Fashion and Material Technology BSc (Hons)
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- UCAS Code(s): W235
- Start Date(s): September 2024
- Duration: 3 / 4 year(s)
- Study Mode(s): Full-time
- Campus: City Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
Become a vital part of the fashion and textile industry's future. Innovators are sought-after, dedicated to crafting products that align with people and the planet’s evolving demands. Regardless of your scientific or design background, this course is the ideal platform for nurturing your skills and fostering collaboration. Together, we'll revolutionise the industry's mindset, manufacturing processes, design approaches, and innovate. Embrace this opportunity to shape the future of fashion and textiles and join us at the Nottingham School of Art & Design.
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You’ll be able to personalise your studies by choosing from a range of up to eight optional modules. Your course also includes our School-wide, sector-leading Co Lab module. -
You have the option to complete an optional year-long work placement, in the UK or abroad, gaining a certificate or diploma in professional practice. -
Develop your professional skills through self-initiated work experience placements, industry competitions, collaborations with organisations and guest lectures. -
During your time here, you will be given the opportunity to showcase your work to members of the creative industries and visit industry exhibitions and trade fairs.
What you’ll study
Through an understanding of the interconnection of materials and manufacturing in a global business context, you’ll develop your intellectual curiosity and understanding of core design components, exploring your approach to design practice. You’ll be exposed to new materials, technologies, and processes with sustainable systems as an integral component. We’ll support you to become a future-focused innovator with an appreciation of design, risk-taking, and experimentation. You’ll work collaboratively to develop new products, technologies, and ways to manufacture that are vital for our sustainable future.
Curiosity: creative exploration and research
(40 credit points) full year
In this module, you'll learn how fabrics are made from the very beginning, starting with fibres and progressing to yarn and fabric. You'll also study how colours are added and how finishing touches are created. We'll discuss the technical limits of current methods used to make fabrics for the fashion industry, both in theory and through practical examples. We'll also look at how these methods impact the environment and talk about ways to make fashion production more sustainable.
Materials and Process
(40 credit points), first half of the year
This module introduces a fundamental understanding of the production of fabrics through all stages of development, from fibre; to yarn, fabric formation, colouration and finishing. You will secure a theoretical and practical comprehension of the technical parameters of established methods of production of textiles within the fashion global supply chain, alongside exploration of the sustainable impacts of current commercial practice in the development and production of fashion products.
Fashion Product
(40 credit points) second half of the year
Leading on from your acquired knowledge of textile production, this module will build on your understanding of the relationship between the raw materials used in fashion product: the design process, construction methods and the production routes involved, to inform selection of suitable fabrics and production methods with consideration of the end user. You will gain technical knowledge of the product development process and existing and emerging technologies used commercially.
This module includes attainment of the NTU Sustainability in Practice (SIP) award supporting your professional development.
Design Technology and Systems
(40 credit points) first half of the year
This module centres around exposure to new materials, technologies, and processes. Further analysis of the global supply chain and contemporary economic and environmental factors affecting this will allow students to challenge existing systems thinking developing critical thinking and decision-making skills. Advancements in digital design, technology and business systems will be explored, discovering the capacity and limitations of emerging technologies.
Optional Module:
(20 credits) first half of the year
You will choose one module from:
- Emerging Textile Technologies
- Human Centred Design
- Slow Making and Craftsmanship
- 3D Materials and Exploration
- Trend Forecasting
- Buying Merchandising and Product Fundamentals
- Digital Marketing
- Fashion Marketing
Innovation and Professional Practice
(40 credit points) second half of the year
In relation to innovation of fashion textiles and product, you will draw on your acquired knowledge in addition to concepts of creativity, curiosity, and critical evaluation, supporting your professional practice. You will research an area of material or systems innovation and test its viability within a sustainable business model, building your professional skills, business awareness and commercial acumen. You will, also, identify and present an area of personal research interest, in preparation for final year.
Co Lab: Research, Exploration and Risk-taking
(20 credit points) second half of the year
Through active participation with team-based problem solving, you will work together in mixed teams on a project where you will use your creative ideas to generate solutions to the challenge or brief. Your project will allow you to explore how creativity can make an impact in society, as you choose a theme of sustainability, social justice, enterprise and innovation or community. This collaborative learning experience will expose you to a range of new processes and approaches that will develop your creative thinking.
You can choose to take a year-long work placement during your studies, with the chance to gain an additional Diploma or Certificate in Professional Practice, dependent on duration. A placement year will give you the opportunity to gain real, hands-on experience and valuable skills for the future. Course tutors and our Employability team are on hand to support you in applying for placement and professional practice opportunities.
