Arts, Crafts and Design

Foundation Degree Fashion & Textiles Design Skills In partnership with Bath Spa University

The course covers both fashion and textiles in equal measure, providing the opportunity to follow your chosen path in the fashion and textile industry. The course is run at City of Bath College in the centre of Bath and provides a lively and demanding introduction to
the basics of fashion and textiles with the emphasis on innovation, skills and creativity. Throughout the course you will be given a wide range of skills and experiences, both technical and creative, supported by an understanding of cultural, social and business skills. The course aims to train students primarily through experience of practise in designing and making, giving a sound practical skills base. You will be based at City of Bath College but you are able to access Bath Spa University's facilities, such as the specialist Art and Design Library, and attend their visiting speaker programme.

UCAS code: W232/E232
Institution code: B20

Course Structure
In year one you are introduced to technical and design processes in fashion and textile including drawing, visual research, digital media, fashion illustration, fashion design skills, pattern cutting, sewing/construction skills, stand modelling, knit embroidery/fabric manipulation, print, plus historical and cultural understanding of fashion and textiles. There are also opportunities for study visits in the UK and overseas and a visiting lecturer programme. Students undertake a work placement at the end of year one. In year two the emphasis is to develop creatively and professionally, working more as independent learners. Further fashion and textile design skills are developed including digital design for fashion and textiles fashion illustration, flats and specs, sewing/construction skills and pattern cutting. The practice-based work is supported by historical and critical studies and professional practice. This year also provides opportunities for live industry projects. You will create a portfolio of work and create a final collection either as a fashion collection with textiles or a textiles collection for fashion. The final collection will be displayed as a static exhibition or fashion show. The modules are project-based and teaching sessions take place in design studios and skills workshops. A significant amount of independent learning is required where students will be expected to develop skills and complete assessment work outside taught sessions.

Methods of Study and Assessment
We use a wide range of assessment activities that include the completion of practical work, essays, reports and oral presentations. Each module is assessed at the end (summative assessment) but you will receive feedback and indicative marks during the module to help you reflect and improve (formative assessment).

Progression Opportunities
Students successfully completing this course may be eligible to progress to the third year of the BA Honours Fashion and Textile Design programme at Bath Spa University, subject to a place being available. While the University is committed to enabling Foundation Degree students to progress, in the event of there being insufficient places to accommodate all students who have applied, applicants will be subject  to a selection process which will be based on achievement during the Foundation Degree. Students are also able to apply to other institutions (through UCAS) for entry onto second or third year of other related degree programmes.

Employability
The Foundation Degree is a stand-alone (career-related) qualification in its own right, allowing you to progress directly to employment or self-employment in the Fashion and Textiles Design Skills Industry. Professional practice and entrepreneurial skills are embedded within the course to help you prepare for your future career. There is also the opportunity to design fabrics for exhibition and sale at the international trade fair, Indigo, in Paris.

Entry Requirements
160-200 UCAS Tariff points (eg BC; CD+AS c), with minimum 60 points from Art or Design, Textiles or related subject.
OR Art Foundation Course.
Alternative qualifications welcome.
All applicants will be interviewed..

News and events

Peter France strikes Gold with City of Bath College

Former City of Bath College student Peter France, the Chief Executive of Bath-based Rotork Plc, is to receive a prestigious Association of Colleges (AoC) Gold Award at the House of Commons.

College and Julian House get on their bikes for new course

City of Bath College has teamed up with leading Bath homelessness charity Julian House to launch a new cycle maintenance course.

Events >>

More News >>