevant software to communicate your designs to professional standards.
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FA5027 -
Fashion Concept to Product (Core,40 Credits)
In this Fashion Concept to Product module, you will develop and refine a key concept from block one into a technical pack for realisation. You will learn advanced design development techniques in 2D/3D to produce a detailed technical pack, including a design specification drawing and appropriate sampling. You will work in our fashion studios and technical workshops with specialist staff to transform your design into a professionally finished garment or fashion product relevant to your target consumer and in a fabrication appropriate for your concept proposal.
You will record the development of creative and technical skills in a process journal, making clear links to your exploration and application of human- or planet-centred design methods and principles. You will style and record your outcomes through photography or film to further communicate your journey from concept to product. You will also gain confidence in presenting your ideas to a variety of audiences through peer reviews, tutorials and, where appropriate, industry feedback. Your outcomes from this module will continue to prepare you for and build your portfolio content for applications for Design Placement, Design Study Abroad, or Creative Studio.
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FA5028 -
Market Research & Enterprise (Core,20 Credits)
In this Market Research and Enterprise module, you will learn through dynamic studio sessions that will combine lectures, seminars, and creative workshops to introduce you to a range of market research methods to design, test and analyse. Using the appropriate market research approach, you will work as a team to gather and analyse responses. You will learn about the ethical considerations and important guidance in place to gain approval for primary research.
As a Fashion Design and Marketing student, we want you to create responsibly with a purpose for future markets. You will use creative and market research, consumer behaviour theory and global trend analysis to predict future markets, find a niche market or solve a design problem or consumer behaviour challenge. You can also use your market research data to build new and innovative routes to market or use a brand/product platform to educate consumers on important or emerging global trends/issues through creative marketing strategies and visual promotion (photo/film/digital spaces).
Based on the analysis of your research findings, you will work collaboratively to create and propose responsible and inclusive marketing, promotion, and enterprise concepts for a fashion brand (live or simulated). You will professionally present and pitch your market research findings and enterprise proposal for feedback as a team.
Engaging in a collaborative project following industry practice to develop and pitch a creative marketing strategy will further develop your employability skills, ability to meet obligations to others, planning and organisational, and problem-solving skills. Finding your role and productively contributing to a team will further prepare you for industrial placement, enterprise placement, study abroad and creative studio.
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YB5001 -
Academic Language Skills for Design (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)
Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.
The topics you will cover on the module include:
• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.
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Year three
DE5022 -
Creative Studio 1 (Optional,60 Credits)
Creative Studio 1 is a blended learning module where you will have the opportunity to collaborate and work on one or more live or simulated industry related briefs, international competitions or speculative design scenarios. The module is characterised by an intensive period of collaboration followed by a shorter period of independent reflection and portfolio building.
The different project briefs will be managed by academic staff and will run either independently or collaboratively through teamwork. The projects will be varied and will provide you with the opportunity to hone your specialist skills, professional, enterprise and entrepreneurial capabilities through real-life scenarios – providing an authentic learning experience. You will be encouraged to develop a flexible and imaginative enquiry-based approach to the design projects. You will become an active participant, integrating your design practice with distinguishable practical and intellectual skills whilst recording your process for summative assessment. At the end of the module, you will be given time to reflect, complete and relate this work to your own professional portfolio allowing an opportunity for independent and autonomous study.
This module supports the development of industry specific skills and techniques. It enables you to understand what it means to be a design practitioner build professional ambition, how to work autonomously and how to prepare for future employment.
It is anticipated that all projects will run successfully in a blended delivery mode to allow you to work on campus or at distance as and when required. Note, international students will be expected to meet in person with their tutors at least once per month to order to fulfil their visa requirements.
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DE5023 -
Creative Studio 2 (Optional,60 Credits)
Creative Studio 2 is a blended learning module where you will have the opportunity to collaborate and work on one or more live or simulated industry related briefs, international competitions or speculative design scenarios. The module is characterised by an intensive period of collaboration and a shorter period of independent reflection and portfolio building.
The different project briefs will be managed by academic staff and will run either independently or collaboratively through teamwork. The projects will be varied and will provide you with the opportunity to hone your specialist skills, professional, enterprise and entrepreneurial capabilities through real-life scenarios – providing an authentic learning experience. You will be encouraged to develop a flexible and imaginative enquiry-based approach to the design projects. You will become an active participant, integrating your design practice with distinguishable practical and intellectual skills whilst recording your process for summative assessment.
Dependent on the start date of your live or simulated design briefs, you will be given independent time at the beginning or end of the module develop your professional portfolio and complete your assessment tasks.
This module supports the development of industry specific skills and techniques. It enables you to understand what it means to be a design practitioner build professional ambition, how to work autonomously and how to prepare for future employment.
It is anticipated that all projects will run successfully in a blended delivery mode to allow you to work on campus or at distance as and when required. Note, international students will be expected to meet in person with their tutors at least once per month to order to fulfil their visa requirements.
