Associate Degree in Fashion & Apparel Design

The programme aims to emphasize innovation and creativity in fashion design while providing students the technical knowledge necessary for a successful entry into the fashion industry. In the program, the students are introduced to the basic skills of construction in sewing, flat pattern drafting and illustration. Field trips to showrooms, museums and factories help to broaden the knowledge of the fashion industry, as do special projects and lectures by guest speakers.

Fashion design is the applied art dedicated to the design of clothing and lifestyle accessories, which generally mirror the cultural and social influences of that time. This includes all designs worn to create a statement about the individual or group of individuals. Fashion and Apparel Design incorporates all the production activities involved in the development and manufacture of apparel items for men, women and children. These include the manipulation and experimentation of textiles and trims to generate ideas that will then be translated into three-dimensional form through pattern drafting and/or draping and sewing.

By examining their own work and the work of their peers students learn to think critically about design. Students move on to the development of collections, with opportunities to present their creativity in fashion shows and competitions. Business practices, agency procedures, marketing, and client relations are studied to support the creative side of design and provide students with a realistic view of the world of business.

Entry requirements


Pass an ‘O’ Level or an equivalent qualification from a recognition institution by the local Ministry of Education.

Programme structure

Year 1
Semester 1
Semester 2
  • Creative and Innovation Studies
  • Drawing 1
  • Fundamental of Design
  • Introduction to Computer Skills
  • Presentation Research Study Skills
  • Professional Communication Skills 1
  • Sample Making
  • Introduction to Fashion and Apparel Industry
  • Figure Drawing for Fashion Design
  • Textile Studies
  • Professional Communication Skills 2

Year 2
Semester 3
Semester 4
  • Principles of Entrepreneurship
  • Business Planning
  • Leadership Skills & Competencies
  • Concept and Line Development
  • Pattern Drafting & Sewing Techniques 1
  • Fashion and Apparel Design 1
  • Fashion and Apparel Illustration
  • Fashion and Apparel History
  • Trend Forecast

Year 3
Semester 5
Semester 6
  • Practical Internship
  • Project Report
  • Pattern Drafting & Sewing Techniques 2
  • Pattern and Apparel Design 2
  • Fashion and Apparel Marketing
  • Fashion and Apparel Production
  • Colour and Pattern