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Fashion Pattern Cutting BA (Hons)
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- UCAS Code(s): W239
- Start Date(s): September 2024
- Duration: Three years, full-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time
- Campus: City Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
The fashion industry requires a range of creative and innovative roles to develop garments and one of these roles relates to pattern cutting and garment development. Pattern cutting is essential for realising and initiating creative ideas, and the product development of a garment. This inclusive BA course based at Nottingham School of Art & Design provides a platform for students to acquire current industry skills including manual and digital pattern cutting methods, pattern making, pattern drafting and draping. Working with industry standard technologies for creative garment development and production and responding to the needs for sustainability in the industry.
Graduates from this course will be effective collaborators, future thinkers and creative innovators who will come away from us with distinctive skills that will help them excel in current, new and emerging roles within fashion.
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You will learn use of specialist state-of-the art digital pattern cutting equipment including LECTRA and Clo3D alongside traditional hand techniques. -
You will be involved in competitions and live industry projects, as well as having the opportunity to showcase your work to members of the creative industries. -
You will benefit from the experience of guest speakers, visiting industry experts and masterclasses -
You will have the opportunity to complete a work experience placement of up to a year in length. Dependent on the duration of your placement, you could gain an additional Diploma or Certificate in Professional Practice.
What you’ll study
This course offers a series of research and practical based modules in which you will work individually as well as collaborating to develop the relevant skills and knowledge required for a career within the global fashion industry. You will study traditional hand methods alongside specialist digital technologies to develop your skills in pattern cutting, design development, construction, and manufacturing techniques.
Creative Exploration & Research (Toolkit)
(40 credit points)
This module will develop your intellectual curiosity and understanding of core design components enabling you to explore your approach to design practice through the building of essential ‘toolkits’: concept, drawing, materials, colour and future thinking, you will develop knowledge of basic research methods and essential design skills, as well as an appreciation of risk taking and play. In addition, this module will encourage you to track your essential employability skills and will present opportunities for working collaboratively.
This module includes attainment of the NTU Sustainability in Practice (SIP) award supporting your professional development.
2D-3D Realisation: Technical processes for garment development
(80 credit points)
This module introduces a fundamental understanding of the core principles and practical processes essential to the technical yet creative study of pattern cutting & manufacture, including pattern making, pattern drafting, pattern draping and digital patterns using Lectra Modaris. You will secure a theoretical and practical comprehension of the technical parameters of both traditional and digital approaches to pattern cutting and garment manufacture, with the development of manual patterns running alongside developing the same skills digitally. This module includes the exploration of the sustainable impacts of the current commercial practice in the development of clothing products.
Applied Design Processes
(40 credit points)
This module aims to extend your skills & understanding of pattern cutting and manufacture with a focus on outerwear. Working with a set of ‘toolkits’: market, costings & professional communication you will respond to a ‘Live’ design brief and establish your understanding of industry practice. You will be encouraged to explore all areas or outerwear from traditional tailoring to functional outdoor activewear. You will challenge your existing skills to develop both physical and digital products through engagement with visual research, technical design development, 2D to 3D translation & both contextual and market research.
Optional Module
(20 credit points)
You will have the opportunity to strengthen your professional practice by choosing an optional module that will enhance your broader skills and knowledge. E.g., Material Stories, 3D Materials Exploration, Trend Forecasting, Digital Marketing, Fashion Marketing, Buying: Merchandising and Product Fundamentals.
Creative Design Solutions
(40 credit points)
This module will focus on specific design problems including social and cultural issues that require innovative problem-solving skills as well as creative and technical thinking. Throughout the module you will advance your understanding of technical pattern cutting, garment fitting, manufacturing and the complexities of technical fabric. You will work individually and in small teams to resolve set design problems, pushing the boundaries of traditional techniques through practical experimentation to provide design solutions ensuring design responsibility.
Co Lab
(20 credit points)
The collaborative module experience encourages design thinking and innovation through divergent/convergent interdisciplinary practice in cross course multidisciplinary teams.
Optional Placement Year
We have an option for all of our students to undertake a placement year and allow you to decide whether this is right for you once you have completed years 1 and 2 of your course. This time spent working in industry provides our students with crucial work experience, which is highly prized and much sought after by employers upon graduation. If you are successful in securing a placement you will have the chance to gain an additional Certificate or Diploma in Professional Practice, dependent on duration.
Negotiated Research Project
This personally negotiated research project follows on from interests identified during Creative Design Solutions module at the end level 5. You should select a subject area that strategically aligns with potential future career progression. You will produce a report, dissertation or create a visual product (physical or digital) that records your research and contributes to your academic development in the field of Pattern cutting.
Final Project
(100 Credits or 80 Credits)
This final year module runs alongside and links to the negotiated research project. Through a series of workshops, seminars and group tutorials you will develop skills in order produce a professionally resolved body of work that showcases your abilities, knowledge and talent in the form of both a digital portfolio and 3D products. During term 1 you will write a statement of intent for you project . You will then demonstrate the creation / interpretation and realisation of your personal design direction through advanced research methodologies to generate ideas / concepts, proposals and solutions independently or collaboratively in response to industry led projects and self-negotiated briefs. During this module you will critically reflect on research and design / practice speculation from the whole year, culminating in a final synoptic evaluation which will support your future progression plans.
