Fashion and Textiles — Higher National Certificate (HNC)

The Higher National Certificate in Art and Design (Fashion and Textiles) is a one-year course designed to equip students with a wide range of technical and creative skills relevant to progression onto the HND Level 5 Higher National Diploma Top-up or for a variety of creative career pathways in industry.

The course provides students with an opportunity to master the skills and techniques of their chosen specialism and develop higher level skills to meet the skills shortages within the Fashion industry. Students will broaden their experience and depth of knowledge, allowing them to develop skills and attributes essential for a career in the fashion sector.

The knowledge and skills acquired on the programme link directly to the vocational context and will diversify into a range of practical and technical skills required by the specialist industries. These include (but are not exclusive to): creative and conceptual tailoring; fashion design; traditional and contemporary illustration; traditional and innovative garment production techniques; and business and enterprise competence.

The course is highly creative and designed to equip students with the skills they will need to work within the many facets of the fashion and textile design industry. Strong links to the creative industries will facilitate industry-related briefs and real scenarios that provide an opportunity for students to acquire professional work ethics, time planning skills and working within a creative team.

The programme handbook for this course is available to applicants online:

HNC Fashion and Textiles Programme Handbook (2023-24)

This programme is delivered through in-person teaching. Should government guidance or public heath advice change in-year, students will be able to continue their studies with a blend of in-person and remote learning, supported by additional safety measures on campus.

Modules studied:

• Concept & Development
• Creative Project

How will I be taught?

Teaching and learning includes formal lectures which underpin the specialist subjects and technical style workshops with relevant historical and cultural references. Practical units take place in the studio environment with tutor support and guidance, and independent learning sessions which are timetabled to allow access to specialist equipment and resources.

Students will gain a deep understanding of the relationship between the designer, maker, and final outcome. They will be equipped with the skills necessary to translate a design and creative ideas into a finished and wearable garment. Design ideas will be presented evocatively, through appropriate visual material and practical outcomes - both 2D and 3D - demonstrating a high aesthetic, skilful manufacture and a strong theoretical understanding. Note: Students are expected to select and provide their own fabrics for garment making the for the fashion collection.

There will also be opportunity for students to attain a level of professional practice. Strong links to the creative industries will facilitate industry-related briefs and real scenarios that provide an opportunity for students to acquire professional work ethics, time planning skills and working within a creative team. Learning is supported through a series of guest lectures and contextual visits, where students have the opportunity to visit galleries, museums and exhibitions and have discussions with professional practitioners for advice and guidance.

How will I be assessed?

The programme is assessed through a combination of written essays, research portfolios, image presentations and evaluations, which support the practical assessments throughout the course. Formative and summative feedback supports student progression in both written and practical. Self and peer assessment in convener/critique situations is an essential element of all projects and the feedback from these will enhance student achievement and progression.

Who is the course intended for?

Our HE Fashion courses are highly creative and designed to equip you with the skills you will need to work within the many facets of the fashion and textile design industry. The course will immerse you in all aspects of the fashion industry and prepare you for any role that requires both a creative flair and a technical and business knowledge.

Additional Costs

Students may be required to purchase their own materials for any specialist projects they undertake as part of the course.

Please note: this course will only run when it has a sufficient number of applicants.

Qualifications

There will be opportunity for students to attain a level of professional practice. Strong links to the creative industries will facilitate industry-related briefs and real scenarios that provide an opportunity for students to acquire professional work ethics, time planning skills and working within a creative team. Learning is supported through a series of guest lectures and contextual visits, where students have the opportunity to visit galleries, museums and exhibitions and have discussions with professional practitioners for advice and guidance.

Educational trips also feature within the course and are an excellent opportunity for students to network with industry professionals.

Student Benefits

Academy Bakery

The Academy Bakery is located on the Duke Street campus, producing a range of first class baked goods daily. These include artisan breads, patisserie and biscuits, as well as special occasion/novelty cakes by award-winning master-bakers. Students are offered a range of discounts throughout the year.

The Academy Bakery

Academy Hair and Beauty Salons

Duke Street is also home to The Academy Hair and Beauty salons. They offer generous student discounts on a wide range of hair and beauty treatments, at a fraction of high-street prices. These include styling, cutting, perming, highlights, facials, manicures, electrolysis and traditional and homeopathic massage.

The Academy Salons

Academy Restaurant

Duke Street campus is also home to the College’s Academy Restaurant. Often referred to by it’s customers as Liverpool’s hidden gem, the restaurant serves top class cuisine, at highly competitive prices. Food is expertly prepared by professional chef/tutors and young chefs in training and offers students a range of discounts at different times of the year.

The Academy Restaurant

Microsoft Office 365 - Free

When you become a student of the College you’ll receive full access to Microsoft Office 365. This allows you to install the software on your own computer and other devices at home, completely free of charge.

Onsite Sports Facilities/Fitness Suite

The college has excellent sports and fitness facilities at its Roscoe Street campus. Students pay a one-off membership fee for all year round usage of weekly supervised gym sessions, as well as access to a number of sporting clubs and events.