PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
♦ Awarding Body
University of the Arts London
♦ Teaching Institution
Ravensbourne
♦ Final award
BA (Hons) Fashion
♦ UCAS Code W230
♦ Relevant QAA Benchmark Statement
Art and Design
♦ Date of production/revisionSeptember 2013
♦ Programme Aims
The course aims to provide you with the knowledge and skills appropriate to a range of career outcomes in Fashion (womenswear, menswear and fashion textiles). You are encouraged to develop your individual creative ability and support this with the development of a high level of vocationally orientated technical skills. In particular, this programme aims to enable you to develop: • a range of creative, technical and professional skills relevant to employment
in the fashion industry and related areas; which include skills in research, analysis, problem-solving and critical reflection and the visual, written and verbal communication skills required of a graduate entrant to the fashion industry;
• an understanding of the key critical, social, cultural, historical and business concepts, issues and debates relevant to contemporary fashion;
• a comprehensive knowledge of contemporary professional practice and the creative process in their chosen specialism, and an awareness of current areas of development and innovation;
• a clear vision of where their creative strengths lie and how these can be utilised in product development and potential career opportunities.
P r o g r a m m e O u t c o m e s
Knowledge and Understanding
A1 ability to select, test and make appropriate use of processes and materials in the development of prototypes from design ideas
A2 use technology creatively as part of the design process, whilst understanding and being able to use relevant new technology in the production and/or manufacturing process
A3 recognise and utilise the key historical, socio-cultural, market and industrial factors which influence research, development and realisation for fashion design and manufacture
Learning and teaching methods
Learning and teaching in relation to these learning outcomes tends to be primarily project based. This is supported by varied learning and teaching methods which may include as appropriate: project briefings, studio based lectures, (staff and student led) group seminars, technical or practical workshops, demonstrations, critiques, individual or group tutorials and self directed study, supported where appropriate by e-learning and/or resource based learning.
Assessment
Assessment Knowledge and
understanding is primarily assessed through essays, reports and individual and group presentations, and through its application in practical projects in a manner appropriate to each unit of delivery. Some units additionally require the submission of rationales, background research, development materials and/or evidence of reflection on the project process.
Values and Attitudes
B1 be intellectually curious, analytical and reflective, capable of carrying out sustained independent enquiry and develop the skills that underpin
professional development and life-long learning
B2 be entrepreneurial, imaginative and forward thinking, working beyond the boundaries of the discipline
B3 being creative whilst still satisfying the needs of the project/client/market
position
Learning and teaching methods
Values and attitudes are gained primarily through lectures, seminars, workshops, individual tutorials and self-directed study but also through project based learning. Learning is facilitated by well qualified permanent teaching staff and by
sessional staff and visiting speakers who are practising professionals and bring an important industry perspective to the course. Traditional modes of delivery may be supported where appropriate by e-learning and/or resource based learning.
Assessment
Values and attitudes are assessed primarily through essays, reports and individual and group presentations, and through its application in practical
projects in a manner appropriate to each unit of delivery. Some units additionally require the submission of rationales, background research, development materials and/or evidence of reflection on the project process.
Skills (Cognitive and Intellectual)
C1 generate ideas, concepts, proposals, solutions or arguments independently and/or collaboratively in response to set briefs and/or as self-initiated activity C2 place their own work critically in the context of business, culture, society, the environment, ethics, history, and be aware of the impact politics and economics can have on the relevance of design
C3 critically assess work with reference to existing and emerging professional and/or academic debates
Learning and teaching methods
Intellectual skills are gained primarily through lectures, seminars, workshops, individual tutorials and self-directed study but also through project based learning. Students are introduced to a variety of research and analytical methods through the contextual elements of the course and apply them in an Independent major study and the preparation of a
dissertation in the third level of the
course. Project based learning stimulates analysis, contextual and visual research, problem solving, creative thinking and personal reflection.
Assessment
Assessment is primarily through a variety of means including essays, presentations and a dissertation. Some elements are assessed through their application in submitted project materials. This may include rationales, background research, development materials and/or evidence of reflection on the process of
development in addition to practical material.
