Courses at York College

Validated by York St. John University

UCAS Code: W230 FdA/Fash

The fashion industry is one of the largest employers in the UK, and offers a diverse range of employment opportunities for trained graduates in design, pattern cutting, garment production, fashion concept, CAD/CAM for fashion, fashion design history and textile design. The Foundation Degree in Fashion Design at York College provides students with the right environment and skills to enter this exciting and dynamic creative industry.

Students can complete the foundation degree in two years or three years part-time. Attendance will usually be timetabled across three days per week to allow time to participate in a work environment. Learners are expected to set aside additional time for private study.

Applicants should apply through the UCAS system, and require one of the following:

Edexcel Extended Diploma
Diploma in Foundation Studies
Access to HE
14-19 Specialist Diploma
200 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of one GCE/VCE A2 level, excluding General Studies.

Applicants with relevant work experience are welcome to apply.

Catwalks are the visible tip of the fashion industry iceberg. The fashion industry covers many different areas and needs people with a wide range of skills.

Fashion designers work for both designer labels and for the quantity production clothing industries. This is an innovative course with a strong emphasis placed on all technical aspects involved in the design process. Individuality and professionalism are vital to the diverse range of subject areas offered. Students will develop through a series of projects and live client-led projects.

Work placements are a crucial element of learner work-based programmes of study. Students will have the opportunity to attend lectures by visiting lecturers, participate in national and international study visits, competitions and external projects.

Programme Content:

Research, Design, Product Range and Development
Pattern Cutting and CAD for Fashion
Garment Construction
Final Collections/Personal Projects
Fashion Design History and Context
Work-based Learning.

At Level 4, students are introduced to pattern cutting, design and construction through a programme of practical workshops and studio-based teaching. Emphasis is placed on the various roles and functions within fashion, which include: designing, buying, merchandising, allocating, styling and public relations.

At Level 5, students will determine their own programme through discussion and negotiation, preparation and implementation of personal projects, enabling them to emphasise a particular area of study in fashion.

Progression to Level 6 is guaranteed for students successfully completing Level 5.

Progression to Level 6 presents successful foundation degree graduates with the opportunity to convert their foundation degree to a full degree (BA Hons) course at York College. This third year provides the time and space for learners to develop an individual direction of extended research and personal development. Please note that places are limited and early applications are advised.

Each module is assessed through assignments involving case studies, investigative reports and portfolio presentation. Constructive feedback provides students with a secure base from which to develop the analytical skills necessary to achieve the highest standards.

Graduating students can work in any area of the fashion world. They will have an extensive toolkit of skills and knowledge that allows them to progress successfully in their chosen career path. Alternatively, students may wish to embark on further study and progress on to Level 6 of a fashion-related BA (Hons) course at York College.

Related careers include: buying and designing, merchandising, sales, marketing, PR, journalism, garment technology and product development.