Course may be subject to change.
Develop the fundamental skills needed for a career within the fashion industry with our new Fashion Styling and Promotion course.
Gain fashion retail, buying, merchandising, promotion, communication and styling skills through practical sessions and workshops. The course involves practical sessions and exciting projects where you can explore and express your creativity and individual style. We hope to visit European cities, exploring various cultures, practices and industries to inspire project direction and your own creative flare.
You will submit a digital sketchbook as evidence for each unit, documenting research, development and the project outcomes.You will reflect on your progress and process through visuals and annotation.
Entry Criteria
You will hold a minimum of four GCSEs at grade 4 or above. This will include GCSE Maths and English, as well as an art & design and/or business qualification.
Additional Costs
You will be asked to make a contribution of £20 at the beginning of the academic year to help cover equipment, resources, trips and visits.
What are the next steps?
You will meet with one of the course team who will discuss the course in detail with you and answer any queries you may have to ensure this is the right course for you; please bring a current portfolio of your creative art, design, photography, graphics or business work to discuss.
Modules Studied
A1 Skills Development: A1 Skills Development focuses on enhancing practical and technical skills relevant to the fashion business sector. You will learn and refine techniques, tools, and processes through hands-on practice. This unit emphasises improving competency, creativity, and problem-solving, preparing students for professional work or further education in their chosen creative field.
- Shop Report: Produce shop reports and investigations into retail spaces both with a physical and digital presence. Explore various market levels, assessing quality, pricing, packaging, customer service, design and functionality.
- Buying and Merchandising for Fashion Retail: Research into trends, build customer profiles to create and maximize sales for product ranges. Learn about materials, pricing and explore best sellers to build a successful range plan for future seasons.
- Fashion Styling and Promotion: Research and direct your own Fashion Photo shoot, proposing your final imagery for fashion commerce, editorial or advertisement.
A2 Creative Project: A2 Creative Project is a practical, independent project where you will plan, develop, and execute a creative concept. It involves research, experimentation, and portfolio creation, showcasing skills in your selected specialism relating to the fashion business sector.
B1 Personal Progression: B1 Personal Progression focuses on personal development and skills improvement. You will set and work towards individual goals, reflecting on achievements and challenges. You will investigate into various progression pathways to inform your future progression, whether this by accessing higher or further education, apprenticeships or a degree programme.
B2 Creative Industry Response: B2 Creative Industry Response involves developing a brief with relevance to your selected specialism and progression goals. You will apply creative skills to meet industry standards, demonstrating professionalism, problem-solving, and creativity. It prepares students for real-world scenarios in the creative sector, enhancing their ability to work to deadlines and client specifications.
Times of Delivery
You will be timetabled for taught lectures, workshops and course related activities for 2.5 days per week, we will aim to condense these days to allow you to have the flexibility for external commitments. However, it is expected that you complete any tasks set at tome outside of timetabled hours.
Any times indicated are based on current courses and may be subject to change in future years. Full timetables will be confirmed at the start of each course.
Teaching and Assessment
You will be fully supported throughout the programme. Teaching and assessment will consist of practical work, creative workshops, studio practice, live projects, research skills, personal development , lectures and trips/visits.
You will be assessed through completion of a portfolio, presentations, team work activities, tutorials and written assignments.
Your tutors will have first-hand experience of the industry and will continue to build links with other industry professionals. We already hold strong links which will be introduced to you throughout the duration of the course for live briefs, guest speakers and placements.
Placement opportunities and live client briefs will provide you with an insight into how the industry operates and how your skills will be applied in the world of work.
Placement
We work collaboratively with industry and have a dedicated Work Experience team who will support you to find work experience opportunities and placements. We will also support you to source your own placements.
Placement opportunities and live client briefs will provide you with an insight into how the industry operates and how your skills will be applied in the world of work.
You could progress to FdA Visual Arts or Design degree at New College Durham or a relevant degree at university. You could also choose to secure a job in the industry, go freelance or apply for a Higher Level Apprenticeship.
