利默里克理工学院

This course is one of the most nationally and internationally acclaimed courses in the Limerick School of Art and Design and is the only programme in Ireland who currently shows at Graduate Fashion Week in London.

Listed in the ‘Top 50 Fashion Schools and Programs Across the Globe’ (Robin Wilding 2012) which states confidently “Any aspiring high-tech designers with an affinity for the Irish culture will love this school”.

What modules will I study?

Year 2

This is an intensive year, which provides an introduction to the core modules within the course such as, Design concepts; Technical pattern cutting and Construction, Presentation layouts and Illustration; Professional practice and Market Research. These are taught through workshops, demonstrations and projects which cover all aspects of women’s wear and men’s wear. Drawing and InDesign are part of the 2nd year process. Students partake in market research trips to Dublin and London and also participate in selected competitions and collaborative exhibitions.

Year 3

This year the focus is on projects that allow students to discover their own particular creative direction and areas of interest. The core modules are developed at a more advanced level and students are now introduced in more detail to computer aided design systems illustrator techniques and The Gerber pattern cutting system. Visits to London to undertake fabric/market research also take place in preparation for the design and manufacture of a ‘Two Piece Statement’. During the second half of this year work placement is a major feature of the programme requirement. This placement is a minimum of 12 weeks and students who opt for a European placement are considered for the Erasmus work placement programme.

Year 4

This year is largely self-initiated study which is research based and culminates in a final collection of six looks which is shown at the annual fashion graduate showcase. The show attracts an audience from fashion journalism, bloggers, industry and commerce. We are currently the only college in Ireland to show at Graduate Fashion Week in London. Fourth years continue upskilling on the Gerber pattern making system. Students also participate in national and international competitions.

Are there opportunities for further study?

Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programmes within the institute or elsewhere.

What are the career prospects?

Graduates of this course have worked in the following areas:

• Designer
• Design for Film
• Stylist
• Garment Technician
• Pattern Cutter (Gerber specialist)
• Trend Forecasting
• Fashion Buying and Merchandising
• Fashion Journalism