What will I learn on this module?
In this module you will explore how current and future consumer trends shape new fashion and lifestyle concepts. Looking at cultural and sociological trends, brand experience theory and practice, you will gain an understanding of the shifting fashion and lifestyle landscapes, working to identify possible future scenarios and propose creative solutions. Through a group research task you will communicate this area to your peers, further developing your professional presentation skills.
From this you will engage in further research into your chosen area, exploring how current and future consumer trends shape new fashion and lifestyle concepts. Looking at cultural and sociological trends, theory and practice, you will gain an understanding of the shifting fashion and lifestyle landscapes, working to identify possible future scenarios and propose creative approaches to them. You will independently gather and evaluate primary and secondary research to help you further understand audiences and markets and inform strategy and direction.
You will independently gather and evaluate primary and secondary research to help you further understand audiences and markets and inform strategy and direction. Students work in groups and individually, using creative thought processes and enquiry-based learning to initiate and develop dynamic written assignments and visual trend reports that answer an identified need.
Students will gain experience in the translation of research into a creative Trend Portfolio that is visually communicated through appropriate digital or experimental media. Exploration of image-making techniques and theories, and the application of Semiotic theory, allow you to interrogate the image and consider how meanings are made through visual communication. Sessions on Trend writing develop your skills in writing for specific audiences. You will continue to develop your visual, verbal and written communication skills through project submissions appropriate to a professional Fashion Communication context.
How will I learn on this module?
Learning and teaching strategies on Fashion Communication encourage you to acquire a flexible and imaginative approach to problem solving through enquiry-based learning. You will become an active participant in your learning, integrating design practice with academic and intellectual skills.
The extended studio (X-Studio) environment is integral to this process, encouraging individual intellectual freedom and a creative collaborative community. The X-Studio embraces our physical studios and making workshops as well as our virtual spaces to create a flexible and rich environment that is responsive to your learning needs.
This dedicated approach has been developed over many years of continuous teaching innovation, research and industry collaboration. It has created a supportive extended studio culture that encourages you to learn flexibly, dynamically blending your learning and University experience between physical and digital interactions both in real-time and online at your own pace.
This extended studio culture not only helps you to become a more confident autonomous learner but also prepares you for a dynamic design industry in which an extended studio philosophy is current practice.
Lecturers with industry experience and supporting research will guide you through the module, developing your understanding of professional standards and practice. Guest speakers from the fashion and forecasting industries will help you situate your own work in a professional context.
You are encouraged to advance your visual literacy and to be aware of current issues and debates, encouraging independent judgement and critical self-awareness.
Working in groups, you learn to be flexible and collaborative, to identify and redefine problems in a creative way and focus on solutions that are both relevant and empathetic.
Traditional, new and emerging technologies are used both in the delivery and realisation of outcomes, and you will learn to present your work and ideas using a range of media and communication tools to a variety of audiences in different situations. You will create digital portfolios and presentations, as well as image-based/multimedia submissions.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
• Lecturers and technicians with practical experience and supporting research will guide you through the module, developing your understanding of industry standard practice.
• Tutorials with lecturers provide advice on the direction of your work and whether you are meeting Module Learning Outcomes, and will help you to progress your ideas.
• Project briefs are introduced via a briefing session, where the brief is fully explained and explored.
• Live projects with industry and regional, national and international external partners extend the practical study of the subject area within an industrial context where possible. They are also designed to support students’ confidence in their ability to handle professional practice within the creative industries
• Students experience a range of teaching, learning and assessment methods and course work is largely project based
• Modules are delivered through a combination of delivery modes, with guided and independent learning.
• Additional study skills materials and workshops are available through Skills Plus at https://library.northumbria.ac.uk/skillsplus and LinkedIn Learning
• Students are expected to maintain a project plan and are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning
• English language support is provided for international students
• University student services offer specialist support e.g. financial, disability, mental health, international student support etc.
• eLP includes all relevant documentation e.g. module guides, lecture material, reading lists together with discussion boards and notices
• Visiting professionals support relevant and current practice where possible
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Demonstrate an enhanced autonomy through your ability to independently source and engage with a broad range of research materials
2. Understand the relationship between creative and commercial requirements through the creation of concepts for an identified market
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Display evidence of critical thinking by conceiving, progressing, evaluating and communicating potential creative solutions to future scenarios through the creation of a Trend Report
4. Analyse findings of your research material and apply independent judgement and critical analysis to the process of essay writing
Personal Values Attributes:
5. Operate effectively within group or team; apply decision-making and negotiation skills to produce successful collaborative projects
6. Show ability to effectively communicate through one or more of the following means; written, visual, oral, aural
How will I be assessed?
Summative assessment
• 2000 Word essay on Fashion and Communication Trends (4, 6) 30%
• TREND PORTFOLIO, including summary of research and development, group presentation of research, Final Trend Report, in a professional format, 500-word reflective evaluation on the group and individual process (1, 2, 3) 70%
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
In this module you will explore, question and envision the future of fashion. Looking at cultural movements, innovations and sociological trends, you will gain an understanding of the shifting fashion and lifestyle landscapes, identifying the factors that influence human behaviour. Building on in-depth personal research, you will identify future scenarios and communicate them through visually inspiring digital Trend Reports and Presentations.
Creative studio practice is supported by lectures reinforcing your understanding of fashion communication approaches and strategies, disseminated through an essay. You will be encouraged to conduct contextual research into other disciplines outside fashion such as fine art, film, photography, literature and music in order to understand the impact of wider cultural shifts on the fashion industry. Live briefs and visiting lectures from industry partners develop your understanding in a professional context. This module develops understanding of professional practice in Trend Research and Communication, Film and Image Making, Digital Media, Critical Thinking.
You will explore different areas of practice in the fashion and creative industries, consider opportunities for placement / study abroad, and develop your professional profile and materials to support placement applications. Industry speakers will demonstrate examples of professional working practice and entrepreneurship, and provide case studies of evolving career paths.
Course info
UCAS Code WP29
Credits 40
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years full-time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Northumbria School of Design
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2024 or September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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