- Arts Thread
- Apparel Affinity Group
- American Costume Society
- Canadian Apparel Federation
- Fashion Group International
- Fashion Takes Action
- International Textile and Apparel Association
- Retail Council of Canada
- Textile Museum of Canada
- Toronto Fashion Incubator
- WGSN Trend Forecasting
Fashion Studies (FST)
About the Program
Seneca Polytechnic’s two-semester Fashion Studies certificate program provides a solid foundation for those aspiring to pursue a career in the fashion industry.
The program offers a diverse array of hands-on courses covering key areas of the fashion field, such as design fundamentals and illustration. In addition, the curriculum explores the latest textile techniques and industry trends alongside business communication skills. It also explores specialized topics including sustainable fashion and inclusive design practices.
Through a combination of practical training and theoretical learning, the program fosters creativity and promotes innovative thinking through a range of fashion-related design projects.
Credential Awarded
Ontario College Certificate
Duration
2 Semesters (8 Months)
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.
Skills
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
- colour theory
- design and idea generation
- digital and information technology
- drawing and illustration
- effective communication
- research, analysis and forecasting
- time management and organization
Your Career
Upon completion of the Fashion Studies program, you may pursue employment across diverse sectors of the industry or build on your education. Several FST courses serve as direct transfer credits into other Seneca programs, such as Fashion Arts (FAA), Fashion Business (FBM) and Visual Merchandising Arts (VMA).
Affiliations/Associations
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.
Program of Study
| Course Code | Course Name | Weekly Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| COM101 | Communicating Across Contexts | 3 |
| or COM111 | Communicating Across Contexts (Enriched) | |
| FST101 | Design Concepts and Studio I | 5 |
| FST110 | Colour and Fashion Trends | 3 |
| FST120 | Fashion Illustration | 3 |
| RBC155 | Business Communications I | 3 |
| Semester 2 | ||
| FCA454 | Fashion and CAD | 3 |
| FSH200 | Evolution of Fashion | 3 |
| FST201 | Design Concepts and Studio II | 5 |
| FST230 | Sustainable Fashion | 3 |
| FST250 | Portfolio and Presentations | 3 |
| TXF212 | Textiles I | 3 |
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:
- Support the management of a fashion organization through the effective application of computer skills and knowledge of information technology.
- Facilitate the completion of fashion design and fashion business–related assignments by demonstrating research, visual, verbal and written communication skills, as appropriate.
- Support the completion of tasks and the meeting of deadlines in a fashion business or fashion design environment through the application of effective time management organizational skills.
- Create two– and three–dimensional designs and media explorations.
- Apply the theories of idea generation to program projects.
- Create visual communication in various media using colour theory and drawing skills.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the evolution of fashion and the sociological and psychological factors which influence the shape of fashion historically and today.
- Discuss the ethical challenges facing the fashion industry today and the sustainable solutions being practiced today and proposed for the future.
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.