Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Scheme in Fashion

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Entrance Year Sept 2024

Programme Code JS3050

Mode of Study Full Time

Normal Duration 4 years (including 1 year with common curriculum)

Programme Intake 110

Fund Type Government-funded

Credits Required for Graduation 120

Programme Leader(s)

Chief | Dr Carrie Wong

Deputy | Prof. Joanne Yip and Dr Kitty Lam

Remarks

The credit requirements are subject to review

Aims and Characteristics

We aim to train competent professionals for the fashion business, equipping them to work in textiles, apparel, retailing, design, and related organisations. Graduates play an active role in the development of the global fashion and textiles industry in local and overseas markets. In addition to cultivating students’ professional competencies, the programme enhances their other essential competencies, such as entrepreneurship, social media marketing, and business analytics. This expands graduates’ skillsets to meet the needs of today’s business environment. They excel in leadership, teamwork, healthy lifestyle practices and lifelong learning; they become trend leaders, innovators, critical thinkers, and creative problem solvers; and they deploy effective communication and interpersonal skills. They are biliterate and trilingual, and they serve as informed and ethical leaders who promote social and national responsibility, engage in local and international affairs, act as responsible global citizens, and exhibit cultural and aesthetic appreciation with a global perspective.

Based on the desired careers and academic performance of the students, they can choose one specialisms under the BA Scheme. Students opting not to be streamed into any specialism will obtain a BA (Hons) in Fashion.

Characteristics

Based on their desired careers and academic performance, students can choose one of the following five specialisms under the BA Scheme.

Students select a specialism at the end of their Year One. Admission to a specialism is subject to assessment criteria including students’ preferences, GPA, and interview performance. They will be asked to rank their specialism choices (from the most preferred to the least preferred) during Semester 2 of Year One for the School's consideration and approval.

Fashion Design

This specialism aims to nurture students’ creativity and design ability, and to develop their awareness of current and emerging technologies in the fashion and manufacturing environment and to enhance their understanding of relevant marketing and business practices.

Knitwear Design

This specialism, similar to that of Fashion Design specialism, aims to nurture students’ creativity and design ability. In addition to the general education, students also attain the essential knowledge and skills of a knitwear designer.

Contour Fashion and Activewear

This specialism aims to provide students with the necessary academic and practical knowledge of contour fashion and activewear, including the integration of design and technology aspects. It provides students with a supportive and inspiring learning environment to create imaginative designs using analytical and problem-solving abilities. It also encourages students’ independent judgement and critical thinking for the new development of contour fashion and activewear. Students are guided to attain first-hand experience of the latest technologies, modern materials and industrial practice.

Fashion Business

This specialism equips students for global fashion business. Students will learn the fundamental management and business principles, contemporary environmental and social practices and operational knowledge of global fashion marketing and digital channels. In particular, it will develop students’ skills in defining, analysing and solving business problems in fashion retail and marketing, from fast to luxury fashion, and from fashion accessories to lifestyle products. Emphasis will be placed on the aspects of fashion sourcing, buying, market research, branding, digital marketing, omni-channel distribution, social media analytics, store management and distribution of fashion products in both local and global contexts.

Fashion Innovation and Technology

This specialism nurtures graduates who have sound knowledge of fashion products and production processes; who are able to apply their knowledge within a technical, economic, managerial and commercial context; who are flexible and can adapt and respond to change; and who have the potential to become industrial leaders in product development, process innovation and production management in textiles and apparel in local and global markets.

BA (Hon) in Fashion

Students opting not to be streamed into any specialism will be given a BA (Hons) in Fashion. The curriculum of BA (Hons) in Fashion provides a flexible choice of subjects that will increase students’ adaptability to the changing needs of the fashion industry. It aims to provide students with a critical understanding of contemporary practices in the digitalisation, design and development of fashion products, trends in the global and local fashion markets, business and retail environments critical to the fashion system, as well as the emerging technologies, innovations and manufacturing environment in the fashion industry.

