This module is designed for design students who wish to develop their digital skills in their practice. This module will enable students to acquire the skills and competencies to represent designs and ideas graphically using digital tools and software. Participants will develop a firm understanding of digital tools associated with their chosen design pathway. Learners will develop skills through a series of demonstrations, direct experience and focused reflection.

On completion, learners will have gained experience in navigating a range of industry standard digital tools with focused learning in their core pathways.

1. Identify professional practices and production processes for digital design

2. Recognise key theoretical principles, skills and technologies involved in the production of digital design

3. Transform analogue concepts into digital form

4. Prepare digital artwork, using a range of techniques and software, for both digital and print media

5. Apply key design principles, skills and technologiesin the production of digital designs

6. Produce a coherent body of design work using digital tools to a presentation standard

This module provides an overview of the role of design in contemporary society, and design methodologies to address the challenges faced by people and planet. Contemporary theories and principles of design including sustainable, universal and service design will be explored. Global strategies and reports pertaining to complex design problems will be referenced and innovative contemporary designers and their platforms will also be discussed.

1. Define a design problem in comprehensive terms and viewpoints.

2. Research, develop and evaluate alternative ideas and possible solutions to complex design problems

3. Write and present clearly articulated, factually supported, critical reflections on a topic from the lecture series employing academic methods of research and citation

4. Apply knowledge of design theory and principles to the analysis of case studies in both written and verbal presentations.

5. Interpret and critique the effectiveness of various design methodologies in addressing the issues that impactcontemporary society.

In this module, learners explore ideas through the process of design, concept development and 3D outcomes for fashion design. Learners will develop and advance aesthetic sensibilities through drawing and visualisation. Students will design, develop, and refine shapes and silhouettes for creative innovative outcomes that will be realised in fabric. Learners engage with fundamental and advanced aspects of creative pattern cutting and construction. Cognitive processes necessary to designers such as concept development, visualisations and problem-solving are applied. The content of this course is delivered through a series of lectures, textile lab-based workshops, tutorials and group critiques.

1. Demonstrate advanced enquiry, creativeunderstanding,and experimentation in the language of drawing.

2. Analyse and apply their findings logically and with selectivity to formulate design concepts.

3. Develop fashion drawings and technical flats from own designs.

4. Evaluateappropriateconstruction methods to realise in cloth, apparel and details to own design.

5. Illustratetheir designs, produce and present a body of work reflecting skills and know-how in the design process.

Surface print design encompasses the fashioning, decoration and embellishment of a wide variety of materials potentially suitable for use in the field of fashion and textiles, accessories, homewares and interiors.

The aim of this module is to give the Learner an understanding of surface design specifically as it applies to fashion and furnishing textiles. The module introduces the Learner to the processes and technical skills necessary to research, design fabric for fashion or interior context. Studio and workshop practice exposes the Learner to the methodologies and techniques relevant to the area. The process involves research, development and project resolution phase. The Learner develops a good understanding of current trends, colour awareness and contemporary design issues. This equips the Learner with the skills necessary to create their own capsule collection of designs and samples.

1. Demonstrate an ability to observe, gather visual information, reflect, and draw conclusions.
2. Research and display an awareness and position in contemporary surfacedesign practice.

3. Demonstrate an ability to respond to a set brief by engagement in workshop process, in debate, in seminars, tutorials and critiques.
4. Express an ability to think creatively and formulate from research gathered. Respond in a creative and personal way to a set brief, working with a level of autonomy.
5. Demonstrate good workshop practice and an awareness of Health and Safety issues pertaining to textile print design practice.
6. Achieve proficient technical standards from a range of specialist skills in surface design.

7. Evaluate personal learning, process and creative outcomes and identify needs within a structured learning environment whilst developing awareness of individual strengths within a broader creative sphere.

This module focusses on methods of yarn manipulation used to bring into being woven textiles (and their inherent decoration) suitable for use in fashion and interiors, accessories, homewares or other products designed for the domestic environment or architectural applications.

The aim is to give the Learner an understanding of weave as applied to fashion and furnishing textiles. The module introduces the Learner to processes and technical skills necessary to design, and produce fabric for fashion and interior contexts, via Studio and workshop practice. This module is concurrent with a drawing module which provides practical opportunities for developing relevant visual skills. The learner will be given a brief which will run for the duration of the module and is divided into two linked sections, Research Methodology/Development and Design Application.The module seeks to incorporate awareness of current trends in materials, colour and contemporary design issues. Thus the Learner will be enabled to create an individual collection of digital realisations, designs on paper and swatches of woven fabric.

