Fashion and Textiles

This module explores the development of conceptual thinking, creative approaches to design and the technical aspects of product realisation. An introductory design brief considers the use of secondary and primary research sources as inspiration for the generation of innovative subject-specific product design statements. You will practically re-examine the possibilities of design development and creative awareness for your own area of interest either Fashion Design or Footwear Design and Accessories or Textile Design, to advance to MA level.

In this module creative and technical skills will be developed in order to effectively communicate complex creative concepts using specialist skills to a professional standard. Areas that will be explored include design illustration and drawing skills, technical drawings, print developments, layout techniques. You will develop various skills and styles of 2D representation and presentation using digital and hand-crafted methods, to create a visually stimulating and innovative portfolio of work for an ever-changing fashion society.

You will also be introduced to advanced research skills. You will consider the role of research within the context of fashion and textiles, and to reflect on your personal attributes, skills and values as a contemporary researcher. Typical content will include research design; gathering, managing and analysing data; developing critical and ethical practices; and reporting and presenting research findings.

Select one from the following:

Technology for Design - Defining Practice

Design and manufacturing techniques are developing at a rapid pace. This includes digital tools such as computer aided design, computer visualisation, virtual prototyping and direct digital manufacturing, alongside the creation of new equipment, materials, artefacts and devices. Everyday digital platforms and connected technologies make it easier than ever for ideas and ways of working to influence each other across different design disciplines.

Designers from all specialisms are keen to explore how technology can support creativity and innovation, helping them to develop new practice, drive change and improve the way we live.

At the start of the module, you will research a range of technologies and work with our team to identify the areas you would like to explore. You will then choose specific technologies and a clear context or external design brief to form the basis of your project.

Narrative Spaces

This module will explore how the design of spaces can tell a story. You will consider the interaction between objects, space and stories, in order to better understand complex ideas, messages or emotional connections and empathy. The interpretation of ‘space’ will be stretched beyond physical space and you will also explore how digital platforms can play a significant role in enhancing and immersing people in the built environment. There will be a particular focus on how modern retail environments and progressive museum and exhibition design use a combination of spaces and experiences to convey a story.

You will produce a group design project and presentation as a design team, with flexibility within the design brief to propose a multi-layered design concept proposal.

This module is design to strengthen your 2D design to 3D resolution skills. Through design research, critical self – evaluation, 2D and 3D experimentation, you will initiate projects to an advanced range of skills and potential design solutions. By focusing on successful and innovative outcomes you will develop your creative identity. This individual creativity will be taken forward into a focused design direction for the Major Project in Blocks 5 and 6.

In this module you will be supported to demonstrate a systematic and comprehensive understanding of the techniques applicable to your own research and advanced scholarship in the completion of a major project. You will demonstrate your ability to use initiative and ingenuity, make complex decisions and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level.

You will have the choice of either a major focus on design practice supported by a written critical evaluation (practice) or a major focus on the critical evaluation supported by a condensed design practice (academic). This should reflect your chosen path after graduation, should that be into design practice or continuing to an academic path.