BSc (Hons)Fashion Production and BusinessValidated by The Open University
Entry Year
Location
Duration
Course Code
Qualifications
BSc(Hons) Fashion Production and Business Validated by The Open University
Overview
There is a growing movement in global society that seeks a sustainable way to do fashion – this is a challenge to existing practices which in turn creates new opportunities in the job market. With this new focus, fashion producers and brands are in need of graduates with a strong grounding in the traditions of designing, making and selling clothes who are conscious of the impact of their actions and choices on the world’s resources.
Encouragingly, there is a growing trend to reject fast fashion and favour more [genuinely] sustainable products. 67% of respondents to a 2020 survey by McKinsey said they preferred clothes made of more sustainable materials, focusing on quality and durability in product design.
The BSc Fashion Production and Business exposes students to the emerging narratives of ethical and sustainable practices in fashion while retaining practical development and research studies that require students to make and present a saleable product.
On the course students study a range of modules, which will allow them to combine their interest in making fashion products with an understanding of the commercial and management context. The modules will include subjects such as pattern construction, garment technology, apparel design, business, marketing and personal research.
Life cycle thinking is distributed through the 3 years of the programme and includes exploring sustainability by focussing on a “cradle-to-cradle” approach - from resource extraction to the return of the product or material, back into remanufacturing and use. The arrangement of learning is underpinned by the following themes:
- Design and product development processes.
- Garment technology including textile materials.
- Principles of business and marketing
Ready to embark on an exciting journey towards a career in Fashion Production and Business? Explore the links below to learn more about our validated awards and regulations:
OU Handbooks and Regulations can be found under the Higher Education section of our public documents.
Regulations for validated awards of The Open University
Student's guide to studying on a programme validated by The Open University
Applications to this course can be made through UCAS using code U220. If you haven’t started a UCAS application yet, and only want to apply to Belfast Met, you can apply directly to us using Apply Now option and we will process a UCAS application on your behalf. IMPORTANT: Applicants must only choose one method of application.
100 tariff points. International students must have a sufficient command of English to meet the requirements of the programme and normally have a grade C in GCSE English or equivalent or ELTS at 6 or TOEFL at 550+.
Applicants must have Level 2 English and Maths, either GCSE or Essential Skills.
Minimum entry requirements are pre-defined by the College’s admissions criteria, which can be found by visiting our entry criteria page on this link
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) for HE Courses
APL allows you to use evidence from prior learning or experience to gain entry to a course at Belfast Met. Belfast Met will work with you to make sure that relevant learning or work experience is formally recognised through the APL Process. For more information see Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Process - Guidance for applicants. If you would like more information, or if you decide you would like to use the APL process, please contact the Course Co-ordinator. Contact details are provided at the end of these slides and on the course details page on Belfast Met website.
Fees:
Academic period 2026*:
HE Tuition Fee = £3235.00
Fees are payable annually.
*The fees have not been finalised and may be subject to change.
All fees are set in accordance with DfE regulations.
Please contact the student loan company if you require a loan or our Funding Team by emailing studentfunding@belfastmet.ac.uk for other options.
The course has been designed to include a variety of teaching and learning methods including lectures, workshops, case studies, field study visits, pitches to industry and self-directed study. Assessments take the format of projects and assignments, which are industry related, and often involve live briefs.
Careers
Successful graduates can follow career paths in the fashion design, clothing manufacturing, sourcing/buying or fashion retail sectors, or continue into postgraduate studies. The sector has a wide local and international base. The local sector includes smaller, indigenous companies as well as large internationally famous names.
Careers may include:
Garment Technologist
- Working closely with designs to decide on the best manufacture methods
- Planning how new garments will be made up by producing graded size charts.
- Monitoring the production of sample garments and initiating any changes to the product to meet manufacturing requirements.
- Conducting fit sessions ensuring garments work for the customers
- Liaise with and visit local & offshore suppliers, providing technical support wherever necessary throughout the development process to ensure that all products achieve the design brief, fit & quality standard.
- Arrange for garment, print and trim testing
Pattern Developer
- Create patterns and toiles which meet the design and technical requirements within the allocated timeframes,
- Creating first patterns/mocks with designers and develop through to finished sample
- Suggest creative ideas on how new products can be developed
- Develop and manage Block Library, update and amend blocks as required
- Review supplier’s patterns and convert them into a usable format
- Advise on methods of construction, sizing, fit and quality
- Problem solve with any technical/production issues with development teams
Fashion Buyer
- Develop comprehensive seasonal range plans, within agreed framework
- Review trends for each season through extensive research - desk research, competitor analysis, travel to international fairs, suppliers etc.
- Co-ordinate souring of suitable selections of fabric, trimming and accessories each season. Develop appropriate styling both trend driven and classic -participate in the styling of each new collection
- Completion and communication of new collection salesmen samples.
- Maintain quality standards and controls appropriate for each brand
- Develop presentation, branding, labelling and packaging which enhance the product.
- Co-operate with the Designers to achieve co-ordination across the ranges, and merchandising, in line with the seasonal design briefs and brand guidelines.
- Co-ordinate preparation for a new collection launch each season, including: sales analysis, assist with price setting, participate in final selection of new collections and prepare sales aids.
- Create and communicate accurate and comprehensive production packs for each order, such as style-sheet and trim guide.
Interests
- Designing clothes
- Creative investigation
- Developing innovative solutions
- Making garments
- Being your own boss
Contact us
Useful Links
- Study at the Met
- Search for Courses
- Full Time
- Part Time
- Apprenticeships
- Leisure Courses
- Creative Connections