Skills (Subject Specific/Professional)
D1 use visual languages to investigate, analyse, interpret, develop and articulate ideas and information
D2 use digital technology creatively as part of the design process and as a tool for the creative process
D3 produce distinctive and creative work which demonstrates the effective use of colour, silhouette, analytical
experimentation and manufacturing
Learning and teaching methods
Professional and practical skills are gained primarily through self-directed project based learning. You work on project briefs designed to foster creative, technical and academic skills while progressively introducing professional contexts and constraints. This approach is student-centred, encourages deep learning, builds problem solving ability and Integrates academic with
professional learning. Some projects are intentionally collaborative encouraging team working and peer learning. This may involve students from other courses. Projects are supported by briefings, studio lectures, workshops, critiques, group seminars and student self-directed study.
Assessment
Practical and professional skills are assessed primarily through their
application in project work submitted for summative assessment. Some units additionally require the submission of rationales, background research, development materials and/or evidence of reflection on the process of
development. An individual or group presentation may form part of the assessment requirements of some projects.
Skills (Transferable)
E1 work effectively and collaboratively with others in a team from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines
E2 articulate ideas and information in visual, oral and written forms, and
communicate ideas and work clearly and appropriately to a variety of audiences E3 demonstrate the ability to design, produce and communicate a creative 2D and 3D design solution to a defined criteria within a specific timeframe
Learning and teaching methods
Transferable skills are primarily
developed through self-directed project activity, which progressively introduces professional contexts. Most learning takes place during the projects and through critical and reflective responses to the experience. At level one you concentrate on ‘learning how to learn’. The second and third levels also focus on career planning and the development of professional transferable skills to enable the student to make the transition to employment and/or further study.
Assessment
Transferable skills are assessed within appropriate units throughout the course. You provide evidence of work and learning carried out across the course. For instance, evidence of personal development achieved through research, design development and realisation; responses to briefs; and evidence of project management. You are also assessed through peer, group and self-assessment.
♦ Reference Points - The following reference points were used in designing the
programme; FHEQ Level 6
FHEQ Level 5 – Dip HE FHEQ Level 4 – Cert HE
♦ Programme Summary
Code Unit Credit Value
FAS13101/C101 Theory and Context 15
FAS13102/C102 Planning for Enterprise 15
FAS13103/C103 Mapping Your Profession 15
FAS13104/C104 Communication and Visualisation 15
FAS13105 Introduction to Pattern Cutting 15
FAS13106/FFL106 Introduction to Print 15
FAS13107 Applied Textiles 15
FAS13108 Digital Portfolio 15
FAS13201/C201 Debate and Polemic 15
FAS13202/C202 Making it happen 15
FAS13203/C203 Dissertation Preparation 15
FAS13204/C204 Promotions and Advertising 15
FAS13205/FFL205 External Brief 1 15
FAS13206/FFL206 External Brief 2 15
FAS13207/F207 Industrial Placement 30
FAS13301/C301 Dissertation 15
FASR13303/C303 Major Project Report 15 FAS13304/FP11304 Final Major Project: Formulation 15
FAS13305/F305 External Brief 3 15
FAS13306/FP11306 Final Major Project: Product Realisation 30
FAS13307/F307 Portfolio 15
Total 360
Modes
In order to maximise access to the course it may be available in a 3 year full-time mode and in a 2 year fast-track mode. Those who apply to complete the course in full-time mode will normally complete the three levels over three academic years (each composed of three terms). Able students who can demonstrate the maturity of outlook and commitment necessary may apply to complete the programme in an intensive fast-track mode. If you are accepted to this mode you will normally complete the three levels of the course in two academic years by the accumulation of additional credit and the completion of a fourth term of study in the first calendar year.
Ravensbourne reserves the right not to offer, and to withdraw, a mode where a student cohort is of insufficient number to sustain a viable student experience and when other modes are available for completion.
Transfer of Mode of Attendance
Students are accepted to a particular mode of attendance and normally are expected to complete their studies in that mode.
Exceptionally, a student enrolled on Level 1 of the programme may apply to transfer from the 3 year full-time mode to the 2 year fast-track mode or vice versa by completing a Transfer of Programme/Mode form.
Applications for Transfer of Mode from the 3 year full-time mode to the 2 year fast-track mode must be submitted to Registry by the end of Term 1 of Level 1. No applications for transfer of mode will be considered after that point.
Applications will be considered initially by the Subject Leader who will normally meet with the student concerned to ensure that she or he is aware of the demands of the 2 year fast-track mode and the consequences of the transfer. The transfer of mode will commence from the beginning of Term 2 of Level 1.
