Course Overview
This course explores the creative, global and innovative fashion industry and enables you to gain a foundational understanding of a range of topics and develop a workplace skillset before tailoring your project work to a specific area of the industry that appeals to you. The projects are designed to support your digital skill development through use of industry software to realise your design and communication ideas.
You will learn about careers available in this sector by working through projects that consist of research and investigation, plus enable core practical and creative skill development to develop ideas and produce exciting, professional outcomes.
You will be taught by subject specialist lecturers with wide ranging industry experience and receive input from current employers. You will learn about opportunities and current practice within the fashion industry including trend forecasting, garment manufacturing, styling and promotion.
You will have access to facilities including a photography studio and Mac suites, a sewing and textiles studio and other media equipment to learn key creative presentation techniques. These facilities will allow you to build a strong portfolio of visual and theoretical work in preparation for your personal progression. The course also focuses on key transferable skill development such as building confidence, communication and presentation skills.
Topics may include:
- Fashion retail interior design
- Styling and photography
- Fashion industry news and business case studies
- Buying and merchandising
- Visual merchandising
- Marketing and brand management
- Social media communication
- Fashion design and range planning
- Production techniques and supply chain
- Environmental and ethical approaches
- Progression for future study and careers.
Assessment Methods
There is a mixture of practical, academic and work experience sessions on the course. Assessment is through a portfolio of reports, presentations, creative projects and a Final Major Project (FMP) at the end of the year.
Progression Options
On successful completion, you could progress to a university course such as Fashion Business, Marketing or Design. You could also progress to our Foundation Diploma in Art & Design to develop a practical portfolio of work in support of your application to university the following year.
Alternatively, previous students have pursued a Higher Apprenticeship, employment in the fashion industry, and self-led business/entrepreneurial activities.
Our alumn include students who have secured jobs in marketing, visual merchandising, and buying roles. We regularly welcome back graduates from the course to share their experiences of university life and the workplace, lead practical workshop activities, and provide valuable industry insights to our students.
Entry Requirements
You need five GCSEs in the 9 to 4 range including maths and English, or a relevant Level 2 qualification at Merit grade. Entry will also be subject to a successful interview and a portfolio of examples of your work.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Bridgwater College, Cannington College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
The Student Experience Team can mentor and signpost students who are struggling with a range of issues that are negatively impacting their day-to-day life. The Student Experience Team works closely with the Safeguarding & Lifestyle Teams to promote proactive wellbeing enrichment sessions. The team can refer on to counselling when appropriate.
We provide top-quality workshops and teaching areas across our Colleges for subjects such as art, design and media, hair and beauty, catering, automotive engineering and construction. You can review our campus facilities by navigating to the “College Life” section of our websites.
For us, the success of our students always comes first. By investing in our built environment, we are investing in your future.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
The Safeguarding Team can offer advice and guidance on anything that may be affecting your young person and their studies – no problem is too big or too small!
Please email our Safeguarding team at staysafe@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk. If you query is urgent, please come to the College Reception and ask to speak to a Safeguarding Officer.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.
