Fashion Imaging with a Foundation Year - BA (Hons)
Currently viewing course to start in 2023/24 Entry. Switch to 2022/23 Entry
This four-year BA (Hons) Fashion Imaging degree course with a foundation year has been specifically designed to allow you to undertake an additional year of study, which will build stronger creative footings to ensure successful progression through your chosen degree course.
- Level Foundation
- Study mode Full Time
- Location City Centre
- Award BA (Hons)
- Start date September 2023
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Fashion and Textiles
- Faculty Faculty of Arts, Design and Media
Overview
This four-year BA (Hons) Fashion Imaging degree course with a foundation year has been specifically designed to allow you to undertake an additional year of study, which will build stronger creative footings to ensure successful progression through your chosen degree course.
What's covered in this course?
Foundation Year
Working in a lively and energetic environment, you will be given the freedom to expand your knowledge of practical skills, creative exploration and concept development, underpinned by broad critical understanding, academic writing and emerging design principles.
There will be a range of opportunities to work on collaborative projects and modules to enable you to develop as creative practitioners. BA teaching staff from across a number of schools will work with you throughout the course to prepare you for progression onto your chosen pathway.
After successful completion of the foundation year, you will have the flexibility to change direction onto a related undergraduate degree programme, should you wish to.
BA (Hons) Fashion Imaging
BA (Hons) Fashion Imaging combines new and traditional technologies with a strong knowledge of theoretical and practical skills, utilising BCU’s state-of-the-art facilities. Through creativity, experimentation, curiosity and original thinking, it enables you to become highly skilled and highly employable, eithers as creators of engaging fashion imagery, or in a wide range of related careers.
The course will develop your creative thinking through curiosity, research, and effective problem-solving, whilst input from guest lecturers and work placement opportunities will acclimatise you to industry practice. Being based within the School of Fashion and Textiles, you will have numerous opportunities to collaborate with fashion students, developing both your practical work and your professional network.
You will gain first-hand experience in a wide range of technologies, working in areas such as virtual and augmented reality, photography, illustration, moving image, animation and 360° video. You will have access to the University’s outstanding facilities and will learn to use industry-standard software and equipment. In so doing, you will develop a strong portfolio of technical skills that will enable the expression of your creativity, all within an encouraging and supportive environment.
Employability is embedded throughout the course. You will learn key skills through workshops, live briefs and modules focussed on moving you towards a wide range of employment opportunities. These could be within the fashion industry, such as photographers, illustrators, filmmakers or immersive media artists, or beyond in jobs such as creative directors, picture editors and production designers.
You will be guided by staff with industry expertise across a range of disciplines, who have worked for clients such as: BBC, British Telecom, Ciffonelli Paris, The Condé Nast Publications, Footpatrol, Fulham FC, HSBC, Kering, Liverpool FC, Microsoft, Marie Claire, The Royal Society of Arts and The Sunday Times Magazine.
By combining these elements together, this course will give you everything that you need to launch you into your future career.
Professional Placement Year
Every student has the option of a professional placement year, taken in your third year of study, making the course four years in total. This gives you the opportunity to gain important industry experience in preparation for your third year and significantly increase your chances of direct employment after you graduate.
This course combines theoretical and practical skills with traditional and cutting-edge technologies, utilising BCU’s state-of-the-art facilities. Through creativity, experimentation, and original thinking, it enables students to become highly skilled and highly employable creators of sophisticated and challenging fashion imagery.
Joe Miles, Course Director
Why Choose Us?
- You’ll be studying on a course that has been designed in consultation with some of the world’s leading industry figures.
- Optional modules and flexible briefs allow you to tailor the course to your own requirements and future aspirations. Under the guidance of experienced tutors, you will be able to take your work in the direction that you choose.
- You will learn not just to create exciting and challenging fashion imagery, but also to question, understand and problem-solve. You will be encouraged to experiment, take risks and have fun whilst doing so.
- You’ll be studying in one of Britain’s most diverse and exciting cities. Birmingham has one of the biggest media and creative arts communities outside London, with many of them based in the city’s Eastside district, home of our City Centre Campus.
- You'll instantly become part of the Faculty of Arts, Design and Media’s 6,000-strong student community, and you will be supported by our highly experienced staff.
