Fashion Design – BA (Hons)

Second Year introduces the students to the core fundamentals of the fashion design discipline across the four pathways: Collection Design, Applied Textiles, Technology and Sustainability. Creative and technical skills building classes will anchor the student’s timetable. The subjects include; Introduction to creative design processes, digital skills, textile development, machine knitting, construction and sewing, fashion illustration, pattern cutting, visual and conceptual research, professional practice, and sustainability for fashion design.
 
The student’s research skills are fostered through a variety of methods outside of the classroom, including international research and buying trips (previous trips have included Paris and London), visiting exhibitions, attending talks and through our programme of visiting lecturers.
 
Allowing students to build upon their foundation of creative design and technical skills will equip them to select one of the four pathways with confidence by the close of Semester One.

The Placement, Practice or Exchange module is an integral part of the course and is designed to provide the opportunity for situated learning in an alternative international academic or professional context for a minimum of twelve weeks. Students are given the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained so far in their studies in a professional or alternative academic setting and to share and reflect upon the experience as a part of the module’s assessment. The focus on students undertaking work placements has been an integral part of the Fashion Design programme structure for over thirty years and has proven to be an important mechanism for tuning students in to needs of the industry and trends within the market.
 
Throughout their Second Year, students must begin to consider the following three options in preparation for Third Year; To undertake an Irish or International work placement; To participate in a live industry embedded project; To go on Erasmus Exchange with partner colleges throughout Europe.

The Third Year of the B.A. (Honours) Fashion Design programme focuses on developing the student’s understanding of their specific area of study while addressing their creative growth. This is achieved through the student undertaking assignments and projects which focus on expanding their design practice, improving their design communication and digital skills, and developing their abilities to translate 2D concepts into 3D forms.
 
Learning includes studio-based projects with tutorial guidance, fashion and fabrication technique workshops, skill-labs, digital workshops, lectures, live industry projects and competitions, formal critiques, visual research assignments, independent study, and team projects.
 
Placement, Practice & Exchange is a key module in the Second Semester of the student’s Third Year of study. The B.A. (Honours) Fashion Design programme has excellent links to both partner Universities around Europe that can facilitate an Erasmus Exchange and to the Fashion and Textiles Industry. The course a strong track record of students successfully securing and undertaking work placements both nationally and internationally. Students gain an enormous amount of transferable design and development experience during their placements that have benefited the students, the University, and the fashion companies alike. Recently, students have undertaken work placements in:
 
Ireland: Colin Horgan, McKernan Woolen Mills, Penneys/ Primark, Natalie B. Coleman, Úna Burke. London: Alexander McQueen, Craig Green, Sharon Wauchob, Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY, Sinéad O’Dwyer, J.W. Anderson, Richard Malone, Conner Ives, Molly Goddard, Samuel Gui Yang, Richard Quinn. New York: Proenza Schouler, Diane Von Furstenberg, Alexander Wang, Anna Sui, Marchesa, Marc Jacobs, Voz Apparel. Paris: Chanel. Switzerland: Hugo Boss Knitwear. The Netherlands: Iris Van Herpen, Viktor & Rolf, Karl Lagerfeld. Belgium: Ann Demeulemeester, Haider Ackermann. Sweden: Acne Studios.

During the Fourth Year of the programme, the students will undergo a transformative phase in their design education, one that allows them to fine tune their imaginative, practical, and critical thinking skills at an advanced level. At this level of study, students are expected to develop a more strategic outlook and draw together both their academic and workplace experiences to produce a cohesive body of work that reflects their development as a designer and focuses on showcasing skills applicable to their pathway of specialisation.  
 
This year is structured around a comprehensive range of projects designed to consolidate and elevate their research, creative aesthetic, specialist knowledge, and critical design thinking to a graduating standard. These projects enable them to express both their creative vision and their understanding of practical fashion design processes.  
 
This learning will culminate in a Degree Collection supported by a professional portfolio along with theoretical works which are all expected to be delivered to a standard of intellect, creativity and skill appropriate for Honours Degree level. All graduating work is showcased internally in the Limerick School of Art & Design Degree Shows. 
 
Our recent Graduates have had numerous successes on the National and International stage, both being shortlisted for and winning competitions such as the IDI Student Awards, DCCI Future Makers Award and the Arts Thread X Gucci Global Graduate Showcase, along with other major competitions. Our Alumni have taken part in fashion business support schemes both in Ireland and elsewhere, while others have been awarded scholarships and bursaries to support further study.