BA (Hons) Textiles for Fashion

Full Time	CREATIVE ARTS & TECHNOLOGIES FF15
Course Length	3 years

To apply for a place on this course please access the UCAS website www.ucas.ac.uk. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Applications are particularly welcome from mature students and any previous qualifications and relevant work experience will be taken into consideration

The following statement applies to ‘home’ status students only, ie those who have been permanently resident in the UK or other members of the European Economic Area for at least 3 years. For 2010/2011 the tuition fee for ‘home’ status students is £1310. Students may apply for financial assistance towards the cost of tuition fees and living expenses. The government offer tuition fee loans, student maintenance loans and HE grants, the amounts you are entitled to are dependant upon a financial assessment of your family or partner’s income. All students should apply to their Local Education Authority as soon as possible and in advance of the academic year. This also applies to current FE students at BCOT. For more information contact Student Welfare at BCOT on 01256 306394; or log on to the DfES website www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupport. Non EEA students are required to pay a higher tuition fee, please refer to our web page for international students or contact the Admissions Administrator on 01256 306457 at the college.

Entry Requirements

Students must be at least 18 years of age and possess either:
- Foundation Diploma
- National Diploma
- Advanced GNVQ/AVCE
- A level qualifications alone will be considered with an appropriate portfolio of work
- UCAS 120 points
- ESOL requirements - IELTS score of 6
- GCSE English grade C or above

Students who do not meet with the above criteria, but can demonstrate enthusiasm and creative ability will be required to have an interview and present a portfolio of relevant work. Mature students are welcome to apply, other qualifications and work experience will be taken into consideration.

Please be aware that home and EC students who are aiming for a qualification at a level that is equivalent to, or lower than one they already hold, will not be fundable by HEFCE and a full-cost fee will be charged. The fee will be £4200, not the amount quoted in the fees section. The only exemptions are for students in receipt of Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA), students who have previously attained a Foundation Degree, or students who are enrolling on a Teacher Training course.

Description

The BA (Hons) Textiles for Fashion focuses on developing textiles design skills within the three specialist areas of print, weave and knit. Students who are excited by colour, texture and embellishment of fabrics and who wish to develop their creative ideas in the context of fashion, should consider applying for this course. It aims to produce creative and versatile designers with a sound knowledge of textile design that can be applied to fashion. Students will work in a supportive environment that promotes the integration of visual research, technical skills and business studies.

During the course their critical and aesthetic judgement will be developed through the exchange of ideas with staff and students. There are many opportunities to exhibit course work and to develop professional presentation skills.

Teaching and learning occur in a variety of formats, including workshops, tutorials, lectures and seminars. Group and individual tutorials will help to plan for the future and identify the student's personal career path. Regular critiques and group presentations will help to develop skills in self and peer assessment in preparation for employment in the industry.

Course Content

This course includes a broad range of subjects which allows students to develop their knowledge and acquire the skills needed for employment within the textile design and fashion industries.

Level 4
Introductory modules in print, knit and weave, students will study construction and fabrication and explore the possibilities of embellishment through stitch and fabric manipulation.

Drawing is viewed as an important aspect of communicating and developing creative ideas. Opportunities will be given to improve skills and confidence in this area through participation in visual research projects.

During the first year of study, business and professional practice is concerned with discussing trends, brands and the structure within retail. The content of these sessions is closely linked with practical course work.

Students will be encouraged to attend the study trip to Paris, where they will investigate fashion trends, visit trade shows and apply this knowledge to their course work. During fashion studies sessions, entry-level skills in pattern cutting will be evaluated and opportunities to acquire new skills in garment design and construction will be given.

The historical and theoretical studies programme is fully integrated within the practical course work. Topics are covered which will develop understanding of historical, cultural and contemporary issues, enabling them to clarify their role as a designer. This subject aims to promote effective study and communication skills through the use of IT and presentations.

Level 5
Focuses on developing an individual specialism in print, knit or weave. Students will be encouraged to use skills acquired at Level 1 to create experimental textile in the context of textiles for fashion.

During this year there is a study visit to Venice where students will integrate their visual research and fashion ideas within projects for business and professional practice and fashion studies.

The final assessment of the year involves a live project which requires a combination of team work and individual self-study. The project is designed to simulate working as a textile designer in a commercial studio and forms part of the continuing career development programme of study. Typical projects may include liaising with a client on a commission, producing textile samples or participating in competitions.

The course aims to produce innovative and flexible designers, students are advised to undertake work placements to facilitate understanding of the textile industry. The course team have worked as professional textile and fashion designers and have links with companies and design practitioners who may provide student work placements.

The historical and theoretical practice module aims to integrate contextual studies with practical course work through discussion and seminars relating to textiles and fashion. During this module, students will be given guidance on choosing a topic and research appropriate for the third year dissertation.

Level 6
Builds on experiences and preferences emerging from projects completed at level 1 and 2. Students will be encouraged to work more independently, setting their own briefs, focusing on problem solving and working towards their objectives.

For the final major project, they will design and make a collection of outfits within their chosen textile specialism. The year culminates with a fashion show and static exhibition, they will be given the opportunity to present their final fashion collection at a venue in London.

The historical and theoretical practice programme centres around the writing of a dissertation based on a topic of their choice. Learners may choose to write a theoretical dissertation (6-8000 words) or practical dissertation (3-4000 words) with a presentation. Throughout the year they will be fully supported by a well structured tutorial system and by learning support as appropriate.

Business and professional practice coursework will include continuous career development which focuses on helping to identify and develop the skills required for interviews, employment and postgraduate study.

Visits
Students will be required to participate in a work experience programme as an integral part of this course, including trips to art galleries as well as residential trips to Paris (approx £200) and Venice (approx £450).

Attendance of 100% is necessary in order to complete the course.

It is expected that all students will enter for the qualification

Method of Assessment

The course operates on the basis of continuous assessment. Reviews and assessments take place throughout the programme. Students will be encouraged to provide feedback at one to one tutorials and at group critiques. Summative and formative assessments are regarded as an important aspect of the learning process.

On graduating, students will have an extensive portfolio of visual course work as well as a collection of fashion outfits which reflect their interests and abilities.

Progression

After completing this course you should be able to work in any of the following, fashion design, buying for fashion, retail management freelance design, styling, PR, pattern cutting, costume design, trend forecasting.

Contact Details

sue.martin@bcot.ac.uk Tel 01256 306223

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Basingstoke College of Technology