Program Overview

Fashion and Technology

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Design in Fashion and Technology prepares students for careers in the apparel industry by simulating a professional working environment. This four-year program is selective entry, meaning only the most promising students are accepted and given individual attention to meet their potential. The program is also limited intake, with first-year seats only available each Fall.

This is a full-time program taken over eight semesters (Fall and Spring). To ensure that students are global citizens with strong critical thinking skills, the curriculum combines specific fashion and technology courses with a wide range of electives in business and humanities courses.

Students applying from a two-year fashion program are assessed on an individual basis for potential advanced entry. Depending on seat availability, working professionals looking to upgrade their skills can take single courses or enroll on a part-time basis. Applicants with experience in the fashion industry can gain credits through Prior Learning Assessments (PLA).

Admission Requirements

• Portfolio submission through an online platform
• Workshops, feedback sessions, and open houses are available to help create an effective portfolio
• Visit the Events Calendar for more information on upcoming events

Tuition and Fees

• For information on tuition, please visit the Tuition Estimator
• Mandatory student fees and other fees apply
• Approximately $600-$1000 per year for books and materials
• Eligibility for scholarships, student loans, or other financial aid

Laptop and Software Requirements

• The Fashion Design & Technology program is delivered in an e-mobile environment using laptop computers and specific software
• Do not purchase a personal laptop computer until specifications and requirements have been provided
• Options to purchase or lease laptop computers with the requisite course software will be provided by KPU

Sewing Machine Requirements

• All incoming and continuing fashion students need regular access to a sewing machine
• Required capabilities:
  • Straight stitch
  • Zig Zag stitch (recommended for 2nd year students)
  • Regular stitching foot
  • Zipper foot
  • Buttonhole (recommended but not necessary)
• Industrial sewing machines are also acceptable, but please inform the instructor at the start of the course

Career Information

• Graduates have the design skills, business acumen, and marketing savvy needed to succeed in the fashion industry
• Career paths:
  • Fashion entrepreneur
  • Freelance designer
  • Design, marketing, or production department for world-renowned apparel companies
  • Smaller design houses in a role that encompasses all aspects of the business

Industry Partners

• KPU works with many industry partners who host student practicums, develop industry projects, and hire graduates
• Some of the many industry partners include:
  • Allison Wonderland
  • Arc’teryx Equipment Inc.
  • Aritzia
  • Bootlegger
  • Chloё Angus Design
  • Christine Vancouver
  • Diane’s Lingerie
  • Gordon’s Fabrics
  • Gravity Pope
  • Hailey Gerrits Designs
  • Helly Hansen
  • Hills of Kerrisdale
  • Holt Renfrew
  • Indochino
  • International Fashions
  • Ivan Sayers ivivva
  • John Fluevog Boots & Shoes Ltd.
  • Karma Athletics Ltd.
  • Kendor Fabrics
  • Kensie
  • Kit and Ace
  • Lifetime Collective
  • Lija
  • Little White House
  • LK Collections
  • lululemon athletica
  • lululemon lab
  • Manuel Mendoza
  • Mountain Equipment Co-op
  • Mustang Survival Corp.
  • Nicole Bridger
  • Nicole Picco
  • Nocturnal Workshop
  • Oak and Fort Corp.
  • Oddball Workshop
  • Osei Duro
  • Peekaboo Beans
  • Play on Trading/Orb
  • Plenty
  • Plum Clothing
  • Portobello West
  • Market Pure
  • Magnolia
  • Snugabell Mom & Baby Gear Ltd.
  • Strike MVMNT
  • Sugoi Performance Apparel
  • Teeny Weeny Bikini Co.
  • Truvelle