Fashion & Technology: Bachelor of Design

Description

 

To many, it's a piece of fabric. To you, it's a blank canvas just waiting to be brought to life. Make your mark in the world of fashion with the only four-year degree program of its kind in Western Canada.

KPU's Bachelor of Design, Fashion and Technology program has an international reputation for building tomorrow's fashion leaders. Our unique, industry-focused curriculum gives students the design skills, business acumen and marketing savvy they need to compete in the global fashion marketplace.

Upon graduation from the four year degree program, our alumni have been placed in innovative and leading positions in the local apparel and design industry, often beginning their post-graduate careers as soon as a week after completion of the year end event.

What makes our program so special?

-  Our teachers are industry leaders who are plugged into the global fashion scene.

-  Our program simulates a professional working environment and constantly adapts to reflect the changing marketplace.

-  Our classrooms are equipped with cutting-edge technology used by industry.

-  Our workplace practicum program opens the doors to top local companies such as lululemon, Arc'teryx, Oak + Fort, and Manuel Mendoza.

-  Our international exchange program prepares students to become global fashion leaders.

-  Our students study at fashion schools in London, Melbourne, Berlin, Helsinki, Monterrey, Horsens and Taipei.

-  Our many inspiring guest speakers and presentations invite students to take their learning outside of the classroom and participate in the vibrant local design community.

-  Our students launch their careers by showcasing their final collections in our renowned fashion show, which is attended by over 2,000 people, including industry leaders and the media.

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, prints, colours and trend forecasting. 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 Berlin, Germany 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, International Fashions, ivivva, Karma, Kensie, Kit and Ace, lululemon, 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.

Depending upon capabilities and interests, students work for large companies as members of design, production or marketing teams, for smaller design houses, working in all aspects of the business, engage in entrepreneurial (examples include Allison Wonderland, TrunkShow, Flaming Angels, Osei-Duro, Jolie Couture and Taylor Hart Designs) 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.

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 towards the completion of the fashion degree) or as a UBC student following graduation from KPU's fashion program.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the Faculty's Admission Requirements, which consist of KPU's undergraduate English Proficiency Requirement, the following program admission requirements apply:

• Portfolio Review and Orientation Session

Portfolio Review and Orientation Session

Prospective students should consult with an Academic Advisor, or with the Chip and Shannon Wilson School of Design prior to applying. Faculty will review the eligibility of candidates based on the contents of their portfolio. For detailed information about the Fashion and Technology portfolio requirements and review process, visit the department's website at kpu.ca/design/portfolio

Upper-Level Program Admission

In addition to the program admission requirements, applicants may be eligible for advanced standing to the program at an upper level. An individual portfolio review is required.

Curricular 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, Plum and Oliver and Lilly's.

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. A practicum 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 event and presentation of a graduate portfolio to showcase to industry. 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 kpu.ca/transfercredit.

Years 1 and 2

Semester 1

All of:
	CMNS 1140	Introduction to Professional Communication	3 credits
	FASN 1100	Fundamentals of Fashion Design	3 credits
	FASN 1116	The Apparel Industry	3 credits
	FASN 1121	Fundamentals of Apparel Pattern Drafting	3 credits
	FASN 1130	Fundamentals of Apparel Construction	3 credits

 

Semester 2

All of:
	FASN 1205	Fundamentals of Digital Communication	3 credits
	FASN 1215	Textiles & Technology I	3 credits
	FASN 1225	Fundamentals of Apparel Production	3 credits
	FASN 1231	Fundamentals of Fashion Drawing	3 credits
	MRKT 1199	Introduction to Marketing	3 credits

 

Semester 3

All of:
	ENGL 1100	Introduction to University Writing	3 credits
	FASN 2100	Fashion Design Theory and Process I	3 credits
	FASN 2116	Fashion History I	3 credits
	FASN 2121	Style Production I	3 credits
	FASN 2215	Textiles and Technology II	3 credits

Semester 4

All of:
	FASN 2201	Fashion Design Theory and Process II	3 credits
	FASN 2216	Fashion History II	3 credits
	FASN 2221	Style Production II	6 credits
	FASN 2241	CAD Drafting Methodology	3 credits

Upon successful completion of the first four semesters (60 credits), students are eligible to exit the program and receive a Diploma.

Years 3 and 4

Semester 5

All of:
	FASN 3100	Surface Design	3 credits
	FASN 3101	Apparel Product Development	3 credits
	FASN 3110	Advanced Technical Apparel Design and Production	3 credits
	FASN 3151	Professional Practices	3 credits
	Elective (see below)		3 credits

Semester 6

All of:
	FASN 3121	Manufacturing Methodology	3 credits
	FASN 3131	Draping Methodology	3 credits
	FASN 3250	Professional Practicum	3 credits
	Elective (see below)		3 credits
	Elective (see below)		3 credits

Semester 7

All of:
	FASN 4101	Collection: Design Development	6 credits
	FASN 4151	Apparel in the Global Economy	3 credits
	FASN 4120	Innovative Pattern Cutting	3 credits
	Elective (see below)		3 credits

Semester 8

All of:
	FASN 4211	Professional Promotion	3 credits
	FASN 4221	Collection Production	6 credits
	FASN 4130	Advanced Digital Communication	3 credits
	Elective (see below)		3 credits

Electives

The 5 elective courses (15 credits) must include:

• A minimum of two courses (6 credits) numbered 1100 or higher from non-fashion areas of study that develop a breadth of knowledge and integrate with learning acquired in the program.
• A minimum of one course (3 credits) numbered 1100 or higher from the School of Business
• A minimum of two other courses (6 credits) numbered 1100 or higher from any area of study.  FASN 3900, Special Topics, and FASN 4250, Self-Directed Study, are recommended.

Other Information

Costs

Students should be prepared to spend approximately $600 to $1000 per year on books and materials.

Laptop Program

This program is delivered in an e-mobile environment that uses laptop computers and specific software. Students are advised NOT to purchase a personal laptop computer until specifications and requirements have been provided to successful applicants. Options to purchase or lease laptop computers with the requisite course software will be provided by KPU.

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 requirements for Years 1 and 2, students are eligible to receive a Diploma in Fashion and Technology.