Our degree programme aims to give you tools to become an independent designer or garment producer. You'll learn key skills in design strategy, drawing, garment construction and pattern making. You'll also get to choose two courses from a wide range of electives that will help you to develop specialist skills that suit your goals. As well as studio courses, you'll complete a group of core courses in academic subjects, including both professional and contextual studies, which will give you great communication skills, knowledge of a range of creative practices, and basic business skills.

 

You'll gain real-world industry experience in year one, hearing from guest speakers about their journeys and inspirations, and benefitting from the learning their career paths have given them. We'll also give you opportunities like competitions and fashion events to expose your work to the wider industry.

 

In year two you'll undertake a 40-hour industry placement, which is collection-based. Here you'll gain real world learning about current trends and marketing methods.

 

In the final year you'll have the opportunity, with the guidance of Ara fashion staff, to undertake a further 80-hour work placement where you'll design your own collection based on a designated brief. The company hosting your placement will critique your work and you'll gain invaluable industry experience from those at the top of your field.

 

To conclude your final year you'll undertake a major project encompassing all of the skills you've acquired in design, marketing, small business ownership and construction. This culminates in a fully professional catwalk show to an audience of your peers, your family, and industry representatives.