- After your foundation year, you’ll be based at the state-of-the-art, £62 million Parkside Building, on our City Centre Campus within Eastside. It has extensive studio and workshop provision and cutting-edge equipment reflecting the broad range of study opportunities on offer. The building has been designed to actively promote shared space opportunities, for students to engage with others across the University as part of the learning experience.
Studying with us during the Covid-19 pandemic
The University has put in place measures in response to Covid-19 to allow us to safely deliver our courses. Should the impact of the pandemic continue in future years, any additional or alternative arrangements put in place by the University will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
Open Days
Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to explore our campus and facilities in person. You'll be able to hear more about your chosen subject area in our course talks.
Next Open Day: Saturday 25 June
Entry Requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
UK students
| Essential | ||
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80 UCAS tariff points. |
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At the point of entry, students will need Maths and English Language GCSEs grade 4 (C) or above. |
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| LEVEL 2 QUALIFICATIONS | ||
| GCSE |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) |
See level 3 entry under Irish Leaving Certificate for full details | |
| Scottish National 5 |
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IELTS |
6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band. | |
| Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) Qualifications | ||
| A Level and Advanced VCE |
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AS and AS VCE |
Considered with a maximum of 3 other Level 3 qualifications (AS Levels must be in different subject to A-Levels) to obtain 80 pts | |
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Access to HE Diploma |
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MMP | |
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Foundation Studies (Art and Design, and Art, Design & Media) |
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IBO Certificate in Higher Level |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers) |
Pass the Irish Leaving Certificate with a minimum of 80 tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects. This must include English Language and Maths taken at either Ordinary Level (minimum grade O1-O4 (or A-C/A1-C3)) or Higher level minimum grade H1/H7 (or A-D / A1-D3 up to and including 2016 | |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma |
MMP | |
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Scottish Advanced Higher |
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T-Levels |
Pass overall (C or above on the core) | |
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UAL Extended Diploma in Art & Design |
Merit overall | |
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UAL Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology |
Merit overall | |
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UAL Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts |
Merit overall | |
| Other qualifications | ||
| If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. |
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Extra information for EU/International students
| Essential | ||
|---|---|---|
| EU/Non-EU (International) Qualifications | Requirements | |
| IELTS |
6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band. If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information. |
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Mature Applicants
Applications from mature students (21+) with alternative qualifications and/or considerable work experience will be considered on their merits.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2023
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 4 years
- £9,250 in 2023/24
- Apply via UCAS
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2023
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 4 years
-
TBC
If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead.
Guidance for UK students
UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
Applying through UCAS
Register with UCAS
Login to UCAS
Complete your details
Select your course
Write a personal statement
Get a reference
Pay your application fee
Send UCAS your application
Portfolio Guidance
You are not required to submit a portfolio for this course.
Course in Depth
Foundation Year
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
20 credits
This module explores the term ‘practice’ as the process of making, developing and recording information. We will work with you to explore the development of your work based on a set project, looking at a number of documentation strategies while experimenting with a broad range of materials. You will have the opportunity to meet artists and practitioners through local gallery visits and in studio activities and will learn to analyse your work through tutorials and small group discussions.
40 credits
Artists work in a globally influenced, culturally diverse, and technologically advancing world.
Their art is a dynamic combination of materials, methods, concepts, and subjects that challenge traditional boundaries and defy easy definition.
This module will look at experimental approaches to drawing to identify radical new solutions from the perspective of the contemporary world we live in.
40 credits
During this module you will meet lecturers, researchers and partners from across BCU, the city and further afield to open your understanding of practiced based creative work.
Through lectures and workshops, you will be introduced to the versatility of subject areas in terms of ideas, development, research, materials, techniques and contexts.
20 credits
Figuring out how the universe works might be a bit more than we need to do each day but paying attention to the future of the world we live in, is worth exploring.
Creative realisation is not just about the practice of producing creative responses, it is about identifying the factors that generate creative thinking and facilitating the process.
For this module you will draw on your own creative strategies to facilitate the development of a project that is appropriate for progression onto your chosen BA (Hons) course.
To identify the focus for your project you must research ‘Future Horizons’ from the rapidly changing world around you - anything that reflects new innovations, e.g. seismic changes, space travel, war, social conflict, internationalisation, environment, technology, architecture, bio-art etc. – whether great or small.
