The Foundation Diploma in Fashion is a practice-led one year course that has been designed to prepare students for specialist undergraduate degrees in fashion related subjects. .
The foundation course will introduce you to the exciting, evolving and multifaceted nature of fashion as a discipline. You will develop independent critical thinking and practical skills through engaging in traditional and non-traditional fashion activities, and be introduced to just what ‘fashion’ is and what it means today.
You will learn through creative discussion and contemporary practice; using social media, blogs and video logs and emerging communication channels, that taken collectively will facilitate the essential professional, communication and academic skills needed to progress within the program and onto higher level courses and the industry.
Upon successful completion students should acquire the necessary professional, communication and academic skills needed to progress to higher-level courses at the Academy or elsewhere.
This course will help you develop a range of creative, practical and design skills and knowledge needed for entry into a fiercely competitive fashion industry that, while constantly evolving, is closely linked to traditional conventions.
A blend of seminar and studio-based project work will form a key part of your study through which you will develop a body of practical work, gain a fundamental knowledge of critical and contextual concepts, an understanding of the fashion industry and working knowledge of conceptual fashion design.
The course will provide you access to fashion experts and industry links, and students can take advantage of modern resources and design facilities.
Assignments are are typically practice-based and experiential to provide you with high quality, vibrant learning experiences, setting specific challenges that will enable you to incorporate contextual understanding into your practice.
Assessment is 100% through coursework. You will receive feedback throughout each module and will be awarded a grade.
Depending on the module, you may be assessed through:
2D visual research and design development work
3D development, fashion prototypes and final products
Practical, construction and digital portfolio work
Visual essays and enterprise plans
In person, digital and visual presentations
This is a hands-on course with subject matter that reflects the fast moving fashion industry. The focus is on fashion design and branding, how they function together and the sophisticated and innovative ways that fashion is designed, promoted and sold.
In addition to receiving a grounding in fashion theory, practical applications and construction; you will be introduced to new technological developments and emerging digital media relevant for working in today’s evolving industry.
Your course will cover fashion research, trend prediction, brand development, and fashion design. You will also gain soft skills including initiative, teamwork, adaptability and influencing and negotiating.
Foundation Diploma graduates will be well versed in the techniques and skills required to progress to further study in areas of fashion and related industries. It is likely that graduates will apply for further in-depth degree courses in the areas of fashion design, fashion branding, fashion entrepreneurship or fashion communication. Graduates will have developed a comprehensive range of personal, creative and entrepreneurial skills that will prepare them for the transition into their future study and career objectives.
Other costs
Unlike many of the mainstream universities and specialist colleges, JCA will provide you with most of the things needed to undertake your fashion studies, including fair use access to basic materials, such as calico, that elsewhere you may need to purchase. At the start of your course you will be supplied with an introductory kit, which will include many of the art materials needed to undertake your general fashion illustration activities, in addition you will be provided with some key sewing and pattern making equipment needed for practical fashion and make activities. Beyond the basics, you may then want, as part of your wider portfolio development, to select and use specialist materials and finishings, particularly for your final project. You will need to budget for this as this will be in addition to your fees, however in our experience we believe that these material costs would be unlikely to exceed £250.
We are looking for applicants who have the potential and current ability to effectively convey their ideas visually, through drawing and other creative mediums. Recruitment will be selective and based on academic and creative potential through prior qualifications, portfolio and academic interview. To be considered for the course, you will need:
The equivalent ‘minimum’ of one A level
Two GCSE passes at grade C or above, preferably in English and Art/Design subject.
To submit an appropriate portfolio of work.
To come to an interview which will be based on the quality of the creative and written work produced as part of the portfolio submission.
English language requirements for international students is an IELTS level 5.0 or above with a minimum of 4.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking.
APEL - Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning
Applicants who do not meet the entry requirements may still be considered, in exceptional cases. An application that demonstrates the following may be considered by the course team, but does not guarantee an offer. Each application will be considered individually:
▪ Related academic art and design experience
▪ Related work experience
▪ Strong portfolio of personal art and design work
▪ A strong academic or other professional reference
▪ OR a combination of these factors
Applicants are requested to provide a portfolio, with a selection of work that demonstrates their creative skills and show examples of drawing from observation, design sketches and ideas, textiles and any other art and design work that shows the applicant’s creativity and current art and design skills.
The Foundation Diploma programme is practice based, designed to support transition to undergraduate study. The course aims to equip students with the essential skills and techniques for study in fashion and related fields, preparing graduates for specialised degree programs in fashion design, branding, entrepreneurship, or communication. Progression guidance and portfolio completion are important parts of the programme. Upon successful completion, students can expect to progress onto one of JCA degree courses or elsewhere. Graduates will have acquired a well-rounded set of personal, creative, and entrepreneurial skills, preparing them to pursue their future studies and career goals..
