University strides into the Fashion Capital

The Northumbria School of Design London, in Islington which opened yesterday (11th February 2010), establishes a creative satellite in the heart of the UK’s design industry.

The London Campus will offer a broad portfolio of Design programmes, and three courses – MA Fashion Management and Entrepreneurship, BA (Hons) Apparel Design and Retail Merchandising, and BA (Hons) Fashion Product Management – have already been launched.

The University’s Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Professor Andrew Wathey, said: “A base in London puts Northumbria’s School of Design at the centre of the fashion world. Our reputation for excellence is already well-established in the field, but this location brings our academic programmes and expertise within easier reach of international markets and will further strengthen our relationships with industry leaders.”

Students and graduates from the School of Design have made their mark in London over four decades, scooping awards for stunning catwalk creations at the annual Graduate Fashion Week and prizes at D&AD and New Designers. Many design Alumni have reached international acclaim, and have gone on to work for top brands, including Apple, Mars, Nike, Ted Baker, Puma, Joseph, Adidas, Gap, Ralph Lauren and Louis Vuitton.  Some graduates have become household names such as, iPod creator Jonathan Ive, recently hailed by The Observer as Designer of the Decade, and fashion designer to the stars, Scott Henshall.

Professor Steven Kyffin, the Dean of Northumbria’s School of Design, joined the University at the beginning of 2010 from his role as the Senior Director for Design Research at Royal Philips Electronics in the Netherlands. When asked about the opening of the London campus, Prof. Kyffin said, “Our new premises in London will provide us with the perfect platform to engage with key stakeholders throughout the creative and fashion world – both in terms of industry and research. We look forward to building on our existing network in London and developing new connections and collaborative partnerships.”

If you would like to view the courses on offer at the London Campus please click here