Negotiated Research Project
(40 credit points) first half of the year
This personally negotiated research project follows on from fashion, materials and technology research interests identified at the end of second year. You should select a subject area that strategically aligns with potential future career progression. Using primary and secondary research methods, You will write an extended report / contextual review that identifies a problem / question for deeper study.
Design Proposition / Speculation
(60 credit points) full year
This module runs alongside and links to your negotiated research project. At an interim stage, you will present ideas in progress from your negotiated research project and select an area with potential for further development. This might, for example, include practice-based design speculation through materials research or product simulation, or proposals for sustainable manufacturing systems or improved business models. Your final design proposition / speculation will be finalised through showcase / digital portfolio formats.
Creative Pioneer
(20 credit points) second half of the year
This module runs alongside and links to your negotiated research project. At an interim stage, you will present ideas in progress from your negotiated research project and select an area with potential for further development. This might, for example, include practice-based design speculation through materials research or product simulation, or proposals for sustainable manufacturing systems or improved business models. Your final design proposition / speculation will be finalised through showcase / digital portfolio formats.
How you’re taught
Teaching and learning experiences will include:
- Small group project supervision tutorials
- Studio / technical / CAD / workshops
- International Competitions
- Personalised Masterclasses
- Blended learning experiences
- Lectures / Seminars – e.g., research methods / design communication / professional practice
- Employability support
- Professional Development Tutorials
- Personal Tutorials
Co Lab
Want real-world experience alongside your degree? Co Lab is your opportunity to work with peers from different disciplines on live projects set by industry partners. Embrace collaborative practice as you explore how creativity can make an impact in society and develop the skills employers want to see in the creative industries.
Exchange opportunities
If you’re thinking about studying part of your degree abroad, the course has exchange agreements with a number of institutions around the world.
Exchanges take place in Year Two of the course. You’ll receive guidance from the University about where you can study, and help in completing your application and arranging your exchange.
Showcase
You will be given the opportunity to exhibit your work during your time at NTU to members of the creative industries. Visit our ‘We Are Creatives’ showcase to take a look at the work of this year's graduating students’.
Further information
NTU is in the UK’s Top 15 for Art & Design in the Complete University Guide 2023 (Ranked 15th).
How you’re assessed
Formative:
- Poster Presentation with verbal feedback
- Interim presentation with written feedback
- Peer evaluation against learning outcomes
Summative:
- Extended Research Report / Contextual Review
- Negotiated Creative Output finalised through showcase / digital portfolio formats
- E-Portfolio of final synoptic tasks: entrepreneurial business proposal / future research proposal / grant application / activist statement
20% of your final degree mark will be based on your work in Year 2, and 80% from your work in your final year.
Careers and employability
Employability is a key focus of this course, with modules including initiatives such as live projects and trips, and the opportunity to exhibit your work, which will help to raise your profile and enhance your future career.
Graduates will be recruited into industry partner organisations such as:
- Material Specialists
- Technologists
- Performance Textile Developers
- Designers
- Sustainability Coordinators
- Product Developers.
Graduates will go into roles such as:
- Pentland
- Adidas
- Lululemon
- Gymshark.
Our students have taken part and enjoyed success in a range of top industry projects, awards, and competitions, allowing them to develop their professional networks.
By the end of the course students will understand the contemporary landscape of the future possibilities of their practice.
Connecting with industry and work placement opportunities
Industry professionals will visit the course to guest lecture and share their experiences. Live projects and competitions will help you to gain real experience of the industry, make contacts, and build your portfolio and CV.
You’ll be encouraged to undertake short periods of work experience alongside your studies. You will normally complete these placements during holiday periods, but you will have the option of taking up to two weeks out of term time, which you can negotiate with your tutor.
In addition, you’ll also have the opportunity to complete a longer work experience or placement, with the chance to gain an additional Diploma or Certificate in Professional Practice, dependent on duration. Course tutors and our Employability team are on hand to support you in applying for placement and professional practice opportunities.
YouFirst – working with our Employability team
Studying a creative degree in a large university has many benefits, none more so than having access to a large employability team.
Our friendly, experienced careers consultants will work closely with you at every stage of your career planning, providing personal support and advice you won't find in a book or on the Internet. You can benefit from this at any time during your studies and for up to three years after completing your course.
Creative Industries Federation
We are members of the Creative Industries Federation (CIF), which means students in the Nottingham School of Art & Design have the opportunity to sign up to free student membership. Creative Industries Federation are an organisation that represents, champions and supports the UK’s creative industries and membership grants students exclusive access to their selection of resources and events to help advance your career and connect with industry.
What our students are doing now
Fashion collection made entirely from donated fabrics
A fashion student has designed a catwalk collection made entirely from donated fabrics as a message to the clothing industry about sustainability.
Fashion Management students host International Women's Day Event
Wildbrain’s Teletubbies inspire bold fashion creativity in unique collaboration with NTU students
Campus and facilities
Entry requirements
120 UCAS Tariff points
What are we looking for?
- 112 - 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications (two of which must be A-level equivalent).
- GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4.
To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.
Other qualifications and experience
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning.
This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
Contextual offers
A lower offer may be made based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer and we get data from UCAS to make these decisions. NTU offers a student experience like no other and this approach helps us to find students who have the potential to succeed here but who may have faced barriers that make it more difficult to access university. Find out how we assess your application.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3)
You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before. This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there's no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
What's included in the course fees?
The School will cover the costs of any mandatory study trips.
In Final Year, the Nottingham School of Art & Design will provide infrastructure costs for your Degree Showcase, including course catalogue and exhibition set-up costs. If you’re selected to showcase your work at Graduate Fashion Week in London, the School will cover the cost of transporting your work and the exhibition stand.
Additional costs
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Depending on the materials you choose to work with, you should budget a minimum of £100 - £200 in each year to cover printing costs.
Stationery and reading materials
Most study modules will recommend one or more core textbooks, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary between courses and further information is available in the University’s bookshop, Blackwell’s.
A good supply of these essential textbooks are available in the University libraries, which students can easily borrow or access directly whilst studying in the library. You should budget £110 in Year One and £220 in Year Two for stationery and reading materials. In Final Year, you should budget around £500, to include dissertation printing and binding.
Other module costs, you’ll need to budget £100 - £200 (minimum) in Year One (to include essential books, and 2nd hand garments), £130 (minimum) in Year Two, and £150 (minimum) in Final Year.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
If you choose to join optional study trips, you’ll need to budget:
- £300 – optional European trip
- £1,200 – optional New York trip
- £400 – optional European trip
- £200 – self-funded research trips
- £1,600 - optional Asian trip
- £150 – optional field trips
Placements
You will have the opportunity to gain an extra qualification – a Certificate in Professional Practice on the Full-Time route. Or you may decide to switch to the Sandwich route, which includes a one-year Placement. Whether pursuing the Full Time or the Sandwich route you will need to budget for accommodation, travel and living costs whilst on Placement.
Costs will vary depending on whether the Placement is paid or unpaid, local or global. If you are working overseas, you will need to factor in the cost of setting up a bank account and visa applications; some companies pay for the visa as part of the Placement offer.
You should also budget £500 for interview/assessment centres in preparation for your Placement year.
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there's no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those international students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion, and dedication to their studies.
Please take a look at our International students page for information about fees, scholarships for international students, visas and much more.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
What's included in the course fees?
The School will cover the costs of any mandatory study trips.
In Final Year, the Nottingham School of Art & Design will provide infrastructure costs for your Degree Showcase, inc
luding course catalogue and exhibition set-up costs. If you’re selected to showcase your work at Graduate Fashion Week in London, the School will cover the cost of transporting your work and the exhibition stand.
Additional costs
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Depending on the materials you choose to work with, you should budget a minimum of £100 - £200 in each year to cover printing costs.
Stationery and reading materials
Most study modules will recommend one or more core textbooks, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary between courses and further information is available in the University’s bookshop, Blackwell’s.
A good supply of these essential textbooks are available in the University libraries, which students can easily borrow or access directly whilst studying in the library. You should budget £110 in Year One and £220 in Year Two for stationery and reading materials. In Final Year, you should budget around £500, to include dissertation printing and binding.
Other module costs, you’ll need to budget £100 - £200 (minimum) in Year One (to include essential books, and 2nd hand garments), £130 (minimum) in Year Two, and £150 (minimum) in Final Year.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
If you choose to join optional study trips, you’ll need to budget:
- £300 – optional European trip
- £1,200 – optional New York trip
- £400 – optional European trip
- £200 – self-funded research trips
- £1,600 - optional Asian trip
- £150 – optional field trips
Placements
You will have the opportunity to gain an extra qualification – a Certificate in Professional Practice on the Full-Time route. Or you may decide to switch to the Sandwich route, which includes a one-year Placement. Whether pursuing the Full Time or the Sandwich route you will need to budget for accommodation, travel and living costs whilst on Placement.
Costs will vary depending on whether the Placement is paid or unpaid, local or global. If you are working overseas, you will need to factor in the cost of setting up a bank account and visa applications; some companies pay for the visa as part of the Placement offer.
You should also budget £500 for interview/assessment centres in preparation for your Placement year.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please email our Admissions team or call +44 (0)115 848 4200.
You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.