Northumbria University strides into the fashion capital

The opening of The Northumbria School of Design London, in Islington, establishes a creative satellite at the centre of the heart of the UK’s design industry.

A broad portfolio of Design programmes will be offered at the new centre, 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.

Northumbria 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. Northumbria has produced designers of international acclaim, who have gone on to work for top brands, including Apple, Mars, Nike, Ted Baker, Puma, Joseph, Adidas, Gap, Ralph Lauren and Louis Vuitton.  Famous alumni include iPod creator Jonathan Ive, recently hailed by The Observer as Designer of the Decade, and fashion designer to the stars, Scott Henshall.

Director of the Northumbria School of Design, London, Sean Chiles said: “Northumbria is developing a range of innovative BA and MA programmes for the creative industries, which challenge design stereotypes and encourage new collaboration and innovation.”

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. He said: “As a School we believe adopting an integrated approach to teaching and research is essential to deliver education and new knowledge that is both innovative and relevant. Working with external partners is a vital part of this process.

“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.”