Introductory briefing at onset of module
Interim briefings
Series of practical workshops
Seminars, lectures and group tutorials considering design, audience, market, and health and safety
Workshops and studio tutorials
Group tutorials with formative feedback
Individual tutorials
Group critiques
Visiting exhibitions and events such as trade fairs will be encouraged to enhance the range of sources informing students' work.

Aldrich, W. (2008) Metric Pattern Cutting for Womenswear. Wiley-Blackwell
Blackman, C (2009) 100 Years of Menswear. Laurence King
Faerm, S (2010) Fashion Design Course: Principles, Practice and Techniques. Thames and Hudson
Renfrew, C & Renfrew, E (2009) Basics Fashion Design: Developing a Collection. AVA Publishing

Journals
Drapers: Industry Journal
Vogue Magazine

Students will have access to studio space and college library and computer resources. University learning resources are available on campus at Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent, and online via the partner Need to Know pages of the university website.
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses_and_study/partnerships/current_students/email/index.jsp

Assessment 1
A response to a creative design, cut and manufacture brief requiring the production of a range of 2D and 3D work demonstrating your ability to experiment and innovate whilst using a range of processes. Your work must include new and traditional manufacturing and manipulation techniques, and a give evidence of a wide range of skills. (70%) [LOs 1, 2, 3, 5]

Assessment 2
An illustrated project diary, comprising a sketchbook and supporting detailed technical information, showing your assimilation of ideas and creative responses, including through the investigation of other's work. Your diary should include research, sampling and an indication of a range of possible responses and outcomes and an evaluation of your own progress. (30%) [LOs 1, 2, 4, 6]

This module combines the exploration of design, cut and manufacture and the development of technical skills to enable you to become creative and individual whilst appreciating the challenges faced when working to a set brief. Your practical work will be supported by an illustrated diary that reflects on your work and that of others in the clothing manufacturing industry.

You will be introduced to your specialist pathway and live work will be a major aspect of this module, as you will be expected to gain much of the evidence for assessment through participating in the manufacture of garments for the end of year shows. You will be introduced to additional techniques that will build on the initial knowledge and skills you have developed in other modules, so that you become more confident and adept in your specialist area skills.

You will gain an insight into specialist areas through taught theory and practice sessions and apply skills gained in other modules in a professional context. Whilst working to agreed outcomes you will be encouraged to work innovatively, such as designing, cutting and manufacturing garments for specific clients or target audiences. Health and safety will be adhered to as part of the study for this module. Skills relating to the design and practical cutting and manufacture of garments will be practiced.

Independent research will be an important aspect of the module, and you will be expected to draw upon a wide range of external sources to inform your work, such as market research and investigation into current trends and developments in the manufacture of garments. Skills relating to fashion manufacturing will be identified and considered, such as communicating with clients visually and through the professional working environment, and presenting 2D and 3D outcomes safely and successfully.

To enhance your skills and allow the development of your creative portfolio you will be introduced to a range of new and traditional garment manufacturing / manipulation techniques, and encouraged to experiment with different methods and approaches. Whilst you do this, you will develop your language associated with discussing and analysing visual forms, and use a range of communication methods to demonstrate and share your understanding of the formal elements and concepts associated with design.

You will document your experiences through the activity of keeping an illustrated studio diary, complementing your work by allowing exploration and evaluation of the contemporary clothing manufacturing industry. You will consider your successes, new experiences and difficulties and how you have tackled them. Your extensive research and investigation into the sector can be recorded here, and your own response will be a valuable illustration of how you are engaging with the industry in an innovative and informed way.