You will emerge from our advanced baccalaureate program ready to join the next generation of design innovators. Our curriculum doesn’t just develop your design skills. It also positions you as a strategic thinker who can work in a wide range of apparel and product design industries.
Our Technical Apparel Design Post-baccalaureate Diploma admits a select number of talented students every year, then develops their skills through our rigorous, hands-on curriculum based on human factors, ergonomics, strategic design development, and industry practices. The program consists of 36 credits organized across four semesters and can be completed in 2 years with a summer break.
Students who have success tend to be independent learners, driven to explore in a creative learning environment. Many of our students are currently employed in design, engineering, business, or kinesiology, which is why our program has a flexible model ensuring that applicants who are currently employed can attend without putting their careers on hold.
In your first three semesters, you will engage in project-based coursework and meet technical apparel industry professionals through guest lectures and industry site visits. In your final semester, you will work on a capstone project and launch it at an exhibition that’s attended by industry insiders.
Click HERE for a printable version of our Program Model.
Program Overview
Starting in Fall 2021, the Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Technical Apparel Design program is launching three new courses and extending the program to 36 credits over two years.
These new courses expand upon technical drawing skills, advanced production skills, and an industry work experience component. In addition, the capstone project course has been spread out over two semesters to allow for ample research and development. The admission requirements remain unchanged.
The Technical Apparel Design post-baccalaureate diploma is a selective entry program, admitting only the most talented students every year. This ensures these students get the individual attention they need to develop their skills and exceed their potential. Our curriculum doesn’t just develop your design skills. It positions you as a strategic thinker who can work in a wide range of apparel and product design industries.
In your first two semesters, you will engage in project-based coursework and meet technical apparel industry professionals through guest lectures and industry site visits. In your final semesters, you will work on a capstone project and launch it at an exhibition that’s attended by industry insiders.
We have a flexible delivery model to meet the needs of our applicants who are currently employed. For more information, please contact the Program Coordinator.
Applicants with experience in the technical apparel design field may gain credits through Prior Learning Assessments (PLA). Please contact the Program Coordinator for more information.
Students may obtain transfer credit for course work taken in other programs at KPU, or at other institutions. All applications for transfer credits are assessed on an individual basis. For information about transfer credit applications, please visit the Office of the Registrar.
Still have questions? Check out our FAQ.
Tuition and Fees
For information on tuition, please visit our Tuition Estimator. There are also mandatory student fees and other fees that you are subject to. You should also be prepared to spend approximately $1,000 on books, supplies, local field trips, fabric and printing over three semesters.
You may be eligible for scholarships, student loans or other financial aid. Visit Student Awards and Financial Assistance for more information.
Laptop
In addition to the standard tuition and fees, students entering the Technical Apparel Design program should also factor in the cost of a laptop and recommended software to complete projects and course deliverables. To find out minimum specifications and recommended software, please visit our Equipment & Software page.
Travel Opportunities
You may have opportunities, but will not be required, to travel to interact with partners at universities or technical apparel companies in other provinces and the United States. Travel expenses are not funded through tuition fees. Similar opportunities may be provided locally.
Courses
Semester One (September to December) - Identification & Inspiration
DETA 5110 Technical Apparel in Context (3 credits)
DETA 5120 Technical Textile Technologies (3 credits)
DETA 5140 Introduction to Technical Apparel Production (3 credits)
Semester Two (January to April) - Conceptualization & Exploration
DETA 5210 User Research for Technical Apparel (3 credits)
DETA 5230 Strategic Design Direction (3 credits)
DETA 5240 Technical Drawing for Product Development (3 credits)
Semester Three (September to December) - Synthesis & Dissemination
DETA 5200 Business Strategies for Technical Apparel (3 credits)
DETA 5440 Technical Apparel Production (3 credits)
DETA 5980 Capstone Research (3 credits)
Semester Four (January to April) - Capstone
DETA 5550 Technical Apparel Industry Experience (3 credits)
DETA 5985 Capstone Development and Production (6 credits)
Course descriptions are available at: Tech Apparel Calendar
Program Details
Program length: 2 years
Number of semesters: 4
Program start date: September
Program location: KPU Richmond Campus
Number of students admitted per year: 22
Travel opportunities: Students in this program may have opportunities, but will not be required, to travel to interact with partners at universities or technical apparel companies in other provinces and the United States. Travel expenses are not funded through tuition fees. Similar opportunities may be provided locally.
Click here for more on the Application Process.