Bachelor of Arts Honours in Fashion

Purpose

Upon completion of the qualification the learner will be able to

• Demonstrate knowledge of the fashion industry both at a national and global scale.
• Apply theories, research methodologies, and data collection techniques relevant to the field of Fashion focussing on Trend Forecasting, Sustainability and Merchandising.
• Identify and address ethical issues based on critical reflection on the suitability of different ethical value systems to the context of the fashion industry and fashion research.

Rationale

The Bachelor of Arts Honours in Fashion aims to develop learners for both the South African and global fashion industry in order for them to be able to make an economic contribution in their respective fields. In addition, it has become apparent that with the rapidly changing pace of the design industry on a global scale, a higher level of understanding is required by learners hoping to lead the industry into the future beyond mere manufacturing processes. Learners now require a deeply rooted and comprehensive understanding of the generation, mediation and application of new knowledge and thought processes. Thus this qualification is structured to not only develop the learners' higher order thinking skills but also to contribute to the national goals articulated in the Education White paper pertaining to the development of higher order thinkers, both in South Africa and the global arena.

In consultation with the various stakeholders such as professional designers, retailers, stylists, forecasters and fashion media, it has become apparent that the fashion industry will benefit from a superior interrogation of the relevant subject matter, commensurate with the outcomes of an Honours' Degree.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is applied to learners who can demonstrate proficiency in a) the whole qualification; or b) any module contained therein. Learners may be granted exemption from the qualification or part qualification and receive credits for the same, after the successful submission of assessment outputs consistent with the RPL policy and practices of the institution.

Entry Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Fashion or Fashion Design.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 8,120 Credits

• Integrated Research Methodology, 14 Credits.
• Fashion and Textile Design, 16 Credits.
• Manufacturing and Distribution, 16 Credits.
• Fashion Marketing, 16 Credits.
• Fashion Retail, 16 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning 8 Credits.
• Mini-dissertation, 34 Credits.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the fashion industry both at a national and global scale.
2. Apply theories, research methodologies, and data collection techniques relevant to the field of Fashion focussing on Trend Forecasting, Sustainability and Merchandising.
3. Demonstrate critical awareness of the need to act ethically and exercise judgement and take responsibility within own limits of competence.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The impact of global economic dynamics on manufacturing and distribution in the industry is analysed.
• The impact of global and national politics and mercantile law on fashion merchandising is critically reviewed.
• The impact of social, cultural and psycho-social dynamics on marketing and advertising in the fashion industry is analysed.
• Theories, philosophies and discourse on augmented reality and its role in transforming marketing and advertising in the fashion industry are interrogated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Research methodologies and techniques relevant to the field of fashion and research in the creative industries are applied.
• Extensive, relevant and critical review of pertinent literature related to fashion theory is demonstrated.
• Action research in an actual industry setting is conducted and findings are documented.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• The ethics in supply-chain practice are analysed.
• Effective methods of communicating ethics are developed.
• Outcomes and consequences of unethical and ethical practice are identified and used.
• The motivations and roles of consumers in the ethics discourse and practice are analysed and understood.

Integrated Assessment

Continuous assessment is carried out and every assignment is considered for evaluation. The various modules that constitute the qualification dictate the nature of the assessment, which in the full spectrum will include long essays, seminar papers and a mini-dissertation. The final mini-dissertation is therefore reflective of such academic achievement in its summative assessment.