BA in Fashion Design

Exploring Art & Design Concepts Through Studio Projects 

Introduction to Design Practice and Process 

Creative Problem-Solving through Design Projects 

This module teaches the learner to assemble relevant information and research to assist in idea generation to develop and create original images and to observe, record, and respond, exploring a wide range of art and design practices. It also teaches the learners to apply visual methods, communicate ideas via free-hand drawing, technical drawing, and graphic arts, and identify primary and secondary visual research methodologies. Projects cover fine art, print, fashion, interiors, and graphic design. 

Foundations of 2D Drawing and Sketching 

Creative Techniques for 2D Visual Storytelling 

Hand-Drawn Visual Communication in Design 

Introduction to Image Making and Photography 

Sketching and Rendering Techniques for Design 

This module teaches the learner to observe, record, and analyse the physical environment, visually explaining concepts, ideas, and three-dimensional space through sketching and applying sketching as a tool in the design process. It also teaches the learner still life, life drawing, fashion drawing, interior drawing, illustration and animation drawing skills. It introduces the learner to photography. 

Introduction to Bitmap, Publishing and Vector Graphics  

Fundamentals of Digital Design Tools 

Digital Design Applications and Techniques 

This module introduces learners to the Bitmap, Publishing, and Vector Graphics Software to a required degree of proficiency. 

Understanding Design Principles and Elements 

Foundations of Design Thinking 

Applying Design Theory in Practice 

This module teaches the learner to recognise, understand, and communicate a specific design terminology in relation to design principles and their application, using conceptual themes in the creation and use of shapes and volumes. 

Advanced Design Projects and Applications 

Building on Design Concepts and Techniques 

Innovative Solutions through Creative Studio Projects 

Portfolio Development and Professional Practice 

This module teaches the learner to understand the importance of contextual references, to solve problems by applying knowledge and experience, to be able to initiate research and independently select media, and to present a final major project and portfolio of work. Projects cover photography and a final project in either fashion, interior, or graphic design. 

Exploring Spatial Concepts through Hand-Drawing 

Mastering 3D Sketching and Rendering Techniques 

Advanced Freehand Drawing for 3D Design 

This module teaches the learner to draw/trace and colour optical illusions, to draw simple sketches using grid paper, to render sketches with pencils and/or felt markers as a means of enhancing sketches, to use one, two, and three-point perspective to sketch room interiors adding colour, to draw/trace orthographic views of simple models on grid paper, to complete orthographic views from 3D sketches, and to trace/redraw isometric views on grid paper by interpreting 2D drawings. 

Advanced Bitmap, Publishing and Vector Graphics Design Software Techniques 

Specialised Applications of Digital Design Tools 

Digital Design Strategies and Workflows

This module introduces learners to Graphic Design Publishing Software and Video Editing Software”  to a required degree of proficiency. It introduces the learner to use image manipulation and to enhance their design skills using vector-based graphics applications and composite layered image making. The module also integrates the graphic image with page layout and designing visual documents for web and print.  

Exploring Visual Culture and Its Impact on Design 

Critical Analysis of Visual Culture and Design 

Theoretical Foundations of Design and Visual Culture 

The module aims to enable learners to compare and contrast different historical periods and styles in art and design, and understand their evolution through time. It will also develop the learner’s skills in the visual analysis that will be required in other modules within the programme. Learners will be introduced to key historical styles and periods in European art and design from Neoclassicism (c. 1790) up to early Modernism (c. 1914). Learners will also be supported to develop their academic referencing and essay research skills. 

In this core design module, learners develop drawing skills and appropriate design research methods to develop original concepts to inspire personal creative ideas to drive collections. Project briefs introduce various stages of design, including research, concept, design development, selection, and presentation skills. As learners start to understand the process necessary to create an original design, they gain confidence in their design, selection, and presentation skills. Selected designs are realised in Garment Construction 1. 

In this module, learners acquire skills to translate their designs from a specification sheet to a final complete garment using industry-standard pattern drafting and basic garment production techniques. 

The module advances learners skills in three design communication tools and printing. The learning outcomes of this module underpin a lot of the learning to be applied in other modules and so contribute to most of the intended programme learning outcomes. 

This module gives the learner a broad understanding of how the fashion industry operates by looking at the sectors in the fashion industry, from couture to mass production, the schedule, processes, and roles involved. Learners to gain an understanding of the social and environmental impact of the fashion industry, the problems and challenges. The module highlights how ethical and circular design is now a driving force for most brands. 

This module traces the evolution of historical fashion in the social, economic, and political contexts from the mid-nineteenth century up to the current time. It focuses on the most important couturiers that were active from c. 1850, describing how their key innovations were made and worn and their contribution to the history of haute couture. The module introduces academic referencing, essay research, structure, and writing skills, enabling learners to establish their own voice in an academic environment. 

