FdA in Clothing Design & TechnologyDefinitive Programme Document

HOLLINGS FACULTY

DEPARTMENT OF CLOTHING DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

FOUNDATION DEGREE

in

CLOTHING DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

DEFINITIVE DOCUMENT

Approved after approval on 4 May 2006

With effect from intakes in September 2006

Document last modified on 27 June 2006

FdA in Clothing Design & TechnologyDefinitive Programme Document

CONTENTS

Part OnePage No

Programme Specification1

Part Two

1Admission Regulations10

Standard Entry Requirements11

Admission with Exemption12

Admission with Specific Credit12

Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning (AP (E) L)12

2Curriculum Design and Organisation13

Curriculum Design Overview13

Level Descriptors14

Unit Syllabus Proformas16

Relationship to Subject Benchmark Statement(s)38

Relationship to Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body Expectations40

3Assessment Regulations40

MMU Regulatory Framework40

Programme-specific regulations41

4Programme Management and Student Support41

Programme Committee41

Programme Leader43

Other Staff Responsibilities43

Student Support Strategy44

FdA in Clothing Design & TechnologyDefinitive Programme Document

THE MANCHESTERMETROPOLITANUNIVERSITYPS/1

PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION

Basic Programme Details

1

/

Programme title/code(s)

/ Foundation Degree in Clothing Design and Technology
2 / Mode(s) and duration / 2 years full-time
3 / Awarding institution / ManchesterMetropolitanUniversity
4 / Teaching institution(s) / ManchesterMetropolitanUniversity
5 / Final award(s)/title(s) / FdA in Clothing Design and Technology
6 / FHEQ position / Intermediate
7 / Stage award(s)/title(s) / CertHE in Clothing Design and Technology
8 / Home Department/ School/ Institute / Department of Clothing Design and Technology
9 / Home Faculty / Hollings
10 / UCAS code(s)
11 / Type of collaborative provision / None
12 / Collaborative partner(s) / None
13 / Date/outcome of most recent MMU review/ approval / New Programme
14 / PS/1 effective date: / September 2006
15 / QAA Benchmark Statement(s) / Foundation Degree, Materials and Art and Design
16 / Date/outcome of last QAA engagement (or equivalent) / 1998
17 / PSRB(s) / The Textile Institute (TI)
The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)
18 / Date/outcome of last PSRB approval(s) / N/A

Programme Aims and Learning Outcomes

19 / Programme Aims
MMU General Educational Aims:
  • the development of students' intellectual and imaginative powers;
  • the development of students' understanding and judgement;
  • the development of students' problem solving skills;
  • the development of students' ability to communicate;
  • the development of students' ability to see relationships within what they have learned and to perceive their field of study in a broader perspective;
  • the stimulation of an enquiring, analytical and creative approach, encouraging independent judgement and critical self-awareness; and
  • the development of students' ability to locate, assimilate and present information in any appropriate medium and from a range of sources
Programme-specific Aims:
To develop the learner's interest in and knowledge and understanding of the principles of the creative and technical aspects of clothing design and garment manufacture.
To enable the learner to apply these principles within the context of the fashion industry.
Graduates will either enter employment directly or undertake further study as a continuous step towards lifelong learning

1

FdA in Clothing Design & TechnologyDefinitive Programme Document

20 / Programme Learning Outcomes
MMU General Educational Outcomes:
Successful students will be able to develop and demonstrate transferable intellectual skills, in particular their ability to:
  • communicate clearly in speech, writing and other appropriate modes of expression
  • argue rationally and draw independent conclusions based on a rigorous, analytical and critical approach to data, demonstration and argument
  • apply what has been learned
  • demonstrate an awareness of the programme of study in a wider context
Programme-specific Learning Outcomes:
Graduates of the programme will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of, qualities and skills relating to ;
  • The principles of clothing design, pattern construction and garment technology.
  • The processes involved in and the issues surrounding the production of such garments.
  • The marketing of and general business considerations related to the design and manufacture of fashion products.

