Fashion BA (Hons)

CATS Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts

Led by award-winning designer Holly Fulton, our Fashion BA (hons) course helps students cultivate a distinctive design identity and to develop creative and practical fashion skills. Our expert team of core staff are complimented by a wide range of visiting guest lecturers from global brands to independent designers. At CSVPA you will interact with incredible practitioners ranging from stylists, creative directors, photographers, milliners, surface decoration experts and catwalk designers, all visiting the studio regularly to share their knowledge.

Our students also learn through intensive individual and group tuition, workshops and industry focused projects. We place a strong emphasis on the technical; ensuring you have a solid grounding in garment construction gives you the basis on which to let your imagination run wild. Working alongside highly experienced technical experts and pattern cutters, you will cover a full range of techniques from pattern drafting to drape and high-level finish. We strive to ensure our students are equipped with the expertise and knowledge to fully realise their creative vision.

Our final year students will present their work at an industry-focused showcase in central London and may also participate at Graduate Fashion Week.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THIS COURSE

YEAR ONE
In your first year you will develop key design skills and realise your designs from idea to garment through a mixture of classes and workshops including sewing, pattern cutting, digital skills, illustration, surface design and presentation skills.

YEAR TWO
In the second year you will first focus on creative commerciality through projects with practicing designers and brands. In the second semester you will start to develop an individual design identity with projects to inspire experimentation and innovation. Typically, you’ll explore embellishment, print, surface decoration, tailoring and creative silhouette development, this will assist in preparation for your final year.

YEAR THREE
In your final year your individual design interests will be explored and articulated through the presentation of a final collection. You’ll also take ownership of your portfolio, learning how to present it to a professional level and developing a self-promotional perspective. Final year students also have the opportunity to participate in a high-profile Graduate Show in London.