1. Demonstrate an ability to observe, gather visual information, reflect, and draw conclusions
2. Research and illustrate an awareness and position in contemporary Textile design practice.
3. Demonstrate an ability to respond to a set brief by engagement in workshop process, in debate, in seminars, tutorials and critiques.
4. Display an ability to think creatively and formulate outcomes from research gathered. Respond in a creative and personal way to a set brief, working with a level of autonomy.
5. Demonstrate good workshop practice and an awareness of Health and Safety issues pertaining to Woven textile practice.
6. Achieve proficient technical standards within a range of specialist skills in the area of Woven design and practice
7. Evaluate personal learning, process and creative outcomes and identify own needs within a structured learning environment, and show a developing awareness of individual strengths within a broader creative sphere.

This module is an introduction to accessory design with an emphasis on experimentation of materials and techniques in contemporary embroidery, mixed media textiles, embellishment, use of traditional and new technologies. It provides the learner with the methodologies, skills and context to achieve outcomes using mixed-media, stitch and embellishment in designing and making accessories for fashion. It encompasses bespoke fine-craft, conceptual fashion and body art. This module will be delivered through a series of lectures, textile lab-based workshops, tutorials, and group critiques.

1. Generate visual research and gather information to build a body of research
2. Reflect on, draw conclusions and evaluate research
3. Demonstrate an ability to think creatively, by experimentation and responding in an original/personal way to brief
4. Respond to a set brief by engaging in workshops, in debate in seminars and tutorials and by articulating ideas and problems
5. Demonstrate skills of expression and communication through the medium of stitch and mixed media textiles, building on personal research

Work Based Learners will participate in a seminar series which will develop their theoretical knowledge, writing and presentation skills, while offering them the opportunity to apply this to active learning situations.

There will be an emphasis on preparing for independent research with a focus on methodologies that can be applied towards an Extended Essay for level 7 or onwards to a level 8 dissertation if they choose to progress to the Higher level BA stage.

The Seminar Series will commence with workshops delivered that respond to current trends in design theory, practice and research.

Learners may present topics based on their experiential learning while completing their professional practice and projects module.

Delivery will be fully online to accommodate remote placement of learners throughout the year.

1. Demonstrate ability to source and critically reviewpublished literatureon design theory and case studies,themes and issues in contemporary design.

2. Synthesise a review of literature with their own critical thinkingin awritten essayfully supported with academic referencing and illustrations

3. Deliver a Seminar Presentation of their researchto peers using current online presentation tools.Actively engage peers in discussion and participate and contribute todialogue during peer seminar presentations

4. Bring previous knowledge of design history and theoryto the analysis of the consequences and impact of historic practices oncontemporary design solutions

5. Source innovative international case studies of contemporary design that exemplify current theories and best practice

6. Contributeto group discourse in the online space in which the seminar series is delivered and present both written and presentation content in an e-portfolio along with other modules from level 7.

This module is designed for design students who wish to deepen their digital skills in the context of their practice. The module builds on the competencies learned Digital Tools 1, and prepares students for implementing modern digital skills in the workplace. This module will enable students to develop the skills and competencies to represent designs and ideas graphically using digital tools and software. Participants will develop a deep understanding of digital tools associated with their chosen design discipline. Learners will develop skills through a series of demonstrations, tutorials, direct experience and focused reflection.

On completion learners will have strengthened their competency in using a range of industry standard digital tools with focused learning in their core pathways.

Product Design – This module develops the learner's use of Computer Aided Design (CAD) systems and their application for the realisation of 2 and 3 dimensional images of design concepts. It employs currently used industry-standard software and stresses the value of computer based visual data to professional designers, particularly in respect to the speed of producing or updating visualisations, drawings, models and to their communication.

1. Recognise the relationships between design technology,production,the individual, society and the environmentwithin contemporary design practices.

2. Select appropriate techniques and software to transpose design ideas into digital form and environments.

3. Express solutions in response to scenarios through problem solving, experimentation and testing ideas within the digital environment.

4. Apply the features of design software to implement geometric concepts and principles.

5. Generate enhanced visualisations ofdesign conceptsusing industry-standardsoftware.

6. Prepare technical drawings and specifications in accordance with relevant standards.

7. Compose multimedia presentations which clearly express design information and embody design intentions.

This module normally involves a year long professional practice and/or project a design company, department or other organisation involved in design. Learners combine experience in the day-to-day operations of the organisation with projects selected to enhance the learners skills and provide benefits to the organisation. Some learners may be based on campus while carrying out their professional practice work. Learners can complete 26 weeks focused on an industry project or professional placement, or can complete a semester long project and a semester long professional practice.

1. Work as productive member of a team in a design company, department or other organisation involved in design.
2. Apply learning, working as a professional in the design sector
3. Analyse and solve real-world problems
4. Develop professional practice in project work – quality, deadlines, budgets etc.

This module involves a semester-long professional project (or projects) in a design discipline to be undertaken on campus. The project will provide learners with practical, hands-on experience with projects selected to enhance the learner's skills and problem-solving abilities to address real challenges and produce tangible outcomes. Undertaking professional projects on campus aims to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real-world application by immersing students in a simulated professional design project setting.

1. Work independently or collaboratively towards the completion of project objectives.
2. Apply theoretical learning to practical problems in a design discipline.
3. Analyse and solve real-world problems.
4. Develop professional practice in project work i.e. communication, quality, deadlines, budgets.

This module involves a semester-long professional practice in a design company, department or other organisation involved in design. Learners combine experience in the day-to-day operations of the organisation with projects selected to enhance the learner's skills and provide benefits to the organisation. In addition to using practical skills in a real-world environment, students will develop valuable soft skills such as communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. Undertaking professional practice for industry provides learners with invaluable real-world experience, bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application.

1. Work as a productive member of a team in a design company, department or other organisation involved in design.
2. Apply theoretical learning to practical problems in a design discipline.
3. Analyse and solve real-world problems.
4. Develop professional practice in project work i.e. communication, quality, deadlines, budgets.

This module engages learners in in-depth understanding of project management processes, methods and activities. Through the practical application of project management theories learners will engage in a team-based project to prepare, organise and carry out a project in response to a given design brief. The learners will negotiate their position within a multidisciplinary design team to design, develop and create a collaborative body of work to meet industry and sustainability standards.

1. Evaluate and apply project management concepts, techniques and standards in design projects,todesign and create/produce/manufacture projectsto a professional standard.

2. Use project management systems to structureaproject,job tasks, estimate costs, schedule and manage execution.

3. Analysethe complexities of team-based management.

The Dissertation module is designed to provide learners with the support and tuition to pursue independent research and writing leading to specialist knowledge on a selected topic within their design discipline. Learners are encouraged to select a research topic directly related to their current studio practice and utilise the UN Sustainable development goals to inform their research topic further. Learners are required to undertake research on an approved topic using appropriate research methodology. The dissertation will be undertaken throughout the duration of the academic year with key staged deadlines and ongoing formative feedback. A series of seminars will take place in the first semester and there will be a student led seminar presentations on their research to develop their presentation skills and discursive ability. In the second semester, the emphasis will be on individual tutorial supervision towards completion of the written work which should be approximately 8,000 words (not including bibliography, footnotes, appendix, and cover sheet).

1. Determine a topic for investigation engaging with relevant design theories, principles and examples.

2. Demonstrate research skills and systematic methodology in the location and accessing of appropriate information through libraries, electronic databases and other resources.

3. Synthesise analytical and critical skills in the evaluation of examples of objects of craft and design, with integrated supporting references to published texts.

4. Generate a considered argument, logically structuring relevant evidence in support of the case being made applying standard methods of citation and bibliography.

5. Exhibit writing skills that articulate a clear expression of ideas, insights and conclusions.

This is an award stage module where students identify and investigate a research avenue of personal interest and set specific goals for applying this research to in the development of a contemporary textile-led capsule collection in Semester 8. The module provides students with a foundation of research and knowledge from which their main project in Contemporary Fashion and Textiles can evolve in Semester 8. An emphasis on drawing, experimentation and other visual methods of information gathering including research into contemporary design culture, is a feature of the module. Practical and theoretical based learning is underpinned by a strong emphasis on the development of the learner's cognitive and visual communication skills.

1. Formulate independent research proposals, judgements and actions and manage own learning in a professional and ethical manner;
2. Develop skills in resourcing, documenting and collating visual and other material relevant to the stated goals; employ cognitive thinking processes within the researchfieldof contemporary and historical textile design.

3. Analyseinformation and demonstrate selectivity in how research isutilisedtogenerateconceptualdesignideasincontemporary design contexts; respond to creative challenges arising from critical reflection and lateral thinking.

4. Research, investigate and accurately describe the materials, processes and techniques used in a wide variety of fashion and textiles manufacturing processes andutilisethese findings to inform and develop their own technical practice.

