Purpose

The Fashion Design & Production Diploma prepares students for career success and further education in the fashion and apparel industries by developing creative and technical skills and knowledge, and providing industry experience.

Fundamental skills are put into immediate context through a series of five fashion cycles that allow students to experience a fast-paced production process, from design conception to sales. In the second year, students use their fashion cycle experiences and foundational skills to complete a self-directed garment project.

Students will graduate with the ability to pursue entrepreneurship or a career in small or large apparel companies. An integrated practicum will allow students to graduate with real-life experience and a solid foundation for their professional network.

Duration

The Fashion Design & Production Diploma has 28 courses (1417.5 hours) and students must successfully complete all courses in this program to be eligible for the diploma.

There are two options for completion:

1. Two-year program. This is a full-time, daytime offering. After successfully completing the nineteen courses in Year One and with completion of a 120-hour practicum, students will have the foundational skills to opt for a Fashion Design & Production Certificate exit. Continuing onto Year Two, students will apply skills to a self-directed garment project and learn industry specific software: successful completion of the final nine courses will produce the Fashion Design & Production Diploma.
2. Three-year program. The first two years are a part-time, daytime offering. After successfully completing nineteen courses over two years and with completion of a 120-hour practicum, students will have the foundational skills to opt for a Fashion Design & Production Certificate exit. Alternatively, for the third year, students can transfer to the full-time, program to complete the final nine courses, in which they will apply skills to a self-directed garment project and learn industry specific software. Successful completion of the final nine courses will result in the Fashion Design & Production Diploma. Entry into the full-time final year must be done within two years of completing the first nineteen courses.

The maximum allowable completion time is five years for both completion options.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

1. Draft patterns with an eye to fit and function

2. Plan and execute garment construction

3. Develop a creative vision in design

4. Engage in real-world business environments

5. Practice the art of communication

6. Demonstrate professional excellence

Admission Requirements

Admission is a competitive selection based on the following criteria:

• Grade 12 graduation, or equivalent
• English 12 (C grade), or equivalent
• Letter of Intent (500 words or less)
• Two Letters of Reference
• Portfolio:
  • Two pieces of original artwork
  • Sketch book including a minimum of 20 fashion-related drawings
  • Two sewn items
• Interview with selection committee

VCC recognizes that some applicants may not possess a detailed portfolio or sewing experience. A demonstrated interest in fashion through hobby, education, portfolio, or work experience are acknowledged and seriously considered by the department. These applicants will still need to submit all other documentation, participate in an interview, and potentially take sewing and/or drawing courses prior to starting the program.

Program Requirements

Plan of Study Grid

Term One		Credits
FSHN 1101	Fashion Cycle 1	1.5
FSHN 1103	Fashion Cycle 2	1.5
FSHN 1105	Fashion Fundamentals	1.5
FSHN 1107	Illustration and Design 1	2
FSHN 1109	Pattern Drafting 1	2
FSHN 1111	Sewing Techniques 1	2
FSHN 1113	Draping	2
	Credits	12.5
Term Two
FSHN 1201	Fashion Cycle 3	1.5
FSHN 1203	Fashion Cycle 4	1.5
FSHN 1205	Fashion History	1.5
FSHN 1207	Illustration and Design 2	2
FSHN 1209	Pattern Drafting 2	2
FSHN 1211	Sewing Techniques 2	2
FSHN 1215	Tech Fashion Illustration 1	1.5
	Credits	12
Term Three
FSHN 1301	Fashion Cycle 5	3
FSHN 1305	Fashion Marketing	1.5
FSHN 1313	Fabric and Textile Studies	2
FSHN 1315	Tech Fashion Illustration 2	3
FSHN 1319	Textile Surface Design	2
	Credits	11.5
Term Four
FSHN 2101	Fashion Cycle: Project Preview	2
FSHN 2103	Fashion Cycle: Project Final	9
FSHN 2105	Business Planning	1.5
FSHN 2109	Computer Aided Drafting	2
FSHN 2115	Website Design and Ecommerce	1.5
	Credits	16
Term Five
FSHN 2205	Overseas Production	1.5
FSHN 2209	Pattern Grading	2
FSHN 2215	Fashion Portfolio	2
	Credits	5.5
Term Six
FSHN 2321	Practicum	4.5
	Credits	4.5
	Total Credits	62

Evaluation of Student Learning

Student learning is evaluated in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, presentations, individual and group projects, exams, research, assignments, lab work and portfolios.  Students will also engage in peer- and self-assessment and reflective practice.

Students must achieve a minimum grade of C (60%) to successfully complete each course.

90% attendance is mandatory to successfully complete each course.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

VCC recognizes Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) as one of multiple pathways for students to complete their individual course of study.

PLAR is available for some courses in this program and will be assessed by the Department according to standardized practice and using one or more of the following components: project, professional portfolio, demonstration, and/or interview.

See Course Outlines for availability.

PLAR fees for every course apply without exception. The maximum number of credits of PLAR that a student may receive towards the diploma is 32.5.

Transcript of Achievement

The evaluation of learning outcomes for each student is prepared by the instructor and reported to the Student Records Department at the completion of term.

The transcript typically shows a letter grade for each course. The grade point equivalent for a course is obtained from letter grades as follows:

Grading Standard

Transcript of Achievement

Grade	Percentage	Description	Grade Point Equivalency
A+	90-100		4.33
A	85-89		4.00
A-	80-84		3.67
B+	76-79		3.33
B	72-75		3.00
B-	68-71		2.67
C+	64-67		2.33
C	60-63	Minimum Pass	2.00
C-	55-59	Failing Grade	1.67
D	50-54		1.00
F	0-49		0.00
S	70 or greater	Satisfactory – student has met and mastered a clearly defined body of skills and performances to required standards	N/A
U		Unsatisfactory – student has not met and mastered a clearly defined body of skills and performances to required standards	N/A
I		Incomplete	N/A
IP		Course in Progress	N/A
W		Withdrawal	N/A
Course Standings
R		Audit. No Credits	N/A
EX		Exempt. Credit Granted	N/A
TC		Transfer Credit	N/A

Grade Point Average (GPA)

1. The course grade points shall be calculated as the product of the course credit value and the grade value.

2. The GPA shall be calculated by dividing the total number of achieved course grade points by the total number of assigned course credit values. This cumulative GPA shall be determined and stated on the Transcript at the end of each Program level or semester.

3. Grades shall be assigned to repeated courses in the same manner as courses taken only once. For the purpose of GPA calculation of grades for repeated courses, they will be included in the calculation of the cumulative GPA.