All normal year students start the programme with two common semesters, which provide a foundation in the major activities of the fashion and textiles industries. After these common semesters, students are streamed into one of the five specialisms according to the students’ individual preferences. In principle, all students are offered a free choice of specialism. However, in the unlikely event that a specialism is over-subscribed, a contingency procedure is followed. As each specialism has a threshold number of students, determined by the teaching resources of the School, the contingency procedure is applied when this threshold is reached. Therefore, students are required to supply a list of specialisms in order of preference. Specialism selection normally occurs in the second semester of the students’ first year of study. Students will be invited for a selection interview / assessment based on their choice of specialisms. The pool of students in the over-subscribed specialism will be ranked according to academic performance in their first semester of study and interview / assessment performance. Students with lower rankings will have a lower priority in admittance to their preferred specialism. In each semester after admission to a specialism, compulsory core subjects pertaining to the specialism are offered in addition to a wide range of elective subjects that enrich the students’ learning experience. Furthermore, students will undertake mandatory language subjects, general education subjects and work-integrated education in fulfilment of the General University Requirements.

Each student is required to earn at least 120 credits for graduation, depending on their HKDSE results. In addition to 30 credits of General University Requirements (GUR), students are required to complete 90 credits of Discipline-Specific Requirements, which include elective subjects and the Final Year Project.

Cluster 1: Digital Design

The subject cluster of digital design aims to equip students with advanced digital skills for fashion creation. Students will learn a wide range of 2D and 3D graphics as well as pattern design and virtual fitting to visualise the creative concept design in a professional manner. The subjects in this cluster include:

(SFT207DD)^# Digital Product Creation
(SFT301DD)^# Interactive Presentation in Fashion
(SFT302DD) 3D CAD in Pattern
(SFT342DD)^# 3D Design & Virtual Fitting

Cluster 2: AIDA in Fashion

The subject cluster of AIDA in Fashion aims to provide students new insights of artificial intelligence and machine learning with respect to fashion and textiles, leading to advances in design, manufacturing processes and business intelligence. The new subjects in this cluster include:

(SFT303AF)* AI in Fashion Business
(SFT304AF)* AI in Fashion Design
(SFT305AF)* AIDA in Fashion Innovation

Cluster 3: Fashion Innovation

The subject cluster of Fashion Innovation aims to equip students with sound knowledge of fashion products, from material innovations and developments to production processes. The subjects in this cluster include:

(SFT208FI)* Creative Use of Textiles
(SFT306FI)* Technical Textiles
(SFT307FI) Coloration and Finishing of Fashion & Textiles
(SFT308FI) Fashion Quality Evaluation and Management
(SFT402FI) Fashion Product Development,
(SFT403FI) Smart Textiles for Wearable Applications
(SFT405FI) Advanced Performance Evaluation of Functional Apparel

Cluster 4: Fashion Design I

The subject cluster of Fashion Design I aims to equip students with key foundation knowledge and hands-on practices in creative fashion design, presentation, pattern design and making-up techniques of fashion products. The subjects in this cluster include:

(SFT209FD) Fashion Design
(SFT309FD) Fashion Illustration
(SFT310FD) Advanced Apparel Techniques
(SFT311FD) Apparel Pattern
(SFT312FD) Fashion Draping

Cluster 5: Fashion Design II

The subject cluster of Fashion Design II aims to nurture creativity and design ability of the students with respect to various fashion products and professional design skills required in practicing fashion design. The subjects in this cluster include:

(SFT313FD) Advanced Fashion Design
(SFT314FD) 3D Printing for Fashion Design
(SFT406FD) Textile Design
(SFT407FD)* Advanced Fashion Draping
(SFT408FD) Portfolio Development

Cluster 6: Knitwear Design

The subject cluster of Knitwear Design aims to nurture creativity and design ability of the students, as well as the essential knowledge and skills of a knitwear designer. The subjects in this cluster include:

(SFT315KD) Knitwear Design
(SFT316KD) Knitted Structure Design
(SFT317KD) Knitwear Technology
(SFT318KD) Yarn Design Project
(SFT409KD)* Advanced Knitwear Design

Cluster 7: Fashion Sustainability

The subject cluster of Fashion Sustainability aims to provide an insightful and holistic understanding of the sustainability in the fashion industry, from design of fashion products, green production processes and technologies to improve sustainability performance, to green labelling, ethical sourcing, social responsibility and legal issues in the fashion business. The subjects in this cluster include:

