Course description

This course will help you develop fashion design skills, and expand your knowledge of key business aspects through a combination of creative and practical study.

The core purpose of fashion marketing is to supply, disseminate and manage information regarding a brand, company or individual to the public and press.

The course is for anyone wishing to be both creative and strategic. It will help you develop fashion design skills, and expand your knowledge of key business aspects through a combination of creative and practical study. It is designed for those who want to learn about the business of fashion but have a desire to design and make. Ultimately, this course is for anyone wishing to pursue a fashion marketing career.

You'll gain a valuable insight into the commercial elements of the fashion sector, from an integrated perspective encapsulating emerging fashion design and marketing concepts. This new programme of study incorporates expertise from the BA (Hons) Fashion Design programme, creating an integrated programme of study encouraging 'bespoke' approaches to personal study.

In year one you’ll be introduced to the fundamentals of fashion design practice and market sensing, for the ready-to-wear market. In year two there is a greater emphasis on the commercial world, with a focus on branding and influencing. You will also be encouraged to participate in national and international competitions – several of our recent students have won national competitions over the past few years. Year three provides a unique opportunity for you to advance your thinking and practice, through a self-managed process of risk taking, experimentation and resolution. Modules dedicated to business and entrepreneurship correctly position these activities with a commercial context.  

We encourage all second years to take a work placement in industry, which will also give you an additional qualification - the Diploma in Professional Practice. Placements are sometimes hard work but give you fantastic experience and are deeply rewarding. We have previously had students placed at a wide variety of companies including, Marks & Spencer, Temperley London, Erdem, Mother of Pearl, Preen, Aitor Throup, Tommy Hilfiger and Roksanda, amongst others.

Students applying from one of the University of Derby's Partner Schools or Colleges are guaranteed a place or interview, if students meet the minimum entry criteria for their chosen course and apply by the January deadline date.

Fashion and Textiles studios

You will study at our Chandos Pole Street building, a purpose built learning environment where you will have access to new specialist Fashion and Textiles facilities. These include light and airy studio spaces as well as industry-standard equipment and design facilities.

Facilities

All Art and Design, Film, Photography and Music courses are based at our Markeaton Street site where industry-standard, purpose built studios and labs provide a modern and creative space for our students.

Markeaton Street encompasses Chandos Pole Street which is home to our Fashion and Textiles courses and Britannia Mill is home to Fine Art, Illustration and Interior Design studio spaces. Our Theatre students learn from professionals at the professional producing and learning Derby Theatre in the heart of Derby city centre.

Markeaton Street is a 15 minute walk from Kedleston Road, and is serviced by regular site shuttle buses.

Whilst studying this course, you will have access to Sounsnap to access music and sound effects.

Recent successes

You'll have the opportunity to exhibit your final collection and your portfolios at the graduate fashion show at Derby Theatre and participate in competitions. Recent successes from our BA (Hons) Fashion Design course include:

• Marina Mendes was awarded the winning collection from the University of Derby and Hertfordshire University Joint Catwalk Show at Graduate Fashion Week 2022 along with Lydia Strickler being awarded highly commended from the same show. Both collections joined the 'Best of GFW22 Collections' and Marina Mendes was also named as one of the new innovative designers to watch by The Guardian in a review of Graduate Fashion Week 2022
• Anika Vo winning the Menswear Design category and Parasto Qalandari winning the Womenswear Design category at the FASHANNE Fashion Designers of the Future Awards 2021
• Georgia Alligan winning the John Smedley category at the Campaign for Wool Student Design Competition 2020
• Lucy Taylor winning Midlands Young Designer of the Year, Midlands Fashion Awards 2019
• Olivia Noble winning the David Nieper Scholarship Award 2019
• Freya Whittaker, winner of the Fashanne Design Award 2018
• Sarah Woodward was Midlands Emerging Designer winner 2015
• Nicole Wells won St Andrews Young Designer in 2015.

Recent successes from our BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Marketing course include:

• Dominica Buonasorte winning the Sustainability category and Sofie Nikl winning the Commercial Design category at the FASHANNE Fashion Designers of the Future Awards 2021.

We also successfully collaborate with industry to enhance the curriculum with cutting edge learning environments.

How you will learn

Assessment is 100% coursework based including practical production and oral presentation work, along with written assignments. In the final year, you’ll have the opportunity to write an extended essay on a subject of your choice and work on self-negotiated and independent creative projects.

Degree Show

Every year students from the School of Arts celebrate their time at University by showcasing their work at an end of year Degree Show at Markeaton Street and across the City of Derby. The Show usually runs throughout June. It is a fantastic opportunity for potential employers, friends, family, industry and members of the public to see exciting creations by the next generation of artists, designers, creators and makers from Derby. The Show takes the form of:

• An exhibition at Markeaton Street
• A Fashion and Textiles catwalk (usually at Derby Theatre)
• A Film Premiere (usually at QUAD)
• Theatre Performances (usually at Derby Theatre)
• A Music show at a variety of venues

Take a look at highlights from the 2019 Degree Show.