Footwear Design BA (Hons)

About the course

Reasons to choose to study the Footwear Design degree at DMU

• Opportunity to take part in international design competitions such as Lineapelle in Milan, and award-winning success which endorses our status as a world-class footwear design course

• Excellent career opportunities thanks to our worldwide links with the footwear industry

• Excellent specialist studio facilities

• Work placement opportunities with companies such as George, Alexander McQueen, Kurt Geiger, Nike and Ted Baker during vacation periods

Shoe design and technical making skills are developed throughout, emphasising the crucial relationship between design and manufacture and the needs of the footwear industry. Design research, drawing and illustration skills, and the ability to present and communicate ideas and concepts to a high professional standard are developed throughout the first year. This includes a series of shoe design projects focusing on a comprehensive range of footwear styles. You will learn technical modern shoemaking skills and will make a range of prototype shoes of your own.

There are regular visits to factories, tanneries and exhibitions such as Micam in Milan, and work placements within the footwear industry can be undertaken during vacation periods. These have included placements with Alexander McQueen, Kurt Geiger, Jimmy Choo and Nike.

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Key facts

UCAS course code: WWF7

Duration: Three years full-time, six years part-time

Institution code: D26

Entry and admission criteria

2013

A good portfolio and normally:

• Art and Design Foundation or
• 260 points with a minimum of 160 points from 2 full A levels and including grade C in Art and Design (AS/A level) or
• National Diploma MMM or
• International Baccalaureate: 28+ Points

Five GCSEs grades A* - C including English Language or Literature at grade C or above.

We also accept the BTEC First Diploma plus two GCSEs including English at grade C or above

Interview and Portfolio

UK applicants with relevant qualifications will be invited to bring their portfolio of work to an open day and interview.

Overseas applicants will be invited to send samples of their work. For further details check our international students portfolio page|.

International Students

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent when you start the course is essential. English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching encompasses formal lectures, group seminars, tutorials, presentations, practical workshops and studio-based activities. Work is assessed against criteria which will cover 2D work such as research reports, design sketchbooks and presentations boards, 3D work such as shoe prototypes and marketing materials, and formal presentations to peers, staff and external clients.

Course modules

Year one

• Complete Footwear Studies
• Integrated Footwear Studies

Year two

• Progressive Footwear Studies

Optional modules:

• Style and Colour Prediction
• Technical Footwear Option

Year three

• Fashion Accessories
• Advanced Footwear Studies
• Major Project

Graduate careers

The course leads to successful careers in footwear design, buying and marketing, and teaches practical skills and shoemaking knowledge for production and technical areas of the footwear industry. Recent graduates are working as designers, buyers or agents for companies such as Gucci, Red or Dead, Gina, Morgan, Lacoste, Kickers, Kurt Geiger, Adidas, Dune, Levi’s, Office, Next, Georgina Goodman and Paul Smith, both in the UK and overseas.

Fees and funding

2013 entry

UK/EU Fees: £9000
International Fees: TBC

Learn more about fees and funding information 2013|

Scholarships

Learn more about our Undergraduate scholarships and awards| information.

Facilities

Large open-plan studio with specialist shoemaking workshops attached. Technical support and further workshops are available for the production of individual prototype components such as soles, heels and trims.