How you’re taught
- Seminars
- Lectures
- Staged briefings
- Studio workshops
- CAD workshops
- Group & 121 tutorials
- Professional development tutorials
- Verbal and visual presentations
- Self-directed study
- NOW online learning portal
- Peer group activities
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).
Contact hours
- Year 1 lectures/seminars/workshops (21%), independent study (79%)
- Year 2 lectures/seminars/workshops (20%), independent study (80%)
- Year 3 lectures/seminars/workshops (20%), independent study (80%)
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
- Year 1 coursework (100%)
- Year 2 coursework (93%), practical exams (7%)
- Year 3 coursework (100%)
Careers and employability
- Creative Pattern cutter
- Pattern technologist
- Garment technologist
- CAD/CAM specialist
- Grader
- Designer / Pattern cutter
- Product Developer
- Technical Manager
- Product Development Manager
Showcase
You will be given the opportunity to exhibit your work during your time at NTU to members of the creative industries. You may also be selected to showcase at Graduate Fashion Week in London – where many of our previous students have won awards. Visit our ‘We Are Creatives’ showcase to take a look at the work of this year's graduating students’.
Work placements and internship opportunities
You’ll have the opportunity to complete work experience or longer 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 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.
Wildbrain’s Teletubbies inspire bold fashion creativity in unique collaboration with NTU students
Rebecca Lennox
Campus and facilities
Our studios are lively, highly creative environments based in the Bonington building, a dedicated art and design hub. You can view all of our Fashion facilities on the Nottingham school of Art & Design Facilities page.
Entry requirements
112 UCAS Tariff points
- 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.
What are we looking for?
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.
What are we looking for?
We accept qualifications from schools, colleges and universities all over the world for entry onto our courses. If you’re not sure how your international qualification matches our course requirements, please visit our international qualifications page.
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Other requirements
Foundation courses
If you need to do an art and design foundation course to meet our course requirements please visit Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC). If you’re already studying in the UK at a school or college and would like to know if we can accept your qualification please visit our foundation courses page.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you need to show us that your language skills are strong enough for intensive academic study. You can check our language requirements and list of accepted English language tests. Your British Council office can tell you where you can take an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test locally.
Next steps
Please also take a look at our International students page and our application guide for international students, which are full of advice and information about the University.
If you need any more help or information, please contact our International team or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200. Alternatively, you can speak to one of our official NTU representatives for your country.
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 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, the exhibition stand, and catwalk show.
Additional fees
Print and copy costs
We advise you to budget between £140 - £300 (minimum) per year for printing 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.
Material costs
Depending on the materials you choose to work with, you should budget a minimum of £300 (Year One), £500 (Year Two), and £900 - £1,500 (Final Year) to cover the production costs associated to your course. This will include things like fabrics, pattern-cutting paper, toiling fabric (calico), and printing (optional).
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 text books are available in the University libraries, which students can easily borrow or access directly whilst studying in the library.
You should budget between £150 - £200 per year (minimum) for stationery and reading materials.
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 UK research trips, you should budget £60 - £120 in Year One and Two (minimum). In Final Year, you should budget £420 (minimum) for optional UK research trips and a field trip to Paris Fashion Week.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
If you undertake work experience or a longer placement, you will have the chance to gain an additional Certificate or Diploma in Professional Practice, dependent on duration. The Diploma in Professional Practice incurs a fee for the additional 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, including 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, the exhibition stand, and catwalk show.
Additional fees
Print and copy costs
We advise you to budget between £140 - £300 (minimum) per year for printing 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.
Material costs
Depending on the materials you choose to work with, you should budget a minimum of £300 (Year One), £500 (Year Two), and £900 - £1,500 (Final Year) to cover the production costs associated to your course. This will include things like fabrics, pattern-cutting paper, toiling fabric (calico), and printing (optional).
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 text books are available in the University libraries, which students can easily borrow or access directly whilst studying in the library.
You should budget between £150 - £200 per year (minimum) for stationery and reading materials.
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 UK research trips, you should budget £60 - £120 in Year One and Two (minimum). In Final Year, you should budget £420 (minimum) for optional UK research trips and a field trip to Paris Fashion Week.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
If you undertake work experience or a longer placement, you will have the chance to gain an additional Certificate or Diploma in Professional Practice, dependent on duration. The Diploma in Professional Practice incurs a fee for the additional placement year.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS.
We will ask you to provide a digital portfolio. Download some advice on what to include to help make your portfolio stand out. After you have submitted your portfolio, we may also invite you to an online interview to help us make our final decision.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please email our Admissions team or call +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Apply through UCAS (if applying to more than one university in the UK), or through our NTU applicant portal.
We will ask you to provide a digital portfolio. Visit our webpage which had some advice on what to include to help make your portfolio stand out. After you have submitted your portfolio, we may also invite you to an online interview to help us make our final decision.
Keeping up to date
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.
Please also take a look at our International students page and our application guide for international students, which are full of advice and information about the University.
If you need any more help or information, please contact our International team or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200. Alternatively, you can get in touch with our staff at the International Development Office, who are always happy to help. Or speak to one of our official NTU representatives for your country.