You'll have excellent placement opportunities at companies such as Asos, Alexander McQueen, Puma, Temperley, Aitor Throup, and more.
You'll have the opportunity to exhibit your final collection and your portfolios at the graduate fashion show at Derby Theatre. Students are given the opportunity to participate in competitions too. Recent successes from our BA (Hons) Fashion Design degree include 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 and Nicole Wells won St Andrews Young Designer in 2015. We also successfully collaborate with industry to enhance the curriculum with cutting edge learning environments.
In year one you’ll be introduced to the fundamentals of fashion design practice for the ready-to-wear market. In year two there is a greater emphasis on the commercial world. Independent study, throughout 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. Contextual Studies and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) runs consistently through all years, aimed at giving you a positive advantage within the fashion industries. As you develop your profile as a creative individual, you’ll experiment with ideas and techniques, working with increased independence.
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.
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
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.
How you will learn
You'll be taught by a variety of learning and teaching methods which include: problem solving, reflective practice, analysis of given problem with synthesis of solution, portfolio building, group work, the use of influences files, report writing, group critiques, negotiated learning, presentation and demonstration.
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.
The programme makes use of field trips in a number of ways to inform and inspire students. Putting students in direct contact with significant cultural and commercial organisations and events, expands learning and understanding of the fashion world. Placements play a key role here too and in addition, create opportunities for students to network.
The programme regularly invites guests from industry to make a contribution to student learning. Guests from industry come in to deliver lectures, participate in tutorials and deliver external projects to students on a regular basis each academic year.
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.
Personal academic tutoring
Your personal academic tutor will work with you to help you get the most out of your time at university. Having someone to talk to about your academic progress, your university experience and your professional aspirations is hugely valuable. We want you to feel challenged in your studies, stretched but confident to achieve your academic and professional goals.
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