Description

To many, it's a piece of fabric. To you, it's a blank canvas just waiting to be brought to life. Make your mark in the world of fashion with the only four-year degree program of its kind in Western Canada.

KPU's Bachelor of Design, Fashion and Technology program has an international reputation for building tomorrow's fashion leaders. Our unique, industry-focused curriculum gives students the design skills, business acumen and marketing savvy they need to compete in the global fashion marketplace.

Upon graduation from the four year degree program, our alumni have been placed in innovative and leading positions in the local apparel and design industry, often beginning their post-graduate careers as soon as a week after completion of the year end event.

What makes our program so special?

• Our teachers are industry leaders who are plugged into the global fashion scene.
• Our program simulates a professional working environment and constantly adapts to reflect the changing marketplace.
• Our classrooms are equipped with cutting-edge technology used by industry.
• Our workplace practicum program opens the doors to top local companies such as lululemon, Arc'teryx, Oak + Fort, and Manuel Mendoza.
• Our international exchange program prepares students to become global fashion leaders.
• Our students study at fashion schools in London, Melbourne, Berlin, Helsinki, Monterrey, Horsens and Taipei.
• Our many inspiring guest speakers and presentations invite students to take their learning outside of the classroom and participate in the vibrant local design community.
• Our students launch their careers by showcasing their final collections in our renowned fashion show, which is attended by over 2,000 people, including industry leaders and the media.

Who Studies Fashion and Technology?

Most people who apply to the program have a passionate, lifelong interest in fashion with an aptitude for creative design, technical construction and an appreciation for fabric, prints, colours and trend forecasting. They are recent high school graduates, transfer students from other institutions, mature individuals returning to the profession or making a career change, or industry personnel seeking an upgrade in skills.

KPU boasts student exchange agreements with fashion schools in Denmark, Finland, Mexico, Poland, England, Germany, Uruguay and Taiwan.

Applicants with previous experience in the fashion industry may gain credits through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). Graduates from a two-year fashion program who wish to pursue a degree will be assessed on an individual basis for potential advanced entry.

Industry personnel who wish to take a specific course or courses on a part-time basis to complement their job skills may do so based on seat availability and with permission from the Program Coordinator. Some course prerequisites may be waived based on work experience.

Contact the Program Coordinator for further information.

Career Opportunities

With over 300 apparel companies in the Lower Mainland, the well-established B.C. fashion industry offers many career choices. Graduates work in the design, marketing and production departments for vibrant Lower Mainland companies such as Arc'teryx, Aritzia, International Fashions, ivivva, Karma, Kensie, Kit and Ace, lululemon, Mountain Equipment Co-op, Mustang Survival, Oak and Fort, Peekaboo Beans, Plenty and Sugoi Performance Apparel. Similar opportunities are available worldwide with graduates currently at Nike, Abercrombie & Fitch, Nordstrom, and Volcom in the U.S. and Chloe in Paris, France.

Depending upon capabilities and interests, students work for large companies as members of design, production or marketing teams, for smaller design houses, working in all aspects of the business, engage in entrepreneurial (examples include Allison Wonderland, TrunkShow, Flaming Angels, Osei-Duro, Jolie Couture and Taylor Hart Designs) or freelance endeavors. In all instances, graduates need to be well versed in all three aspects of the business (design, production and marketing) to fully contribute as a team player. Emerging designers prosper best if they have a solid background and experience in production and marketing.

Fashion students interested in a career as a high school teacher of clothing and textiles may be eligible for entry to UBC's Bachelor of Education program in Home Economics upon completion of KPU's fashion degree, including a combination 18 credits of English, Sociology, Psychology and Family Studies courses. Family Studies courses may be taken at UBC as either a visiting student at UBC while completing KPU's fashion program (using these courses as electives towards the completion of the fashion degree) or as a UBC student following graduation from KPU's fashion program.

Faculty's website: kpu.ca/design

Department's website: kpu.ca/fashion

Effective Fall 2025, the following Admission Requirements apply:

Admission Requirements

In addition to the Faculty's Admission Requirements, which consist of KPU's undergraduate English Proficiency Requirement, the following program admission requirements apply:

• Portfolio Review
• Interview may be required

For further information about the Fashion and Technology portfolio submission and the review process, visit the department's website at kpu.ca/design/fashion/portfolio-requirements

Upper-Level Program Admission

In addition to the program admission requirements, applicants may be eligible for advanced standing to the program at an upper level. An individual portfolio review is required.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the Faculty's Admission Requirements, which consist of KPU's undergraduate English Proficiency Requirement, the following program admission requirements apply:

• Portfolio Review and Orientation Session

Portfolio Review and Orientation Session

Prospective students should consult with an Academic Advisor, or with the Chip and Shannon Wilson School of Design prior to applying. Faculty will review the eligibility of candidates based on the contents of their portfolio. For detailed information about the Fashion and Technology portfolio requirements and review process, visit the department's website at kpu.ca/design/portfolio

Upper-Level Program Admission

In addition to the program admission requirements, applicants may be eligible for advanced standing to the program at an upper level. An individual portfolio review is required.