Subject Leaders will assess whether the student is able and has demonstrated the commitment and maturity of outlook necessary to complete their programme in the 2 year fast-track mode, and in doing so will take the following into account:
• Whether acceptable academic performance has been demonstrated (for example: through the achievement of Grade C or above on units completed during Term 1)
• Project work has evidenced higher than average practical and technical skills • There is evidence that the higher than average collaborative, organisational or
interpersonal skills necessary to undertake the 2 year fast-track mode have been demonstrated
Applications for Transfer of Mode from the 2 year fast-track mode to the 3 year full-time mode must be submitted to Registry by the end of Term 2 of Level 1. No applications for transfer of mode will be considered after that point.
For all applications for Transfer of Mode, the Subject Leader will make a recommendation to an Interim Assessment Panel or Final Assessment Board. No transfer shall be confirmed without the approval of the Interim Assessment Panel or Final Assessment Board.
♦ Distinctive features
BA (Hons) Fashion at Ravensbourne nurtures creatively brave forward thinking designer-practitioners with a strong fashion design philosophy and a critical awareness of current areas of debates such as ethics, sustainability, and slow and fast fashion. The development of creative individuality is underpinned by a rigorous foundation encapsulating practical/technical and digital skills. These foundations being innovatively interrogated through a spectrum of briefs including live briefs and competitions.
BA (Hons) Fashion at Ravensbourne is an internationally renowned, successful, dynamic programme with a well established reputation in the fashion industry; with a strong record of student placements which recently have included Alexander McQueen, Hussein Chalayan, Future Classics, Todd Lynn, TopMan, Jonathan Saunders, Eley Kishimoto, Louise Gray, Reiss, to name a few.
The programme is concerned with the development of the creative Professional practice, technological knowledge and theoretical understanding necessary to enter a variety of careers in the area of fashion. The broad aims of the course are to provide a creative and practical education in fashion, which fits with the vocational needs of industry. The course provides a rigorous intellectual examination of the key issues surrounding the industry and develops the specialist skills to allow you to enter one of industry’s main specialisms namely womenswear, menswear or fashion textiles.
The emphasis of this course is on conceptual design skills balanced with strong product awareness and an understanding of the application of the product development cycle from concept through to production. You will learn how to analyse trends looking at the role of prediction, the fabric calendar, the relationship of silhouettes, slow and fast fashion, innovation, cultural contexts and the impact of new design. The course aims to produce graduates who can create challenging high-end design solutions but also have a strong understanding of the high street. Graduates will leave Ravensbourne equipped with knowledge and skills in fashion but also with experience of team working, inter disciplinary collaboration, and the entrepreneurial skills and broader business awareness necessary to survive, succeed and innovate in the creative professions
.
The course structure draws on the creative synergies and frictions of the different disciplines at Ravensbourne and provides physical and intellectual opportunities for students to meet, learn and work together with students from different disciplines. Students study subject specialist units, shared units and core units. Subject specialist units focus on subject specialist methodologies, technologies and processes and offer project-based learning that simulates contemporary professional practice. Knowledge and understanding of contextual and theoretical issues are delivered as an integral part of the practice based units. Shared and core units additionally ensure the ability to articulate an intellectual, theoretical and critical awareness of the subject, both located within their practice and in a broader context. This prevents a theory/practice dichotomy while ensuring that this aspect of learning is sufficiently weighted in the curriculum.
Shared units are units which bring together courses in analogous specialist subject areas and allow you to gain skills common across these specialist subject areas, or to develop skills complimentary to those of the other specialisms and to work together on collaborative projects in the kinds of interdisciplinary teams common in industry. You are thereby introduced to the real world context of specialism, a world where specialists inevitably work in inter-disciplinary teams.
Core units provide fundamental knowledge, skills and contexts which we believe are necessary for all the creative professionals who graduate from Ravensbourne and with a model of the types of knowledge you will need continuously to update throughout your career. Core units equip you with the ideation, visualisation and communication skills required in the creative process characteristic of design and media industries and common across our disciplines. They also provide the conceptual skills, theoretical frameworks and professional contexts necessary for you to position your work and develop your professional identity. Additionally, they ensure that you gain the promotional, marketing and enterprise skills necessary to make success happen in the real world.
In Level 1, whereas specialist units encourage cohort identity-building, core and shared units ensure that you get to know others on different courses, quickly develop networks and learn to access the breadth of resources within the building and the various specialisms at Ravensbourne. They also ensure that you experience a broad range of teaching and are exposed to specialist expertise outside of your own areas. Core and shared units function as a structured and supported introduction to the real world in which people work in mixed professional workplaces rather than single subject communities. Across Level 2 and Level 3, this approach develops what some commentators call ‘T-shapedness’. Industry values highly graduates who are strong subject specialists but are also adaptable, empathetic to other professional perspectives and open to learning from these approaches.
