Program Overview

School of Arts & Design

BA (Hons) Fashion Design & Marketing

Course Information

Description

The BA (Hons) Fashion Design & Marketing programme offers an integrated combination of creative design skills and strategic marketing knowledge tailored to the dynamic fashion industry. It is an interdisciplinary undergraduate programme that synthesizes technical expertise and communication studies in creation, innovation, and the inspiration of new talents in fashion.

Content

The programme is offered in collaboration with the University of Derby, a university with a strong tradition in Fashion & Textiles and a leading position in the rankings for Marketing studies (TOP5 in the UK for Marketing & PR studies, Guardian 2024).

What you will learn

With the aim of fostering creativity, cultivating aesthetic sensitivity, and sharpening commercial acumen, the primary distinction of the BA (Hons) Fashion Design & Marketing programme at the University of Derby lies in the level of individual experimentation and the implementation of ideas and techniques, as a basis for creating communication strategies that connect the creator with the audience. Key programme areas include:

• Fundamental design principles: The programme begins with a strong emphasis on the principles of design, nurturing students’ creativity through courses in fashion illustration, pattern making, garment construction, textiles, and textile manufacturing.
• Marketing Strategies: Complementing the design modules, the curriculum delves into marketing strategies in the fashion industry where the aim, especially in the context of a campaign, is often to promote a philosophy, an idea, or an aspirational lifestyle, which aims to inspire the consumer and enhance the product.
• Applied Skills: Through internships, projects and collaborations with brands and fashion houses, students gain hands-on experience and develop a comprehensive skill set, combining artistic vision with business acumen.
• Fashion and Technology: The integration of cutting-edge technologies and software used in fashion is an important aspect of the programme. Students are trained in CAD (Computer-Aided Design), Illustrator applications, two-dimensional/three-dimensional (2D/3D) modeling, and other relevant digital tools to enhance their skills in design and marketing.
• Critical Thinking and Innovation: The programme encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation. Students are called upon to explore sustainability, ethical practices, and cultural influences in fashion, promoting a holistic understanding of the industry.
• Portfolio Creation: Throughout the programme, students compile a diverse portfolio showcasing their design projects, marketing campaigns, and strategic initiatives. This portfolio serves as a professional tool for entering the job market or continuing studies at the postgraduate level.

Why choose this course

• It is the only university programme in Greece that combines Fashion Design and Marketing.
• The course is developed by the UK University of Derby, which has a long tradition and expertise in Fashion & Textiles, and is delivered in Greece with the highest standards, under a franchise academic agreement.
• The degree is awarded by the University of Derby, a TOP-5 University for Marketing & PR studies (Guardian University Guide, 2024).
• The combination of the two subject areas provides unlimited career prospects across the entire spectrum of fashion activities, both in Greece and abroad.
• Bilingual (Greek and English) or English teaching ensures that you will meet the demands of a profession without borders, with insights and extensions from global fashion and trends, businesses, and communication channels, where excellent knowledge of foreign languages and terminology will facilitate your success.
• Classes consist of extended thematic units, with most spanning across the entire academic year, allowing you time to discover your talents and progressively work on projects according to your interests.
• Sustainability in Fashion is a cornerstone of the programme, with content designed with respect to ethical, environmental, and social issues, thereby fostering innovation and creativity in young professionals.
• You will work in collaboration with experienced teaching staff from the Fashion and Marketing fields, who will assist you in developing your projects, cultivating aesthetics, and honing management skills essential throughout the creative process.
• The programme is shaped through individual experimentation, empowering you to find and pursue your professional direction based on your inspiration.
• Learning is active and experiential, through visits, field trips, participation in fashion events, as well as workshops and masterclasses.
• You will have the opportunity, if you choose, to gain valuable work experience in a real professional environment in the fashion and communication industry.
• You will meet fashion professionals, visit cultural and art venues, and actively participate in major fashion events, in Greece or abroad.
• In the Fashion Studios of the College, you will have the opportunity, equipment, and materials to experiment, practice techniques, and give shape to your inspirations, creating your own authentic pieces.
• Upon completion, you will have the opportunity to create and present your own fashion collection to a real industry audience.

Year 1

• Discovering my Practice (40 credits)
• Ubiquity and Influence (40 credits)
• Design, Culture and Curiosity (20 credits)
• Thinking Through Design (20 credits)

Year 2

• Exploring Design (40 credits)
• Interacting with Industry: Formulating Ideas (40 credits)
• Design: Theory, Making and Meaning (20 credits)
• Entrepreneurial Design Project (20 credits – optional course)
• My Placement: being a professional (20 credits – optional course)

Year 3

• Negotiating my practice (40 credits)
• Communicating My Vision: Concept to Consumer (40 credits)
• Critical Voice: Research and Professional Direction (40 credits)

Admission Requirements

This course is ideal for you, if you are a high school graduate of any discipline with the necessary English language skills, who aspires to build a career in the wider fashion industry or start your own business.

The minimum English language requirement for the bilingual course (Greek and English) is equivalent to IELTS 4.5 (B1) and for the English-taught course is equivalent to IELTS 6.0 (B2). If you do not possess an official English language certificate, you can sit the College’s internal placement test.

Moreover, you’ll be asked to submit a reference letter from a tutor, and you’ll be called for an academic interview with the programme leader.

If you are a holder of an HND diploma or a University or College student in a relevant discipline, you may be granted exception in terms of academic years required to complete the course as your prior academic credentials will be recognised.

Application & Enrolment

We use a rolling admissions policy, so we accept applications throughout the calendar year until all available places are filled. In order to secure your place in your selected course and class, we urge you to submit your application in time.

We also offer multiple fee payment methods, individual payment plans and bursaries based on academic, athletic and socio-economic criteria.

Contact us today and find out more about this course and the available bursaries and funding opportunities. Our admissions advisors will provide you with all necessary information and will guide you through the application and enrolment process.

Degree recognition

Your degree is recognised in Greece as professionally equivalent to degrees awarded by Greek state universities. It is also recognised by the UK NARIC as academic and professionally equivalent to any UK degree.

Postgraduate study

With a degree in Fashion and Marketing, you can choose from a plethora of postgraduate programmes, either in the field of Arts or Business. At Mediterranean College, you can, for example, attend:

• MSc Marketing Management
• ΜΒΑ Global
• Marketing & Sales Management
• Finance for Small & Medium Businesses
• Digital & Social Media Marketing

Careers

The programme places great emphasis on entrepreneurship and encourages students to develop their own business ventures. Alternatively, graduates can pursue various roles in the fields of Fashion, Commerce, and Communication, such as:

• Fashion Designers
• Stylists
• Illustrators
• Buyers/Merchandisers
• Retail Managers/E-commerce Managers
• Visual Merchandising Managers
• Marketing/Social Media Managers
• Fashion/Communication Consultants
• Product Managers/Marketing Managers
• Journalists/Bloggers
• Educators