MA Digital Media and Creative Industries
The MA Digital Media and Creative Industries at Loughborough University aims t...
BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Technology with Placement Year
Loughborough
INTAKE: October
Program Overview
Loughborough University, one of the top institutions in the UK, offers a comprehensive and dynamic BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Technology with Placement Year program, designed to equip students with both the creative and technical skills needed to excel in the fashion industry. This degree combines an in-depth understanding of fashion design with advanced technical training in garment construction, pattern making, textiles, and fashion technology. The program also incorporates a placement year, which allows students to gain practical, hands-on experience within the fashion industry, enabling them to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. The year-long placement is a distinctive feature that enhances employability, providing students with invaluable industry exposure and a competitive edge in the job market upon graduation.
Curriculum: The BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Technology with Placement Year program at Loughborough University is structured to provide students with a well-rounded education that balances creative expression with technical expertise. The curriculum covers essential areas of fashion design, from initial concept development and sketching to garment construction and textile technology. Key modules include fashion drawing, pattern making, garment construction, fashion CAD, and the application of sustainability in fashion. Students also learn about fashion marketing, branding, and business strategies, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the commercial side of the fashion industry. The program’s hands-on approach encourages students to work on live projects, collaborate with external brands, and build a strong portfolio of work. Additionally, the placement year allows students to gain real-world experience in a professional setting, enabling them to apply their skills in design and technology while developing critical industry contacts.
Research Focus: Loughborough University is renowned for its focus on research and innovation, and the Fashion Design and Technology program is no exception. The program integrates the latest research developments in fashion technology, sustainable design practices, and textile innovation. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories that support cutting-edge research in areas such as digital garment construction, sustainable fashion practices, and textile engineering. The university’s research informs the curriculum, ensuring that students are exposed to the latest trends and challenges in the fashion industry. The placement year further enriches the research focus by allowing students to experience and contribute to industry research projects during their internships, gaining firsthand insight into how research is applied in a commercial context.
Industry Engagement: One of the key strengths of Loughborough University's Fashion Design and Technology with Placement Year program is its strong emphasis on industry engagement. The placement year offers students the unique opportunity to gain direct experience within top fashion companies, designers, or brands. This exposure to the fashion industry's inner workings is invaluable, helping students to build professional networks, enhance their industry knowledge, and refine their skills. The university has strong connections with leading fashion companies and frequently collaborates with industry partners on live projects, internships, and work placements. These opportunities ensure that students are well-prepared for their future careers, giving them the chance to work on real-world fashion challenges and gain insight into the latest industry trends and technologies. The program also encourages students to attend fashion shows, exhibitions, and trade events, where they can further their industry knowledge and connect with professionals.
Global Perspective: Loughborough University prides itself on offering a global perspective, and this is reflected in the BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Technology with Placement Year program. The curriculum is designed to expose students to global fashion trends, production techniques, and the diverse cultural influences that shape the fashion world. Through the placement year, students have the opportunity to gain experience with international brands or work in different global fashion markets. Loughborough also encourages students to participate in international collaborations, study abroad opportunities, and industry events around the world. This global outlook prepares graduates to work in an increasingly interconnected and globalized fashion industry, equipping them with the skills to succeed in diverse markets and cultural contexts.
Location
Loughborough
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 23000
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 75% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 92.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67.
- DET Academic: A minimum overall score of 120.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Loughborough University offers a range of scholarships for international students to support their education and make studying in the UK more affordable. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, financial need, and the potential for students to contribute to the university community.
International Excellence Awards: These are merit-based scholarships offered to international students applying for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. These awards typically cover part of the tuition fees and are designed to attract outstanding students from around the globe.
Global Scholarships: Loughborough offers various global scholarships based on geographical location, supporting students from specific regions or countries with reduced tuition fees.
Loughborough University Elite Sports Scholarships: These are available for students who are competing at an elite level in their sport. The scholarship includes financial support, as well as access to the university's world-class sports facilities, coaching, and training programs.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Loughborough University offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular countries. These scholarships are designed to support students who demonstrate high academic potential and a commitment to contributing to their home country upon graduation.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Technology with Placement Year program at Loughborough University have the flexibility to pursue a wide range of career paths across the fashion and textile industries. By gaining both creative design skills and technical proficiency, students are well-equipped to enter diverse fields within the fashion industry. The year-long industry placement further enhances employability by providing invaluable real-world experience and professional networks.
Fashion Designer: As one of the most sought-after careers in the fashion industry, fashion design offers graduates the opportunity to express their creativity through clothing and accessories. Graduates can work for established fashion houses or launch their own design labels, conceptualizing and creating original collections. Fashion designers typically collaborate with pattern makers, textile specialists, and garment technologists to bring their designs to life. They also engage with clients or retailers to ensure that their creations meet market trends and customer demands.
