Fashion Styling and Communication BA (Hons)

University of Derby

A new degree for people who love fashion, image-making and communication. Learn to use your design and artistic flair to help promote brands and individuals, and to bring about social change.

Why choose this course?

You will learn to use fashion as a powerful way of telling stories, so that clothing and accessories become more than just objects. The purpose of a fashion marketing campaign today is not simply to sell clothes; it often needs to promote a philosophy, concept or aspirational lifestyle. Styling - particularly visual imagery - is key to this process.30 years ago, 'fashion stylist' wasn't a recognised career, but with the rise of digital and social media, this has changed. Fashion styling is now firmly in the mainstream, and today, many companies and individuals use fashion stylists to help them develop visual identities and branded concepts - from fashion labels and e-commerce stores, to digital and printed media, as well as influencers and celebrities.

Is this course for you?

This is a practical course so a significant proportion of your learning and assessment will be project-based. You will be given a wide variety of briefs which set out a problem, situation and context, and you will need to respond to these with creative and considered solutions. This may involve animation, illustration, live performance, photography and video. Some projects will be devised by tutors while others will be set by external parties, such as employers. Learn the full range of fashion styling and communication skills, from research and ideas creation through to photography and illustration, casting, and live model styling. We’ll encourage you to take risks and experiment with ideas and materials through individual and group projects. Uniquely, we consider how you can also help to change the fashion industry and explore some of the current debates around ethical practices, sustainability, racism and gender equality.

Opportunities and experiences: On this degree, you'll learn to create, distribute and manage content about fashion for brands, companies and individuals. This content could take many forms, including images and videos, text, or experiences. You'll learn a full range of styling and communication skills, including: Concept and market research, including brand identity, competitor analysis and consumer identification; Fashion photography; Fashion drawing and illustration; Product sourcing; Creative still-life and live-model styling; Creating digital media and CAD; Presentation methods. You will get plenty of time to experiment - with different materials, different modes and styles of communication, and with various methods of presentation. We'll also ensure you cover the essential foundational knowledge such as understanding the design process, the history of image-making and fashion, and how fashion is shaped by its contemporary culture.

Work placements and internships: We offer you plenty of opportunities to take work placements or internships. We'll help you find the right opportunity to match your career aspirations and interests and during your time in the workplace, one of our tutors will also visit you to monitor your progress. You could gain experience at brands like Alexander McQueen, Cos, Erdem, French Connection, Hobbs, HUUB, River Island, George at Asda, Julian MacDonald, Monsoon, Preen, Temperley, Tommy Hilfiger and Victoria Beckham.

Careers: This degree prepares you for a career in fashion styling or fashion communication. Fashion stylists can work in many different areas including print and digital media, e-commerce, still life or product photography, catwalks, blogging or social media. You would also have the skills and knowledge to make a great fashion journalist, media commentator, fashion researcher, fashion show producer or art director.