Technical apparel is defined as apparel designed and manufactured primarily for their technical and performance properties for specific end-uses such as sports, recreation, protection, survival, health and well-being, and military.

Internationally renowned for quality and innovation, British Columbia's technical apparel industries are poised for growth and are seeking talented, trained professionals who can generate new ideas and further technological advances in their field.

Who Studies Technical Apparel Design?

To be successful in the business of design, industry needs creative innovators who are willing to take risks, technologists who can strategize, and leaders who can manage the continuing shifts in today's economy. Critical thinkers who challenge the existing framework and therefore elevate the industry, are in demand.

The Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Technical Apparel Design is aimed at an independent learner who is driven to explore in a creative learning environment that allows unexpected, surprising, and delightful ideas to emerge.

The program will attract graduates from a wide range of disciplines that include fashion, textile design, product design, industrial design, interior design, engineering, business or kinesiology. It will also appeal to professionals working in areas of design, health and well-being, engineering, sport, and ergonomics. These professionals are drawn to furthering their design education in order to keep up with today's global economy and innovative technologies, along with cultural and environmental sustainability issues. The program attracts students from BC, Canada, USA, and around the world.

Great designers come from a range of places, life experiences and educational settings. They will have an inquiring mind, professional skills, leadership potential, ambition and a passion for design and innovation. For entrance, it is expected they will demonstrate the general dimensions of learning outcomes commonly identified with an undergraduate education.

Department's website: kpu.ca/technicalapparel

Graduates of this advanced post-baccalaureate program will be the next generation of design innovators, strategic technologists and transformative leaders, with the increased ability to drive change and create progress in the technical apparel industry.

Graduates of the program will not only access new design and technical knowledge but will also develop competencies for design thinking with the end-user in mind, leadership, and global business skills. They will be prepared to work in a number of areas in apparel and product design and production, with emphasis on technical and high performance materials. Graduates may also be interested in industrial design, health-care, business development and manufacturing.

As students complete their capstone project, they may be inspired to pursue graduate studies to further their applied research interests.

Registration in some course sections is restricted to students in particular programs. See Timetables - kpu.ca/registration/timetables - for current section information.

Visit the BC Transfer Guide - bctransferguide.ca - for information about course transfer in B.C.