Sept 2024 Entry
4 years (including 1 year with common curriculum)
120
Scheme Director
Prof. Kit-lun Yick
PhD, BA (Hons)
Students will be awarded one of the following degrees upon successful completion of the programme’s graduation requirements.
BA (Hons) in Fashion (Fashion Design)
BA (Hons) in Fashion (Knitwear Design)
BA (Hons) in Fashion (Contour Fashion and Activewear)
BA (Hons) in Fashion (Fashion Business)
BA (Hons) in Fashion (Fashion Innovation and Technology)
Students select a specialism at the end of their Year One. Admission to a specialism is subject to assessment criteria including students’ preferences, GPA, and interview performance.
Students opting not to be streamed into any specialism will obtain a BA (Hons) in Fashion.
Students may also enrol in a Secondary Major in AI and Data Analytics (AIDA) or in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IE). Admission to the Secondary Major is on a competitive basis and these programmes have different credit requirements for graduation. Please see the Secondary Major Details section for more information.
Students opting for a Secondary Major will not be streamed into a specialism.
The credit requirements are subject to review.
Entry Scholarship and Additional Scholarships
To recognise the outstanding academic performance of HKDSE students, the School will grant entry scholarships to eligible HKDSE students admitted to the scheme via JUPAS. Apart from the entry scholarships, additional scholarships may include. Please refer to the information sheet for details.
Programme Aims
The overall aim of the programme is to train competent professionals for the fashion business, equipping them to work in textiles, apparel, retailing, design, and related organisations. Graduates play an active role in the development of the global fashion and textiles industry in local and overseas markets. In addition to cultivating students’ professional competencies, the programme enhances their other essential competencies, such as entrepreneurship, social media marketing, and business analytics. This expands graduates’ skillsets to meet the needs of today’s business environment. They excel in leadership, teamwork, healthy lifestyle practices and lifelong learning; they become trend leaders, innovators, critical thinkers, and creative problem solvers; and they deploy effective communication and interpersonal skills. They are biliterate and trilingual, and they serve as informed and ethical leaders who promote social and national responsibility, engage in local and international affairs, act as responsible global citizens, and exhibit cultural and aesthetic appreciation with a global perspective.
Characteristics
Based on their desired careers and academic performance, students can choose one of the following five specialisms under the BA Scheme.
-
Fashion Design
This specialism aims to nurture students’ creativity and design ability, and to develop their awareness of current and emerging technologies in the fashion and manufacturing environment and to enhance their understanding of relevant marketing and business practices.
-
Knitwear Design
This specialism, similar to that of Fashion Design specialism, aims to nurture students’ creativity and design ability. In addition to the general education, students also attain the essential knowledge and skills of a knitwear designer.
-
Contour Fashion and Activewear
This specialism aims to provide students with the necessary academic and practical knowledge of contour fashion and activewear, including the integration of design and technology aspects. It provides students with a supportive and inspiring learning environment to create imaginative designs using analytical and problem-solving abilities. It also encourages students’ independent judgement and critical thinking for the new development of contour fashion and activewear. Students are guided to attain first-hand experience of the latest technologies, modern materials and industrial practice.
-
Fashion Business
This specialism equips students for global fashion business. Students will learn the fundamental management and business principles, contemporary environmental and social practices and operational knowledge of global fashion marketing and digital channels. In particular, it will develop students’ skills in defining, analysing and solving business problems in fashion retail and marketing, from fast to luxury fashion, and from fashion accessories to lifestyle products. Emphasis will be placed on the aspects of fashion sourcing, buying, market research, branding, digital marketing, omni-channel distribution, social media analytics, store management and distribution of fashion products in both local and global contexts. This specialism will ensure that students attain the necessary professional skills to initiate and carry out individual and team research project. Students will also acquire managerial, analytical and problem-solving skills for business from local and overseas internships opportunities.
-
Fashion Innovation and Technology
This specialism nurtures graduates who have sound knowledge of fashion products and production processes; who are able to apply their knowledge within a technical, economic, managerial and commercial context; who are flexible and can adapt and respond to change; and who have the potential to become industrial leaders in product development, process innovation and production management in textiles and apparel in local and global markets.
Students opting not to be streamed into any specialism will be given a BA (Hons) in Fashion. The curriculum of BA (Hons) in Fashion provides a flexible choice of subjects that will increase students’ adaptability to the changing needs of the fashion industry. It aims to provide students with a critical understanding of contemporary practices in the digitalisation, design and development of fashion products, trends in the global and local fashion markets, business and retail environments critical to the fashion system, as well as the emerging technologies, innovations and manufacturing environment in the fashion industry.
There are also opportunities to gain on-the-job knowledge and experience in the workplace through placements in the industry.
The decision to admit a student to a specialism will be made by the School based on the student’s preference, overall GPA in Year One and / or interview results. Students will be asked to rank their specialism choices (from the most preferred to the least preferred) during Semester 2 of Year One for the School's consideration and approval.
Professional Recognition
Graduates with 2 years of relevant post-qualification experience can apply for an Associateship of the Textile Institute (ATI) in the UK.
Graduates can also apply for Graduate Membership of the Hong Kong Institution of Textile and Apparel (GHKITA).
Career Prospects
Our scheme-based education approach nurtures all-round talents with the design, technology and business knowledge they need for a wide range of career paths in the fashion industry. Graduates have career opportunities in the fashion and textiles industries and related fields, including the following.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Fashion (Fashion Design) can pursue careers in the fashion and lifestyle industry as womenswear / menswear designers, technical designers, digital designers, illustrators, stylists, editors and trend forecasters.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Fashion (Knitwear Design) can seek careers as fashion knitwear designers, digital knitting technologists, product developers, illustrators, stylists, editors and trend forecasters.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Fashion (Contour Fashion and Activewear) have the abilities needed to work as designers or technical designers in the development of various kinds of products, such as contour fashion, intimate apparel, functional garments, swimwear, sportswear, activewear, lace and embroidery, and fashion accessories. In recent years, many Hong Kong manufacturers have maintained their competitiveness and maximised their profit margins by switching from being low-cost original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to being high value-added original design manufacturers (ODMs) or even original brand manufacturers (OBMs). This has led to a substantial demand for professionals capable of designing and developing new products.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Fashion (Fashion Business) can develop careers in digital retailing and marketing, sustainability and compliance, brand development, international trade in fashion and textiles, visual merchandising and luxury fashion management. Our graduates are equipped with all the necessary skills to generate both online and offline business for the fashion industry and beyond.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Fashion (Fashion Innovation and Technology) can pursue careers in fashion and textile enterprises / companies or innovation institutions / centres as fashion / textile product designers and developers, R&D managers, fashion merchandisers, fashion house or production managers, fashion / textile techno consultants, quality control / functional evaluation experts, customer service professionals and fashion/textile product researchers and innovators.
All normal year students start the programme with two common semesters, which provide a foundation in the major activities of the fashion and textiles industries. After these common semesters, students are streamed into one of the five specialisms according to the students’ individual preferences. In principle, all students are offered a free choice of specialism. However, in the unlikely event that a specialism is over-subscribed, a contingency procedure is followed. As each specialism has a threshold number of students, determined by the teaching resources of the School, the contingency procedure is applied when this threshold is reached. Therefore, students are required to supply a list of specialisms in order of preference. Specialism selection normally occurs in the second semester of the students’ first year of study. Students will be invited for a selection interview / assessment based on their choice of specialisms. The pool of students in the over-subscribed specialism will be ranked according to academic performance in their first semester of study and interview / assessment performance. Students with lower rankings will have a lower priority in admittance to their preferred specialism. In each semester after admission to a specialism, compulsory core subjects pertaining to the specialism are offered in addition to a wide range of elective subjects that enrich the students’ learning experience. Furthermore, students will undertake mandatory language subjects, general education subjects and work-integrated education in fulfilment of the General University Requirements.
Each student is required to earn at least 120 credits for graduation. In addition to 30 credits of General University Requirements (GUR), students are required to complete 90 credits of Discipline-Specific Requirements, which include elective subjects and the Final Year Project.
The options of a Secondary Major in AI and Data Analytics (AIDA) or in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IE) are available to the students enrolled in the BA (Hons) Scheme in Fashion.
Selection Criteria
A Secondary Major is not mandatory. Only students with a Cumulative GPA of 2.70 or above may be considered for Secondary Major enrolment. Each Secondary Major may stipulate additional selection criteria for admission. To be admitted to a Secondary Major, students must apply to and obtain approval from the relevant department, no later than the commencement of the second year of study.
Credit Requirement
The students in the BA (Hons) Scheme in Fashion with a Secondary Major of AI and Data Analytics (AIDA) or Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IE) are required to complete 133 and 138 credits, respectively, for graduation:
| Credit Requirements | Fashion | Fashion + IE | Fashion + AIDA | |
| General University Requirement (GUR) | 30 | 30 | 30 | |
| Major | Core | 81/78/66 | 66 | 61 |
| Elective | 9/12/24 | 6 | 6 | |
| Secondary Major | Core | - | 21 | 30 |
| Elective | - | 9 | 6 | |
| Discipline-specific Elective | - | 6 | - | |
| Total | 120 | 138 | 133* | |
* The Integrated Capstone Project is a double counting subject (6 credits) for AIDA.
Professional Accreditation
Graduates with 2 years of relevant post-qualification experience can apply for an Associateship of the Textile Institute (ATI), UK. Graduates can also apply for Graduate Membership of the Hong Kong Institution of Textile and Apparel (GHKITA).
Satisfy the University's General Entrance Requirements.
Please click here for the subject weightings for 2024/25.
There is no compulsory subject requirement. Preferred subject(s) with the highest weighting for admission score calculation include(s):
Relevant Applied Learning subject(s) that can be considered for meeting the University entrance requirement and admission score calculation is/are:
2023/24 Average Score: Any Best 5 Subjects (with Subject Weighting) = 153.1
For further programme information, please contact
the General Office (tel.: 2766 6500; email: sft.info@polyu.edu.hk).
Unlike other schools, SFT offers numerous laboratory sessions, which allowed me to put into practice the knowledge acquired in regular lectures, such as how to operate equipment like projectile weaving machines and design patterns for garments.
I am very grateful for the opportunities offered by SFT, which opened my eyes. I took a 2-month course at the University of British Columbia thanks to the Undergraduate Student Research Awards scholarship offered by PolyU’s Graduate School. Additionally, the extensive industry networks with renowned brands and retailers, such as Lane Crawford, Farfetch, and FR2, helped me find good internship opportunities.
My time at SFT was both challenging and rewarding. I learnt various practical skills and had the opportunity to express my creativity and collaborate with other students from different cultures and backgrounds there. The School also offered me many valuable opportunities, such as an internship at MCM, a global fashion brand. During this internship, I applied my knowledge and experience and gained invaluable insight into the current trends and challenges of the fashion industry. I also participated in a study tour, which allowed me to learn about the production process and the most advanced technologies in clothing. The opportunities offered by SFT have equipped me with a solid foundation for my future endeavours.
PolyU stood out when I was choosing a university because of its outstanding reputation, recognition, and commitment to providing high-quality education. Choosing fashion design at SFT as my major aligns perfectly with my career aspirations, as SFT offers a comprehensive and industry-relevant curriculum. The state-of-the-art facilities and experienced professors have played a pivotal role in shaping my academic journey.
Studying at SFT has been enriching, providing me with an in-depth understanding of fashion design, garment construction, and textile technology. Engaging lectures, practical workshops, and hands-on projects have sharpened my attention to detail and fuelled my passion for the future. The programme’s focus on industry collaborations and real-world projects has also equipped me with the practical skills needed to succeed in the fashion industry.
PolyU and SFT have given me many opportunities to broaden my horizons. I have been fortunate to receive a scholarship and actively participate in various competitions. These experiences have allowed me to unleash my creative prowess and create meaningful projects with tangible results.
- To understand the suitability of applicants to BA(Hons) Scheme in Fashion at degree level.
- To ascertain whether applicant’s expectations of the programme/career path match what we aim to provide.
- To evaluate the language, communication and interpersonal skills of the applicants.
About 15- 45 minutes
While all bands of applicants are considered, preference is given to Band A and B applicants. Admission to the programme is primarily based on academic merit. The programme will directly offer a place to those candidates with outstanding performance in HKDSE, waiving the interview requirement.
Detailed interview arrangements will be announced to JUPAS applicants via email one week before the dates of group interviews/ individual interviews/ final interviews. Applicants who have good interview performance will be given bonus scores to increase their chance of being admitted to the programme.
All students who are admitted with HKDSE results start the programme with two common semesters of foundational training in fashion and textiles, after which they are streamed into one of the five specialisms(except for students with Secondary Major).
Important dates:
Mid-/end of January – Admission schedule/details announced via email to all Band A candidates
Mid-June –Admission schedule/details announced via email to selective candidates
Mid July – HKDSE results announced
Mid-/end of July –Final interviews to selective candidates
Required
Any other additional information/document(s) to support the application (optional)
To assess the suitability of candidates for the programme.
About 15 to 30 minutes for the interview
The admission interview is for the BA Scheme, not individual specialism. All students will start the programme with 2 common semesters. Students without a Secondary Major, after the 2 common semesters, will be streamed to one of the five specialisms according to students' individual preference, overall GPA in Year One and/ or interview results. Students will be asked to rank their specialism choices (from the most preferred to the least preferred) during Semester 2 of Year One for the School's consideration and approval. Students opting not to be streamed into any specialism will be given a BA (Hons) in Fashion.
Required
To assess the suitability of candidates for the programme
About 15 to 30 minutes' interview
The admission interview is for the BA Scheme, not individual specialism. All students will start the programme with 2 common semesters. Students without a Secondary Major, after the 2 common semesters, will be streamed to one of the five specialisms according to students' individual preference, overall GPA in Year One and/ or interview results. Students will be asked to rank their specialism choices (from the most preferred to the least preferred) during Semester 2 of Year One for the School's consideration and approval. Students opting not to be streamed into any specialism will be given a BA (Hons) in Fashion.
