Bachelor of Design specialising in Fashion Design

The Bachelor of Design specialising in Fashion Design is a dynamic programme equipping students with essential design thinking and problem-solving techniques for fashion concept generation. The curriculum covers patterns, textiles, sustainability, and materials, fostering research, trend analysis, and sustainable practices aligned with the SDGs. Encouraging multidisciplinary collaboration, the programme emphasises on creating culturally inclusive fashion products using digital tools. Graduates possess a nuanced understanding of fashion intricacies, combining technical proficiency with a creative mindset.  

In the final year, modules and experiential opportunities refine theoretical foundations, culminating in a comprehensive portfolio, preparing students for dynamic roles in the fashion industry.  

Modules and learning in the final year:  

• Capstone Project: Students embark on a significant capstone project, allowing them to choose a theme or direction that resonates with their design vision. Emphasis is placed on developing a distinctive fashion design style that aligns with user-centred design principles and meets the specific needs of clients. 
• Sustainable Design Focus: The curriculum underscores sustainable design principles, guiding students through the entire life cycle of a garment. Exploration includes considerations for raw materials, fabrication processes, up-cycling techniques, textile manipulation, and the integration of technology in fashion. 
• Sub-Culture in Design: Students delve into the exploration of a specific sub-culture, leveraging its unique characteristics and influences to inform and inspire their capstone projects. 
• Advanced Skills Development: Progressive and refined skills are exercised in textile technology, pattern technology, and garment technology, enabling students to attain advanced proficiency in these crucial aspects of fashion design. 
• Technology and Innovation Exposure: Awareness of the latest design technologies and innovations is heightened as students engage in practical applications using software tools such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. 
• Business Understanding: A deepened understanding of the guidelines and principals involved in running a design business is fostered, preparing students for the practical aspects of the fashion industry. 
• Integration of Circular Design and Sustainability: Business studies expose students to the integration of circular design principles and sustainable development goals within the fashion industry, emphasising ethical and environmentally conscious practices. 
• Holistic Portfolio Development: The culmination of the programme involves the creation of a comprehensive portfolio highlighting the skills, creativity, and knowledge acquired throughout the bachelor's program. 
• Preparation for Professional Roles: The third-year acts as a crucial phase in transitioning students into fashion design practitioners capable of contributing meaningfully to real-world contexts. 
• Experiential Training: The curriculum may include experiential training opportunities, providing students with hands-on experience and exposure to industry dynamics. 
• Final Project Application: The final project involves the practical application of research, design concepts, and technical skills, demonstrating the students' readiness to enter the professional realm of fashion design. 
• Portfolio Development: As part of the final year, students work on developing a comprehensive portfolio that highlights their best work, design philosophy, and the evolution of their design thinking over the course of the program. 

Therefore, students are equipped with essential skills and a creative mindset for conceptual idea generation, fostering a profound understanding of the intricacies of fashion design throughout the programme. The dynamic curriculum, marked by a comprehensive capstone project and sustainability focus in, ensures graduates emerge as industry-ready professionals. With a commitment to holistic portfolio development and experiential training, the programme prepares graduates for the challenges and opportunities in the global fashion industry, making a positive impact. 

 
The Inscape Way: 

Comprehensive Knowledge Base:  

The Bachelor of Design Specialising in Fashion Design, aligned with the Inscape Way, immerses students in a comprehensive exploration of the fashion design domain. The programme ensures a profound understanding of design history, theories, and contemporary practices within the fashion industry. 

Skill Development:  

Students undergo rigorous training in practical skills essential for modern fashion designers. This encompasses technical proficiency in areas such as pattern making, textiles, and sustainable design practices. Additionally, the curriculum hones soft skills such as effective communication, project management, and creative thinking, fostering a well-rounded skill set. 

Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking:  

A core focus of the programme is developing students' ability to approach design challenges with innovative problem-solving skills. Through project-based learning, case studies, and real-world simulations, students learn to analyse and respond to complex design scenarios, considering factors like functionality, aesthetics, sustainability, and user experience. 

Application Across Various Contexts:  

Recognising the diverse applications of fashion design, the programme prepares students to work in various contexts, from haute couture to sustainable fashion. Students gain versatility to adapt their skills to different design settings and client needs, ensuring they are well-prepared for the dynamic and evolving fashion industry. 

Foundation in Principles and Practices:  

The programme provides students with a thorough grounding in the fundamental principles of fashion design. This foundation includes understanding patterns, textiles, sustainability practices, and the impact of design on cultural and social contexts. Students are exposed to best practices in the industry, fostering ethical considerations and a commitment to sustainable and culturally conscious design. 

Readiness for Further Academic Pursuits (Articulation Options):  

For those inclined towards academic research or higher education, the programme lays a strong foundation. Graduates are not only prepared for immediate entry into professional practice but also equipped with the academic rigor required for postgraduate studies, such as an Honours degree in Fashion Design or related fields. 

In alignment with the Inscape Way, the Bachelor of Design Specialising in Fashion Design ensures that graduates possess a comprehensive knowledge base, a well-rounded skill set, problem-solving abilities, adaptability to various contexts, a strong foundation in design principles, and readiness for both professional practice and further academic pursuits.