5. Develop conceptual and aesthetic awareness of design relevant to the field of fashion and textiles and simultaneously acknowledge andempathisewith the broader aspects of contemporary design culture.

This module builds on competencies learnt in modules, Core Studio and Fashion Concepts . Students advance their skills in drafting, draping, cutting, fitting, construction and finishing. This module links with the studio module Fashion Textile Research and Development. Students draft patterns and samples of their own design and make apparel prototypes and samples that may be realised in their own fabrics. Students progress practitioner knowledge and skills in cut and construction. They synthesise this learning in context of their own practice.

1. Synthesise of appropiate cutting, draping and/or tailoring techniques
2. Evaluate best construction method/s for to realising owndesign

3. Construct toile and adjust fit to paper pattern

4. Develop 3Dsamples to own design in fabric

This is an award stage module where students develop their own personal design vision within the context of contemporary and evolving textile trends and markets. A distinctive feature sees students assimilate specialist fashion design skills into their core textile design project. The aim is to create a synergism where learning in both textiles and fashion fields is successfully combined. Students develop their own textile collection for fashion applications produced on the linked module Fashion Directions (also undertaken in Semester 8). Students prior pathway choices will influence the processes used e.g. printed, knitted, woven or embroidered techniques. Students draft individually tailored projects in consultation with staff encompassing textiles for Menswear, Womenswear and /or Accessory design. The module encourages the professionalism, innovation and creativity expected in the competitive environment of fashion. Students will learn through a series of lectures, lab-based workshops, tutorials and group critiques.

1. Analyse research findings and target design goals and project deliverables in the form of textile outcomes for fashion
2. Develop manual and technological skills in selected textile processes and understand the relevance of traditional know-how and it’s interplay with new technologies in fashion textile production; employ best practice in health and safety and in the utilisation of resources and physical facilities.
3. Articulate ideas and personal attitudes clearly and confidently;interact with audiences and potential clients and convey a sophisticated understanding of both practical and theoretical aspects of the textile design field.
4. Formulate secure independent judgements and actions and take responsibility for managing own learning in a professional and ethical manner;bring about creative initiatives in the field of design for fashion textiles.
5. Complete and present a self-initialised design project in the form of fashion textile product and portfolio at a level appropriate for independent practice in the field with resourcefulness and effective organisational and time-management skills.
6. Manage conceptual and aesthetic values when developing design solutions for textiles and simultaneously acknowledge and empathise with the broader aspects of contemporary design.

Fashion Directions is an award stage module where students develop their own personal design vision within the context of contemporary fashion trends and markets. A distinctive feature sees students assimilate specialist textile skills into their core fashion design project. The aim is to create a synergism where learning in both fashion and textile fields is successfully combined. Students develop their own sample collection of garments with/without accessories utilising textiles developed on the linked module Textile Fabrication (also undertaken in Semester 8). Students draft individually tailored projects in consultation with staff encompassing Menswear, Womenswear and /or Accessory design. The module encourages the professionalism, innovation and creativity expected in the competitive environment of fashion. Students will learn through a series of lectures, lab-based workshops, tutorials and group critiques.

1. Exhibit advanced technical ability and skill through practical application and assess the relevance of traditional know-how and its interplay with new technologies within contemporary design contexts.

2. Manage the conceptual and aesthetic values of their own project work and simultaneously acknowledge and empathise with current international design trends.

3. Formulate secure independent judgements and actions and take responsibility for managing own learning in a professional and ethical manner.

4. Take risks with processes and other speculative processes, making constructive use of results and recognising these as vital to the creative process and development of creative practice.

5. Identify, define and produce a self-initiated body of work in the form of a portfolio and capsule collection at a level appropriate for independent practice within the contemporary design contexts exhibiting effective time-management and self-organisation.

This module will encourage students to use their personal career ambitions to position their practice within a professional context. Students will engage with a series of lectures, seminars and workshops related to possible pathways in design practice and industry. The module will address pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, and business start-up, including topics such as internship opportunities and competing in design competitions. The module will provide students with multiple opportunities to research and meaningfully engage with external agencies to explore and identify professional context including progression to employment, self-employment, or postgraduate study.

1. Integrate entrepreneurship, business and competitive considerations towards the development their professional practice.

2. Exploreprofessionalenvironmentsand apply strategic thinking to their own career pathway development in the design/creative sector.

3. Produce effective self-promotional materialto developa creativepractice in a professional and ethical manner.