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DE5024 -
Design Placement 1 (Optional,60 Credits)
In this module you will have the opportunity to complete either one or several placements working in the creative industries, which will enable you to explore possibilities for your future career within the sector. With the support of your Academic Tutors and the placement support staff you will be encouraged to source, apply and confirm your chosen placement(s). This will help you to develop a network and become confident in applying for opportunities within creative industries.
A single placement or series of placements can run continuously or sporadically throughout the placement period as long as a minimum of 15 weeks or 600 hours of design-related placement work and study is achieved. A placement can also seamlessly transfer into the Placement 2 module. This flexible opportunity offers you a potentially broad insight into how the design industry operates in differing market and innovation sectors. Being part of a design agency or in-house team means a greater understanding of design processes, market and product development cycles.
Through this work experience, you potentially gain exposure to design related professions such as brand strategy, marketing, social media content creation, manufacturing processes, as well as developing your own visual and general communication skills. Furthermore, the experience of applying your academic studies in a real work environment gives context and will help you to develop a confident and professional attitude and it will encourage you to become career ready, actively making informed decisions about your future. To consolidate this aim, you will be encouraged to maintain a digital diary of your learning, and professional experience, documenting the new skills and knowledge you acquire during your placement semester encouraging deep thinking, questioning and you will be asked to critically reflect and contextualise this learning in relation to your own professional practice.
Note, if you intend to continue with ‘Design Placement 2’ in semester 2 but are unable to complete or secure an industrial work placement in advance of the module starting you will have the opportunity to switch to the 'Creative Studio 2' elective which connects to industry live design briefs, competitions and speculative design scenarios that thrive on mirroring real-world design. However, please also remember that the Creative Studio modules are full-time taught modules and therefore attract full tuition fees.
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DE5025 -
Design Placement 2 (Optional,60 Credits)
In this module you will have the opportunity to complete either one or several placements working in the creative industries, which will enable you to explore possibilities for your future career within the sector. With the support of your Academic Tutors and the placement support staff you will be encouraged to source, apply and confirm your chosen placement(s). This will help you to develop a network and become confident in applying for opportunities within creative industries.
A single placement or series of placements can run continuously or sporadically throughout the placement period as long as a minimum of 15 weeks or 600 hours of design-related placement work and study is achieved. A placement can also seamlessly transfer into the Placement 2 module. This flexible opportunity offers you a potentially broad insight into how the design industry operates in differing market and innovation sectors. Being part of a design agency or in-house team means a greater understanding of design processes, market and product development cycles.
Through this work experience, you potentially gain exposure to design related professions such as brand strategy, marketing, social media content creation, manufacturing processes, as well as developing your own visual and general communication skills. Furthermore, the experience of applying your academic studies in a real work environment gives context and will help you to develop a confident and professional attitude and it will encourage you to become career ready, actively making informed decisions about your future. To consolidate this aim, you will be encouraged to maintain a digital diary of your learning, and professional experience, documenting the new skills and knowledge you acquire during your placement encouraging deep thinking, questioning and you will be asked to critically reflect and contextualise this learning in relation to your own professional practice.
Note, if you intend to continue with ‘Design Placement 2’ in semester 2 but are unable to complete or secure an industrial work placement in advance of the module starting you will be encouraged to switch to the 'Creative Studio' elective which connects to industry live design briefs, competitions and speculative design scenarios that thrive on mirroring real-world design.
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DE5026 -
Design Study Abroad 1 (Optional,60 Credits)
This module will give you the opportunity to undertake a semester abroad studying at a partner university completing the equivalent to 60 UK credits. This gives you access to modules from your discipline taught in a different learning culture and so broadens your overall experience of learning. With the support of the Study Abroad team you will be encouraged to source, apply and confirm the course of study abroad. This opportunity will allow you to network and become confident in applying for opportunities within partner institutions. Your module credits, performance and attendance will be recorded by the host University via your learning agreement. The module will be assessed by conversion of graded marks from the host University.
Learning outcomes on any year-long modules on which you are unable to attend via the home institution must be met at the host institution, and marks from the host are incorporated into the modules as part of the overall assessment.
You will be encouraged to maintain a digital diary of your learning, documenting the new skills and knowledge you acquire during your study abroad period encouraging deep thinking, questioning and you will be asked to critically reflect and contextualise this learning in relation to your own professional practice.
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DE5027 -
Design Study Abroad 2 (Optional,60 Credits)
This module will give you the opportunity to undertake a semester abroad studying at a partner university completing the equivalent to 60 UK credits. This gives you access to modules from your discipline taught in a different learning culture and so broadens your overall experience of learning. With the support of the Study Abroad team you will be encouraged to source, apply and confirm the course of study abroad. This opportunity will allow you to network and become confident in applying for opportunities within partner institutions. Your module credits, performance and attendance will be recorded by the host University via your learning agreement. The module will be assessed by conversion of graded marks from the host University.
Learning outcomes on any year-long modules on which you are unable to attend via the home institution must be met at the host institution, and marks from the host are incorporated into the modules as part of the overall assessment.
