Fashion & Technology: Bachelor of Design
Description
KPU's Bachelor of Design, Fashion and Technology program is the only four-year program of its kind in Western Canada. Renowned for delivering a seamless balance of academic rigour with hands-on, industry-focused experience, this unique program continues to develop a world-class reputation for graduating fashion industry leaders. We prepare students for successful careers in the global apparel industry, with most graduates in leadership roles, technical specialties and management positions.
Under the guidance of fashion design and technology experts, students in this program master the process, skills and language of fashion design from concept through production. Progressing from basic drawing, draping, patternmaking, sewing and tailoring to specialty techniques, the program's curriculum is noted for its industry-based focus and on fostering a community of emerging, forward-thinking designers.
This dynamic program features industry-relevant education and training using leading-edge technology, collaborative projects linked with prominent apparel companies and an extensive workplace practicum for further application of learning experiences. In the last year of the program, students showcase their final collections in what has become one of Vancouver’s signature fashion events. The year-end professional fashion show is anticipated by industry and media alike and is typically a sold-out event, with many in the fashion community eager to view and interact with graduating designers and their work.
KPU stands apart from any other similar program in large part due to passionate, dedicated teachers. The diverse faculty at KPU’s FASN program are industry leaders who are ‘plugged in’ to the global fashion scene and offer not just theoretical knowledge, but practical, industry-specific connections that are acutely relevant in today’s marketplace.
The focus of the program is on education and training in areas of design, production and marketing for the apparel industry. A typical fashion career requires analyzing market trends and forecasting, the ability to design for a specific target market and in-depth knowledge of fabric, pattern drafting, fit and garment construction. Other skill requirements include the preparation of technical specification packages, presentations, communications, costing, trade and logistics and collaboration with in-house production teams, suppliers and contractors.
The program simulates a professional working environment through the use of relevant, industrial equipment and technology with strict adherence to punctuality, scheduling and deadlines. Garments designed throughout the program reflect market trends by balancing creativity with marketability and are produced using industrial drafting and garment construction techniques. Students benefit from the opportunity to further integrate their learning through industry-linked, guest speakers and presentations on current design issues. Additional consideration is focused on the development of proficient standards in critical thinking, analysis, problem solving, teamwork skills and leadership development.
High quality production equipment includes: industrial straight sew machines, sergers and specialty machines such as coverstitch and flatlock, seam sealer, steam irons, a vacuum press and a fusing machine. The integration of computer software is used for design, spec drawing, technical specification packages, buyers' kits, media kits, costing, pattern manipulation, grading, marker making and digital portfolio development.
The four-year, selective-entry program is organized into eight semesters with a minimum of 120 credits in total. The program is taken on a full-time basis. The diploma, which is the first two years of the degree program, consists of 62.5 credits in total. General education courses and electives in English, marketing, business and other courses from a wide range of offerings at KPU provide exposure to a breadth of study further enriching students as designers and global citizens.
Visit kpu.ca/fashion for more details.
Student Profile
Most people who apply to the program have a passionate lifelong interest in fashion with an aptitude for creative design, technical construction and an appreciation for fabric. They are recent high school graduates, transfer students from other institutions, mature individuals returning to the profession or making a career change, or industry personnel seeking an upgrade in skills.
KPU boasts student exchange agreements with fashion schools in London, England; Helsinki, Finland; Taipei, Taiwan; Melbourne, Australia and is developing further exchange opportunities to broaden global experiences.
Applicants with previous experience in the fashion industry may gain credits through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). Graduates from a two-year fashion program who wish to pursue a degree will be assessed on an individual basis for potential advanced entry.
Industry personnel who wish to take a specific course or courses on a part-time basis to complement their job skills may do so based on seat availability and with permission from the Program Coordinator. Some course prerequisites may be waived based on work experience. Contact the Program Coordinator for further information.
