Fashion Design Diploma

Course details

Diploma course offering students training for the Irish and International fashion industry. Our practical and hands-on approach to learning encourages talent, but also provides order and structure. This allows students to develop as individuals, as well as acquire the skills and techniques needed for a career in fashion. Throughout the course we promote awareness of current industry trends, along with an understanding of the importance of good presentation skills.

The course contents include:

• Pattern drafting
• Design development
• Illustration and working drawings (flat drawing)
• Block making
• Proving patterns on the dress stand with toiles
• Garment construction and finish.
• Laying and cutting of fabrics and paper patterns
• Grading
• Experimentation with use of fabrics
• Trends and fashion forecasting
• Portfolio preparation
• Drawing fashion figures
• Using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator

THE 3-YEAR COURSE COVERS THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

YEAR 1-2

• Fashion Design – Pattern drafting, sewing, construction, and portfolio development, covering skirts, trousers, blouses and dresses.

YEAR 2

• This covers tailoring for ladies coats and suits – concentrating on the styling, grading and fitting of the tailored garment as well as preparation for the final year.

YEAR 3

The student chooses two collections to design and complete. Each collection comprises 8-10 garments, developed from concepts through to finished garments and made to the high standards required by manufacturers. Students can choose from a selection of Separates, Women’s or Menswear, Urban Sportswear, Bridal and Evening wear, Lingerie and Children’s plus a collection specialising in all wool fabrics.

Throughout the course, students are encouraged to enter inter-college fashion competitions and to take up internships within the industry, with which we have strong links.

ASSESSMENT AND EXAMINATIONS

• The Diploma requires four sectional examinations over the 3-year course, along with continual assessment of the key disciplines:
• Portfolio development with sketching and illustration
• Pattern drafting
• Garment construction, sewing and finishing.
• For each section, a formal proposal is made by the student to design and create a collection which must be approved by the tutors and examiners. Formal examinations in advanced Pattern Drafting are required after each collection to complete the Diploma course.