This is an ARCHIVED version of the Kwantlen University College Calendar for
2003-2004 and is provided for historical reference only. See the current version of the
Calendar for updated information.
The on-line version of the University College Calendar is the Official version. In the event of conflict between the printed version and the online version, the on-line version will prevail.
Effective date of this program calendar information, unless otherwise indicated, is Sept. 1, 2003 to Aug. 31, 2004.
Fashion Design and
Technology
Offered at Richmond Campus
Start Date: September
Full- and Part-time
Bachelor of Applied Design in
Fashion Design and Technology and
Diploma in Fashion Design and
Technology
Description
The four-year BAchelor of Applied Design in Fashion Design and Technology degree program provides a unique integrated study of design, production and marketing which is essential for career success. Students will develop analytical and critical thinking skills, creative problem solving abilities and skills in computers, business, marketing and communications. Comprehensive industry-based training and an extensive internship are featured.
Kwantlen also offers a two-year Fashion Design and Technology Diploma Program and a one-year Fashion Marketing Certificate Program.
The four-year selective-entry program is organized into eight semesters with a minimum of 120 credits in total. The program may be taken on a part-time or full-time basis. Some limitations apply to part-time studies.The diploma consists of 62.5 credits total.
The focus of the program is on education and training in areas of design, production, and marketing for the apparel industry. A typical fashion career requires awareness of market trends, the ability to design for a specific market, and knowledge of pattern drafting, fit, sewing, costing, and working with in-house production people or contractors.
Considerable demands are placed on students to develop professional standards in problem solving and technical skills. The program simulates a professional atmosphere by providing relevant equipment and by demanding punctuality and strict adherence to schedules. Garments designed throughout the program reflect market trends by balancing creativity with marketability and are produced in standard sizes using industrial drafting and sewing techniques. Students enjoy the opportunity to study and learn about the role of a fashion designer through industry linked classroom projects in collaboration with local apparel companies.
General or liberal education electives, English, marketing, business, and communications courses which students will take as part of the degree will expose them to a breadth of study which enriches students as designers. Writing and making presentations are important elements of the program.
High quality production equipment includes: industrial straight sewing and specialty machines, sergers, steam irons, a vacuum press and a fusing machine. Classrooms are spacious and well lit. State-of-the-art computers and apparel industry software are used for designing, spec drawing, costing, pattern manipulation, grading and marker making.
Certain courses are structured to simulate a workplace or job environment. Others require students to work extensively in groups to meet course objectives. In both these cases, students are expected to attend classes regularly, to be punctual, and to demonstrate a satisfactory level of performance and rate of progress within the timelines set for various course activities. The program includes an extensive internship in the third year.
Contact the Admissions Department for a copy of the Fashion Programs Information Package for more details on all three of the Fashion programs.
Career Opportunities
The apparel industry, important in being the fifth largest secondary industry in B.C., is changing to compete with global and domestic markets.
With over 300 apparel companies in the lower mainland, BC has a well-established apparel industry. Graduates work for vibrant lower mainland companies such as Mac& Jac, Sugoi, Mavi Jeans, Off -The-Wall, Dish Clothing and Flosport. Depending upon capabilities and interests, students work for large companies as members of design, production or marketing teams, for smaller design houses where they are expected to work in all aspects of the business, or engage in entrepreneurial or freelance endeavours. Retail management is another option. Similar opportunities are available worldwide. In all instances, graduates need to be well versed in all three areas (design, production and marketing) of the business to participate fully as team players. Emerging designers prosper best if they have a solid background and experience in production and marketing.
Kwantlen has an agreement with UBC whereby Fashion students interested in a career as a high school clothing and textiles teacher may be eligible for entry to UBC's Bachelor of Education program in Home Economics upon completion of Kwantlen's fashion degree, including 6 credits in English and 18 credits in Family Studies courses. Family Studies courses may be taken at UBC as either a visiting student at UBC while completing Kwantlen's fashion program (Family Studies courses can be used as elective credit for Kwantlen's fashion degree) or as a UBC student following graduation from Kwantlen's fashion program.
The program offers a successful informal job placement service due to its ties to industry.
Student Profile
Most people who apply to the program have a passionate lifelong interest in fashion. They may come directly from high school, transfer from other institutions, be mature individuals returning to the profession or making a career change, or industry personnel seeking upgrading. Applicants have a desire to undertake the depth of study that a degree program offers.
Applicants with experience in the fashion industry may gain credits through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). Graduates from a two-year fashion program who wish to pursue a degree will be assessed in a flexible manner.
Kwantlen has a student exchange agreement with a fashion school in Helsinki, Finland and is developing further exchange opportunities.
Students may challenge segments of the program for course work taken elsewhere and gain advanced standing at various levels.
Industry personnel who wish to take specific courses or courses on a part-time basis to complement their job skills may do so with permission of the Program Coordinator. Application deadlines to the program and English language entrance requirements apply. Some course prerequisites may be waived based on work experience. Contact the Program Coordinator for further information.
Admission Requirements
In early April, applicants will receive an invitation to the required orientation and portfolio session to take place in late April or early May.
Alternative interview arrangements are possible for students who live outside the Greater Vancouver Region and who cannot attend in person. It is, however, in the best interest of applicants to make every effort to attend in person.