(SFT319FS)* Sustainable Fashion Design
(SFT320FS)* Sustainability in Fashion Life Cycle
(SFT321FS) Environmental, Social, and Governance in Fashion Business

Cluster 8: Contour and Activewear Design

The subject cluster of Contour and Activewear Design aims to equip students with the new technologies and practical knowledge in contour and activewear design, material innovations, production techniques in industrial practice. The subjects in this cluster include:

(SFT322CD) Materials & Accessories for Intimate Apparel and Activewear
(SFT323CD) Contour Design
(SFT324CD) Sew-free Product Design and Development
(SFT325CD) Bra Construction
(SFT343CD) Technical Design & Fitting
(SFT410CD) Activewear & Swimwear Design

Cluster 9: Fashion Business I

The subject cluster of Fashion Business I aims to equip students with foundation knowledge of fashion business in the global and local contexts, including the fundamental management principles, contemporary practices and operational knowledge in fashion retail business. The subjects in this cluster include:

(SFT210FB)* Accounting and Finance in Fashion Business
(SFT211FB)* Talent Management
(SFT212FB) Fashion Operations and Supply Chain Management
(SFT326FB) Fashion Consumer Behaviour
(SFT327FB) Fashion Retail Management

Cluster 10: Fashion Business II

The subject cluster of Fashion Business II aims to develop students’ skills in analysing and solving business problems in different fashion markets and products. The subjects in this cluster include:

(SFT328FB) Fashion Buying
(SFT329FB) Visual Merchandising
(SFT330FB)* Fashion Digital Marketing
(SFT412FB)* Fashion Market Intelligence
(SFT413FB) Fashion Brand Management
(SFT414FB) Strategic Fashion Management

Cluster 11: Capstone Projects

The subject cluster of Capstone Projects include two LCR embedded subjects of Professional Language Skills and Project Preparation, and 3 subjects of capstone project resulting in thesis and/or fashion collection. It serves as a culminating academic and intellectual experience for students. A new subject of Capstone Group Project by Thesis is developed for collaborative industry projects including independent group research in order to devise an innovative solution for industry problems. The subjects in this cluster include:

(SFT333CP) Professional Language Skills and Project Preparation (by Thesis)
(SFT334CP) Professional Languages Skills and Project Preparation (by Collection)
(SFT415CP) Capstone Project by Thesis
(SFT416CP) Capstone Project by Collection
(SFT417CP)* Capstone Group Project by Thesis

Cluster 12: Electives

The subject cluster of Electives aims to provide students a wide range of study topics that students are flexible to gain experience in aspects of different fashion products such as fashion accessories, footwear, denim, luxury, creative high fashion products, etc., and roles in the fashion industry such as merchandising, entrepreneurs, etc. that are not offered in the regular curriculum. The subjects in this cluster include:

(SFT335E) Fashion Accessories and Ornamentations
(SFT336E) Fashion Shoe Design
(SFT337E) Denim Fashion
(SFT338E) Professional Attachment
(SFT339E)Omni-channel Marketing and Retailing
(SFT340E) Luxury Fashion Marketing and Management
(SFT341E) Fashion Merchandising & Production
(SFT418E) Fashion Entrepreneurship Management
(SFT419E) Creative High Fashion Project

Remarks:

* New Subject

^#Programme 14404 Subjects

Students may also enrol in a Secondary Major in AI and Data Analytics (AIDA) or in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IE). Admission to the Secondary Major is on a competitive basis and these programmes have different credit requirements for graduation.

Selection Criteria
A Secondary Major is not mandatory. Only students with a Cumulative GPA of 2.70 or above may be considered for Secondary Major enrolment. Each Secondary Major may stipulate additional selection criteria for admission. To be admitted to a Secondary Major, students must apply to and obtain approval from the relevant department, no later than the commencement of the second year of study.

