Faculty of Arts and Design | DUT Fashion and Textiles

Head of Department: Mrs Sunthra Moodley
Fashion and Textiles Handbook
NATIONAL DIPLOMA: FASHION 3 YEARS FULL-TIME ONLY
(CAO code : DUBFS3)
The programme
The course covers many aspects of fashion and textiles necessary to meet an increasingly sophisticated industry’s need for professional designers. It prepares learners for related roles in the fashion and textile industry and retail outlets.
Practical design and manufacturing processes are complemented by modules of computer skills, fabric awareness, textile design, textile printing, business studies, marketing and communication. Contextual studies which cover topics such as contemporary culture, fashion forecasting, consumer psychology, style and image are also addressed.
A wide and diverse range of activities takes place across a structured course with an emphasis on researching exciting ideas and creativity. Individuality is most important and the student who wishes to enter the industry is encouraged. The working environment is extremely fast, demanding and very challenging. Qualities which will assist all students in reaching their goals are professionalism, self motivation, commitment and drive.
Our mission statement in the Department of Fashion and Textiles is to provide an educational ethos which emphasises a distinctive relationship between practice and research in a cultural context, in the belief that this combination provides the creative tensions necessary for students to achieve their full potential.
Nature of work
A designer creates clothes either for individuals, or for a clothing factory which produces garments for the mass market. A design studio or a fashion house which creates original garments are alternate options for budding designers. Besides being responsible for original ideas of garments, designers need to have a thorough knowledge of fabrics, the ability to craft patterns, and to understand how garments are constructed.
In most South African companies, designers are involved in every step of the sample garments from concept to finished garment. Clothing manufacturing companies are becoming increasingly automated and are using computers in the managing and manufacturing functions to increase performance, report information and increase productivity. On completion of the course, graduates usually start their careers as assistant designers or assistant merchandisers. Those who prefer to work independently venture out as entrepreneurs for which a sound knowledge of costing is important.
Career Opportunities
A Designer can either work for clothing manufacturers or operate privately. Opportunities also exist in performing arts, film and television companies. One can become a senior designer or reach executive level in a fashion house. The possibilities exist for a clothing designer to enjoy recognition at a fairly young age.
Starting salaries are good, and talented designers can advance rapidly. Large companies usually send competent designers to trade shows overseas, to study fashion trends or to select fabrics and trimmings, in the major centres of the world.
To cope with modern design development and advanced technology, the industry will require correctly trained designers, technologists and management personnel in ever-increasing numbers. Learners are equipped with entrepreneurial skills to start their own businesses. Design graduates can branch out into any one of the following areas:

Assistant Buyer/ Buyer in Fashion and/or Textile industry;
Fashion/Textile designer.
Merchandiser/ stylist in a Fashion/Textile company.
Self-employed Design/Colour/Trend consultant to the fashion and textile industry.

Personal Qualities Required
The fashion and textiles industry revolves around rapid turn around time and is highly competitive. Working conditions are not always favourable and the designer/entrepreneur is constantly placed under extreme stress and pressure to meet deadlines. Therefore, it is important to have the ability to communicate at all levels, deal with criticism, work in an organised and rational manner, be prepared to work in the evenings and weekends during range time, fully understand the target markets and philosophy of the company. Although this may all seem daunting and challenging, if the enthusiasm, ambition and desire to succeed is there, the rewards of recognition will present themselves.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
NATIONAL DIPLOMA FASHION
BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY: FASHION
1 YEAR FULL-TIME/ 2 YEARS PART-TIME
(CAO code: DUBFS4)
The Programme
The course aims to develop and expand the knowledge of learners who wish to specialise in an area relevant to the current and future fashion and textile industry. The chosen area is then fully explored in all its creative, technical and professional aspects. Internal supervisors will be appointed, and liaison with specialists relevant to the field of study, (journalism, retailing, marketing, photography, etc.) will be undertaken.
The final presentation will consist of an exhibition of work relative to the chosen area of specialisation, together with a research report. The work will be examined by an internal panel of lecturers and moderated externally by specialists appointed by the Department and approved by the Higher Qualifications Committee: Design.
Programme Details and Entry Requirements
Duration of programme
A minimum of one year full-time or two years part-time AND a maximum of two years full-time or three years part-time.
Curriculum
This qualification is offered by means of a research report and submission of a practical component chosen from either Design Studies or Applied Clothing Technology (Specialised Clothing Technology).
The BTech programme is made up of 3 components:

Theory of Clothing (TOC): for which a proposal and a research report have to be completed. Seminar presentations of readings are also conducted by students.
Practical: a practical component has to be put together to support the theory.
Business Studies: a report has to be submitted in addition to attending weekly lectures.

Minimum admission requirements.
A National Diploma: Fashion or equivalent qualification with an overall aggregate of 60% as well as 60% in Theory of Clothing in the 3rd year, OR relevant industrial experience and successful completion of a bridging course where required. In addition, applicants are required to submit a 300-word motivation and undergo a personal interview.
MASTER OF TECHNOLOGY: FASHION
(CAO code: DUBFS5)
Programme Details and Entry Requirements
Duration of Programme
A minimum of 1 year after formal registration AND a maximum of 3 years after formal registration.
Curriculum
This qualification is offered by means of a full fashion-related research project. Learners are required to submit a dissertation (refer to Rule G24).
Subject Content
Learners are required to select an area of study and register provisionally. A supervisor will be allocated to assist the learner through the proposal stage. Once the proposal appears to be of an acceptable standard, it goes through three stages of approval:

Approval from the Departmental Review Panel – after which corrections are made;
Faculty Review Panel – after which learner can formally register. Full time learners may apply for funding;
Lastly – approval from Higher Degrees Committee must be obtained.

It is possible to work on a full theory dissertation OR a dissertation supported by a practical component, depending on the learner’s area of strength. The proposal should be approved within 6 months of the provisional registration.

Minimum admission requirements
Bachelors Degree in Technology: Fashion, or equivalent. In addition, applicants are required to undergo a personal interview and assessment.
Course Information
Closing date for applications: 30 September. Please apply on the official application form obtainable from the Central Applications office, before the closing date, to be considered for an assessment and interview. All Masters applicants to submit a formal letter of application to the HoD (or e-mail the HOD) by the closing date.
The courses are only offered in Durban, at the Brickfield Road campus, 96 Brickfield Road, Overport, Durban 4091. Interviews and assessments take place only at the Brickfield Road campus, Overport.
For further information
Department of Fashion & Textiles
Durban University of Technology
P O Box 1334
DURBAN 4000
Tel: 031 373 3750
Fax: 031 373 3744
Internet: http://www.dut.ac.za