Career Opportunities
With over 300 apparel companies in the Lower Mainland, the well-established B.C. fashion industry offers many career choices. Graduates work in the design, marketing and production departments for vibrant lower mainland companies such as Arc'teryx, Aritzia, Gentle Fawn, ivivva, Karma, lululemon, Lija, Mac & Jac, Mountain Equipment Co-op, Mustang Survival, Oak and Fort, Peekaboo Beans, Plenty and Sugoi Performance Apparel. Similar opportunities are available worldwide with graduates currently at Nike, Abercrombie & Fitch, Nordstrom, and Volcom in the U.S. and Chloe in Paris, France, to name a few. Depending upon capabilities and interests, students work for large companies as members of design, production or marketing teams, or for smaller design houses, working in all aspects of the business, or engage in entrepreneurial (examples include Allison Wonderland, TrunkShow, Flaming Angels, Osei-Duro and Jolie Couture) or freelance endeavors. In all instances, graduates need to be well versed in all three aspects of the business (design, production and marketing) to fully contribute as a team player. Emerging designers prosper best if they have a solid background and experience in production and marketing.
Through KPU’s special agreement with UBC, Fashion students interested in a career as a high school teacher of clothing and textiles may be eligible for entry to UBC's Bachelor of Education program in Home Economics upon completion of KPU's fashion degree, including a combination 18 credits of English, Sociology, Psychology and Family Studies courses. Family Studies courses may be taken at UBC as either a visiting student at UBC while completing KPU's fashion program (using these courses as electives for the fashion degree) or as a UBC student following graduation from KPU's fashion program.
Program Admission Requirements
In addition to KPU's General university admission requirements including the undergraduate-level English Proficiency Requirement, the following program admission requirements apply:
- English 12 with a minimum grade of 'B' (or equivalent)
- Portfolio Review and Orientation Session*
* Successful applicants will receive an invitation in early April to the required Orientation and Portfolio Review session to take place in late April or early May. Alternative portfolio review arrangements are possible for students who live outside the Greater Vancouver Region and who cannot attend in person. It is, however, in the best interest of applicants to make every effort to attend in person.
During the portfolio and interview process, faculty members evaluate each applicant for suitability for admission.
Admission decisions to this program are based on interim grades therefore proof of grades must be submitted in accordance with the following deadlines:
- Applicants currently in high school must submit interim grades no later than March 31st with proof of final grades required as soon as they become available (no later than August 15th).
- Applicants currently taking English preparatory courses must submit interim grades by March 31st with proof of final grades required by April 30th.
- Applicants currently attending another post-secondary institution must submit a final official transcript and a Request for Transfer Credit form by March 31st.
- For all other applicants, proof of having met the program's English proficiency requirement must be provided by March 31st.
Any applicant who has not submitted proof of grades by the specified dates will be removed from the list of eligible applicants.
Applicants who are not accepted into the program may be interested in taking courses toward degree credits via the Fashion Marketing Diploma or the Foundations in Design program. Not all courses taken in these programs are eligible for credit toward the fashion degree therefore interested students should consult with an Educational Advisor, or with the Chip and Shannon Wilson School of Design prior to applying.
Portfolio Review
The portfolio review will demonstrate to faculty your skills in art and design, computer keyboarding skills, basic mathematical skills, and an awareness of the fashion profession. A simple math test and questionnaire on awareness of the fashion industry and team work skills will be part of the review.
Submission of the portfolio at the review session must include the following original work in sufficient number and variety to demonstrate the applicant's ability:
- Resume
- One-page statement of interest in the fashion program and the fashion industry
- Minimum of 3 letters of reference from teachers, instructors, coaches or employers
- Transcripts from high school and any post-secondary institutions attended (Note: transcripts sent with your application for admission are not available to faculty – you must include a copy in your portfolio)
- Transcripts or certificates of any life-skills courses
- Textile Studies (Grade 11 & 12) or Clothing and Textiles 12A with a minimum grade of 'B' (or demonstrated extensive sewing experience).