You will be encouraged to maintain a digital diary of your learning, documenting the new skills and knowledge you acquire during your study abroad period encouraging deep thinking, questioning and you will be asked to critically reflect and contextualise this learning in relation to your own professional practice.
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Year four
DE6021 -
Interchange 3 – Contemporary Challenges and Design Futures (Core,20 Credits)
On this module, you will undertake a brief that will either tackle current challenges to designers or explore design’s role in near-future visions of society. The module will challenge, inspire, and propel you into the future as a visionary designer or ‘change maker’ equipped to address some of the pressing issues of our time.
Design challenges and our responses are increasingly complex. Technology has automated many of the simplest design tasks, leaving designers to focus on solving more complex problems. To help tackle them, most designers work in multi-disciplinary teams. Even more individual design specialists such as designer-makers work co-operatively with other craft specialists, manufacturers and business professionals to bring their work to market.
Therefore, this module led by design tutors and other subject specialists enables you to work with peers and collaborators to address contemporary challenges or future opportunities. The choice of briefs may be developed in partnership with professional design teams, set by design competitions or written by your tutors in response to important design research or practice challenges.
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FA6018 -
FMP Concept (Core,20 Credits)
In the Final Major Project Concept module, you will conduct market and creative research to inform a brand and product concept for future markets. As a Fashion Design and Marketing student you should design responsibility with purpose, taking into consideration the principles of human and planet-centred design. You will develop your brand concept using your research findings to build a marketing strategy using the structure of the Marketing Mix. Depending on your project direction, you will select and apply an appropriate design development method in 2D/3D. Your research and development will be documented in a process journal or equivalent appropriate format. You will design and propose a key product, 2D or 3D, that communicates your brand philosophy to your target consumers, a niche market or solve a design problem or consumer behaviour challenge. You will learn how to present your product design in the appropriate format for this level of study, for example, an in-depth technical specification pack, a 3D digital illustration, storyboarding or layout design for publication.
These components will culminate in an exciting professional presentation or pitch, further developing your confidence and presentation skills in preparation for working in industry or post graduate study.
All elements of this module will inform the rest of your Level 6 studies. You will realise your proposed product through exploration and making in the module FMP realisation. You will then refine and illustrate your creative marketing strategy and promote your realisation through photography and film to include in your graduate portfolio.
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FA6019 -
FMP Realisation (Core,40 Credits)
In your Final Major Project Realisation module, you will apply the research and concept generation from Block 1 to realise a range of appropriate creative and complex fashion outcomes to professional standards. Understanding of responsible design practices and relevant commercial contexts in line with your personal practice ambitions will underpin this work. Products may include but are not limited to garments, accessories, technical sportswear, lingerie, or swim, childrenswear or lifestyle products such as pet wear. Students may develop or invent a design solution proposed through prototyping or sampling. You are not limited to designing 3D or fabric outcomes. You could use creative publications, film, or new emerging media or platforms to realise evidence of brand and product concepts.
You will develop your Final Major Project coherently across the year, applying research generated in the module FMP Concept to underpin your design thinking and justify your decision-making when proposing a product that appropriately communicates your brand and speaks to your target consumer.
This body of practical realisation work in 2D/3D will be appropriate to your Final Major Project concept as negotiated with the academic team. You will creatively document, present and reflect on your process and final product/s, evaluating your consideration of human or planet-centred design principles and areas of personal development. All elements of this module will inform the rest of your Level 6 studies. Your practical outcomes will inform the design and the creation of promotional outcomes, marketing strategy, and portfolio content in Block 3.
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FA6020 -
Portfolio & Promotion (Core,40 Credits)
The Portfolio and Promotion module is in two components.
Component 1: Promotion (40%)
Building on the brand identity established in Block 1, you will learn how to create brand communication assets through illustration, photography, digital media, and practical outcomes. A body of 2D/3D promotion work will be designed and realised to further demonstrate your Final Major Project concept. Promotional products may include but are not limited to print or digital publication and film, digital mock-ups, simulated marketing concepts, or promotional garments and accessories.
Component 2: FMP Portfolio (60%)
You will learn to create and curate a portfolio aimed at your post-graduate ambitions. This design portfolio will include research, development and illustrated final outcomes showcasing a range of advanced technical skills. The portfolio will include an illustrated marketing plan and promotional photographic styling showcasing your final major project from concept to realisation. You will reflect on your module FMP Concept and your proposed initial marketing mix. Reflecting on and refining your initial proposal, you will use illustration and graphic design to present the narrative of your marketing strategy. Your portfolio should reflect your design voice and ambitions and include a balance of hand-drawn and digital illustration, photography, typography & graphics.
National and international student competitions and graduate awards will be released throughout the year. You will be updated about these opportunities in studio presentations and online. You can use any work you produce for these briefs to enhance your graduate portfolio and extend the range of projects to appeal to potential employers.
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YB5001 -
Academic Language Skills for Design (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)
Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.
The topics you will cover on the module include:
• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.
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Option for Placement Year
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