Footwear Innovation (Level 6 top-up)

This top-up programme is designed for Level 5 students who have completed their education to an HND (level 5) or international equivalent) in Fashion Design or a related practical discipline, offering a fast track to gain a BA (Hons) in Footwear Innovation in just one year.

With strong industry connections and partnerships across global fashion and performance sectors, this programme focuses on practical technical skills, guiding you through the entire design process—from research and ideation to developing cutting-edge solutions that meet international footwear standards.

This course emphasizes essential practical skills like material experimentation, pattern cutting, and prototype production. You'll engage with CAD, VR, and refine your presentation skills while exploring key categories such as Men's, Women's, Children's, and Performance footwear.

You’ll also have the chance to participate in competitions, awards, and live industry projects, offering opportunities for international travel and work experience. Career development is embedded in every module, ensuring you build the professional skills and portfolio needed to excel in the global footwear industry.

Career development and professional networking are integral to the curriculum, ensuring students graduate with a competitive portfolio and industry-ready skills; our strong connection to the footwear industry means industry leaders frequently reach out to us with employment opportunities for students, with our alumni excelling worldwide.

Completing this programme will give you the chance to progress to the Design innovation and Management Ma/MSc at DMU, gaining two degrees in two years.

Structure
You will experience a wide range of teaching methods during your studies but there are no formal exams as part of the Footwear Innovation curriculum. Details of this provision and the module will be explained and supported in the module handbook, online and taught sessions.

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

Teaching methods include:
Lectures
Seminars
Practical Studio
Tutorials
Workshops
Self-Directed Learning (studio, practical workshops)

Assessment methods include formative (intermediate) and summative (final) assessment, written assignments, reports, and oral presentations. The bulk of the assessment work, however, is centered on project work as it is appropriate for design-based learning outcomes.

Contact hours
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops, studios, group work and self-directed study. You will normally attend around 14 hours of timetabled taught sessions (lectures and tutorials) each week, and we expect you to undertake at least 25 further hours of independent study to complete project work and research.

You deserve a positive teaching and learning experience, where you feel part of a supportive and nurturing community. That’s why most students will enjoy an innovative approach to learning using block teaching, where you will study one module at a time. You’ll benefit from regular assessments – rather than lots of exams at the end of the year – and a simple timetable that allows you to engage with your subject and enjoy other aspects of university life such as sports, societies, meeting friends and discovering your new city. By studying with the same peers and tutor for each block, you’ll build friendships and a sense of belonging.