Fashion Product Technology
About this course
This unique course has been co-designed between NTU and fashion industry professionals.
It reflects the need for garment engineers and textile engineers to have up-to-date knowledge of contemporary themes in the industry, as well as the skills to handle samples, understand materials and processes, and evaluate production and management processes.
It is aimed at anyone considering a new career or career progression within fashion product technology.
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Industry professionals will visit the course to guest lecture and share their experiences. Live projects will help you to gain real experience of the industry, make contacts, and build your portfolio and CV. -
Delegates who complete this course will have the key skills, enhanced by experience working with industrial briefs, required to enter into garment and textile engineering-based roles. -
You will receive 5 NTU credits plus a certificate of attendance on successful completion of the course. -
Assessment is through a final written assignment in the form of an industry report. If you’re already in industry this report can be about your own company.
What you’ll study
This course offers an introduction to the product and technology garment sector.
As the course progresses, you will build on the key skills required for different roles and how they are put in to practice. You will complete live briefs and exercises which will be set by a variety of brands and retailers. The live exercises will be a mixture of both group and solo work.
- Day one: industry overview
- Day two: building knowledge
- Days three and four: core skills
- Day five: industry brief
You will be introduced to the garment manufacturing industry, featuring topics such as the scale of the industry, global status, key industry challenges and what the future might look like.
You will investigate the key roles within the industry and hear from visiting guest speakers who will talk about their experiences and responsibilities, and how they make a difference.
You will then look at manufacturing processes and how the roles of garment engineer and textile engineer are interdependent.
Topics such as critical path management and buying cycles will also be introduced.
This day will start with a review of sustainability, ethics and circular design concepts.
You will then learn about current legislation and the importance of being up-to-date with industry standards - and how to mitigate risk.
You will end the day in a practical way, carrying out tests on both textiles and garments.
Over these two days you'll examine contemporary themes in the fashion industry including.
- how new product designs are evaluated
- the production of sewn product samples
- how to review, evaluate and approve samples
- how product specifications and production instructions are created
- production and distribution processes
- the basics of pattern cutting
- the management and communication of fitting sessions
- fibres – natural and synthetic
- fabric construction
- fabric functions – physical and chemical
- colour, dyeing and printing
- the reality of bulk production
- how to review, evaluate and approve samples.
This is where everything you have learnt will be put into practice.
You will carry out a brief set by a brand which may include topics such as reducing costs, increasing sustainable credentials or updating a current product.
The day will end with a review of what you’ve learnt and how this will apply to your assignment.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
How you're taught
You will be taught through a variety of teaching and learning experiences which will include:
- lectures and briefings
- practical fashion and textiles workshops
- a live project
- teamwork
- personal development planning.
Lead tutor profile:
Becky Bennett has spent over twenty years working in the textile industry, since completing a BSc (Hons) in Textile Science and Technology.
She has worked within both brands and factories to develop high performance textiles for the sports and outdoor markets.
Most notably Becky worked for the Pentland Group in their Innovation team with a key focus on developing materials for the Fastskin racing swimsuits.
Her specialism lies in the construction and testing of textiles for high end performance requirements.
Becky has a strong desire to continually collaborate and learn with others in both industry and academia in order to reduce the environmental impact textiles and fashion currently has.
Becky will be joined by other textile and industry specalists from the Nottingham School of Art and Design.
How you're assessed
Assessment is through a final written assignment in the form of an industry report. If you’re already in industry this report can be about your own company.
You will receive 5 NTU credits plus a certificate of attendance on successful completion of the course.
Contact hours
There are 25 contact hours in the classroom and technical workshops.
You should expect to complete a further 25 hours of independent study to undertake your industry assignment. A one-to-one tutorial will be arranged during this time so that you can keep in touch with your tutor who will help with the direction of your project.
Careers and employability
Employability is a key focus of this course. You may go on to develop careers in:
- Material Specialists
- Technologists
- Performance Textile Developers
- Designers
- Sustainability Coordinators
- Product Developers.
We are members of the Creative Industries Federation (CIF), an organisation that represents, champions and supports the UK’s creative industries and membership grants students exclusive access to their selection of resources and events to help advance your career and connect with industry.
Campus and facilities
Our Fashion, Textiles and Knitwear Design students are based in the Bonington building, our dedicated art and design hub. Our lively and creative studios are home to an extensive range of equipment, enabling students to experiment with both traditional and digital practices.
Entry requirements
We welcome applications from prospective students with a range of qualifications and experience.
There are no formal entry requirements.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
We welcome applications from prospective students with a range of qualifications and experience.
There are no formal entry requirements.
How to apply
You can book your place via NTU online store:
Ask us if you'd prefer for an invoice to be sent to your company.
If you have any questions about how to apply, contact the short course team:
You can book your place via NTU online store:
Ask us if you'd prefer for an invoice to be sent to your company.
If you have any questions about how to apply, contact the short course team: