What will I learn on this module?
In the Final Major Project Concept module, you will conduct market and creative research to inform a brand and product concept for future markets. As a Fashion Design and Marketing student you should design responsibility with purpose, taking into consideration the principles of human and planet-centred design. You will develop your brand concept using your research findings to build a marketing strategy using the structure of the Marketing Mix. Depending on your project direction, you will select and apply an appropriate design development method in 2D/3D. Your research and development will be documented in a process journal or equivalent appropriate format. You will design and propose a key product, 2D or 3D, that communicates your brand philosophy to your target consumers, a niche market or solve a design problem or consumer behaviour challenge. You will learn how to present your product design in the appropriate format for this level of study, for example, an in-depth technical specification pack, a 3D digital illustration, storyboarding or layout design for publication.
These components will culminate in an exciting professional presentation or pitch, further developing your confidence and presentation skills in preparation for working in industry or post graduate study.
All elements of this module will inform the rest of your Level 6 studies. You will realise your proposed product through exploration and making in the module FMP realisation. You will then refine and illustrate your creative marketing strategy and promote your realisation through photography and film to include in your graduate portfolio.
How will I learn on this module?
Academic staff will help you identify and frame an appropriate area or theme to explore based on your initial research and areas of personal interest. You will independently source and critically engage with sophisticated research materials, theories and debates appropriate to exploring your chosen topic. Evidencing this through an annotated bibliography. Academic staff will then support you in defining and planning your market research.
You will then conduct your primary market research, building on the skills you learned at level 5 in the Market Research and Enterprise module. You will then reflect on the findings and project directional conclusions that support and enhance the development of your design work. Through practical workshops, tutorials, and peer review, you will develop the fundamental areas of your brand concept, building on what you have previously learned about the Marketing Mix to structure the presentation of your brand and product concept.
As a final-year student, you will be expected to work proactively and independently in the fashion studios and workshops and through self-directed study, making the most of the access available to the workshops outside of timetabled sessions with academic tutors. You should engage with the University Library and the research resources available. You should take ownership of your final major project and make links to future career goals, communicating professionally with peers and staff to help you productively achieve your ambitions.
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. Critically evaluate and reflect on global fashion trends, design issues and consumer behaviour theory, referring to the latest critical debates or design strategies.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. Plan and manage market research and design development strategies to deliver and assess advanced fashion enterprise and product concepts.
3. Critically analyse and reflect design research and development through a well-illustrated and communicated process book or media equivalent.
4. Generate and propose responsible fashion enterprise and product concepts, or solutions that are founded on research and successfully validated through testing and/or ambitious in their innovative approach.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Develop and apply professional presentation and pitching skills through the creative communication of advanced concepts, proposals and/or solutions.
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% Project Work
MLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Annotated Bibliography – MLO 1
Research Plan - MLO 1, 2
Process Book – MLO 1, 2, 3, 4
Creative presentation structured around the marketing mix of a proposed fashion brand and product concepts/solutions, founded on research findings in an appropriate format. MLO 1, 4, 5
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
In the Final Major Project Concept module, you will conduct primary research using an appropriate method. You will use this research and in-depth academic and creative research to generate fashion brand and product concepts for future markets. You will develop your brand concept using your research findings to build a marketing strategy using the structure of the Marketing mix. Depending on your project direction, you will select and apply an appropriate design development method in 2D/3D. You will document your research and design development in a process journal and present or pitch your final brand concept, design, and technical product specifications for assessment. All elements of this module will inform the rest of your Level 6 studies. You will realise your proposed product through exploration and making in the module FMP Realisation, and you will refine and illustrate your creative marketing strategy and promote your products through photography and film in your graduate portfolio.
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
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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