This balanced blend of core units, shared units and subject specific units provides a unique, bold and enhanced experience, preparing graduates for the business environment they will be entering as professionals. It also ensures that your currency as industry ready professionals does not expire after their first job but instead grows and matures, leaving them open to new challenges and career progression.
Upon graduation, you are well prepared to pursue a wide range of careers within their specialist areas such as womenswear, menswear, textile design, creative cutting or design management roles. You are prepared for a range of career opportunities in the national or International fashion industry (including self employment) or postgraduate study; being given the opportunity to progress onto the MA Fashion programme at Ravensbourne.
Specialist skills are developed through cross-fertilisation of learning; you are actively encouraged to synthesis skills for instance, traditional womenswear skills such draping will be taught to menswear students and traditional menswear skills such as tailoring principles will be taught to womenswear students, enabling you to be more exploratory and innovative, and reinforcing a strong creative/technical foundation for Level 3.
Units and related projects will reflect current professional practice and encourage you to develop independent and original thought. Projects will be challenging and therefore aid students to conceptualise and develop a personal aesthetic. As a result, outcomes will be creative, innovative, contemporary and directional.
Understanding of the female/male form, line, proportion, silhouette fabric and colour will be fundamental elements of discussion within the learning process. This will be demonstrated in appropriate and sensitive two-dimensional and three-dimensional work relating to practices within the key market sectors i.e. High street, Ready to Wear and Designer level.
Non-traditional elements will be introduced to enrich the learning and creative approach, these will be enhanced through the digital prototyping areas which include: laser cutting, rapid prototyping, digital print and creative interrogation of software – open source as well as fashion specific.
Textiles is an integral element incorporated into the design process. menswear/womenswear designers will creatively explore the skills for creating innovative and creative textile solutions. Print processes will be interrogated through the use of digital printers, heat transfer facilities, embroidery and embellishment techniques which will be incorporated into the design process. You will understand colour theory and how fabrics and yarns work in relation to the design and structure of a garment. Innovative cutting and manufacturing techniques.
In Level 1, you will be introduced to basics skills and principles of fashion design. These introductions will be seamless allowing the students to explore and identify new creative synergies within the introductions.
In the summer term you will have the opportunity to be involved with the exit graduate showcase, working directly with other design students and/or in the operational aspects of the show. On completion of the first level of the programme and the achievement of the associated learning outcomes, you will be eligible for the award of a Certificate in Higher Education if they exit the programme.
Level 2 of the course has a strong industrial focus and is outward facing. The year includes the opportunity for an extended period of work experience for one term, which has academic credit attached to it, during which you undertake one extended work experience or two shorter periods. This unit includes both formative and summative critiques as well as academic monitoring. Students who successfully complete Level 1 and Level 2 of the programme having achieved all the learning outcomes for the units at these levels are eligible for award of Diploma in Higher Education.
Industrial understanding is furthered enhanced by live external projects set and monitored by the industry that simulate a realistic professional situation and through vocational case studies. As well as engaging in a variety of external briefs, you participate in external competitions, which may include Hand and Lock and the RSA brief.
Previously, Ravensbourne students have collaborated with Nanoforce from Queen Mary’s College, investigating creative solutions for their engineering department other levels have been involved in a live BBC project with Mary Portas.
In Level 3, you develop individual, independent lines of enquiry related to your chosen specialism, which build on the practical and theoretical elements in the first and second level. Two units are concerned with the initiation, development and realisation of a major body of fashion work, which involves the refinement and systematic application of the knowledge and skills developed in the earlier parts of the course.
Through a process of research and development you move your creative ideas from the theoretical and conceptual stage through to the realisation of full outcomes in the form of two dimensional, three dimensional or virtual prototypes. This challenges you to reflect upon, refine and expand your skills and knowledge in a process of independent learning and to utilise the range of transferable skills that were introduced at previous levels and underpin professional practice, such as research, presentation, planning and production. You may choose as part of this process to work with other students in interdisciplinary collaboration.
You also complete a major independent study leading to a dissertation on a topic related to fashion. This develops and strengths core cognitive skills undertaken in previous levels of the course and encourages students to make links and connections across different contexts and apply them in fashion.
