Fashion Design and Technology

BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Technology has an excellent reputation for producing menswear, womenswear and sportswear graduates who combine design innovation with an in-depth knowledge of the technical aspects of fashion design and manufacturing.

The course reflects contemporary industry standards and encourages students to design and develop innovative fashion products and ranges using both manual and digital technologies. Students work on live projects with industry partners and also have the opportunity to undertake a work placement and/or overseas study combined with a year in industry.

Students have the option to graduate with a Menswear, Womenswear or Sportswear award, by selecting specialist units in year two and three, or they can work across multiple specialisms. However, all students are encouraged to direct their learning towards specialised target markets such as luxury, outerwear, denim, tailoring, performance or lifestyle sportswear. The practical aspects of the course are underpinned by the study of the business and cultural contexts of fashion and consideration of sustainable industry practices.

Students work towards an exit portfolio that showcases their creative and technical skills appropriate to their chosen careers. While many graduates enter design roles, the technical aspects of the programme also prepare students for other careers such as pattern cutting, fashion innovation and product development.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• The best of both – Develop in-depth technical know-how and commercial business skills alongside your own personal design aesthetic.

• Manchester and beyond - Enhance your learning by taking study trips. Previous trips have been to trade fairs and manufacturing bases in Paris, Munich, Amsterdam and Porto, and to India and China to explore sustainable practices.

• First-hand experience – Benefit from excellent placement opportunities in the UK and abroad, our dedicated placement team help source placements at companies such as Acne, Burberry, Ralph Lauren, Margaret Howell, Old Navy, Speedo and Adidas.

• Industry-standard facilities – You’ll have access to industry-standard equipment including more than 150 specialised sewing and joining machines and equipment, 3D bodyscanner, sew-free bonding equipment, automated and laser cutting equipment, 3D printing and the latest digital pattern-cutting software.

• Hone a specialism – Take the opportunity to develop your skills in womenswear, menswear or sportswear. With access to specialist staff, tailored projects and industry competitions to develop a deep knowledge and enhance your employability.