An undergraduate degree offered in partnership with the University of West London covering the fundamentals of fashion design and conceptual theory, brand development and communication, as well as practical skills in garment and accessory design.
An undergraduate degree offered in partnership with the University of West London covering the fundamentals of fashion design and conceptual theory, brand development and communication, as well as practical skills in garment and accessory design.
The BA (Hons) Fashion: Design and Accessories course is a future focused, globally aware design-led, entrepreneurial course conceived to prepare students for careers within the global fashion and accessories industry.
This highly distinct and innovative programme of practice focuses the learner on the interconnectivity between garment and accessories design and in the making process.
Delivered in partnership, the BA (Hons) Fashion: Design and Accessories course is a unique and highly exciting programme that benefits from the expertise and teaching practices of the Academy.
This course will help students develop an in-depth understanding and practical application of the design and making of both garments and accessories.
Subjects will include Fashion Design, Accessory Design, Visual Communication, Fashion Theory, Brand Development, and Entrepreneurship.
Given the specialised nature of the field, both traditional skills and emerging technologies are taught, such as the integration of digital technology with wearable accessories.
Students on the programme will benefit from being taught in a dedicated environment, with access to facilities, and so will benefit socially and cross disciplinary from the highly diversified course communities.
Taught sessions will often draw upon studio based project work, creative workshops, and ‘work review’ sessions. Assessment is contextual and applied and is intended to follow your personal area of continuing practice and subject specialism.
Depending on the module, you may be assessed through:
2D visual research and design development work
3D development work and final products
Practical and digital portfolio work
In person, digital and visual presentations
Final negotiated project
This is a hands-on, industry focused course with subject matter that reflects both traditional and emerging theory and skill along with a contextual and applied understanding of the accessories market.
There is a strong thread of work related learning throughout the programme and you will be expected to approach your studies as professional, aspiring designers and develop their craft.
Central to the experience is the Internship Project. Here, working alongside industry professionals and undertaking negotiated and agreed tasks, you will gain direct professional experiences that sit alongside, complement and add critical context to your study.
Students will not only enjoy the craft of traditional garment and accessories design and make that have been handed down with little change through centuries and generations of crafts people, you will also be breaking new and exciting ground through the discovery and application of new and emerging smart textiles and wearable technologies that are changing the materials industry and the use and functionality of objects.
BA (Hons) Fashion: Design and Accessories graduates will likely be aspiring designers who want to establish their own enterprise or to join a larger company with the key transferable skills that industry so desperately demands.
Graduates will likely pursue specialist careers within the accessory design fields of bag and luggage design, footwear, sports and many other related sectors.
In addition to accessories design skills, the Academy will have prepared graduates with the personal, professional and entrepreneurial skills needed to transition into their future career.
Other costs
Unlike many of the mainstream universities and specialist colleges, JCA will provide you with most of the things needed to undertake your fashion studies, including fair use access to basic materials, such as calico, that elsewhere you may need to purchase.
At the start of your course you will be supplied with an introductory kit, which will include many of the art materials needed to undertake your general fashion illustration activities, in addition you will be provided with some key sewing and pattern making equipment needed for practical fashion and make activities.
Beyond the basics, you may then want, as part of your wider portfolio development, to select and use specialist materials and finishings, particularly for your final project. You will need to budget for this as this will be in addition to your fees, however in our experience we believe that material costs are unlikely to exceed £250 in year one, £300 in year 2 but depending on the materials you choose to work with, we would recommend budgeting £600 to £1500 pounds in year three to cover the production costs associated with your course and the final collection.
The JCA seeks to support the best and most gifted designer to fulfil their ambitions. Recruitment will be selective and based on academic and creative potential assessed through prior qualifications, portfolio and academic interview. Motivation is essential.
To be considered for the course, you will need:
The equivalent ‘minimum’ of two A levels at grades BB or above
Three GCSE passes at grade C or above (preferably in English and an Art / Design subject)
To submit an appropriate portfolio of work
To come to an interview which will be based on the quality of the creative and written work produced as part of the portfolio submission.
English language requirements for international students is an IELTS level 6.0 or above with a minimum of 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking
Applicants are requested to provide a portfolio of their own work in Art and Design, which will include a selection of work to demonstrate creative skills including evidence of how students use research and theory, and process and develop ideas. In addition, a sample of written work demonstrating some understanding and awareness of the fashion industry should also be included in the portfolio.
Students do not need to necessarily have a background in fashion. However, will be important to demonstrate the following attributes upon application;
A personal commitment and interest in fashion including an interest in design, making, visual communication and brand development;
Problem solving skills and the ability to communicate clearly in writing;
The ability to research and complete tasks;
Team work and independent practice;
Evidence of IT and CAD skills (e.g. basic use of Photoshop, etc.);
Commitment to the subject area through a personal statement and interview;
Focused entrepreneurial career aspiration;
Awareness of current affairs and debates within the fashion industry.
International and UK based applicants who are unable to attend the interview process in person will be asked to submit a digital portfolio and will be asked to partake in a Skype, Zoom or equivalent interview.
Validated by the University of West London
Students following the Design and Accessories programme will be aspiring designers who are likely to want to establish their own enterprise or to join a larger company with the key transferable skills that industry so desperately demands.
Academically the programme is grounded with contemporaneous themes such as Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, and supporting this further, students are encouraged to find and undertake a professional internship which provides context and reflection into a single applied learner experience.
Following this programme some students will want to further develop their specialism through postgraduate study.
Students who want to move more quickly into industry are likely to find careers within large fashion companies that carry garment and accessory lines or specialist careers within the accessory design fields of bag and luggage design, footwear, sports and many other related sectors.