21 / Stage Learning Outcomes
Stage 1
On completion of Stage 1 the student will be able to demonstrate :
  • a knowledge of the processes related to garment design, pattern construction and garment technology
  • a knowledge of the materials and manufacturing methods used in the production of quality clothing
  • an appreciation of the uses of computerised systems to aid design and pattern construction
  • a knowledge of basic marketing principles and business practices.
Stage 2
On completion of Stage 2 the student will be able to demonstrate :
  • an understanding of the principles of design and how this impacts on pattern construction and garment realisation
  • a technical understanding of the choice of materials and manufacturing methods used in garment production
  • the ability to utilise computer systems for design and pattern creation / adaptation
  • an understanding of specific materials and manufacturing technologies employed in the production of garments for specialised end-uses

22 / Teaching/Learning and Assessment Strategies
MMU Learning and Teaching Strategy
  • To ensure that a high quality of educational experience for all students through the provision of high quality learning opportunities
  • to establish a reputation for the provision of excellent, varied, innovative and effective learning and teaching
  • To assure that the standards of the resulting qualifications of graduates can be confidently referenced to appropriate national/international comparators
  • To capture and disseminate innovatory learning.
  • To promote the concept of lifelong learning by enabling students to develop the experience and skills necessary to achieve a high order of independent thought and action and to form a basis for future learning needs.
  • To ensure that its graduates are well prepared for their personal futures and are in a position to add value to the organisations for which they work.
  • To promote within the staff of the University a commitment to imaginative and purposeful engagement with the learning needs of its increasingly diverse student body.
  • To establish, by means of effectual operational and managerial arrangements, long-term capability in learning and teaching.
The programme employs a wide range of approaches to teaching, learning and assessment, which are based around an essential core of studio and workshop tuition. The curriculum is informed and its currency maintained by research, scholarly activity and the professional practice of staff. Part time and visiting tutors make valuable contributions and facilitate important links to professional and creative practice. Technicians and library/learning resources staff also make important contributions to the students’ learning.
The programme employs a wide range of approaches to teaching, learning and assessment, which are based around an essential core of studio and workshop tuition. The curriculum is informed and its currency maintained by research, scholarly activity and the professional practice of staff. Part time and visiting tutors make valuable contributions and facilitate important links to professional and creative practice. Technicians and library/learning resources staff also make important contributions to the students’ learning.
The programme employs a wide range of approaches to teaching, learning and assessment, which are based around an essential core of studio and workshop tuition. The curriculum is informed and its currency maintained by research, scholarly activity and the professional practice of staff. Part time and visiting tutors make valuable contributions and facilitate important links to professional and creative practice. Technicians and library/learning resources staff also make important contributions to the students’ learning.
Formal Lectures form an integral part of the programme. These are sometimes interfaced with projects depending on their position within the teaching programme. Lectures may be interactive, contain video footage and/or guided reading. Whenever possible they will be undertaken by invited guests from industry.
Tutorials are usually group based. Year Tutors hold individual tutorials in order to discuss the overall progression of the individual student.
Small Group Tutorials enables the students to discuss and plan their work in greater detail than is possible with larger groups. It encourages quieter students to develop their interpersonal and communication skills, which they sometimes find difficult as part of a large group.
e-learning. To enable as flexible delivery as possible, appropriate teaching material will be made available to the learner through the faculty intranet and WebCT to enable the learner to learn anywhere, anytime and at their convenience. Examples of work related packages already exist e.g. the 'virtual factory') and others are in development.
Visiting Specialists are encouraged onto the study programme. Where possible the project briefs areorganised with commercial co-operation.
Demonstrations are normally of a technical or scientific nature and are necessary in certain subject areas.
Studio & C.A.D Workshops normally include a demonstration followed by an opportunity for the student to put the knowledge gained into practise.
Group and Team Work is occasionally used and requires students to operate as a member of a group or team where individuals have clearly identified roles as they would in industry. The emphasis is on collective responsibility, individual responsibility to the group and joint decision-making.
Self Directed Study provides students with the time and space to self manage and develop their knowledge, understanding, attributes and skills as autonomous learners.
Field Study Trips are essential for students to gain an appreciation of fashion in the context of global industry and cultural diversity. Visits would normally include Trade Fairs, Exhibitions and influential centres of fashion retail.
Assessment.
MMU Regulations for Undergraduate Study apply to all Levels ofassessment.
The methods of assessment used give breadth and depth, which allow for both the formative and summative assessment of every student at each Level of the programme.
Assessment Strategy:
Formative assessment will take place usually towards the end of the first term. This may be through written feedback set against the unit assessment criteria, via a time constrained assignment or through tutorials/ seminars.
Summative assessment takes place at the end each academic year when portfolios of design work, examples of patterns and garments created and written submissions will be assessed.
Certain units will apply more than one assessment strategy. Units at levels 1 and 2 in Design & CAD and Pattern Technology and CAD will integrate CAD into the Portfolio submission.
The following table indicates the major assessment methods relative to each unit.
SUBJECT / Coursework
Portfolio / Computer based assignment / Written report / Practical
project

