Credit Points: 45
Study Time: 450 Hours

This unit enables you to make decisions about the direction of your own work through individually negotiated learning agreements.

Building on your developing subject knowledge and skills you will demonstrate your ability to apply research and synthesise information to connect a variety of practical processes and concepts towards the realisation of a body of work that contributes to your creative ambitions and places your ideas in a professional context with an increasing level of applied organisational skills, independent learning and self-management.

This unit also encourages you to evaluate and reflect on your own learning achievements through the PDP and to engage with realistic career and future planning that will enable you to take up work experience opportunities. 

Outline Syllabus
An indicative guide to the content covered by this unit: 

• Introduction to writing 
• Learning agreements 
• Creative design methodologies 
• Extended research and analysis
• Enhanced communication and promotional strategies 
• Contemporary creative marketing 
• Trends and forecasting 
• PR and advertising
• Visual merchandising 
• Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility 
• Quantitative and qualitative research 
• Sector analysis and employment opportunities 
• CV and work experience preparation 
• Progress Files: reflective practice and evidence of career planning

Method of Delivery
Studio practice, workshops, seminars and lectures, individual and group tutorials, guided learning and independent study.

Aims

A1 To identify, evaluate and define self-initiated and independent learning opportunities
A2 To further develop the creative, intellectual and practical applications of specialist study to the appropriate level
A3 To promote self-evaluation and review as an essential part of your personal and professional development
A4 To demonstrate an understanding of the historical, cultural, professional and contextual frameworks that inform your work
A5 To introduce you to the career and future study possibilities relevant to your subject interest

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit you will be able to: 

LO1 Demonstrate the ability to formulate a self-initiated project through your negotiated learning agreement and exercise independent judgment in the planning and management of your own learning
LO2 Demonstrate the development of your creative, intellectual and practical applications of specialist study to the appropriate level
LO3 Review your strengths and weaknesses and establish an action plan for personal development
LO4 Demonstrate a critical understanding of historical, cultural, professional and contextual frameworks and be able to relate these to your own work
LO5 Identify and research possible career and/or post-graduate study options

Reference Material

Key
Adair, J. (2004) The John Adair Handbook of Management and Leadership, Thorogood publishing.
Aldrich, W. (2001) Pattern Cutting for Women’s Tailored Jackets: Classic and Contemporary. Oxford, Blackwell
Aldrich, W. (4th Edition, 2006) Metric Pattern Cutting Menswear, Oxford, Blackwell
Bryant, M. and De Mers, D. (2006). The spec manual Fairchild Publications
Burke, R. (2005) Small Business Entrepreneur, Burke Publishing
Burke, R. (2005) Entrepreneurs Toolkit, Burke Publishing
Cottrell, S. (2003) Skills for Success: The Personal Development Handbook, Palgrave Macmillan
Eggert, M (2003) The Perfect Interview, London, Arrow
Hins, D. and Moss, S. (2005) Employability Skills London: Business Education Publishers ISCO (2006) The art and design directory 2006 Camberley ISCO publications
Moss, B. (2006) Fashion Illustrator. London, Laurence King

Recommended
Armstrong, J., Armstrong, W. and Ivas, L. (2006) From Pencil to Pen Tool: Understanding and Creativity the Digital Fashion Image. New York, Fairchild. Blundel, R. (2004) Effective Organisational Communication: Perspectives, principles and practices. London, Prentice Hall
Borelle, L. (2002) Net Mode: Web Fashion Now. London, Thames and Hudson
Green, A. (2001) Creativity in public relations London, Kogan Page
Hines, T. (2006) Fashion Marketing: Contemporary Issues. London, Butterworth-Heinemann
Houston, K. (2004). Writing CVs for first-time job hunters. Richmond: Trotman
Mackrell, Alice (2004) Art and fashion, Batsford, London. Poynter
Phil, Sanders, Mark (2000) Dazed and Confused. London: Booth-Clibborn Editions.
Poynter, Phil, Sanders, Mark and Derrick, Robin (2000) The impossible image: fashion photography in the digital age, Phaidon, London.
Sherill, Marcia (2002) Style makers: inside fashion, The Monacelli Press, New York.
Tallon, K. (2006) Creative Fashion Design with Illustrator. London, Batsford.
Toth, M. and D'Amoato, J. (2003) Fashion Icon: the Power and Influence of Graphic Design. Gloucester, Mass., Rockport Publishers.
Tungate, M. (2005) Fashion Brands: Branding Style from Armani to Zara, Kogan Page

Recommended Journals
Creative Review // Drapers // i-D // International // Textiles // Nylon // Selvedge // Tank // Textile View // View on Colour

Recommended Websites
Worth Global Style Network (WGSN) // V&A Museum // adbrands.net // Trendstop // Fashion UK // Style.com // SHOWstudio // Design Museum London // Startups // Business Link UK // Biothink // Mintel International Group LTD

This will vary according to the needs and requirements of the individual student.