Birmingham City University’s dedicated School of Fashion and Textiles is based in the £62 million Parkside Building, on the City Centre Campus.
Former students of the University’s Faculty of Arts, Design and Media have gone on to work for international companies including Burberry, RIBA, Cartier and Vero Moda.
During this module you will develop and demonstrate imaginative and flexible approaches to different art and design techniques. You will develop your ideas within the creative studio environment.
This module is assessed entirely through the production of a portfolio.
Critical Thinking*
You will be introduced to the basic fundamentals of critical thinking. You will learn how to examine and comment on components of an argument, so that you can develop a structured and analytical response.
You will be assessed via a variety of methods: three 1-hour tests in class, and one 2-hour closed book exam.
Extended Media Experimentation
You will explore your own ideas while experimenting with processes and techniques and discovering the characteristics and properties of selected media.
You will be assessed through three pieces of coursework:
A report of research, experimentation and application
A self-reflective journal
The presentation of your work
Information Research, Recording and Responding In Art & Design
During this module you will learn how to undertake in-depth research, while exploring many ways to record your findings. You will also discover how to respond to problems, enabling you to develop your skills, self-confidence and studio practice.
There will be three pieces of coursework:
A personal statement of intent
A final research journal, made up of weekly submissions
A final portfolio of art, design and media work – including statements of self-reflection
Interactive Learning Skills and Communication*
Throughout this module you will learn about:
Time management
Public speaking techniques
Listening skills
Appropriate language styles
Clear writing techniques (plain English, factual and persuasive writing)
The importance of writing style
How to create appropriate and effective document layouts
Professional communication and presentation
Examination techniques and skills
How to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences
How to work effectively as a team member and as an individual
How to apply basic research and referencing techniques to formulate reasoned academic opinion so as to avoid plagiarism
You will be assessed via a variety of methods, including:
A research project – referencing a topic and using a variety of techniques and resources
An individual presentation
Two group presentations
A listening assessment
A 2-hour closed book exam
Interactive Learning Skills and Communication & Preparation and Progression in Art and Design
During this module you will learn about:
Techniques and strategies to manage speech anxiety
Enhancing your grammar and vocabulary
How to think critically under pressure
How to research and deliver logical and persuasive communication in a variety of formats
Understanding cultural and gender differences
Methods for planning, preparing and producing a major art and design project
Preparing for exhibition
You will be assessed via a variety of methods, including:
An individual presentation on intent and planning of the final major art project
The project itself (40%)
Exhibition and presentation of the project
Knowledge & Understanding Of Creative Practice In Art & Design
You will develop an understanding of contemporary, cultural, social and historical contexts in art and design. This will help you develop your creative practice and make informed decisions about your pathway choices.
You will be assessed through three pieces of coursework:
A research project around contextual influences on art and design practice (50%)
A group presentation
A self-reflective log
Mass Communication*
This module will introduce you to the core concepts and principles relevant to mass communications – including some of the major theories.
There will be three pieces of coursework:
A close analysis of the film Fight Club
An analysis of an advertisement from a magazine or newspaper
A group presentation
Media Experimentation in Art and Design
You will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of media – experimenting with both traditional and contemporary processes and techniques. You will gain an understanding of the potential and limitations of media, using critical review and reflection in the planning and development of your own ideas.
You will be assessed through your log of experiments and research, and your portfolio of experimental work.
Personal Combined Experimental Studies In Art & Design
During this module you will learn about:
Exploring and reviewing a range of skills, materials, processes and techniques
Reviewing and reflecting on your own work
Challenging previous thoughts, ideas and beliefs
Health and safety requirements
Record-keeping
You will be assessed through three pieces of coursework:
A group project around problem-solving, research, experimentation and selection of materials
An individual presentation
A log of experimentation
* Additional four modules in the three semester programme.
Stage 2: First Year Degree
Stage 3: Second Year Degree
Stage 4: Final Year Degree
Birmingham City University Degree Pathways
Click below for more information on each pathway
BA (Hons) Fashion Branding and Communication
You will have the opportunity to visit international fashion cities such as London, Berlin, Copenhagen and New York – as well as the chance to showcase work to industry leaders at events such as Graduate Fashion Week in London.
Former students have gone on to work for companies including ASOS and Next, in roles such as PR, marketing, styling and photoshoot production.
You will work on industry-led briefs, supported by brands such as Selfridges and River Island, and there will be opportunities to visit fashion capitals London, Paris, Florence and New York.
Former students have gone on to work in roles such as PR Assistant and Trainee Merchandiser.
You will have the chance to complete work placements with companies such as Ted Baker, Paul Smith, Topshop and River Island – as well as the opportunity to showcase work to industry leaders at events like Graduate Fashion Week in London.
Former students have gone on to work in roles such as Clothing Designer, Textile Designer, Buyer and Procurement Officer.
This course has excellent links with international fashion brands including Adidas, Burberry, Abercrombie & Fitch and Karen Millen.
You will use industry-standard Gerber pattern-cutting software and gain essential knowledge of global manufacturing. Former students have gone on to work in roles such as Sewing Machinist and Pattern Technologist.
You will be learning in The Parkside Building – part of the City Centre Campus – which is fully equipped with industry-specific machinery for all aspects of garment production, as well as photography studios to capture final outcomes.
Tutors have industry links with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Birmingham Royal Ballet – and former students have gone on to work in roles such as Creative Assistant and Costume Designer.
*This course is subject to final approval of the curriculum by BCU via the transforming the curriculum process. See below for more details.
Birmingham City University’s Faculty of Arts, Design and Media has a dedicated School of Fashion and Textiles.
No particular house style is taught, so you will have the creative freedom to embrace both digital technology and traditional craft skills in accordance with your career ambition. Former students have gone on to work for companies such as Alexander McQueen, Liberty London and Paperchase.
Birmingham City University is currently going through a period of curriculum transformation which will finish in time for September 2017.This may affect programmes from September 2017 onwards.The aim of this review is to modernise BCU’s programmes and ensure the University reaches its targets of delivering practice-based learning that will deliver high-quality employability skills to our students. This may result in a change in the name or progression options for your chosen degree course. BCU and BCUIC will keep all students updated about these changes, and if you have any further questions, do please contact us.