Fashion Arts (FAA)
About the Program
This three-year advanced diploma program provides hands-on experience with a focus on sustainability, technology and inclusivity and is designed to train you to become an industry-ready candidate. You will explore your creative potential as you learn in-depth design research, craftsmanship and industry-oriented production skills. Seneca offers exciting courses in applied textiles, knitwear design, fashion history, computer-aided design and production. Our Fashion Resource Centre — a unique collection of Canadian-worn garments and accessories — provides a unique experience with our amazing fashion heritage.
Through the design and production of a third-year graduating collection, you will specialize in a particular area of interest such as streetwear, bridal, outerwear, etc. This will help you focus your learning and document your skills to successfully meet employment and career goals.
Credential Awarded
Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Duration
6 Semesters (3 Years)
Starts
January, September
Program and Course Delivery
This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format with some courses available in Seneca's flexible delivery format. Some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements. For courses offered in the flexible delivery format, professors use innovative learning spaces and technology to teach students in a classroom or lab and broadcast in real time to students attending remotely. In flexible courses, students have the choice of coming on campus or learning online.
Academic Schedule Starting September
| Year | September | January | May |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Break |
| Year 2 | Semester 3 | Semester 4 | Break |
| Year 3 | Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
Academic Schedule Starting January
| Year | September | January | May |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | |
| Year 2 | Semester 3 | Semester 4 | Break |
| Year 3 | Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
Skills
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
- design
- creative research
- trend forecasting
- clothing construction
- pattern making
- computer aided design
- product development
- technical design
Work Experience
Field Placement
Field Placement is a valuable component of the Fashion Arts program and is a requirement for graduation.
Sustainability
Our School of Fashion is committed to promoting and advocating sustainable development. As a member of Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Canada, we integrate sustainable practices into our teaching and initiatives.
Your Career
Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:
- designer
- product developer
- technical designer
- assistant designer
- pattern maker
- grader
- sample maker
- production co-ordinator
You may pursue positions involving marketing, textiles, quality control, film and theatre costuming.
Affiliations/Associations
- Apparel Affinity Group
- Apparel Human Resource Council
- Costume Society of Ontario (CSO)
- Fashion Group International (FGI)
- Fashion Takes Action
- The Institute of Textile Science
- The Textile Museum of Canada
- Toronto Fashion Incubator (TFI)
- Fashion Art Toronto
- Royal Ontario Museum
- Toronto Fashion Week
- International Textile and Apparel Association
Program of Study
| Course Code | Course Name | Weekly Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| CGC120 | Social Enterprise and Circular Production Methods | 4 |
| COM101 | Communicating Across Contexts | 3 |
| or COM111 | Communicating Across Contexts (Enriched) | |
| DSW120 | Fashion Design I | 3 |
| FSH130 | Sustainable Fashion Insight | 2 |
| FSH200 | Evolution of Fashion | 3 |
| PTW110 | Introduction to Pattern Making | 5 |
| Semester 2 | ||
| CAD202 | Fashion Computer Aided Design | 2 |
| CGC210 | Clothing Construction II | 4 |
| DSW220 | Fashion Design II | 3 |
| PTW210 | Intermediate Pattern Making | 5 |
| TXF212 | Textiles I | 3 |
| plus: General Education Course (1) | 3 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| CAD302 | Fashion Computer Aided Design II | 2 |
| CGC310 | Clothing Construction III | 4 |
| DRP310 | Draping | 4 |
| DSW315 | Fashion Design III | 2 |
| PMW310 | Pattern Making for Sportswear | 4 |
| TXF313 | Textiles II | 3 |
| plus: General Education Course (1) | 3 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| CAD402 | Fashion Computer Aided Design III | 2 |
| DSW415 | Fashion Design IV | 2 |
| KND362 | Knitwear Design: Cut and Sew | 3 |
| PMW410 | Pattern Making for Tailored Garments | 4 |
| PRM510 | Virtual Fashion Studio I | 4 |
| TMW411 | Custom Tailoring | 4 |
| plus: General Education Course (1) | 3 | |
| Semester 5 | ||
| CGC510 | Clothing Construction V | 4 |
| DSW512 | Collection Design Research | 4 |
| PRM505 | Product Development and Production | 3 |
| PRM610 | Virtual Fashion Studio II | 3 |
| PTW510 | Advanced Pattern Making | 4 |
| Semester 6 | ||
| CGC610 | Clothing Construction VI | 4 |
| DSW615 | Collection Design Development | 3 |
| DSW701 | Fashion CAD Portfolio | 3 |
| KND462 | Knitwear Design: Knit Structures | 3 |
| PTW610 | Pattern Making for Graduate Collections | 4 |
Additional
Completion of an Experiential Learning Activity is required.
Program Learning Outcomes
This Seneca program has been validated by the Credential Validation Service as an Ontario College Credential as required by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:
- Refine apparel design and production decisions based on consumer preferences and time to market.
- Create original apparel concepts and collections using design, drafting and garment construction techniques.
- Apply computer technology to communicate design specifications across the apparel design and manufacturing processes.
- Justify decisions for sourcing materials and manufacturing processes to meet technical specifications and end-product pricing.
- Design products within the context of the apparel manufacturing process to optimize production capabilities.
- Contextualize new product designs by responding to global fashion trends from the historical, current, and future perspective to produce salable designs for consumers.
- Advocate for positive change by addressing systemic challenges as a member of the global fashion industry.
- Present original ideas and design process in a professional portfolio.
- Articulate a reflective design process, visually, verbally and in writing, which incorporates research and analysis to solve design problems.
Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or a mature applicant
- English: Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent course
Canadian citizens and permanent residents may satisfy the English requirements for this program through successful Seneca pre-admission testing.
Recommended upgrading for applicants who do not meet academic subject requirements.
International Student Information
International admissions requirements vary by program and in addition to English requirements, programs may require credits in mathematics, biology, and chemistry at a level equivalent to Ontario’s curriculum, or a postsecondary degree or diploma, equivalent to an Ontario university or college. Program-specific pre-requisite courses and credentials are listed with the admission requirements on each program page. To review the academic requirements please visit: Academic Requirements - Seneca, Toronto, Canada (senecapolytechnic.ca).
Pathways
As a leader in academic pathways, we offer a range of options that will allow you to take your credential further in another Seneca program or a program at a partner institution.
To learn more about your eligibility, visit the Academic Pathways web page.