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LOCATION
Docklands Campus
Location Fees and Funding
Here's the fees and funding information for each year of this course
Overview
BA (Hons) Fashion Culture and Business is a communication and humanities orientated course that will deliver a curriculum based on the growing emergence of social responsibility within the industry of fashion. Fashion communication is evolving. The industry is now under pressure to produce 'proactive advocates of diversity and inclusivity' (State of Fashion 2020). The course will cater for the need to train communication literate professionals who command an understanding of empathy towards a variety of global audiences.
This course aims to provide you with a pedagogical structure that facilitates the learning of research methodologies, both qualitative and quantitative. You will be required to engage with communities, locally, nationally and internationally in order to produce outcomes that focus on the analysis of socio-economic and geographic phenomena relevant to the industry of fashion.
The course will offer you the opportunity to work closely with other students within the University of East London's Fashion department and other departments within the School of Arts and Creative Industries.
The course will also focus on the utilisation of the University of East London's rich background in diverse student cohort by conducting research practice that engages with both active students and potentially, alumni, whilst following the University's protocols on ethics in research.
Digital media outcomes will be a focus for the course, concentrating on the development and refinement of visual diaries, reports and presentations.
The course will work with local communities directly within the borough of Newham via organisations such as Spotlight and the Eastside Youth centre.
You can also take this course with a foundation year (FY), which means you it will take you four years to complete the course full-time, and eight years to complete the course part-time.
If you don't meet the entry requirements for a BA, you can study this course as an 'extended,' four-year programme . You'll begin by taking a foundation year which prepares you for a successful transition to the BA degree. This means it will take you four years to complete the course full-time, and eight years to complete the course part-time.
What makes this course different
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Our fashion culture and business degree will give you a broad knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of essential cultural topics within fashion and business.
You will develop a good knowledge of the influences on and factors involved in design thinking and iteration such as:
- Cultural Appropriation
- Diversity and Innovation
- Storytelling and Visual Communication
- Brand Identity
- Fashion Business and Globalisation
- Conceptual and Historical Theory and Issues in Fashion
You will also develop an in-depth understanding of visual communication and research that lightly links in with psychology through brand and consumer analysis and demographics. This knowledge will be backed up by subject-based practical skills such as the ability to design and conduct research, to analyse and interpret quantitative and qualitative data, and awareness of ethical issues and principles in research on cultural identity.
You will have the opportunity to learn new creative processes and skills that could lead to a number of outputs in moving image, publication or portfolio.
Key to many careers and employers - you will also develop thinking skills, including ideas and concept generation for fashion, individual and collaborative responses to set fashion projects, critical thinking, and appreciation of multiple perspectives and approaches. Other skills for life and work include effective management and organisation of time, communication, computer literacy (Adobe suite: InDesign and editing software), interpersonal and group skills.
DOWNLOAD COURSE SPECIFICATIONS
MODULES
- Core Modules
Mental Wealth: Professional Life - Creative Research Practice CloseMental Wealth: Professional Life - Creative Research Practice
This module will facilitate practice-led research, from process through to practice across fashion disciplines in design, textiles and marketing.
You will be taught the skills of analysing your processes to develop a final product, continually questioning and defining your ideas as a researcher would.
Through initial research, you will explore and garner new knowledge; general and in-depth observations will create the platform to deliver a variety of initial concepts that can be further explored, brought together or focused on separately in more detail.
From this, you will be able to utilise and strengthen your understanding and approach of research practice as you continue to build on your area of expertise and modes of study.
Design and Application CloseDesign and Application
This module aims to allow you to put into practice knowledge gained from previous module development in term 1 and implement it towards design and application.
You will develop your design concepts developed from learned skills in the Design and Context module and be taught the application of your ideas towards potential 2D and 3D outcomes.
The application of your designs will delve into the different outputs of fashion such as graphics and layouts for fashion marketing, pattern cutting and sewing for design and sample and material development for textile design etc.
You will be expected to be innovative in your approach to application, practicing the context and technical and creative processes learned prior to help fuel your delivery.
The design element will come from a range of inspirational sources that you have a general interest in and be based on the fashion route chosen; be it Marketing, Design or Textiles, you will have the opportunity to explore what design means in your relevant fields.
Design and Context CloseDesign and Context
This module applies knowledge to the context of fashion through design and is effectively a new understanding of theory through creative vision, linking theory into practice.
Delving deeper beyond the practical, you will need to foster an understanding of your ideas from a theoretical point of view, beyond personal aesthetics and towards a broader development in professional practice.
The module will investigate the methods of contextual design using structural methods to consolidate research that will be used to create and prototype product or service concepts, and repeatedly test and refine those concepts with input from peers and tutors.
Through a series of workshops and lectures you will explore a wide range of creative techniques and methodologies within core specialisms in fashion such as design, textiles and marketing with a theoretical context given in each.
Utilising design research and skills learned from these specialisms, you will be able to transfer your knowledge across other projects and strengthen your creative portfolios.