LEVEL 1

Design & CAD 1 (FD)
Pattern Technology & CAD 1 (FD)
Clothing Technologies & Materials 1 (FD)
Business for Fashion Design 1 (FD)

LEVEL 2

Design & CAD 2 (FD)
Pattern Technology & CAD 2 (FD)
Clothing Technologies & Materials 2 (FD)
Technologies for Specific Product Dev.2 (FD)
23 / Programme structures, levels, credits, awards and curriculum map
Stage 1 units
Because the programme attracts applicants from diverse educational backgrounds the main purpose of Stage 1 is to deliver a learning programme which enables every student to reach the same level of understanding throughout the study areas.
Unit TitleLevelCredits
Design & CAD 1 (FD)120
Pattern Technology & CAD 1 (FD)140
Clothing Technologies & Materials 1 (FD)140
Business for Fashion Design I (FD)120
Students successfully completing 120 credits at Stage 1 may progress to Stage 2.
Students successfully completing 120 credits at Stage 1 but who do not wish to continue to Stage 2 will be eligible for a Certificate in Higher Education (Clothing Design and Technology).
Stage 2 units
Unit TitleLevelCredits
Design & CAD 2 (FD)220
Pattern Technology & CAD 2 (FD)240
Clothing Technologies & Materials 2 (FD)240
Technologies for Specific Product Development 2 220
(FD)
Students successfully completing 120 credits at Stage 1 and 2 will be awarded a Foundation Degree (FdA) in Clothing Design and Technology.
On successfully achieving their Foundation Degree the student will be able to apply for entry to the Honours Degree route of the same name offered within the same department of MMU.
24 / Additional information
25 /
Points of reference

Internal

  • University Mission and Strategic Aims
  • Regulations for the Academic Awards of the University
  • University Common Regulatory Framework
  • Faculty Programme Approval/Review/Modification Report (date)
  • University Learning and Teaching Strategy
  • Staff research
  • Departmental Professional/Industrial Advisory Committee
  • Staff/Student Liaison Committee
External
  • QAA Subject Benchmark statement
  • QAA Framework for HE Qualifications
  • QAA Foundation Degree qualification benchmark
  • QAA Code of Practice
  • QAA Subject Review report
  • External examiner reports

This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of a Programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he take full advantage of the learning opportunities provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, curriculum content, teaching/learning, assessment methods for each unit and on the Programme’s relationship to QAA Subject Benchmark Statements may be found in the definitive document and student handbook for the Programme. The accuracy of the information in this document is reviewed periodically by the University and may be subject to verification by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.

