Level One

Introduction to Fashion Studies

This module introduces students to the role of designer, with a focus on the key elements common to all design briefs. Students experience the developmental nature of the design process from the initial research and analytical stages, to the communication of their ideas in their final presentation work. This will encompass every stage of the 2D design process, from thematic research, ideas generation and development, range building, production of technical drawings, illustration and presentation.

Garment Techniques

This module will provide an introduction to a range of skills and processes in relation to pattern and construction for garments, knitwear and accessories. Practical activity including investigation into the use and potential of machinery and technology will characterise this module as students are presented with the opportunity to develop tacit skills and manual dexterity alongside health and safety issues, making cross-reference with conceptual and perceptual development.

Contextual Studies - Fashion

The aim of this module is to provide students with a basic introduction to the history of design in particular reference to fashion and textile design. It has been prepared to help designers develop an appreciation for the context within which contemporary work is formed. It will focus on the social, cultural and economic factors that have surrounded key designers, design movements, institutions and practitioners since around 1850, as well as examining the conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of design work past and present. This module will analyse the historical factors that have influenced the shape of contemporary design practice.

Level Two

Fashion Practice

This module will provide an opportunity for students to apply a range of knowledge and skills to investigate the fashion industry through work experience placements, theoretical research projects and practical design projects. Through the completion of a range of practical assignments, students will gain knowledge of careers within the industry, the industry structure and design practice.

Design Realisation

This module gives the student their first opportunity to utilise and co-ordinate all of the technical, creative and logistical skills learnt and practised at Level 1. It brings together the visual literacy, manual dexterity and theoretical understanding of fashion that has so far been acquired by the fashion student. It is intended to give the student a taste of life as a junior designer in industry, harnessing and expressing all of the disciplines between market/thematic research, design and product manufacture and point of sale material.

Critical Analysis - Fashion

This module introduces students to the variety of sources and methods for the study of dress and adornment across a broad historical period, but with the main focus being the late 19th and 20th centuries. The advantages and disadvantages of using particular sources for the study of dress and adornment will be investigated.

A major generic aim of this module is to develop research skills encouraging analytical thinking for students to formulate their own independent judgments and to articulate logical and rational argument.

Level Three

Negotiated Fashion Practice

This module is structured to simulate the 3 months of the season in a typical wholesaling design studio. It gives the freedom to continue the study of a specialist subject in a focused and in depth manner. The pattern of study is negotiated through a ;;student learning contract;; in which personal aims; processes and outcomes are projected and detailed. The ;;learning contract;; ensures that the student continues to negotiate and interact with practising Designers, trading companies and industrial suppliers of source materials. Through a series of lectures, seminars and individual discussion the student will be guided through the process of writing the learning contract reflecting upon learning to-date and discussing the future directions of work meeting the formal requirements of the programme.

Professional Practice for Fashion

This module involves the investigation, awareness and understanding of the relevant professional skills required to work effectively within the fashion and clothing industry and includes the identification of appropriate career options and methods of self promotion. Students will study and make use of the skills required to promote their work collectively through exhibition and individually through the completion of externally set and assessed project work.

Independent Study – Dissertation

The Independent Study: Dissertation offers the student an opportunity to explore in depth a topic of their own choice, via self-directed study and research. The module aims to broaden the scope of the student’s degree programme by allowing them to identify and pursue relevant academic interests. In addition, it enables the student to develop competence in self-managed study and to deepen their awareness of the value of in-depth research. The module emphasises skills in developing and taking responsibility for an independent research programme and enables the student to develop relevant research skills, critical judgment and appropriate methodologies for study at this level, in addition to developing strong academic research and writing skills and refined information literacy knowledge.

Level One

At level one students study a range of fashion-related disciplines, which provide theoretical and technical knowledge, allied to creative and conceptual thinking. The programme provides an environment in which professional attitudes and practice are encouraged in order to meet the demands of industry.

Level Two

Level two of the programme is aimed at continuing the design development practice from level one at a more advanced level supported by additional specialist areas.

Level Three

At level three students take an active role in their personal learning development via a negotiated learning contract. The design and management of individual projects is negotiated by students in liaison with an appropriate member of academic staff. The final major project allows students to design and produce a ‘collection’, which demonstrates their specialism. Students also have the opportunity to conduct in-depth research into a topic of personal interest. This investigation culminates in the production of a dissertation.

• Specialist fashion facilities including industrial lock stitch sewing machines, a knitwear studio, pattern cutting studio and design studios
• Professional practice supports the learning programme, broadening students’ knowledge of the industry and professional skills required for a career within the fashion industry
• Strong industrial links
• Relevant study visits
• Negotiated third level of study
• Students have the opportunity to enter awards and competitions including RSA (Royal Society of Arts) bursary, the Glove Association Award, the Elle Style Awards, Bradford Textile Society Awards and the Bridal Buyers Awards.

Graduates are prepared for a range of career opportunities in fashion-related disciplines. Graduates have careers as fashion designers, fashion illustrators, buyers, pattern cutters and graders, knitwear designers, fashion stylists, fashion forecasters in fashion marketing/promotion and as millinery designers. Graduates may choose to study at postgraduate level.

Applicants must have some interest in the work of well-known fashion designers. Applicants should be prepared to talk the interviewer through their portfolio, discussing their work, points of interest and their creative ideas.

Portfolios should demonstrate a strong sense of colour, texture, composition and movement. Work does not need to be predominantly fashion-based, but should show an awareness of fashion. Portfolios must be well presented in terms of content and layout. Applicants should present approximately 20 pieces of work. The portfolio should be organised as simply as possible.

Applicants will require one of the following:

• 280 UCAS points, with a minimum of 100 points (grade B or above at A Level) in a relevant art/design subject
• Foundation Art and Design (Pass)
• Equivalent Scottish, Irish or Overseas qualifications
• An equivalent qualification to those listed above i.e. Access to Higher Education Certificate.

All applicants will be required to have at least five GCSEs, including a pass in GCSE English Language and evidence of an art/design subject. Mature students with relevant experience and/or portfolio of work are selected on individual merit.

Applicants will be invited for interview, where they will have opportunity to go through their portfolio with a member of the academic team.

At interview, we welcome a broad range of art and design practice. We are keen to see how applicants have responded to their current course or the type of work they have been involved with. Evidence of fine art work is important because it will confirm applicants’ choice of study at degree level.

"I am in my second year of the BA (Hons) Fashion Studies course and am enjoying every minute. The course is very broad and covers a lot of different aspects and skills which are essential for a successful and exciting career in the fashion industry. I am looking forward to the challenge of moving into the third year where I have decided to work on knitwear design and manufacture.

"The fashion department has a great atmosphere and the staff are always around to help and guide you and Lincoln is a friendly, fun city to live in with a huge student population, I feel very at home here!"

Caroline Prince, BA (Hons) Fashion Studies

For further information and funding your study please see our Fees & Funding pages.

Fees and Funding