Design with impact in mind
Make your mark on the fashion industry with a full‑time, four‑year Bachelor of Design in Fashion & Technology (120 credits). Push your creative boundaries through real-world experience in a professional studio environment built to spark bold ideas that make a positive impact.
We accept only the most promising students—and then give you the individual attention to match. Our focused curriculum combines fashion and technology courses with business and human-centred elective courses, shaping you into a global citizen that can take on just about any problem.
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Design in Fashion and Technology prepares you for careers in the apparel industry by simulating a professional working environment. Our four-year program is selective entry, meaning we accept only the most promising students and give them the individual attention they need 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 our students are global citizens with strong critical thinking skills, our 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. Please contact our Program Coordinator for more information.
Depending on seat availability, we allow working professionals looking to upgrade their skills to take single courses or enroll on a part-time basis. Also, applicants with experience in the fashion industry can gain credits through Prior Learning Assessments (PLA). For more information, please contact the Program Coordinator.
Visit our Program Model page for more information. 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 $600-$1000 per year on books and materials.
You may be eligible for scholarships, student loans or other financial aid. Visit Student Awards and Financial Assistance for more information.
Laptop
The Fashion Design & Technology program is delivered in an e-mobile environment that uses laptop computers and specific software. You are advised NOT to purchase a personal laptop computer until specifications and requirements have been provided to you as a successful applicants. Options to purchase or lease laptop computers with the requisite course software will be provided by KPU.
Sewing Machine
All incoming and continuing fashion students will need regular access to a sewing machine. Your sewing machine should have the following capabilities:
- Straight stitch
- Zig Zag stitch (recommended for 2nd year students)
- Regular stitching foot
- Zipper foot
- Buttonhole (recommended but not necessary)
*NOTE that if you have an industrial sewing machine please let your instructor know at the start of your course and we will work with you to meet all course outcomes accordingly.
It is also recommended to have a variety of sewing machine needle sizes which will be discussed in courses. You should also plan to have an iron with steaming capabilities to assist through the construction process.
Program Breakdown
Year 1: Build your foundation
You’ll learn the essentials of fashion design, textiles, pattern drafting, industrial sewing, and digital tools, alongside Marketing & Communications. By the end of year one, you’ll know the ins and outs of the fashion industry.
Year 2: Deepen your craft
Dive into production, fashion history, textile innovation, and digital drafting. Collaborate on real-world projects with local brands like Lululemon. Complete 60 credits, and you’ll be eligible to exit with a Diploma, or keep going toward your degree.
Year 3: Explore your path
Choose electives in business or general studies to sharpen your focus. Build on skills like draping, surface design, and begin your hands-on work practicum. Discover International exchange options that will give you a global lens on design.
Year 4: Launch your collection
Research niche and global markets to design and produce your solo collection using sustainable and advanced methods. Build your portfolio fashion line and showcase your work to global industry leaders at our graduation event.
Develop Industry-Ready Skills
Our four-year, hands-on program ensures you master the full design cycle:
Insight & analysis
Work with market research tools like WGSN and connect with Vancouver-based industry experts to frame your designs.
Garment construction & drafting
Create across styles: womenswear, menswear, swimwear, technical apparel, tailoring and more.
Technical proficiency
Gain experience with professional equipment such as lasers, 3D printers, ultrasonic welders, and software like Optitex, Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.
Electives to Shape Your Own Journey
You’ll take five elective courses (15 credits), designed to broaden your horizons:
• At least two courses (6 credits) from any non-fashion area (1100 level or higher).
• At least one course (3 credits) from the Melville School of Business (1100 level or higher).
• Two more courses (6 credits) from any area of your choice (1100 level or higher). FASN 3900 (Special Topics) and FASN 4250 (Self-Directed Study) are recommended.
Ready to get started?
If you’re ready to be challenged and supported through a program built for design minds, you’re in the right place.
Stay inspired by browsing Our Students page or by searching #wilsonschoolofdesign on Instagram to see what our community is creating.
Have questions?
Reach out to us.
We’d love to chat about your creative goals.