FA4017 - Fashion Trend Forecasting

What will I learn on this module?

In this Fashion Trend Forecasting module, you will learn essential intellectual, creative, and technical skills to prepare you for working in the fashion industry. You will be introduced to the fundamentals of Trend Forecasting in the fashion industry, a highly creative and inspirational field grounded in business practicalities, by a team of experienced specialist tutors.

Market research underpins trend forecasting, and both play a fundamental role in the fashion design industry. Academics will introduce you to the key trend forecasting companies and explore the resources they produce and their role in design businesses.

Through fashion research, trend, and market analysis, you will explore innovative concepts to produce a fashion trend forecasting package communicated through illustrative, photographic, and graphic practices. Through observation and practical exercises, you will learn visual communication skills by exploring different types of hand-rendered and digital drawing for a range of purposes, experimenting with a variety of media techniques. AI will be explored as a tool for generating conceptual material for trend packages. You will learn the importance of range planning and fashion specification drawing, and how these can be created using the relevant drawing tools and digital software. You will learn about responsible fashion practices through human and planet-centred design principles, and you will apply these appropriately to your proposed range plan.

You will use your fashion trend forecasting package to inform the realisation of one design in your next module Fashion Product. You will carry forward your chosen fashion specification drawing for further development through pattern cutting and construction in Block 2.

How will I learn on this module?

This practical module will be delivered in our fashion studios and digital labs. You will use your time in the studio to work towards the work requirements through presentations, discussions, and practical skills demonstrations. You will be introduced to market research methods to inform your trend predictions. PESTEL analysis (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental Legal) will be used to structure delivery and workshops to build your knowledge and understanding of responsible and sustainable practice. Experiential learning allows you to learn through doing. You will also be expected to continue to develop your project work during self-directed study, completing weekly tasks in preparation for workshops.



To contextualise your learning through practice, you will be encouraged to develop your skills in concept generation by creatively interpreting market intelligence to produce a directional fashion trend forecasting package. Through creative workshops supported by specialist staff, you will explore the formal design elements (colour, texture, pattern, shape, detail, etc.) and use photography, drawing and illustration skills, trend research, design development, creative writing, and graphic presentation to communicate your final trend package.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Your module tutors will be your main source of support for your academic development. Through a mix of lectures, seminar discussions, practical workshops, and tutorials, they will provide you with the support you need to pass and succeed in each module.



At the outset of your module, you will receive a module briefing that will explain all learning outcomes and requirements. Crucially, it will also include a detailed timetable explaining the planned delivery of the module, workshops, and opportunities for support, including tutorials. You will meet your module tutors on a weekly basis.



During your modules, you will be expected to present work for feedback through group discussion with your peers, tutors, external collaborators, or stakeholders. You will also receive more individualised tutorial feedback prior to your submission to help improve your work.

In addition to your module tutors, you will be supported by various others and university services:



The Faculty provides a wide range of technical expertise to support your study. Technicians aligned with your modules will be able to provide technical instruction and demonstration of equipment and software required to complete your project work.

Library staff will provide induction sessions to introduce you to essential study skills, IT skills and information retrieval skills.

On live projects with external collaborators (or stakeholders), you may receive specific project feedback and professional career advice.

Visiting lecturers and professionals will give you greater contextual awareness and inspire you.

Academic Language Skills modules are available to help students at the Northumbria Campuses whose first language is not English or who have no experience studying in English in the UK.

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. Apply design principles to propose fashion concepts for diverse future markets, demonstrating knowledge and understanding of global trends and consumer behaviour.



2. Demonstrate knowledge of responsible fashion practices through human and planet-centred design principles in researching and and proposing marketing strategies and fashion products.





Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:



3. Learn and apply fashion design research and development methodologies to appropriately communicate design work.



Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):



4. Create a Trend Forecasting package using established conventions and media practices.



5. Demonstrate commitment to your studies through engagement with tutors, applying feedback to set clear goals aligned to?learning objectives and personal design interests.

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessment

You will have the opportunity of continuous formative assessment through verbal feedback in studio sessions, self-assessment, and peer reviews.

Formative assessment will indicate the level at which you are currently achieving the relevant MLOs and offer an opportunity to discuss progress and ensure the right support is in place to achieve your goals. Formative assessment allows you to apply the feedback to your existing work and improve your competencies before your final summative assessment.

Summative Assessment

During the assessment period in weeks 9 and 10 of this module, you will prepare, present and submit work for summative assessment. This module has one component.?

100% Portfolio

MLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

A process journal will evidence active participation in module activities and creative skills development, leading to the realisation of a fashion trend forecasting package using established conventions and media practices. Assessment of this component will be via a portfolio or work, presentation may be physical, digital, via exhibition or publication.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

Creative and collaborative studio workshops will introduce the fundamental theories and methodologies of trend forecasting for the fashion industry. Students will explore and debate global trends, applying critical thinking to propose responsible fashion concepts for future markets. Students will also learn fashion design portfolio skills, including creating and communicating a fashion trend forecasting package using established conventions and media practices.

Course info

UCAS Code W232

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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