Part Two

Programme Aims and Background

This Foundation Degree in Clothing Design and Technology marks the start of a new generation of programmes being offered by the Department of Clothing Design and Technology. The main aims of the programme are to develop the learner's interest in and knowledge and understanding of the principles of the creative and technical aspects of clothing design and garment manufacture. In addition it will enable the learner to apply these principles within the context of the fashion industry. Graduates of the programme may choose to enter employment directly where they will be able to exercise personal responsibility and decision making in jobs requiring creative, technical and business related skills. The Foundation Degree also provides a direct route to an Honours degree qualification – in this case the BA (Hons) Clothing Design and Technology programme.

The main thrust of Foundation Degrees is that they integrate academic and work-based learning through close collaboration between employers and programme providers. Students enrolled on this programme will work to briefs devised and agreed to by industry partners. They will have the opportunity to be taught by visiting lecturers from industry and enjoy visits to companies which market and manufacture fashion goods.

The Foundation Degree in Clothing Design and Technology is intended to provide a path towards lifelong learning for a variety of candidates and embraces the university’s policy of widening participation. Some modes of teaching and assessment will allow the learner to learn ‘anywhere, anytime‘ through extended use of the intranet and WebCT.

The academic elements of the programme mirror quite closely the curriculum laid down for the first and second year of the honours degree to facilitate the essential progression onto an identified honours degree programme. Students may find themselves attending lectures or sharing workshops with the honours degree students but their assessment packages will be work based.

It is implicit in all of the units studied for this degree that the use and management of technology are firmly embedded within the curriculum. Level One students will gain a knowledge of appropriate technologies whether this be from a design, manufacture or business point of view and students at Level Two will be expected to gain proficiency in the application of suitable technologies - especially in the areas of fashion design and pattern development.

1Admission Regulations

Admissions to the programme are carried out within the provisions of the law and of university principles. They demonstrate regard for the University's Academic Board

Principles :

  • The admission of a student to the programme must be based on the reasonable expectation that the student will be able to fulfil the objectives of the programme and achieve the standard required for the award.
  • The admissions requirements set out below shall be subject to such policies on entry requirements as the academic Board may from time to time determine.
  • All applicants shall be considered having regard for the University's Equal Opportunities Policy and such anti-discrimination legislation as may be in force.
  • Candidates must have a sufficient command of English to be able to meet the requirements of the programme in every respect.

Application shall normally be made via the University Central admissions system (UCAS)

Overseas Applications

Applicants must have sufficient command of English to meet the requirements of the programme in every respect and are normally expected to have attained either a grade or above in GCSE English Language or the equivalent. For international students for whom English is not their first language IELTS at grade 6 or above or TOEFL at 550+ (or at least 213 on the computerised test) is a requirement for admissions to the programme.

1.1Standard Entry Requirements

1.1.1Entry to Year 1

The normal minimum age for entry shall be 18 years.

Minimum entry requirements will be :

  • 4 GCSE passes at grade C or above, normally including English and Mathematics together with one pass at Advanced GCE level or one pass in a 6-unit Vocational A level.
  • Consistent with the University's Curriculum 2000 statement, a broader base of studies incorporating AS levels is also welcome.
  • Success in an Access to Higher Education course will also be considered
  • Admissions Tutors may accept other qualifications as are deemed to be acceptable in lieu of those specified above.

Exceptionally, the Admissions Tutors may accept an applicant whose qualifications do not conform to the standard requirements. Such applicants must show evidence of ability and commitment to complete the programme

1.1.2Entry to Subsequent Years

Applicants may be considered for entry into Stage Two if they have a qualification which demonstrates a level of achievement comparable to the learning outcomes of Stage One. They will need to demonstrate equitable skills and a commitment to study.

1.2Admission with Exemption

An applicant claiming exemption from named units of the programme will have to demonstrate that they have already achieved the learning outcomes of the unit/s which they wish to be exempted from.

1.3Admission with Specific Credit

In order to be admitted to the programme with specific credit or advanced standing the applicant shall satisfy the Admissions tutors that they have fulfilled some of the progression and assessment requirements of the programme by means other than attendance on the programme and that they will be able, by completing the remaining requirements, to fulfil the objectives of the programme and attain the standard required for the award.