In this core fashion design module, learners work through project briefs that embed much of the design theory and drawing skills explored in semester 1 and understand the process necessary to create original design. Learners gain confidence in design development through drape and presentation skill-builds. Learners acquire creative awareness, select designs, and define design detail to translate to specification sheets for realisation in Garment Construction 2. 

In this module, learners achieve competency and confidence to create creative pattern and assemble garments using appropriate industry sewing techniques and materials. Learners acquire skills to create garments using production techniques, demonstrating readiness to progress to tailoring. 

This module teaches the learner a variety of advanced bitmap and vector graphics editing skills and how to apply practical desktop publishing solutions. It also teaches the learner to creatively apply and communicate effectively graphic techniques employing the use of a grid and typography, apply the technical skills for print production, and format a design and layout project or digital drawing for print. 

This module provides the learner with a broad understanding of the theory and application of textiles to garment design. Both practice and theory are explored so learners advance their ability to identify fibres and fabrics and understand the importance of the application of appropriate materials to design 

The module gives learners a broad understanding of historical, cultural, social, and political contexts in which modern and postmodern design evolved. The learning outcomes of this module underpin some of the learning to be applied in other modules (Visual Culture and Theory; Design Futures; Dissertation) and so contribute to some of the intended programme learning outcomes. 

In this core fashion design module, learners gain specialist knowledge of sectors within the fashion industry and design two collections. Learner’s practice advanced and creative 2D and 3D design development draping on the stand to achieve a higher level of creativity and fluent silhouette development. Projects involve authentic learning to equip learners with knowledge of fashion industry sectors to facilitate future employment opportunities. Learners translate detailed design to specification with appropriate material considerations and identify production techniques for realisation in Garment Construction 3 and 4. 

In this module, learners build on the basic pattern drafting skills introduced in the first year and acquire more advanced technical tailoring pattern drafting and sewing skills required to support Fashion Design 3 and 4 projects. The curriculum is also structured to advance exploration of creative drapes and sustainable design solutions. Draping on the stand builds confidence and fluency of design, moving toward experimentation with more advanced pattern drafting. 

Fashion illustration enables the learner to further develop their freehand fashion drawing skills and gain digital fashion drawing skills, learning to effectively communicate design and meaning. Learners produce a digital vector library of technical flat garment drawings, symbols, and brushes for design details; developing a portfolio of both freehand and digital fashion figure poses and art forum fashion illustrations. 

The Design Futures module provides learners with a broad understanding of theoretical contexts of major movements in art, design, and visual culture—both historical and contemporary. This module provides crucial context for creative activity, working in tandem with practical modules by exposing learners to major concepts, structures, thinkers and practitioners 

This module addresses key factors to be considered when starting a small business, entrepreneurial theories, business concepts through planning a feasibility project, and a lean start-up style canvas, and customer analysis. 

This core fashion design module builds a high level of creative awareness, design fluency, and industry processes and broadens the learner’s design experience and skill set by introducing areas of specialist knowledge with workshops that involve trend research, planning and forecasting, knit and print design, and fashion illustration. These areas require industry-specific research, advanced design, new illustration techniques, and visual presentation skills appropriate to the trend forecasting sector expectations. Learners must achieve fluent design competencies and a portfolio demonstrating visual literacy, industry expertise, and readiness to progress to the final stage of the level 8 programme. 

In this module, learners create their Mini Collection, as designed in Fashion Design 3, and explore advanced creative pattern drafting techniques required to create their designs. Sewing workshop demonstration: using industry equipment, learners develop a range of advanced sewing and finishing skills with confidence. Learners are prepared to progress to employment or to the final stage of the level 8 programme when advanced pattern drafting and garment construction are required to execute a degree collection meeting industry standards. 

This module enables the learner to develop skills in the use of the digital camera for photography and video and explore industry standards in this area. It introduces the basic principles of photography and video, with the emphasis being on images within their design studio practice. 

This module covers the nature and role of marketing in a design business. They learn to identify the environmental variables, segmentation, targeting and positioning, marketing mix for a creative brand, and how to create a marketing plan. 

In support of Fashion Design 4, the learner creates digital textile design, repeats textile pattern for print, colourways, and applies fabric rendering techniques, digitally drawn fashion figure illustration, and technical flats with rendering. This Digital Fashion Portfolio module enables the learner to further develop effective visual communication skills, working across digital platforms to create a digital online and printed portfolio to showcase their Mini Collections for the end-of year showcase. 

Study Mode: Full-Time

Dublin: EUR 6,850.00

Study Mode: Full-Time

Please refer to the Irish/EU Living Abroad Fees.

Study Mode: Full-Time

Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.

Non-EU students: a Student Services and Administration fee of EUR200 is payable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.