Course Description:
Programme Title: Diploma in Fashion Design
EQF Level: 4 Total Credits: 20 to 25
Programme Duration: Approximately 250 to 300 Guided Learning Hours
Programme Description
The Diploma in Fashion Design is a practical and creative programme designed to introduce students to the fundamental principles of fashion design, illustration, garment development, colour application, and creative styling. The programme combines artistic exploration with technical fashion skills, enabling students to develop a strong understanding of fashion aesthetics, body proportions, textile manipulation, and contemporary design practices.
Students are introduced to fashion theory, fashion illustration, life drawing, moulage techniques, colour systems, and historical costume studies while developing their own creative identity and visual communication skills. Through studio-based learning and practical workshops, learners gain experience in drawing, conceptual development, mannequin design, garment structure, and fabric experimentation.
The programme emphasizes creativity, observation, technical precision, and professional presentation, preparing students for further study or entry-level opportunities within the fashion and creative industries.
Who Is This Programme For?
This programme is suitable for:
- Aspiring fashion designers and illustrators
- Students interested in garment design and creative styling
- Learners seeking a foundation in fashion design and fashion drawing
- Individuals preparing for higher education in fashion or related creative disciplines
- Creative students interested in textiles, colour, visual arts, and design development
No advanced prior experience is required; however, an interest in art, design, and fashion is highly recommended.
Programme Aims
The programme aims to:
- Develop fundamental fashion design and illustration skills
- Introduce students to garment design and creative fashion concepts
- Strengthen drawing, observation, and visual communication abilities
- Explore colour theory and its application within fashion design
- Develop awareness of historical costume styles and fashion evolution
- Introduce fabric manipulation, moulage, and mannequin techniques
- Encourage creativity, experimentation, and professional presentation skills
Programme Structure / Module Outline
Fashion Design 1
EQF Level: 4 Credits: 5 Duration: 60 Hours
Module Description
This introductory course develops the essential foundations of fashion design through the study of fashion theory, fashion illustration, life drawing, and visual studies. Students explore the relationship between fashion, body proportions, artistic expression, and visual communication while learning how to represent garments and fashion concepts professionally.
The course combines theoretical understanding with practical studio exercises focusing on observation, sketching, silhouette development, and introductory fashion composition.
Fashion Design 2
EQF Level: 4 Credits: 4 Duration: 40 Hours
Module Description
This course expands students’ understanding of contemporary fashion design through casual clothing development, advanced mannequin studies, creative garment cuts, and experimental fashion concepts. Students investigate how garment structure, silhouette, and cut influence body shape and visual impact while developing more advanced creative and technical fashion solutions.
Body Design (Fashion Drawing)
EQF Level: 4 Credits: 4 Duration: 50 Hours
Module Description
This course focuses on advanced fashion figure drawing and body representation techniques. Students explore geometrical, realistic, and surreal approaches to figure drawing while studying movement, posture, facial features, hair rendering, and dynamic body positioning relevant to fashion illustration.
Classic Styles in Costume Design
EQF Level: 4 Credits: 3 Duration: 30 Hours
Module Description
This course introduces students to the historical evolution of costume and fashion design from ancient civilizations through the 18th century. Students examine Greek, Roman, Chinese, Japanese, and classical costume traditions while exploring how historical styles influence contemporary fashion design.
Colour in Fashion Design
EQF Level: 4 Credits: 2 Duration: 24 Hours
Module Description
This course explores the theory and application of colour in fashion design. Students investigate colour harmonies, contrasts, palette creation, and the psychological and visual effects of colour in relation to body shape, skin tones, and fashion collections.
Drawing
EQF Level: 3 Credits: 2 Duration: 30 Hours
Module Description
This course develops fundamental drawing and painting techniques essential for fashion and visual arts practice. Students explore observational drawing, shading, composition, rendering, and painting methods that support creative development and visual communication skills.
Cutout & Moulage
EQF Level: 4 Credits: 3 Duration: 30 Hours
Module Description
This practical course introduces students to moulage and fabric manipulation techniques used in fashion garment development. Students learn how to cut, drape, and shape fabrics directly on mannequins while exploring garment structure, volume, and silhouette creation.
Teaching & Learning Methods
The programme is delivered through:
- Studio-based practical workshops
- Fashion illustration and drawing sessions
- Creative design projects
- Demonstrations and technical exercises
- Historical and visual research studies
- Portfolio and presentation development
- Critiques and group discussions
Assessment Methods
Assessment may include:
- Fashion illustration portfolios
- Creative garment design projects
- Drawing and painting exercises
- Colour palette development
- Historical costume research studies
- Moulage and mannequin workshops
- Final fashion presentation portfolio
Progression Opportunities
Upon successful completion, students may progress to:
- Advanced Diploma or Higher Diploma in Fashion Design
- Undergraduate studies in Fashion, Textile, Costume, or Creative Arts
- Entry-level opportunities in fashion illustration, styling, garment development, or creative studios
Software & Creative Tools
Students may use:
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Illustrator
- Traditional fashion illustration and mixed-media techniques
- Professional mannequin and draping equipment