Credit Requirement
The students in the BA (Hons) Scheme in Fashion with a Secondary Major of AI and Data Analytics (AIDA) or Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IE) are required to complete 133 and 138 credits, respectively, for graduation:

* The Integrated Capstone Project is a double counting subject (6 credits) for AIDA.

Entry Scholarship and Additional Scholarships

To recognise the outstanding academic performance of HKDSE students, the School will grant entry scholarships to eligible HKDSE students admitted to the scheme via JUPAS. Apart from the entry scholarships, additional scholarships may include. Please refer to the information sheet for details.

Satisfy the University's General Entrance Requirements.

Subjects listed below are given the highest weighting for admission score calculation:

Biology
Chemistry
Business, Accounting and Financial Studies
Business, Accounting and Financial Studies (Accounting)
Business, Accounting and Financial Studies (Business Management)
Chinese History
Combined Science: Biology + Chemistry
Combined Science: Biology + Physics
Combined Science: Physics + Chemistry
Economics
Geography
Visual Arts

Relevant Applied Learning subject(s) that can be considered for meeting the University entrance requirement and admission score calculation is/are:

Accounting for E-Business
Digital Comic Design and Production
Display and Jewellery Design
Film and Transmedia
PR and Multimedia Communication
Tech Basics
Creative Advertising
Multimedia Entertainment Studies
Mobile and Online Apps Development
Medical Laboratory Science
New Media Communication Strategies
Practical Accounting for SMEs
Marketing in Global Trade
Jewellery Arts and Design
Jewellery and Accessories Design
Marketing and Online Promotion
Magazine Editing and Production
Practical Psychology
Understanding Financial Services
The Essentials of Dramatic Arts / The Essentials of Theatre Arts
Purchasing and Merchandising
Public Relations and Communication
Public Relations and Advertising
Sports Coaching and Management
Exercise and Fitness Coaching / Sports and Fitness Coaching
Retail Management
Internet of Everything Application
Computer Game and Animation Design
Entrepreneurship for SME
Data Application for Business / Business Data Analysis
Applied Psychology
Applied Business Research
Environmental Engineering
Health Care Practice
Health and Beauty Keeping in TCM
Image Design
Interior Design
Innovative Product Design
Fundamental Health Care
Fundamental Cosmetology
Fashion Image Design / Fashion and Image Design
Exploring Psychology
Exercise Science and Health Fitness
Film and Video / Film and Video Studies
Accounting in Practice

Students will be awarded one of the following degrees upon successful completion of the programme’s graduation requirements:

BA (Hons) in Fashion (Fashion Design)
BA (Hons) in Fashion (Knitwear Design)
BA (Hons) in Fashion (Contour Fashion and Activewear)
BA (Hons) in Fashion (Fashion Business)
BA (Hons) in Fashion (Fashion Innovation and Technology)

Students opting not to be streamed into any specialism will obtain a BA (Hons) in Fashion.

Students opting for a Secondary Major will not be streamed into a specialism.

Graduates with 2 years of relevant post-qualification experience can apply for an Associateship of the Textile Institute (ATI), UK. Graduates can also apply for Graduate Membership of the Hong Kong Institution of Textile and Apparel (GHKITA).

Our scheme-based education approach nurtures all-round talents with the design, technology and business knowledge they need for a wide range of career paths in the fashion industry. Graduates have career opportunities in the fashion and textiles industries and related fields, including the following.

Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Fashion (Fashion Design) can pursue careers in the fashion and lifestyle industry as womenswear / menswear designers, technical designers, digital designers, illustrators, stylists, editors and trend forecasters.

Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Fashion (Contour Fashion and Activewear) have the abilities needed to work as designers or technical designers in the development of various kinds of products, such as contour fashion, intimate apparel, functional garments, swimwear, sportswear, activewear, lace and embroidery, and fashion accessories. In recent years, many Hong Kong manufacturers have maintained their competitiveness and maximised their profit margins by switching from being low-cost original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to being high value-added original design manufacturers (ODMs) or even original brand manufacturers (OBMs). This has led to a substantial demand for professionals capable of designing and developing new products.

Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Fashion (Knitwear Design) can seek careers as fashion knitwear designers, digital knitting technologists, product developers, illustrators, stylists, editors and trend forecasters.

Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Fashion (Fashion Business) can develop careers in digital retailing and marketing, sustainability and compliance, brand development, international trade in fashion and textiles, visual merchandising and luxury fashion management. Our graduates are equipped with all the necessary skills to generate both online and offline business for the fashion industry and beyond.

Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Fashion (Fashion Innovation and Technology) can pursue careers in fashion and textile enterprises / companies or innovation institutions / centres as fashion / textile product designers and developers, R&D managers, fashion merchandisers, fashion house or production managers, fashion / textile techno consultants, quality control / functional evaluation experts, customer service professionals and fashion/textile product researchers and innovators.

Admission interviews are scheduled to all Band A applicants after submission of JUPUS application. Selective interviews are scheduled before the announcement of DSE results. Final interviews to selective applicants after the announcement of DSE results.

Mode: Group interviews or individual interviews at PolyU or via MS Teams online

Medium: English

Duration: About 15- 30 minutes

Remarks:

While all bands of applicants are considered, preference is given to Band A and B applicants. Admission to the programme is primarily based on academic merit. The programme will directly offer a place to those candidates with outstanding performance in HKDSE, waiving the interview requirement.
Detailed interview arrangements will be announced to JUPAS applicants via email one week before the dates of group interviews/ individual interviews/ final interviews. Applicants who have good interview performance will be given bonus scores to increase their chance of being admitted to the programme.
All students who are admitted with HKDSE results start the programme with two common semesters of foundational training in fashion and textiles, after which they are streamed into one of the five specialisms(except for students with Secondary Major).

Mid-/end of January | Admission schedule/details announced via email to all Band A candidates
Mid-June | Admission schedule/details announced via email to selective candidates
Mid July | HKDSE results announced
Mid-/end of July | Final interviews to selective candidates

PolyU stood out to me when choosing a university due to its outstanding reputation, recognition, and commitment to providing a high-quality education. Selecting fashion design at SFT as my major aligns perfectly with my career aspirations, as SFT offers a comprehensive and industry-relevant curriculum. The state-of-the-art facilities and experienced professors play a pivotal role in shaping my academic journey.

Studying at SFT has been enriching, providing me with a deep understanding of fashion design, garment construction, and textile technology. Engaging lectures, practical workshops, and hands-on projects have honed my attention to detail and fuelled my passion for the future. The programme’s emphasis on industry collaborations and real-world projects has equipped me with the practical skills necessary to succeed in the fashion industry.

PolyU and SFT have given me numerous opportunities to expand my horizons. I have been fortunate enough to receive a scholarship and actively participate in various competitions. These experiences have allowed me to unleash my creative prowess and create meaningful projects with tangible outcomes.

Alfrida Theodora Suhonggo

BA (Hons) in Fashion and Textiles (Design)

My time at SFT has been challenging but also rewarding. I have acquired various practical skills and had the opportunity to express my creativity and collaborate with other students from different cultures and backgrounds at SFT. The School has also offered me many valuable opportunities, such as an internship at MCM, a global fashion brand. During this internship, I applied the knowledge and experience, and gained a great deal of insight into the current trends and challenges of the fashion industry. I also participated in a study tour which enabled me to learn about the production process and the most advanced technologies for clothing. The opportunities provided by SFT have equipped me with a solid foundation for my future endeavours.

Cheung Man-ying Connie

BA (Hons) in Fashion & Textiles (Retail & Marketing)

Unlike other schools, SFT provides lots of laboratory sessions which enable me to transfer the knowledge we learnt at regular lectures into practical use. For example, operating equipment such as projectile weaving machines, and designing patterns for garments.

I am very thankful for the opportunities from SFT that open my eyes. I took a two-month course at the University of British Columbia with the scholarship of Undergraduate Student Research Awards offered by PolyU’s Graduate School. Besides, the tremendous industry networks with renowned brands and retailers, such as Lane Crawford, Farfetch, FR2, etc., help me to find good internship opportunities.

Leung Chui-yi

BA (HONS) in Fashion & Textiles (Technology)

Enquiries

SFT General Office

Room QT715
+852 2766 6500
sft.ug@polyu.edu.hk