Continuance Requirements

Seat availability is based on priority for students who continue in all courses as per the prescribed program plan. Students who are unable to meet course requirements to continue with the program plan or who decide to take a break from their studies, may be removed from program. Re-admission into the program will be based on seat availability and approval by the program.

Curricular Requirements

The first year introduces students to the various facets of the fashion industry, elements and principles of fashion design, drawing, pattern drafting and industrial sewing and includes important support courses in English, computer applications for fashion and marketing. The second year is more focused on fashion discipline-based knowledge and skill development and includes designing for industry linked projects in collaboration with local apparel companies such as Lululemon, Plum and Oliver and Lilly's.

The third and fourth years feature opportunities to apply previous studies to real world applications. Students design for both mass and niche markets, combining creativity with marketability and practice production planning from both a local and global perspective. A practicum with a local design company will increase students' knowledge of industry practices and develop contacts in the industry. The final semester culminates in a fashion event and presentation of a graduate portfolio to showcase to industry. Most electives are taken in the senior years, but students may take electives in the order that best suits their schedules.

For transfer students, some courses in the lower-level of the program may be taken while in the third year, subject to availability. Some credits from courses taken elsewhere may be used to fulfill the elective requirements in the third and fourth years. Transfer credits are assessed on an individual basis. For information on the transfer credit process, visit kpu.ca/transfercredit

Plan of Study Grid

Year 1		Credits
CMNS 1140	Introduction to Professional Communication	3
FASN 1100	Fundamentals of Fashion Design	3
FASN 1116	The Apparel Industry	3
FASN 1121	Fundamentals of Apparel Pattern Drafting	3
FASN 1130	Fundamentals of Apparel Construction	3
FASN 1205	Fundamentals of Digital Communication	3
FASN 1215	Textiles & Technology I	3
FASN 1225	Fundamentals of Apparel Production	3
FASN 1231	Fundamentals of Fashion Drawing	3
MRKT 1199	Introduction to Marketing	3
	Credits	30
Year 2
ENGL 1100	Introduction to University Writing	3
FASN 2100	Fashion Design Theory and Process I	3
FASN 2116	Fashion History I	3
FASN 2121	Style Production I	3
FASN 2201	Fashion Design Theory and Process II	3
FASN 2215	Textiles & Technology II	3
FASN 2216	Fashion History II	3
FASN 2221	Style Production II	6
FASN 2241	CAD Drafting Methodologies	3
	Credits	30
Year 3
FASN 3100	Surface Design	3
FASN 3101	Apparel Product Development	3
FASN 3110	Advanced Technical Apparel Design & Production	3
FASN 3121	Manufacturing Methodology	3
FASN 3131	Draping Methodology	3
FASN 3151	Professional Practices	3
FASN 3250	Professional Practicum	3
Electives		9
	Credits	30
Year 4
FASN 4101	Collection: Design Development	6
FASN 4120	Innovative Pattern Cutting	3
FASN 4130	Advanced Digital Communication	3
FASN 4151	Apparel in the Global Economy	3
FASN 4211	Professional Promotion	3
FASN 4221	Collection: Production	6
Electives		6
	Credits	30
	Total Credits	120

Electives

The 5 elective courses (15 credits) must include:

• A minimum of two courses (6 credits) numbered 1100 or higher from non-fashion areas of study that develop a breadth of knowledge and integrate with learning acquired in the program.

• A minimum of one course (3 credits) numbered 1100 or higher from the School of Business

• A minimum of two other courses (6 credits) numbered 1100 or higher from any area of study.  FASN 3900, Special Topics, and FASN 4250, Self-Directed Study, are recommended.

Other Information

Costs

Students should be prepared to spend approximately $600 to $1000 per year on books and materials.

This program is delivered in an e-mobile environment that uses laptop computers and specific software. Students are advised NOT to purchase a personal laptop computer until specifications and requirements have been provided to successful applicants.

Credential Awarded

Upon successful completion of this program, students are eligible to receive a Bachelor of Design, Fashion and Technology.

Upon successful completion of the requirements for Years 1 and 2, students are eligible to exit the program and receive a Diploma in Fashion and Technology.