At our School you will find a total focus on your creative development
Nationality: British
Course: Drama Foundation
Where is she now? Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), London
BA (Hons) Fashion
This exciting three-year BA (Hons) degree is focused on developing design skills in the context of the mainstream fashion and clothing world.
- Get the attention of buyers: we nurture commercial awareness so students are taught to visualise their designs as products intended for sale from the outset.
- Learn from professionals: students are taught by nationally and internationally recognised directional fashion practitioners, providing 'inside' knowledge and experience of the fashion world.
- Design your own collection: Every year we hold a sell-out catwalk event, sponsored by a top international designer, giving you the opportunity to showcase your own collection. Watch recent fashion show videos
- State of the art technology: you will take advantage of the full range of workshops and processes that are available in our new state of the art studios, including emerging technologies coupled with traditional and avant-garde pattern-cutting methods.
- Work on 'live projects': you will be given the opportunity to work on ‘live’ projects with influential designers and retailers.
- Get yourself known: you will have the opportunity to study abroad and work on some prestigious and internationally recognised competitions.
Find out more about:
Course modules
Entry requirements
The teaching approach
The fashion show
Work placements and fashion careers
A typical week on the course
- You must have completed Foundation level study and have an IELTS score of 5.5 (or equivalent).
- You will also be asked to submit a portfolio of work.
IELTS less than 5.5? You will be assessed by the school and may still be accepted, but will be required to attend additional English Language lessons until you reach the required level.
Portfolio?
Your portfolio is the chance to show us your skills and your passion and as a guide we would like to see the following:
- taught and personal work
- drawing skills (from direct observation and reference)
- personal ideas and areas of interest (if fashion is your passion then show us)
- experimentation with a range of different media and materials
- a breadth of interest in and exploration of a range of art and design disciplines
- research and ideas in sketch books or note books
Teaching approach
In Level 1, the focus is on developing core skills and knowledge from traditional and non typical pattern-cutting techniques.
There is also a strong focus on developing visual, analytical and verbal research abilities with an emphasis on design development and the evolution of a personal illustrative technique.
You will receive Computer Aided Design (CAD) teaching including Photoshop and Illustrator with access to specialist Fashion CAD.
Students are also taught the fundamental principles of fashion related commercial practice.
In Level 2, you further develop key skills with a greater emphasis on live projects working with influential industrialists. We develop your key skills including textile technology awareness and understanding of materials.
In Level 3, you are taught how to prepare yourself for your final year with emphasis on your degree essay and your design and commercial directions.
There is greater emphasis on self-initiated work enabling you to think and work independently. This is an exciting time where you will be working towards a professional portfolio and final collection.
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CSVPA's annual fashion show is the biggest event on the School's calendar and the opportunity for you to make your mark in the fashion world. Over the past nine years we've been working with the top names in design and industry who have, and continue to, collaborate with us as sponsors, mentors and external lecturers.
From year one you will produce a collection to be showcased in front of industry experts, family, friends and public responding to a brief set by some of fashion’s finest: Vivienne Westwood, Galliano and Julian MacDonald to name but a few. You may also benefit from experience at the ‘sharp end’ of design and promotion through involvement behind the scenes with London Fashion Week and other similar events.
If you want to be the best you have to work with the best and this is where our industry links come to the fore.
“It is very flattering, as a designer, to be requested to set a project for young talent” Ben De Lisi
Previous sponsors have included: Vivienne Westwood - Jean Paul Gaultier - Julian Macdonald - Ben de Lisi - Valentino - Philip Treacy - Katharine Hamnett and Betty Jackson
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Work placement
During Semester 2 in your second year, you have the opportunity to undertake a work placement.
This is self-initiated and can be with some exciting retailers and designer. The outcomes can lead towards offers of employment when you graduate.
Students at CSVPA have previously obtained work experience with Jenny Packham and Julien MacDonald.
Careers
The emphasis throughout the degree is on a range of knowledge and skills in fashion and clothing design, including practical aspects of production awareness and marketing. This will equip you to work in a broad range of areas in the fashion industry, from design, styling, marketing, manufacturing, visual merchandising, buying and selling.
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Our new e-Prospectus allows you to:- watch videos
- browse student work
- read detailed information about
the programme, including course
outlines and timetables
- view our staff profiles
- find out about our state of the art facilities
- watch our students talk about their
experiences ...and more!
(nb the site may take a few seconds to load, and uses Flash technology)
"The course I did was the perfect balance of teaching and self study... I went on to study fashion at Istituto Marangoni. I'm now running my own shoe label (after interning at Jonathan Kelsey and Alexander McQueen)."
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