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Opportunity to take part in international design competitions such as Lineapelle in Milan, and award-winning success which endorses our status as a world-class footwear design course
Excellent career opportunities thanks to our worldwide links with the footwear industry
Excellent specialist studio facilities
Work placement opportunities with companies such as George, Alexander McQueen, Kurt Geiger, Nike and Ted Baker during vacation periods
Shoe design and technical making skills are developed throughout, emphasising the crucial relationship between design and manufacture and the needs of the footwear industry. Design research, drawing and illustration skills, and the ability to present and communicate ideas and concepts to a high professional standard are developed throughout the first year. This includes a series of shoe design projects focusing on a comprehensive range of footwear styles. You will learn technical modern shoemaking skills and will make a range of prototype shoes of your own.
There are regular visits to factories, tanneries and exhibitions such as Micam in Milan, and work placements within the footwear industry can be undertaken during vacation periods. These have included placements with Alexander McQueen, Kurt Geiger, Jimmy Choo and Nike.
UCAS course code: WWF7
Duration: Three years full-time, six years part-time
Institution code: D26
A good portfolio and normally:
Five GCSEs grades A* - C including English Language or Literature at grade C or above.
We also accept the BTEC First Diploma plus two GCSEs including English at grade C or above
UK applicants with relevant qualifications will be invited to bring their portfolio of work to an open day and interview.
Overseas applicants will be invited to send samples of their work. For further details check our international students portfolio page|.
If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent when you start the course is essential. English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.
Teaching encompasses formal lectures, group seminars, tutorials, presentations, practical workshops and studio-based activities. Work is assessed against criteria which will cover 2D work such as research reports, design sketchbooks and presentations boards, 3D work such as shoe prototypes and marketing materials, and formal presentations to peers, staff and external clients.
Year one
Year two
Optional modules:
Year three
The course leads to successful careers in footwear design, buying and marketing, and teaches practical skills and shoemaking knowledge for production and technical areas of the footwear industry. Recent graduates are working as designers, buyers or agents for companies such as Gucci, Red or Dead, Gina, Morgan, Lacoste, Kickers, Kurt Geiger, Adidas, Dune, Levi’s, Office, Next, Georgina Goodman and Paul Smith, both in the UK and overseas.
2013 entry
UK/EU Fees: £9000 International Fees: TBC
Learn more about fees and funding information 2013|
Large open-plan studio with specialist shoemaking workshops attached. Technical support and further workshops are available for the production of individual prototype components such as soles, heels and trims.
For more information please contact:
T: +44 (0) 116 257 7555 E: adh@dmu.ac.uk|
You are encouraged to enter work for national and international competitions including the RSA Student Design Awards, the EMAP Student Footwear Award, the Drapers Footwear Award and Student Accessory Designer of the Year Award. Footwear students have had many competition successes with recent first prizes at the Lineapelle Footwear Competition in Bologna, the prestigious Bata International Design Award and the Moda Footwear Competition.
“I chose footwear design because it offered a wide variety of design and creativity. I found it intriguing because it combined my love of fashion, sculpture and design all in one course.”
Eleanor Ferry, BA (Hons) Footwear Design, winner of MODA 'History in the making' Award, The Lotus Brands Student Innovation Competition and Thea Cadabra Design and Innovation Award.
Footwear Design portfolio advice|
International applicants should refer to our School of Fashion and Textiles portfolio advice|
Graduate Fashion Week 2013|
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