University Of Leeds

BA Fashion Design aspires to provide a broad conception of fashion that encompasses clothes, adornment and physical appearance. While it aims to equip the students with the ability of creating fashion, it also aims to acquaint them with a critical understanding of the range of theories and methods that inform fashion research, as well as fashion's relationship to historical context, cultural practices, social trends and values, and ideological assumptions.

Currently the programmes challenging scheme of study provides an emphasis on key specialisms each requiring independent enquiry, reflective practice and an academic understanding of global fashion design for the 21st Century. Central to the programme of study is learning through practical involvement, industrial relevance and commercial practice. Students are encouraged to pursue their personal design philosophy, and, where possible, to enter live competitions.

The programme comprises of two specialisms:
- Womenswear
- Menswear

The programme is distinctive and unique, harnessing business acumen, trend analysis, forecasting and promotion through creative and innovative thinking. Global fashion systems, industries, products and experiences are interrogated and critically appraised. Through expert guidance in research activities students will explore trends beyond a fashion-style context, to understand a wide range of external influences that drive fashion consumerism and taste. Students will develop a wealth of knowledge through theoretical and technological applications and develop critical thinking and creativity to identify and maximize opportunities in the marketplace. The programme balances the activities of fashion-related industries with the complexities of consumer behaviour and the consumers’ role in the fashion system, to nurture a strong commercial awareness enhanced with production knowledge. Students will develop a range of promotional materials and displays and will have the opportunity to collaborate with live projects. The programme includes options to either study abroad or to undertake an industrial placement. The inclusion of the School-wide modules also add a different subject mix for this programme in relation to competing programmes.