Year one
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
First Principles 20 credits
Theory & Practice 40 credits
Fundamentals of Fashion 40 credits
Resolution 20 credits
Year two
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits):
Fashion Film 40 credits
Identifying Direction 20 credits
Individual Practice 40 credits
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules:
Work Placement 20 credits
Collaborative Practice 20 credits
Live Project 20 credits
Core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
Year three
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Refining Practice 40 credits
Career 20 credits
Major Project 60 credits
Download course specification
Download nowOn our Fashion Imaging course, you will be encouraged to experiment and investigate ideas which develop your individual creativity and enable you to become a highly creative and innovative fashion imagemaker.
The foundation year gives you the opportunity to experiment with a range of materials and approaches, encouraging you to push boundaries and take risks with your work. Through lectures, workshops and collaborative opportunities, you will refine your practice, explore your own personal style and develop a critical understanding of the fashion industry.
The second year introduces you to essential study and research skills, critical thinking, and collaboration. You will learn core skills including how to read and construct images for commercial and editorial use. You will explore photography studios and lighting, green screen, storyboarding, and vlogging, along with a range of software used by fashion imagemakers. Your practice is supported by workshops, tutorials and self-directed learning.
During your third year, you will develop these skills to a more focused and advanced level, and will be encouraged to further consider your professional career. You will be taught key professional skills such as approaching potential clients, art direction and project management, equipping you with some of the vital industry skills required to work as part of a creative team
The final year allows you to strengthen your own creative identity through guided project work and independent research, and will learn how to translate important concepts into visuals, whilst also developing your portfolio and honing your technical skills. In our Career module you will construct a fully formed and viable career plan that maps your route into employment or continuing education at the end of the course with input from the University’s Business School.
Employability
You will learn of range of skills which will be key to enhancing your future employability both within the creative fields and beyond. Specifically, you will learn to:
- Understand and appreciate sustainable and ethical practice.
- Respond creatively and effectively to a brief and the needs of a client.
- Use a range of key employability skills such as self-marketing, client liaison and team-working.
- Utilise a wide range of technical skills and interdisciplinary practice, echoing the creative industries.
- Use problem-solving skills - applicable to a wide range of disciplines and careers.
- Work independently and effectively.
You will also learn skills in wide a range of relevant software, from the Adobe programs to 3D and virtual reality software.
Placements
You will have the option of a professional placement year, taken in the fourth year of study, making the course five years in total.
This gives you the opportunity to gain important industry experience in preparation for your final year and significantly increases your chances of direct employment after you graduate.
OpportUNIty
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
International
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here.
- Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies.
- Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country.
- Learn where to find financial support for your studies.
Facilities & Staff
Our Facilities
You’ll be based in our School of Fashion and Textiles, within The Parkside Building. The Parkside Building is part of our new multi-million pound City Centre Campus development in the heart of Birmingham's Eastside development.
Our staff
Joe Miles
Course Leader BA (Hons) Photography and BA (Hons) Fashion Imaging
Specialising in commercial and editorial photography for national and international clients, Joe currently leads the BA (Hons) Photography and BA (Hons) Fashion Imaging courses. Experienced in both film and digital photography he has worked with RED cameras, combining moving and still imagery. His extensive list of clients include:...
More about JoeJonathan Griffiths
Lecturer in Graphic Communication. Video and Motion Graphic – Designer, Director.
A video and motion graphic designer, director, and company owner, Jonathan has over 15 years of creative and digital agency experience. He has worked for national and international creative studios and brands. Within two years his company received direct commission from clients such as PayPal, Town Hall Symphony Hall and London’s Footpatrol store...
More about JonathanAdam Francis
Adam Francis is a fashion designer, specialising in menswear and with experience in a wide range of areas, including creative direction, branding, web design and socially responsible design practice. Adam has over 12 years’ experience teaching creative direction in fashion design, fashion communication and associated software packages.
More about AdamJo Newman
Foundation Course Director
Jo chose a career in education so that she could provide students with learning environments where conversations, ideas and materials can be selected, combined, analysed and shared, offering them a way of socializing, caring and questioning to grow their learning with meaning for their futures. She champions the integration of...
More about JoJane Watts
Foundation Lecturer
Jane is an interdisciplinary practitioner, and began her career in textile design. She has since worked as National Craft Advisor for the Women’s Institute in the charity sector, and has 20 years’ experience of teaching in higher education across a range of creative programmes. Alongside running the BA Art Business programme, Jane is also...
More about Jane