FA5036 - Fashion Trends and Futures

What will I learn on this module?

This module focuses on trend forecasting, discussing, deconstructing and disseminating the fashion environment of the future. From the impact of emerging technology to societal and cultural shifts, students will consider those changes at the cutting edge of fashion communications and beyond into the distant future. Those debates circulating present interests within the fashion sector will be explored to consider how they will shape the industry moving forward. This knowledge will be invaluable as you move into your final year of study and beyond.

In a small team, you will construct an industry facing, professional level trend report, alongside submitting a research and development file demonstrating your engagement in the module. The report will encourage you to explore conceptual themes linked to the future of fashion, while creating an aesthetically considered document which would be aligned to digital/online publication expectations.

You will also consider your place within the future of fashion through the construction of a professional practice portfolio inc. elements such as CV, Cover Letters, Portfolio, Social Media Presence and/or Personal Website.

How will I learn on this module?

You will attend weekly sessions, including several lectures initially outlining trend forecasting methodologies and key considerations linked to fashion futures. Where possible, industry visitors and guest speakers will attend sessions, delivering specific knowledge related to their line of work linked to relevant themes, e.g. emerging technology. Workshops will focus on building a trend report, utilising methods to underpin conceptual development of specific themes and interests. Workshops and subsequent tutorials will benefit from peer discussion, where best practice can be further identified for students to align their process and outcomes to.

Further technical support will assist you in producing a professionally focused final trend report, which will focus on online publication in line with industry standards. Similarly, you will be supported in the construction of your professional practice portfolio, both technically and pastorally, to utilise contemporary methods of personal promotion.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

An initial lectures/briefing will outline the goals of the module, alongside the structure of the sessions to follow. In addition to this, lectures will be delivered by knowledgeable staff, often reflecting their own research interests linked to the Fashion Communication sector. Methods for research, planning, writing and design will be discussed within lectures and workshops, with tutorials aimed at further developing your unique trend report. Further group work in the form of practice and discussion will assist your development in terms of knowledge, understanding and communication skills.

Further support regarding academic writing will be provided via the University Library.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Independently source and engage with a broad range of research material, and demonstrate your ability to review, reflect on and evaluate findings.
2. Demonstrate through enquiry-based and creative practice, your advanced understanding of Fashion Communication practice in relation to the industry and future employability.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Select and appropriately apply a range of research methods and approaches in the development of a trend report alongside others.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. Take an experimental approach when challenged to conceive fresh or innovative ideas.
5. Use media and communication tools to articulate your knowledge and defend your practice to diverse audiences.

How will I be assessed?

FORMATIVE: Formative feedback will be delivered across the module. This can be verbal and/or textual and will be aligned to workshop activities.

SUMMATIVE
Research and Development File 20%
Evidencing your engagement in the module content and the creation of the final report (LO1)

Professional Development Portfolio 20% (LO2)

Trend Report (Group Work) 60%
The written trend report will be aesthetically considered, making use of formatting and visual elements to create a piece of work reflecting industry expectations and to be disseminated digitally. You will work as a team to create the final, thematic, report. (LO3,4,5)

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module provides an opportunity to look forwards and focus on what the future holds for fashion and fashion communication. You will study notions surrounding trend forecasting, a key aspect of the fashion industry. This will explore conceptual considerations surrounding emerging technology, societal development and cultural shifts, all of which will shape the trajectory and role of fashion and innovation. You will, as part of a team, construct a professional standard, industry facing trend report. The report will consist of a body of writing, underpinned by trend research, and presented aesthetically. Development of this will be supported in sessions, where workshops will focus on a range of relevant disciplines, from research methods, to conceptual development, to technical skills, to image generation. Your final report will be submitted digitally and will potentially form an aspect of your final portfolio, evidencing your analytical and technical ability. As part of the module, you will also consider your place within the future of fashion through the construction of a professional practice portfolio including such elements as a CV, Cover Letter, Portfolio, Social Media Presence and/or Personal Website.

Course info

UCAS Code WP30

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Northumbria School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries, Northumbria School of Design

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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