BA (Hons) Degree in Fashion Design & Menswear

The menswear industry is growing and designers specialised in this area are in the middle of a creative boom. With leading designers moving into menswear, the tide is now changing and the market for men’s apparel is getting more and more media attention, in addition to increasing brand revenue. This three year full time course forms multi-skilled designers specialising in the active menswear market.

Participants learn how to create innovative collections, and the study and application of research methods for creative and original product development are key throughout. Womenswear is a tried and tested market, and while still bigger and ‘faster’, the relationship between men and women’s brands is crossing barriers, with innovative designers also bridging gaps in both arenas. Menswear is a different fashion animal altogether. Not only considering fit, line and attention to detail, menswear designers need to have the creativity and flair to be able to connect with this distinct target audience in style, trend, and emotion.

Designers create collections from an accurate analysis of the market, materials and fabrics, communicating their influences and concepts derived from any form or art, experience or background, and successfully interconnecting this vision to industry needs or brand strategies. The course moves on through all aspects of fashion illustration with particular attention to patternmaking and tailoring skills essential to producing high-quality men’s apparel, as well as an analysis of clothing manufacturing through deconstruction. Participants are encouraged to experiment with new approaches in the industry that are evolving today, including renewable and sustainable resources, innovative materials and new technologies, building individual style and creative and professional abilities. The course also provides a solid base in fashion design and the fashion system, embracing the principles of fashion business including brand identity, positioning and marketing, consumer habits, and trends.

Communication skills provide an added professional approach in the negotiation and presentation of design ideas to companies and new clients. A final graduation event or a fashion show introduces collections or portfolios to a selected audience of leading fashion experts, journalists, bloggers, designers and head-hunters – a unique experience opening up industry networking and career opportunities.

This course is part of the fashion design study pathways. With fashion design as the core subject, participants specialise in the chosen area of interest (menswear), completing the course with a distinct professional profile.

This course is also available as a BA (Hons) four-year course (including Sandwich Year Placement).