- Art and design work to include each of the following:
- 1 – 2 sketchbooks of current work (date your work)
- 2 examples of art or design work with a brief, written analysis of why you included these particular pieces and
- Along with your invitation to the Portfolio Review session you will receive instructions for a design exercise to be included in your portfolio.
- Six to ten self-sewn garments made from commercial patterns, draping or applicant's own drafts that demonstrate a range of skills. Provide at least 4 different types of garments, i.e. skirts, pants, tops, dresses, jackets in different types of fabrics. Garments should include each of the following garment components: darts, two different types of zippers, two different types of pockets, set-in sleeves, collars, cuffs, buttons and buttonholes. At least one garment must be lined. Photographs not accepted.
- Written evidence to include a journal of fashion industry-related reading and information about Vancouver-based design/manufacturing companies
- Self-generated computer work (i.e., your resume, copies of spreadsheets, drawings) listing programs used and hard copy examples of computer work
- Evidence of leadership and community involvement such as team skills, personal management, problem solving and organizational skills, and stress management
For a detailed description of portfolio requirements, download an information package from www.kpu.ca/fashion.
Upper-Level Program Admission
In addition to the Program Admission Requirements, applicants with prior post-secondary experience may be eligible for advanced standing to the program at the upper level. Placement into the program is based on the results of the portfolio review, provided the following lower-level requirements have been previously satisfied:
- Completion of a fashion design diploma (or equivalent) with minimum 60 credits from a recognized college or university with a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher
- FASN 2200 (or transferable equivalent) with a minimum grade of B-
- FASN 2220 (or transferable equivalent) with a minimum grade of B-
- Successful completion of CMNS 1140 (or transferable equivalent)
- Successful completion of ENGL 1100 (or transferable equivalent)
- Successful completion of FASN 1205 (or equivalent courses in Adobe Illustrator® & Microsoft Office®)
- Successful completion of MRKT 1199 (or transferable equivalent)
Program Continuance Requirements
Registration access to third or fourth year courses is awarded to students who have completed:
- all requirements for years 1 and 2 with minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7
- a minimum grade of B- in FASN 2200 and FASN 2220
Program Requirements
The first year introduces students to the various facets of the fashion industry, elements and principles of fashion design, drawing, pattern drafting and industrial sewing and includes important support courses in English, computer applications for fashion and marketing. The second year is more focused on fashion discipline-based knowledge and skill development and includes designing for industry linked projects in collaboration with local apparel companies such as Lululemon, Plenty and Sugoi.
The third and fourth years feature opportunities to apply previous studies to real world applications. Students design for both mass and niche markets, combining creativity with marketability and practice production planning from both a local and global perspective. An Internship with a local design company will increase students' knowledge of industry practices and develop contacts in the industry. The final semester culminates in a fashion show presented to an audience of over 2,000 people. Most electives are taken in the senior years, but students may take electives in the order that best suits their schedules.
For transfer students, some courses in the lower-level of the program (FASN 1115, FASN 1150, FASN 2130, FASN 2240) may be taken while in the third year, subject to availability. Some credits from courses taken elsewhere may be used to fulfill the elective requirements in the third and fourth years. Transfer credits are assessed on an individual basis. For information on the transfer credit process, visit www.kpu.ca/transfercredit.
Year 1 and 2 Requirements
Semester 1
All of: |
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| MRKT 1199* | Introduction to Marketing (or any 1st year post-secondary, 3 credit marketing course) |
3 credits | |
| ENGL 1100 | Introduction to University Writing (or any 1st year, post-secondary, 3-credit English course), |
3 credits | |
| FASN 1100 | Fundamentals of Fashion Design | 3 credits | |
| FASN 1115 | The Apparel Industry | 2.5 credits | |
| FASN 1120 | Production Basics I | 3.5 credits | |
| FASN 1150† | Fashion Retail Work Experience | 2 credits | |
Notes:
* MRKT 1199 may be required to advance to KPU's upper level Marketing courses.
