BA (Hons) Fashion Promotion and Communication (Full Time)

The fashion industry has changed dramatically over the last 20 years. The brand new BA Fashion Promotion and Communication course will prepare confident professionals who understand the workings of the industry and are ready to take on new challenges. Offering a syllabus that reflects the dynamics of fashion practice, the curriculum is designed to foster skills required by employers and to lead students to identify the changing needs of the consumer. Areas of study include trend forecasting, buying and merchandising, contextual studies, PR and fashion media.

The course structure and each individual project brief will allow you to explore new ideas and professional situations, developing skills, knowledge and personal attributes that will make you more likely to gain employment and be successful in your chosen occupation.

The challenges you will experience while studying at Solent, in particular when working on live project briefs, are a terrific way to help you to develop these skills and to gain recognition. Fusing academic and practical training, the programme of study allows you to first understand youself, your talents and your ambitions in order to effectively plan your career.

Industrial focus

Employability is the prime focus of all Fashion courses. The teaching scheme will include seminars and lectures by visiting practitioners and visits to industry events and businesses. Following the success of live projects students are encouraged to undertake placements during the summer period or can opt to take part in 100 hours of fashion industry work experience during the first half of their final year.

You will gain further professional experience through industry-led projects and work placements. In recent years students have collaborated on ‘real world’ projects with Top Man, diversity campaign All Walks Beyond the Catwalk, design boutique ‘ilovedust’, trend forecasters Mudpie and fashion magazine 3rd Floor.

You will consider your own career pathway, developing a Major Project and professional portfolio, reflecting your interests and aspirations. Examples of projects include magazines, online content, marketing campaigns and installation or organizing a fashion show.

Course content

Year 1

• Fashion Research
• IT and Design for Fashion Communication
• Fashion Industry: The Market
• Fashion Promotion and Presentation
• Design in Context

Year 2

• Concept Development: Colour and Trend Forecasting
• Fashion in Context
• Buying and Merchandising
• Fashion Media
• Fashion Marketing and Brand Communication
• Public Relations

Year 3

• Entrepreneurial Practice
• Major Project: Research Proposal
• Major Project (Incorporating Portfolio Construction)
• Fashion Industry Work-Based Learning
• Dissertation OR Fashion Practice Dissertation

Why chose Solent?

The BA (Hons) Fashion course allows you the freedom to develop skills in a range of areas, depending on your own interests and intended career pathway.

Career-focused from the outset, all Solent Fashion courses give students first-hand experience of the fashion industry at every level. Students participate in live projects and work experience and a regular programme of guest speakers gives an insight into working practice in a variety of fields.

Assessment

Students receive regular feedback in seminar sessions and one-to-one tutorials. Practical skills and creative-thinking are assessed through the submission of design projects, sketchbook research and written assignments. During the final year, students write a dissertation and produce a self-directed final major project, allowing them to explore their interests, strengths and career aims.

Projects/work experience

Level 4 and 5 units offer ‘live’ briefs, designed in conjunction with an industry partner. The teaching scheme incorporates lectures, seminars and guest lectures by visiting practitioners. Visits to industry events, and businesses are encouraged. Following the success of live projects students are encouraged to undertake placements. The course team has been working to develop support systems for students applying for and achieving placements and internships.The Fashion Industry Work-Based Learning unit is optional in Level 6, period 1 and students may choose to undertake this project linked to real world experiences.

Key career skills

Creative thinking, writing, presentation, project management, communication, evaluation and problem solving.