Eleanor
Drane

What made you choose to study at NTU?
“I completed several work placements while I was at college and met people who had studied at NTU. Listening to their experiences and through my own research, I knew it was where I wanted to study.”

What do you enjoy most about the course?
“I most enjoy the freedom we have to explore our own creativity through the vast resources that the course has to offer.”

Has the course included any live projects with industry?
“During Year Two we had the opportunity to be involved in a live project with either Acorn Conceptual Textiles, AllSaints or Next. I selected the Next competition and developed a range of samples, CAD flats and an illustrated line up as part of the brief.

“This was a great opportunity to work to a commercial brief and test ourselves designing with a final customer in mind. We presented our work to the knitwear designers from Next, discussed our samples and design process, and received vital feedback with regards to ideas we could implement in our final year.”

How do you find the course staff?
“We are very lucky to have such dedicated and experienced staff helping us throughout our degree.  All of the tutors offer advice, guidance and keep everyone motivated throughout the year. Our technicians are always there to offer us their invaluable knowledge, help and guidance with the machinery and our administration team help to keep us all organised and informed of any news.”

Can you tell us a little bit about your placement year?
“I worked as a Creative Technical Product Developer at Hugo Boss, Switzerland. My main responsibilities included assisting the Knitwear Designer and Product Developers of the womenswear brand, BOSS Orange, with the entire development process.

“I was heavily involved in the creation of illustrator sketches, developing jacquards using power knitting programmes and requesting knit panels from on-site technicians. I was also responsible for the maintenance of the knitwear archive.

“The highlight of this experience was having the opportunity to travel in both my spare time and with work. I attended meetings at the main Hugo Boss office in Germany and had the chance to take part in design briefings, meetings with sales and brand management.”

“Working in industry for a year was invaluable. I felt fully integrated into my team and the company. I was able to complete training that wouldn’t have been available had I not been there for a year and also had the opportunity to see the progression of seasons from start to finish, which was particularly rewarding.”

Why would you recommend someone interested in Fashion to consider studying BA (Hons) Fashion Knitwear Design and Knitted Textiles at NTU?
“I would absolutely recommend both my course and the University to anyone! NTU’s reputation and connections with industry give you the chance to progress into jobs straight after graduation. As a result of my placement year I have been able to make vital connections within my chosen field, meet new people and travel, developing myself as a person and gaining invaluable transferable skills for my future career.

“On a course level, this degree offers the chance to become more specialised in a highly competitive industry. Furthermore, as there are only a select number of courses specialising in knitwear it means NTU fashion knitwear graduates stand a greater chance of employment post university. The course here is well established within industry and as a result, companies appreciate NTU graduates for their advanced skills and specific knowledge within the knitwear specialism.”