The Bachelor of Design, Fashion & Technology program prepares students for careers in the apparel industry by simulating a professional working environment. Our four-year program is selective entry, meaning that we accept only the most promising students and give them the individual attention they need to meet their potential.
This program is taken on a full-time basis in eight semesters (120 credit minimum). To ensure that our students are global citizens with strong critical thinking skills, our curriculum combines specific fashion and technology courses with a wide range of electives in business and humanities courses. Click HERE for a printable version of our Program Model.
Program Overview
Year One: In the first year, you’ll build a strong foundation of design basics and discover how the fashion industry works. You will learn the principles of fashion design, textile composition, drawing, pattern drafting, industrial sewing and computer applications, and you’ll hone your critical thinking and interpretation skills with Marketing and Communications courses.
Year Two: You’ll advance your knowledge of production, fashion design theory and history, textile innovations, computer-based pattern drafting, and drawing. Industry-linked projects in collaboration with local apparel companies such as lululemon will help you see the real-world application of your skills.
After successful completion of your first four semesters (60 credits), you are eligible to exit the program and receive a Diploma in Fashion and Technology.
Year Three: You’ll continue to apply your skills to the industry by designing for mass and niche markets, and exploring the complexities of mass manufacturing. You will begin to shape your career path by selecting electives in business and general education (see below), and further your tactile skills with draping and surface design techniques. You will also gain hands-on experience through your work practicum, and have the opportunity to participate in an international exchange to a variety of global leaders in fashion schools.
Year Four: You’ll research niche and global markets and apply your findings to your solo collection. You will also study innovative and sustainable design and manufacturing methodologies, and further develop your digital communication skills through website building basics and 3D design software. You will develop your fashion line and portfolio, and create a collection that will be showcased in our graduation presentation event to global tastemakers and industry leaders.
Skills Developed:
Our four-year degree program will develop your skills in all areas of fashion design: from the initial idea to design development to the project’s marketability. Your project work will draw on three key skillsets:
Research-based analytical skills: Analyze a target market and their needs through both academic and hands-on research. You will be given the opportunity to work with leading forecasting and trend research services such as WGSN to further develop your design abilities, and will connect with local industry leaders for an in depth look into Vancouver’s design market.
Hands-on garment construction and pattern drafting skills: You will create projects in a wide range of genres and styles, including: womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, swimwear, lingerie, tailoring, active and athletic apparel, technical apparel, sustainable design, innovative and technological design, and other niche markets.
Technical skills: You will use a variety of factory-grade machines and technology through your courses in the program. Students are able to work with machinery such as: laser cutter, ultrasonic welder, heat press, 3D printer, flatlock, coverstitch, zigzag, etc. Technology-focused projects are found across all years with assignments using Optitex Pattern drafting, grading, and plotting, and you will become proficient in Adobe Creative Suite products such as Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.
For up to date examples of the kind of projects our students are working on in class in their spare time, check out Our Students page, or visit our social media accounts and search #wilsonschoolofdesign on Instagram! Be sure to search #kpufasn to see what our Fashion Design students are working on specifically!
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 Melville 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.