Successful applicants to the selective-entry program, both full- and part-time, must meet general Kwantlen admission requirements.
English Skills
The following are additional requirements specific to the Fashion program.
First and Second Year Applicants must have:
proof of a minimum B in English 12 or,
LPI with a score of 30 or higher on the Essay or,
Kwantlen English Placement Test, with a recommendation to ENGL 1100 or 1110
equivalent English course completed and transferred from another post secondary institution.
Proof of an English assessment MUST be presented with the application form. Applicants attending Grade 12 must submit an interim English 12 grade by March 31.
Fashion and Other Related Skills
Applicants must have:
A minimum B in Textile Studies Grade 11 & 12 or Clothing and Textiles 12A or extensive sewing experience.
Demonstrated skills in art and design, computer keyboarding skills, basic mathematical skills, and an awareness of the fashion profession.These qualifications will be assessed at the orientation and portfolio assessment session by the program faculty. A simple math test and questionnaire on awareness of the fashion industry and team work skills will be part of the orientation.
Portfolio
Submission of the portfolio should include the following in sufficient number and variety to demonstrate the applicant's ability:
transcripts (note: transcripts sent with your application are not available for faculty - you must include a copy in your portfolio)
resume and a minimum of 3 letters of reference from teachers, instructors, coaches or employers
art or design work to include each of the following: 1) 1 - 2 sketchbooks of current work, 2) 2 examples of art or design work with a brief, written analysis of why you included these particular pieces and 3) along with your invitation to the Orientation and Portfolio Session you will receive instructions for a simple design exercise to be included in your portfolio.
Six to Ten self-sewn garments made from commercial patterns, draping or applicant's own drafts that demonstrate a range of skills. Provide at least 4 different types of garments, i.e. skirts, pants, tops, dresses, jackets in different types of fabrics. Garments should include each of the following techniques at least once: darts, zippers, pockets, set-in sleeves, collars, cuffs, buttons and buttonholes. At least one garment must be lined.
other design and technical related items, such as pattern drafts, that might enhance the portfolio
written evidence to include a journal of fashion industry-related reading and information about Vancouver-based design/manufacturing companies
transcripts and certificates of life-skills courses
self-generated computer work (i.e., your resume) listing programs used and hard copy examples of computer work
evidence of life skills such as team skills, personal management, problem solving and organizational skills, and stress management
Faculty will determine acceptance of candidates at the conclusion of the orientation and portfolio sessions.
All students entering the first or second year of the Fashion Design and Technology program will be considered diploma program students.
Applicants who are not accepted into the program for September may work toward degree credits by taking Fashion Marketing Certificate courses, Interdisciplinary Design Studies courses and other Fashion program courses that are available to fashion marketing certificate students.
Third year applicants must have:
Completion of a fashion design diploma or equivalent two years of study from a recognized college or university with a minimum of 60 credits and an average cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher with a final grade of B- or greater in FASN 2200 (Design Drawing II) and FASN 2220 (Drafting and Sewing IV)
Students must apply to enter the 3rd year of the Fashion Design & Technology degree program by March 31st for the following September. Be sure to state on your application that you are applying to year 3 of the program. In early April you will receive an invitation to an orientation session to 3rd year to take place in late April or early May.
Additional requirements
(for applicants returning who graduated from Kwantlen's Fashion diploma program prior to year 2000 or from a fashion program other than Kwantlen):
Proof of having met the English Requirement for first year must accompany the application.
Evidence of design, CAD, pattern drafting and industrial sewing knowledge and skills equivalent to Kwantlen's Fashion Design & Technology diploma program via a portfolio review are required. Applicants who have not studied the same pattern drafting system used at Kwantlen may be required to do a self-study unit (materials available) prior to beginning the third year.
It is strongly recommended that applicants take the following 4 bridging courses prior to entering 3rd year.
Some credits from Kwantlen's diploma program (FASN 1115 The Apparel Industry, FASN 1150 Fashion Retail Work Experience, FASN 2130 Technical Fashion Drawing, FASN 2240 Computer-based Pattern Drafting) may need to be taken in the third year. Some credits from a diploma program taken elsewhere may be used to fulfill the elective requirements in the third and fourth years. Transfer credits will be assessed on an individual basis.
Transferring students should consider taking a Bridging year to complete all of the above courses as these courses are crucial foundation courses for success in the 3rd and 4th years of the program.
Content
The first year is a general year, introducing students to the fundamentals of fashion design, pattern drafting and industrial sewing and includes important support courses in fashion, English, marketing, computer applications and communications. The second year is focused on discipline-based knowledge and skill development. The third and fourth years feature more discipline development and more electives. Students may take electives in the order that best suits their goals.
Diploma and Degree Requirements
(based on full-time attendance)
Semester 1
CBSY 1105* Introductory Microcomputer Applications or any 1st year, post secondary, 3 credit micro-computer applications course
ENGL 1100* Writing, Reading & Thinking or ENGL 1110* Writing & Literature (preferred)
minimum of 2 Liberal Education courses: courses from selected areas of study that develop a breadth of knowledge and integrate with learning acquired in the program
minimum of 1 Business or Marketing course
minimum of 2 Other Electives from any area of study, including fashion, business and marketing.
