Fashion Buying with Product Development BA (Hons) module details

Year one (Level 4)

Core Buying 1
This module gives an overview of the buying cycle from ‘concept to carrier bag’. You will gain an understanding of the various roles and responsibilities within the buying office, and be introduced to the concept of range building. You will learn how to conduct an industry ‘comp shop’, and explore trend forecasting and cost negotiation.

Textile Materials 1
This module aims to provide you with an awareness of textile materials. It includes theoretical and practical activities based on fibres, yarns, woven, knitted and physical testing methods. Practical sessions enhance knowledge of materials and products, and how they relate to industrial technology in order to enhance your technical knowledge as a Buyer.

Fashion Communication (CAD)
Fashion Communication teaches you the required skills in Photoshop and Illustrator. These skills are taught in specialised state-of-the-art CAD labs. You will be able to use your knowledge of CAD and your practical skills to assist your work on other modules within the course. 

Introduction to Fashion Design Technology
This module is designed to introduce you to pattern cutting through 2D and 3D methods. Garment construction methods will also be covered.

Design Cultures 1
Design Cultures aims to develop your critical thinking and research skills by introducing you to the history of fashion design, how fashion has developed over the ages and how this relates to today’s global fashion industry.  You will also look at the history of fashion marketing and branding including historical influences within the fashion industry.

Year two (Level 5)

Core Buying 2
Involves an in-depth review of how the buying process works and how garment designs are produced overseas then shipped back to UK stores. This is a complex process involving many stages with one of the most intricate critical paths in industry. This module explores the strategic and trading elements of a buying office. It also includes careers support, CAD development and technical aspects.

Textile Materials 2
With a focus on product performance students will be introduced to the importance of quality through the creation of performance specifications via material analysis using industrial test laboratory apparatus.  The product performance element will introduce testing methods that  assess how products are evaluated for different applications and what limits and tolerances may be acceptable.

Design Cultures 2
This module encourages critical thinking and debate about ethical and sustainable design in the context of Fashion Buying. Other areas you will explore are globalisation and the role of fashion in gender and cross-cultural issues; the relationship between design and technology; retail environments and the culture of consumption and sustainability within the Fashion industry.

Textile/Garment technology
Students will gain an in-depth understanding of product specifications and essential criteria to consider in the development of textile products ensuring conformance to safety legislation and performance standards

Fashion Realisation
Design development and pattern cutting skills are developed further.   Experience will be developed in fitting and critically assessing garments to create  technical specifications that relate to industry practice.

Year three (Level 6)

Sourcing and supply
Within this module, you will focus on the global sourcing of a textile product and examines some of the challenges faced by buyers and merchandisers. You will consider how to source a textile product, flexibility of supply and quick response, managing quality, international distribution and supply chains, international political legislation and other issues.

Major Project - Dissertation
This module is the culmination of your studies to date and will develop and explore your skills and experience. The project will take the form of a dissertation based on original research.

Product Development
This module runs alongside the major project and develops your portfolio and product development/merchandising skills. The module will be based around national and international competition briefs

Note: All modules are subject to change in order to keep content current.

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