What Makes This Course So Special?
Fashion Design at Newport has an excellent reputation for producing graduates who are able to adapt to the constantly changing demands of this exciting industry. This programme is fundamentally about the design process. Students are taught the skills needed to produce clothing for a wide range of different situations, whilst developing the understanding of business required to work within a competitive environment.
This course is focussed on ‘design’. Through the teaching of skills alongside theory, it is able to develop students as creative practitioners who have the technical ability, and contextual understanding necessary to constantly produce innovative design solutions and to keep pace with the fashion industry.
The course aims to nurture individuals in order to become skilled, freethinking, independent and contemporary fashion designers, who have the ability and confidence to make a difference in their chosen specialism.
Find out more about the subject of Design at Newport.
Course Intro
The Fashion Design programme encompasses the diversity that exists in today’s fashion industry. Our new studios are alive with creative activity and industrious students realising their ideas in form, shape, texture and colour across physical and digital worlds. Students think, make, debate and display, while conversing and collaborating between subject areas within a highly creative environment.
With an excellent, strong and dedicated team of tutors and colleagues our lively programme includes individual fashion design, research, sourcing and sampling, pattern drafting, construction, illustration and industry awareness. The end-of-year graduate shows stand as a testament to our energy, passion, inspiration and the dedicated efforts of the students and staff involved.
What you study
Over the three years we aim to provide an exciting and fulfilling educational experience that will build your creative ability and develop self-confidence.
Year one focuses on introducing and developing the fundamental skills needed to design, and produce garments, and to solve design problems. Workshops are complemented by introductions to a range of technical skills involving a variety of fabrics and technical processes. A programme of classes that explore both the culture and business of fashion will also support your progress.
In year two you will begin to apply your creativity to a number of ‘real’ fashion design situations by working directly with professional agencies, and by working as a member of a design team. Students always thrive on the experience of collaboration, and rise to the challenge of meeting professional expectations. This year also provides the opportunity to participate in our ERASMUS European exchange programme, or to explore work experience possibilities.
As the only fashion course in Wales to be invited to join to the British Fashion Council’s College membership, this course actively engages with employers and representatives from the fashion industry. Students are encouraged to be proactive throughout their studies and to actively gain work experience and develop professional links with industry. Our students gain work placements, sponsorships, and internships at numerous high-profile fashion houses.
Year three is regarded as a professional year in which you are able to apply the skills and knowledge you have acquired during the course in the development of a major collection of work. Students are also challenged by both national and international design competitions and all benefit from further opportunities to meet professional designers and representatives from across the industry.
All completing students will be provided with the opportunity to participate in our annual graduate fashion show, and students may also be selected to represent the university at ‘Graduate Fashion Week’ in London.
A programme specification for this course is available.
Where Next?
The dynamic nature of the course allows our graduates to have excellent opportunities throughout a range of fashion, design and creative careers.
Graduates of this programme have become successfully employers as designers for a diverse range of companies, or become self employed through the support of the University Graduate Enterprise scheme.
Graduates may also progress to postgraduate study including MA/MFA courses at Newport.
Interview Required
Interviews are friendly and informal and all applicants are interviewed. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your passion for the subject area, discuss your creative portfolio along with a completed interview task.
Assessment
Throughout the course you will be assessed on both practice-based modules and written assignments. You will receive clear and detailed feedback that will help you reflect on, and further develop your strengths.
Technical Facilities
Teaching takes place in professional studios equipped with industrial irons, sewing machines, dress stands, pattern cutting tables and Apple Mac workstations.
Student Soundbite
“The Fashion Design course at the University of Wales, Newport has not only helped me to realise my dream of becoming a fashion designer, but has also given me the confidence to live it.”