Fashion Development and Techniques CloseFashion Development and Techniques
This module will give you an introduction to the wider aspects of the fashion sector through industry visits, market analysis, technical workshops and the fashion system.
You will be taught about the relationship between design, manufacturing, selling, buying and marketing facets of fashion.
Final Realisation CloseFinal Realisation
The final realisation module is geared to encouraging experimentation and providing a clear focus towards your intended pathway.
Based on the different learned skill sets throughout the first and second terms, you will be required to identify a specific interest you may have identified in a previous module to develop into a final major project; outcomes will vary according to your discipline.
By this juncture, you will have gathered a range of vital preparatory skills of drawing, observation, research and project development to explore your specialism in an innovative and original manner that will form a robust foundation for further undergraduate study.
Technical and Creative Processes CloseTechnical and Creative Processes
This module will focus on the creative cycle, from research to ideation, development and revision. You will be taught the initial skills that will be needed to begin the design and creative processes that will fuel your practical modules.
You will be presented with an overview of technical tools available in order to broaden your thinking towards the wide spectrum of outputs that can be used for creative processes in Fashion.
Processes include understanding how to find and develop a concept through research methodologies and present these ideas visually through sketchbooks and portfolio pages. This will constitute evidence of industry knowledge which in turn will be used as currency for further study or in the job sector.
You will also be taught key technical processes that lead to initial and final prototyping.
- Core Modules
Technical Skills & Innovation CloseTechnical Skills & Innovation
This module provides students with the foundational knowledge of understanding technical/ theoretical skills and innovation within their relevant discipline. The module will prepare students with the skills to begin their development journey as professionals, introducing them to core study skills and practice within their fields. The module seeks to instil in students the understanding of beginning the processes conceptualisation through to development and finally realisation.
Through a series of workshops and lectures students explore a wide range of techniques and methodologies relevant to their chosen subject specialism. With the use of CAD, students will utilise programmes in Adobe suite, notably Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.
Students will have the opportunity to utilise knowledge expertise from this and other modules to develop their projects, providing holistic learning.
Fashion Contexts and Research CloseFashion Contexts and Research
The aim of this module is to introduce students to collaborative projects and design creative solutions as a team by working alongside other creatives within the fashion cluster. This module will focus on how to develop best practice and fully utilise individual skillsets to deliver specific project outcomes. Students learn to work in a team to develop project plans, research and development and design production and delivery.
This module will look to explore techniques and research methodologies in ensuring that students have a good understanding on how context and theory apply to practice in relation to Fashion. Students will understand how the wide variety of media and cultural, social and political influences form our contemporary perceptions of fashion.
Mental Wealth: Professional Life - Business of Fashion 1 CloseMental Wealth: Professional Life - Business of Fashion 1
This module focuses on an introduction to fashion and the creative industries offering insight through guest lectures and workshops designed to develop your professional skills. Students gain key visual communication and written skills to better understand industry expectations and standards. Digital skills and graphic identity are explored in the production of subject specific publications and portfolio development.
This module will give students the basic understanding of business operations by being actively engaged with level 5 students in producing collaborative works that can be effectively marketed and translated to a market. This module will relate closely to the Fashion Enterprise module and much more focus on finalised product, service or media.
Students will have the opportunity to build on their community and industry connections via enhanced knowledge on social media and ethical practices within industry, building and developing their confidence towards a future they are passionate and well informed about.
- Core Modules
Technical Applications CloseTechnical Applications
This module utilises subject specific technical and theoretical skills gained in the Technical Skills & Innovation module at level 4.
You are required to further develop your individual skill set and employ this knowledge to create innovative design solutions.
The creative design process from concept through to development and final product, will be appropriately documented. You will also expand and strengthen your digital skills relevant to your subject specialism.
Fashion Business: Globalisation, Psychopolitics and Contemporary Issues CloseFashion Business: Globalisation, Psychopolitics and Contemporary Issues
Subject to validation.
Theory of Fashion CloseTheory of Fashion
This module builds on the skills you will have achieved in level 4 and its primary aims are to further develop your understanding of collaborative projects regarding industry and its working cycle.
You will address the impact of C21st fashion and look towards a more purposeful future by focusing on ideas such as fashion futures, digital technology, cultural globalisation, social media and sustainability.
You will be independent in your reflection and acute in your understanding of design thinking for tomorrow’s fashion.
This module sets out to further challenge the perspectives of fashion that are understood today and give you the opportunity to contest old ideas and be provocative in your outcomes.
Mental Wealth: Professional Life - Business of Fashion 2 CloseMental Wealth: Professional Life - Business of Fashion 2
Building on the work of FT4011, you will further your ability to identify industry related processes and professional skills. Through a series of workshops focused on design presentation and effective visual communication, you will engage with subject specific external competitions alongside building your identity as a designer through the production of individual portfolios.
The module will allow you to contextualise your core discipline learning within specific markets and trends relevant to your discipline within the Fashion and Textiles sector. In addition, you will gain a greater understanding and ability to present your work professionally and articulate your concepts visually alongside a supporting written report.
