Module manager: Caroline Hemingray
Email: C.S.Hemingray@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
DESN5326M Fashion Futures
This module is not approved as an Elective
In this module, students will explore how innovation can challenge existing norms in fashion and use this research to inform the design of their own future-looking fashion concepts. Students are encouraged to critique the status quo of the existing fashion industry and propose new solutions relevant to a rapidly changing world. Students will reflect on social, cultural, environmental and economic factors to propose a design-led solutions with a positive impact.
The objectives of this module are to:
1) Introduce students to innovative thinking and foster an imaginative approach to problem-solving in the context of fashion through lectures, seminars and practicals.
2) Develop practical skills relevant to development and application of innovation in fashion.
3) Support students with independent research and development of design concepts for future fashion scenarios.
On successful completion of this module, students will have provided evidence of being able to:
1. Evaluate current and future challenges within the fashion industry, environment, and society.
2. Propose innovative solutions in response to future fashion scenarios, demonstrating both creative thinking and commercial awareness.
3. Critically assess the potential impact of the proposed design concept on either social, cultural, environmental and/or economic factors.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Ability to select appropriate digital technologies to develop concepts, and present processes and outcomes to a professional and commercial standard.
5. Communicate clearly and concisely, using supporting evidence to form ideas and justify outcomes.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 1 | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| Lectures | 6 | 1 | 6 |
| seminars | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| Practicals | 6 | 3 | 18 |
| Independent online learning hours | 16 | ||
| Private study hours | 101.5 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 32.5 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Formative assessment will consist of a sample of a draft section for the journal, e.g. initial innovation research and early design work. Verbal feedback will be provided on their formative assessment, with opportunities for improvement before the final submission. Students will be provided with general and individual feedback during seminar activities to support the development of their assignment.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Research development journal | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
The research development and design journal will include research on the student’s area of innovation in fashion, the development of their ideas in relation the their research and their final design concept. The journal will include both written and visual content.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 02/06/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team