♦ Recruitment and Admissions
Admission
Policy/Selection Criteria Ravensbourne will use a number of methods to assess an applicant’s suitability for their course of choice. Primarily applicants are selected on the basis of:
• an applicant’s prior academic achievement / qualifications and/or previous employment / life experience;
• assessment of the applicant’s ability and aptitude to succeed on the course for which s/he has applied. Students will be selected according to the generic criteria set out below:
Personal attributes
• shows commitment, enthusiasm and interest in the subject area
• initiative and problem solving • ability to communicate Creative process
• can generate ideas and use external sources to develop them
• ability to research an idea and follow it through to a finished product
Study skills
• can understand and organise information clearly
• can investigate and analyse information • shows reasoning and intellectual curiosity Professional skills
• has shown they can initiate and deliver projects • can work in a team and with people with
different skills
• has shown confidence with IT Career aspirations
• understands the relevance of the course to her/his career ambitions
• understands current debates within industry Accreditation of Prior
Learning Applications are welcomed from those who may not possess formal entry qualifications, mature students, those with work experience or with qualifications other than those listed above. Such applicants should demonstrate sufficient aptitude and potential to complete the course successfully. Applicants will be assessed at interview in accordance with Ravensbourne’s Accreditation of Prior Learning Policy and Procedure.
Where an applicant’s first language is not English, proof of competence in English will be required. This will normally take the form of an approved English language test at B2 level, in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference.
This should have been achieved within the last 18 months prior to commencement of the course.
Entry Requirements Students will normally be expected to possess five GCSEs (grade C or above) or equivalent (including English and Mathematics) and also to hold at leastone of the following or equivalent UK or international qualification:
• 2 A Levels (grades C) or 4 AS Levels (grades A-C)
• 2 vocational A Level (grades A-C)
• Level 3 Foundation Diploma or National Diploma • Advanced Diploma (grades A-C)
• International Baccalaureate (28 points or above)
♦ Course Diagram
3 Year Full Time
Level 1
Term 1
Term 2
Term 3
Core 15 Credits
103 Mapping Your Profession Core
15 Credits
104 Communication and Visualisation
Subject 15 Credits 106
Introduction to Print
Subject 15 Credits 107 Applied Textiles Subject
15 Credits
105 Introduction to Pattern Cutting
Subject 15 Credits
108 Digital Portfolio
Core 15 Credits
101 Theory and Context
Core 15 Credits
Level 2
Term 1
Term 2
Term 3
Shared 15 Credits
205 External Brief 1
Shared 30 Credits
207 Industrial Placement
Core 15 Credits
201 Debate and Polemic Core
15 Credits 202 Making it happen
Core 15 Credits 204
Promotions and
Advertising
Shared 15 Credits
206 External Brief 2 Core
15 Credits
203 Dissertation Preparation
Level 3
Term 1
Term 2
Term 3
Core 15 Credits 301 Dissertation
Core 15 Credits
302 Taking it forward
Shared 15 Credits 307 Portfolio
Shared 15 Credits
305 External Brief 3
Core 15 Credits
303 Major Project Report Shared
15 Credits
304 Final Major Project: Formulation
Shared 30 Credits
2 Year Fast-track – year 1
Level 1
Term 1
Term 2
Core 15 Credits
103 Mapping Your Profession Core
15 Credits
104 Communication and Visualisation
Subject 15 Credits
106 Introduction to Print
Subject 15 Credits
107 Applied Textiles
Subject 15 Credits
105 Introduction to Pattern Cutting
Subject 15 Credits
108 Digital Portfolio Core
15 Credits
101 Theory and Context Core 15 Credits
102 Planning for Enterprise
Level 2
Term 3
Term 4
Core 15 Credits
203 Dissertation Preparation
Core 15 Credits
201 Debate and Polemic
Core 15 Credits
202 Making it happen
Core 15 Credits
204 Promotions and Advertising Shared
15 Credits
205 External Brief 1
Shared 30 Credits
207 Industrial Placement Shared
15 Credits
2 Year Fast-track – year 2
Level 3
Term 1
Term 2
Term 3
Core 15 Credits 301 Dissertation
Core 15 Credits
302 Taking it forward
Shared 15 Credits 307 Portfolio
Shared 15 Credits
305 External Brief 3
Core 15 Credits
303 Major Project Report Shared
15 Credits
304 Final Major Project: Formulation
Shared 30 Credits
Please note, this specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each unit can be found in the Course Handbook, Unit Descriptors and Project Briefs. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed by Ravensbourne and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.
