This module is designed to consolidate and draw on your previous learning experience on this course. It provides you with the opportunity to research a specific area of interest to you and your career intentions, to negotiate the direction of your work, and to demonstrate your skills in the implementation of a substantial industry facing fashion project. Each aspect of the module should inform the other, linking theory to practice.

Research is recognised as an important activity across all industries and in academia, and an ability to conduct good research is an excellent skill that will benefit your academic and vocationally based fashion related artefact, whether in education or employment. This module will develop your awareness of research methods and the need to work ethically, and will teach you how to understand, analyse and interpret information that in order that it can inform your own project work effectively.

Through the completion of a written project proposal you will identify and communicate your intentions. Your approach to the project will be informed, not only by your passion for a particular aspect of fashion, but also your understanding of professional, creative and technical practices that you have learned through other complementary modules. You will need to discuss with your tutor and/or client(s) to ensure your plans meet the criteria for the module and show how you understand your own strengths and limitations in relation to the goals you set for the project. You will present your ideas to an audience and will take part in a Q&A session, where your project proposal will be challenged, refined and agreed.

As you work through the module, you will produce a portfolio of work that reflects your chosen specialism, demonstrating your ability to achieve your intentions and maintain an appropriate standard of work within a set timeframe. You will reflect upon your practice and evaluate your performance, ideas and future ambitions. This may well include further developing your skills and knowledge in relation to your chosen specialism, or realising a different direction would be better suited as you continue your professional development.

This substantial module will combine theory and practice, and will typically commence with lectures, seminars, group activities, skills practice and discussions. As the module progresses, learning will be increasingly practical, placing an emphasis on independent study and personal development, as the work you undertake will be of a very individual nature. There will be a focus on the development of professional standards and an ambitious attitude. Your module handbook will include templates for your proposal and questions to reflect upon. You will work to a set deadline, however the agenda and the work schedule will be set by you.

The module will be supported by the following learning activities:
¿ Research and ideas development
¿ Group discussions and peer to peer learning
¿ Proposal writing workshops
¿ Presentation recap
¿ Practical activities
¿ Health and safety recaps
¿ Critical reflection and action planning
¿ 1:1 tutorials
¿ Peer evaluation and critiques

1. Present a clear and comprehensive project proposal that outlines your intentions for an industry facing fashion project, using appropriate written, visual and verbal means of communication.
Communication, Knowledge & Understanding

2. Evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches to meeting the requirements of a substantial fashion project, in order to propose a solution that supports your progression intentions.
Problem Solving

3. Demonstrate an ability to deploy methods of enquiry, and collate, interpret and evaluate research from a range of appropriate sources in order to inform and enhance your practice.
Enquiry
Analysis

4. Deploy a range of academic and vocational skills in order to progress your fashion industry project in an appropriate professional manner, producing a portfolio of work that demonstrates your abilities in your chosen specialist area.
Application

5. Demonstrate an ability to carry out effective reflective practice that informs further training, including the development of existing skills and the acquisition of new competencies that will support progression into the industry.
Reflection

Specialist industrial sewing and pattern cutting equipment
Adobe Design suite
University Library
Word-processing facilities
Internet
Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment will support this module where relevant
Appropriately equipped and accessible lecture rooms
Other specialist workshop where appropriate and available

Online Resources
http://www.fashionunited.co.uk/
http://www.fashioncapital.co.uk/
http://showstudio.com/
https://www.businessoffashion.com/

BURNS, L. D. et al. (2011) The Business of Fashion: Designing, Manufacturing, and Marketing. 4th ed. - New York: Fairchild.
DIEFFENBACHER, F. (2013) Fashion Thinking: Creative Approaches to the Design Process. London: AVA Academia
KUMAR, K. (2014) Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners. 4th Ed. London: Sage Publications.
WALLIMAN, N. (2011) Research Methods: The Basics. Oxford: Routledge.
WALLIMAN, N. (2011) Your Research Project: Designing and Planning Your Work. 3rd Ed. Oxford Brookes University. London: Sage Publications.

Assessment 1: Written Proposal (30%) (Learning Outcomes 1, 3 & 4)
- Written project proposal informed by research activities (typically 2,500 words).

Assessment 2: Portfolio (60%) (Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4)
An individual portfolio comprising:
- Primary and secondary research and evaluation
- Concept and design development (e.g. moodboards, sketches and samples)
- Product development (e.g. patterns, samples and toiles)
- Ongoing annotations describing alternative options and justifying design choices
- Final outcomes

Assessment 3: Reflective Presentation (10%) (Learning Outcome 5)
- A 6-minute PowerPoint or equivalent presentation to an audience, covering summative reflection on practice and project outcomes.