Fashion Technologist: Fashion Technologists play a vital role in ensuring that designs are commercially viable and can be mass-produced. This role focuses on the technical aspects of garment creation, such as fabric selection, garment fit, and the application of construction methods. Fashion Technologists are essential in the fashion supply chain, collaborating with designers to translate creative ideas into practical, wearable products. Graduates of Loughborough’s program are well-prepared for this career, with their technical training in garment construction and textiles.
Pattern Cutter: Pattern cutting is a crucial part of the fashion design process, and Pattern Cutters are responsible for transforming a designer’s ideas into patterns that can be used to create garments. Graduates can pursue careers as Pattern Cutters, working with designers to ensure that designs can be translated into physical products that fit well and meet the specifications of the intended garment. The role also involves modifying patterns during the fitting process and ensuring they align with fabric properties.
Textile Designer: A Textile Designer specializes in creating patterns, prints, and textures for fabrics used in fashion. This role focuses on the development of textiles that reflect the latest trends and offer innovative solutions to meet the demands of designers and consumers. Textile designers use a range of techniques, including digital design, hand-dyeing, and fabric manipulation, to create unique materials that can be used for clothing, accessories, and interiors. Graduates can also work in specialized fields such as sustainable or eco-friendly textiles.
Fashion Buyer: Fashion Buyers are responsible for selecting clothing and accessories for retail stores, ensuring that their offerings align with customer preferences and market trends. This role involves researching fashion trends, analyzing sales data, and negotiating with suppliers to secure the best products at the best prices. Graduates with a strong understanding of fashion design and market trends are well-positioned to succeed in fashion buying, as they can combine creative knowledge with business acumen to predict and meet consumer demand.
Fashion Merchandiser: A Fashion Merchandiser ensures that products are marketed and sold effectively in stores. This role involves strategic planning to determine which products will be displayed, how they will be presented, and at what price point. Fashion Merchandisers use their knowledge of consumer behavior and trends to increase sales and improve the store's bottom line. Graduates who are interested in the business side of fashion can pursue a career in merchandising, working closely with designers, retailers, and marketing teams to maximize product profitability.
Garment Technologist: Garment Technologists focus on ensuring that garments meet technical specifications, quality standards, and are manufactured efficiently. They work on product development, testing materials, conducting fitting sessions, and addressing technical challenges in garment construction. This role requires an in-depth understanding of textiles, garment construction, and manufacturing processes. Graduates with expertise in fashion technology and garment production are well-suited for this role, which is essential for ensuring that designs are made to last and are of high quality.
Sustainable Fashion Consultant: As sustainability becomes an increasingly important focus in the fashion industry, Sustainable Fashion Consultants help brands reduce their environmental impact and improve their ethical practices. Graduates passionate about environmental issues and sustainable practices can pursue this career, advising companies on how to source eco-friendly materials, reduce waste, and improve supply chain transparency. Consultants may also work with companies to develop sustainable collections and implement greener production processes.
Fashion Entrepreneur: Many graduates may choose to become Fashion Entrepreneurs, starting their own fashion labels, design studios, or fashion-related businesses. Whether launching a clothing line, opening an online store, or consulting for other fashion companies, entrepreneurship offers graduates the chance to bring their creative ideas to life and shape their own career paths. With their well-rounded knowledge of design, technology, and business, graduates are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of running a fashion business.
Fashion Illustrator: Fashion Illustrators are responsible for creating detailed and stylized drawings that represent fashion designs. These illustrations can be used for presentations, advertising, or to visualize fashion collections. Graduates with strong artistic skills and a passion for fashion design can work as freelance illustrators or collaborate with fashion houses, magazines, or marketing teams to create visual content that brings fashion ideas to life.
Fashion Marketing and PR Specialist: Graduates interested in the marketing and promotional side of fashion can pursue careers in Fashion Marketing and PR. These specialists work with fashion brands to develop marketing strategies, manage public relations campaigns, and promote fashion collections to a global audience. They often coordinate fashion shows, manage social media campaigns, and liaise with influencers and media outlets to ensure that a brand’s image reaches the target market. This career path is ideal for graduates with strong communication and organizational skills, as well as a keen understanding of fashion trends and consumer behavior.
Fashion Journalist/Content Writer: Fashion journalism is a fast-paced and exciting career option for graduates who have a passion for writing. As Fashion Journalists, they cover everything from fashion news and trends to designer profiles and industry insights. Graduates can write for fashion magazines, websites, and blogs or work as freelance writers for a range of publications. This career path allows graduates to use their expertise in fashion design and trends to educate and inspire others through written content.