† Can be done in year 1 (preferable) or year 2; students must register before beginning work, but may take up to 12 months to complete.
Semester 2
All of: |
|||
| FASN 1205 | Computer Applications for Fashion | 3 credits | |
| FASN 1215 | Textile Science | 3 credits | |
| FASN 1220 | Production Basics II | 6 credits | |
| FASN 1230 | Fashion Drawing I | 2 credits | |
Semester 3
All of: |
|||
| FASN 2100 | Fashion Design I | 3 credits | |
| FASN 2115 | History of Costume | 2.5 credits | |
| FASN 2120 | Style Production I | 7 credits | |
| FASN 2130 | Technical Fashion Drawing | 2 credits | |
Semester 4
All of: |
|||
| CMNS 1140 | Introduction to Professional Communications (or any 1st year, post-secondary, 3 credit business communications course) |
3 credits | |
| FASN 2200 | Fashion Design & Drawing II | 5 credits | |
| FASN 2220 | Drafting & Sewing IV | 7 credits | |
| FASN 2240 | Computer-Based Pattern Drafting | 2 credits | |
Upon successful completion of the first four semesters (62.5 credits), students are eligible to exit the program and receive a Diploma.
Year 3 and 4 Requirements
Semester 5
All of: |
|||
| FASN 3100 | Textile Design | 3 credits | |
| FASN 3120 | Mass Manufacturing | 7 credits | |
| FASN 3130 | Draping | 4 credits | |
| FASN 3150 | Preparation for Fashion Industry Internship | 1.5 credits | |
Semester 6
All of: |
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| FASN 3200 | Product Development | 3.5 credits | |
| FASN 3250 | Fashion Industry Internship | 3 credits | |
And one elective (see below). |
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Semester 7
All of: |
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| FASN 4100 | Line and Portfolio Development | 5.5 credits | |
| FASN 4150 | Apparel in the Global Economy | 4 credits | |
And two electives (see below). |
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Semester 8
All of: |
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| FASN 4210 | Event Planning and Promotion | 4 credits | |
| FASN 4220 | Collection Production | 7 credits | |
And two electives (see below). |
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Electives
Electives must include:
- Minimum of two general education courses: (recommend one at the 3rd year level) courses from non-fashion areas of study that develop a breadth of knowledge and integrate with learning acquired in the program
- Minimum of one course, course number 1100 or higher, from the Faculty of Business
- Minimum of two other electives from any area of study, course number 1100 or higher (recommend business, marketing and fashion courses such as FASN 4250).
Additional FASN Courses
- FASN 4130 Advanced Computer Studies in Fashion is an elective course for 4th year students wanting to increase visual communication skills with the use of advanced 2D to 3D imaging, desktop imaging software, and product management software.
- FASN 4250 Self-Directed Study is an elective course for 4th year students wanting to study an area of fashion in more depth, subject to instructor approval.
Other Information
Successful applicants may take their general education and non-discipline specific courses prior to entering the program and/or during the summer semester in order to lighten their workload during the term. Courses such as ENGL 1100, MRKT 1199 and others are usually offered during the summer semester.
Computer software used in the fashion program includes:
- Adobe Creative Suite® (Illustrator®, Photoshop®, InDesign® and Acrobat®), Microsoft Word®, Power Point® and Excel® for flats, specification sheets, buyers' kits, costing and digital portfolio development.
- Gerber AccuMark Technology® for pattern development, grading and marker making.
- The Fashion Design and Technology Program is delivered in an e-mobile environment, including laptops, computers and software. Students will need to purchase laptop computers and requisite course software (or enlist in a KPU laptop lease program) for the duration of the 4 year degree program. Specifications and requirements will be provided to successful applicants.
Credential Awarded
Upon successful completion of this program, students are eligible to receive a Bachelor of Design, Fashion and Technology.
Upon successful completion of the Year 1 and 2 Requirements, students are eligible to receive a Diploma in Fashion and Technology.
