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Technical Apparel Design: Post-Baccalaureate Diploma

Description

When you embark on a Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Technical Apparel Design, you'll join an industry that pushes the limits of human potential. From giving elite athletes a competitive edge to saving the lives of outdoor enthusiasts, this booming industry blends creativity with cutting-edge technology to allow humans to move faster, survive longer and explore further.

Our diploma places you at the centre of BC's world-renowned technical apparel industry. Our curriculum was developed in collaboration with Vancouver-based companies like Arc'teryx, Global Collective, lululemon, Mountain Equipment Co-Op, Mustang Survival and Sugoi, as well as top academics and researchers.

In just 3 semesters, you'll gain the research, design, business and leadership skills needed to join the next generation of design innovators. And thanks to our flexible delivery model, you can still work part-time.

Student Profile

To be successful in the business of design, industry needs creative innovators who are willing to take risks, technologists who can strategize, and leaders who can manage the continuing shifts in today's economy. Critical thinkers who challenge the existing framework and therefore elevate the industry, are in demand.

The Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Technical Apparel Design is aimed at an independent learner who is driven to explore in a creative learning environment that allows unexpected, surprising, and delightful ideas to emerge.

The program will attract graduates from a wide range of disciplines that include fashion, textile design, product design, industrial design, interior design, engineering, business or kinesiology. It will also appeal to professionals working in areas of design, health and well-being, engineering, sport, and ergonomics. These professionals are drawn to furthering their design education in order to keep up with today's global economy and innovative technologies, along with cultural and environmental sustainability issues. The program attracts students from BC, Canada, USA, and around the world.

Great designers come from a range of places, life experiences and educational settings. They will have an inquiring mind, professional skills, leadership potential, ambition and a passion for design and innovation. For entrance, it is expected they will demonstrate the general dimensions of learning outcomes commonly identified with an undergraduate education.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this advanced baccalaureate program will be the next generation of design innovators, strategic technologists and transformative leaders, with the increased ability to drive change and create progress in the technical apparel industry.

Graduates of the program will not only access new design and technical knowledge but will also develop competencies for design thinking with the end-user in mind, leadership, and global business skills. They will be prepared to work in a number of areas in the technical apparel and product design industry in roles such as researchers, inventors, designers, product developers, and technical designers. Graduates may also be interested in industrial design, health-care, business development and manufacturing.

As students complete their capstone project, they may be inspired to pursue graduate studies to further their applied research interests.

Admission Requirements

On March 26, 2018 a change to the admission requirements for this program was approved by Senate. Effective September 2019 the requirement of A baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline* from a recognized post-secondary institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.67 in the final 60 credits of study will be replaced with Successful completion of a recognized undergraduate degree, or a design-related diploma or associate degree along with a minimum of 5 years of related work experience . These changes will appear in the 2019-20 University Calendar to be published in June 2019.

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

  • A baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline* from a recognized post-secondary institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.67 in the final 60 credits of study
  • Letter of Interest package
  • Interview

Note: * Undergraduate degrees in relevant disciplines will be considered, including Design, Fashion, Product Design, Interior Design, Kinesiology (Human Factors/Ergonomics), Architecture, Visual and Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Textile Design, Industrial Design, Engineering, Science and Business. Students outside of these disciplines should contact the department for more information about the consideration of their degrees.

For further details about the letter of interest package and interview process, including submission specifics, visit the department's website at: kpu.ca/technicalapparel

Curricular Requirements

This program requires students to complete a total of 30 credits including a 9-credit capstone project.  Students are required to study full time (12 credits) in their first semester, and part-time for the next two semesters.  Intakes generally start in the September semester.

Note: DETA courses numbered 5000 or higher are assessed Tuition Category 2.a.6 for domestic students.

Semester One

Identification & Inspiration

  DETA 5110 Technical Apparel in Context 3 credits
  DETA 5120 Technical Textile Technologies 3 credits
  DETA 5130 Creative Innovation 3 credits
  DETA 5140 Advances in Apparel Production 3 credits

Semester Two

Conceptualization & Exploration

  DETA 5200 Global Business Strategies for Technical Apparel 3 credits
  DETA 5210 User Experience 3 credits
  DETA 5230 Strategic Design Direction 3 credits

Semester Three

Synthesis & Dissemination

  DETA 5300 Capstone Project 9 credits

Other Information

Students should be prepared to spend approximately $1000 on books, supplies, and fabric over the three semesters.

Credential Awarded

Upon successful completion of this program, students are eligible to receive a Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Technical Apparel Design.

At a Glance

Chip and Shannon Wilson School of Design

kpu.ca/design

Technical Apparel

kpu.ca/technicalapparel

Program Type:

  • Post Baccalaureate

Credential Granted:

  • Post Baccalaureate Diploma

Offered At:

  • KPU Richmond  Richmond

Start Date(s):

  • Fall Intake (September)  September

Intake Type:

  • Limited Intake  Limited intake

Format:

  • Part-time  Part-time

Minimum Credits Required:

  • 30

Instructional Cycle:

  • Semester-based

Curriculum Effective Date:

  • 01-Sep-2014

Applying to KPU:

Last Updated: 13-Jun-2018

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