This degree programme enables students to explore and experiment with personal design concepts whilst delivering a robust programme of supporting skills and techniques; areas of focus include design skills, pattern cutting, garment production, computer aided design, computer aided manufacturing, marketing, business and relevant supporting IT skills; of prime importance is the development of an individual and independent creative identity, vital to a successful career in this challenging and diverse industry; modules are responsive to live briefs or developed with external partners which provide work-related learning opportunities giving students an ideal lead-in to employment; during the first academic year students acquire a combination of skills acquisition and creative and contextual development with an emphasis on acquiring a well structured knowledge base; the second year offers an opportunity to consolidate, extend and deepen this knowledge base.