Fashion Enterprise 2 CloseFashion Enterprise 2
Fashion Enterprise 2 will further expand on the projects developed on the level 4 Fashion Enterprise module via individual and collaborative projects, with a focus on career development.
The module aims to develop enterprise skills for self-promotion in industry as well as technique and strategies in setting up own enterprise.
You will have the opportunity to go on placement and work on live briefs, learning skills in developing your graphic identity through exploration of fonts, art direction and branding, CV and business profile development and portfolio and promotional materials.
Having focused on understanding how the fashion industry operates at different levels and its career opportunities, you will create your personal brand Identity & use of formats to promote yourself.
- Optional Modules
Optional placement CloseOptional placement
This course offers the opportunity of year-long placement between years two and three. If you choose to take this option, you’ll spend your third year on a placement with a relevant company or organisation, adding valuable practical experience to your growing academic knowledge.
The extra placement year means it will take four years to complete your studies, instead of three. - Core Modules
Final Major Project: Theoretical Identity CloseFinal Major Project: Theoretical Identity
You will embark upon a self-initiated line of study in order to thoroughly research, develop and experiment with your chosen concept.
Advanced concepts, research and development skills are explored in preparation for your Final Major Project: Realisation module.
Using project guidelines from previous briefs, you will have the opportunity to write your own brief with developing outcomes, based on your personal research and interests.
You will either create a collection of products, initiate a business plan or propose alternate fashion outputs.
Mental Wealth: Professional Life - Business of Fashion 3 CloseMental Wealth: Professional Life - Business of Fashion 3
You will develop your ability to produce industry standard portfolios reflecting your skills and expertise, ready for graduate level jobs.
You will be able to develop your professional identity by demonstrating your entrepreneurial thinking into your exit portfolio which will provide insight into the complexity of the fashion industry with consumer behaviour, business models, business funding and different career alternatives.
Further insight on business strategy such as investment capital and start up campaigns will be delivered.
Fashion Enterprise 3 CloseFashion Enterprise 3
This module allows you to work directly with industry to define and execute creative solutions and develop a creative portfolio of work within the creative industries.
You will learn how to freelance and set up your own businesses by examining and understanding future roles within the creative industries.
You will collaborate across all fashion titles to plan and organise a showcase of your work at a relevant trade fair or sell designs in a pop-up shop. By utilising professional skills, you will work in teams alongside staff to design and implement creative concepts for a given market sector.
HOW YOU'LL LEARN
The fashion subject area is made up of industry knowledgeable staff, entrepreneurs and business owners, so you can be sure you will be learning in real-time. We believe it is important that your education is consistent with the times and reflects the industry you will progress into.
Your knowledge of the area is guided through reading, discussions, seminars, lectures, workshops and collaborative activities.
We will develop your thinking skills through historical theory and conceptual thinking, research processes and investigation and the development of your ideas through outcomes.
Skills for life and work are developed through project management skills, time management and planning, project work and presentations as well as reflection and reviews with your peers and academic advisor.
Students on the BA course will have the opportunity to collaborate and take part in cross and multi-disciplinary activities such as hackathons with other courses within our cluster.
If you opt for the year-long placement, our close industry contacts will be key to helping you find the right opportunity. Previously, our students have worked as fashion journalists, administrators and buyers for world-leading firms. The list includes Another Magazine, Wallpaper Magazine, Yoox Net-A-Porter Group, SHOWstudio and much more.
Even if you decide not to take the placement option, you'll still have the chance to work on some exciting industry-led projects and work with exciting companies as we approach key fashion calendar events such as London Fashion Week.
HOW YOU'LL BE ASSESSED
We'll assess you with a mixture of coursework, essays and presentations. Coursework includes essays, research files, visual and moving image portfolio, group and seminar presentations and a final-year project.
In your third year, your assessment will be based on research coursework, written reports and a final portfolio outcome. You will have the opportunity to gain feedback from your lecturers, peers and our industry partners.
CAMPUS and FACILITIES

Docklands Campus, Docklands Campus, London, E16 2RD
WHO TEACHES THIS COURSE
The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.
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What we're researching
At the University of East London we are working on the some of the big issues that will define our future; from sustainable architecture and ethical AI, to health inequality and breaking down barriers in the creative industries.
Our students and academics are more critically engaged and socially conscious than ever before. Discover some of the positive changes our students, alumni and academics are making in the world.
YOUR FUTURE CAREER
Fashion is an industry full of vast opportunities and much-needed skill sets that are continually involving. The great thing about studying fashion and developing core skills is that you can work practically anywhere and not just within fashion.
Studying fashion culture and business will give you the opportunity to work in various creative sectors such as media and communication. Jobs include diversity manager, innovation manager, art director, editor, journalist, PR manager and much more.
Having a key understanding of culture and diversity is in demand by employers which is likely to put those studying this type of degree in prime position after they graduate.
Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal.