2026/27 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

DESN1381 Fashion Lifecycle 1: Materials and Process

20 Credits Class Size: 40

Module manager: Mark Taylor
Email: m.taylor@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2026/27

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module introduces the concept of sustainable analysis via the early lifecycle stages of a product. By considering the sustainability issues of the manufacturing of textiles (raw materials, production processes, dyeing and finishing) the module builds on the programme themes for considering sustainability in terms of environment, society, business and culture. This module provides the technical foundation for understanding the full fashion lifecycle and important sustainability issues at each stage of the life cycle from design choices through to material selection and fabric manufacturing.

Objectives

The module is designed to introduce students to the raw materials and processes used to produce the textile materials that are used to make fashion articles. Students will have the opportunity to employ standard methods for measuring the properties of these textile materials.

The module will introduce the idea that decisions made at every stage of the fashion lifecycle can have an effect on the social and environmental impact of a product through the use of lectures, seminars and presentations.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Demonstrate familiarity with the theories, concepts, and practical techniques relevant to studying fashion and sustainability.
2. Identify environmental and ethical issues throughout the fashion lifecycle stages.
3. Apply skills and knowledge to understand sustainability issues for the fashion industry in response to project briefs.

Skills Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Apply effective communication skills in the presentation of their work.
5. Develop qualitative and quantitative research skills.
6. Demonstrate an ability to critically reflect on their work and their strengths and weaknesses.

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
presentation 1 4 4
seminars 4 2 8
Practicals 4 3 16
Lecture 11 1 11
Independent online learning hours 22
Private study hours 139
Total Contact hours 39
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 200

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Report Written report (group) 60
In-course MCQ Online MCQ 40
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list

Last updated: 30/04/2026

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team