Whether your interests lie in design, merchandising, buying or technical disciplines, this course provides a realistic insight into the variety of career possibilities in the fashion industry. We use industry methods to solve complex design and production problems and aim to convey some of the buzz of working in an environment that is constantly inventing and reinventing itself.

Students learn that their skills, both professional and personal, must continually evolve to reflect this and make them serious contenders for employment. Not only will you be able to design a garment, put it together and write a buying plan, but you will also be able to demonstrate commitment, motivation and employability.

How does Short Courses Study Abroad work?

In Year 1, you will be introduced to pattern cutting, design and construction through a programme of practical workshops and studio-based teaching. We will expect students to individually produce a number of toile garments and a fully styled finished outfit by the end of the year. Emphasis is placed on the various roles and functions within fashion, which include designing, buying, merchandising, allocating, styling and public relations. Studies in these areas, as well as personal development and computer studies (image creation software), generally involve three to four taught days a week. All students are required to complete a compulsory placement during Year 1. First Year students are eligible to apply for a sponsored Scholarship award, which awards £3000 for students to use to enhance and develop their studies.

Autumn Term Modules: 3 October 2011 - 9 December 2011 
Maximum Credit Points available: 37.5

Maximum Study Time: 375 Hours

• Pattern Cutting and Construction Principles
• Fashion Design Principles

Spring Term Modules: 3 January 2012 - 23 March 2012
Maximum Credit Points available: 52.5

Maximum Study Time: 525 Hours

• Lectra Pattern Design System
• Creative Design and Promotion
• Buying and Merchandising Techniques

Summer Term Modules: 10 April 2012 - 1 June 2012
Maximum Credit Points available: 15

Maximum Study Time: 150 Hours

• Placement

In Year 2, you will specialise in your chosen area and may choose to create an individual collection or decide to collaborate with students from different courses across the University College – perhaps to carry out a fully styled photo shoot with the Commercial Photography students, or to work with Digital Media Production students to design and collate a press pack. Our aim during Year 2 is to encourage students to manage their own learning and to think independently.

Autumn Term Modules: 3 October 2011 - 9 December 2011
Maximum Credit Points available: 45
Maximum Study Time: 450 Hours

• Specialist Practice Preparation
• Specialist Practice Realisation

Spring Term Modules: 3 January 2012 - 23 March 2012
Maximum Credit Points available: 60 
Maximum Study Time: 600 Hours

• Professional Project
• Fashion as a Forum: Design Aesthetics

Study Abroad Short Course students at the Arts University College Bournemouth pay £3,650 per term for tuition fees (2011/12).