From the sophisticated design studios, as well as being inspired by international fashion leaders in Paris, London, Milan and New York, AUE young designers will find that the Fashion Design program offers the ideal platform towards achieving international fashion fame. AUE provides a secure and stimulating environment, where students learn professional techniques, as well as fashion theories. These are balanced with practice by utilizing the latest fashion design computer programs and laboratories to create garments for the students to compete in local and international fashion shows. Students will learn all the aspects of the fashion industry, including design, marketing, merchandising, manufacturing, draping, textiles, retailing and the business of fashion.
The program offers students the ideal setting for creativity with large design studios, which include dress forms, sewing machines, garment cutting tables, as well as apparel construction rooms and textile labs. We also provide state-of-the-art computer labs using the latest fashion design computer programs and printing facilities, as well as an extensive library with the latest fashion and textile books and resources. All these facilities are available for students on the premises to use in a professional and engaging learning environment.
Working under the direction of experienced practitioners, students are encouraged to be creative thinkers who seek to implement their design ideas to foster innovation and a uniqueness in their style. The College of Fine Arts and Design has a wide range of connections with the local and international fashion scenes. Through this, it creates a learning environment of creative problem-solving with a thorough understanding of student specializations and an in-depth knowledge of the changing factors that affect their industry.
| Course Category | Total Number of Courses | Total Number of Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Courses | 10 | 30 |
| Core Courses | 11 | 33 |
| Specialization Courses | 14 | 57 |
| Free Electives | 2 | 6 |
| Total | 38 Courses | 126 Credit Hours |
| Course Name | Course Code | Credit Hours | Course Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Writing | ENG 101 | 3 | This course provides students with advanced writing skills in English so that they can successfully pursue their studies in various academic specializations. It helps students to develop, improve, and upgrade their writing and structure skills, and it also acquaints students with technical writing, research papers, and essays since brief research methods are applied in student projects and assignments. |
| Arabic Composition | ARLAA 105 | 3 | This course is designed to enable students to analyze multiple texts in various fields of knowledge. In order to be able to distinguish between texts despite their difference of contents, it also enables student to simulate those texts in a correct way, and to transform the information into skill and behavior. And since writing is an integrated building process, and that the building is affected by its parts, therefore student needs models, linguistic laws, planning, cohesion and goals including: news and inquiries, demand and influence of the recipient. |
| Arabic for Non Arab Speakers | ARLNA 100 | 3 | This course is based on the principle that "Education" is an accumulative task especially when it comes to language learning. This process undergoes specific stages to assist the non-Arabic speakers to reach the ultimate goal which is to acquire the required skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) easily and accurately. To achieve this aim, text-based dialogues are provided as head start for the non-Arabic speakers to continue to the higher levels. The course also provides basic elements for reading, writing, dialogues, and listening to assist the learners to confidently interact with the Arab community |
| Communication Skills in Arabic | ARLAA 100 | 3 | This course is designed to enable the Arabic-speaking student with the necessary language skills, especially focusing on the steps of writing reports, official letters and systematic research. To achieve this, and to develop the student's abilities to understand correctly what he reads and listens, and to gain the ability to write articles, reports, meeting minutes and recommendations of conferences and seminars in a sound manner, the course was concerned with training the student in basic writing skills; such as multiple spelling rules, punctuation marks, paragraph system, and essay writing progressively. |
| Contemporary Arab Art | DES 104 | 3 | This course explores Arab art and aesthetics from the beginning of the twentieth century till date. The students will learn about the contemporary art and design movement in Arab countries, the expression of cultural identity, as well as the factors involved and changes in aesthetics from Islamic to Arabic art. They will also study and analyze the role of pioneer artists from various generations with emphasis on their influence on contemporary Arab art. |
| Emirati Studies (formerly UAE and GCC Society) | ASC 208 | 3 | The course is designed to introduce the UAE and GCC society with its historical background and uniqueness. It is aimed at enabling students to understand the specific features of the society along with its customs, traditions and lifestyle. The course will introduce the processes and the challenges of development as well as the future aspirations of the UAE and GCC Society. |
| English Literature | ENG 200 | 3 | This course will provide the students with a comprehensive overview of English literature in the United States. It will familiarize the students primarily with early Anglo-American writers and the different literary movements that took place in the United States. Today American literature includes many minority literary works, but the historical matrix remains Anglo-Saxon if we are to consider the dominant culture as the starting historical point. |
| Environmental Science | ASC 211 | 3 | The ‘Principles of Environmental Science’ course is designed to introduce the fundamental concepts of Environmental Science to undergraduate students. It includes topics from different areas of study such as ecology, biology, soil science and atmospheric science. The course aims at raising environmental awareness among students and providing them with the scientific knowledge and skills to identify, prevent and solve environmental problems. Additionally, it deals with ecological concepts, organism interactions, communities and ecosystems. The course focuses on key areas of population dynamics, biodiversity, human activities and the environment managed ecosystems, air quality, water and solid waste management. |
| General Mathematics | MAT 100 | 3 | This course is designed to develop a good understanding of the fundamental concepts of mathematics. It also stresses on crucial cognitive transferable skills such as the ability to think logically and concisely. Mastering this course will give students the confidence to go on and do further courses in mathematics and statistics. |
| History of Islamic Art | DES 105 | 3 | This course aims to focus on the evolution of Islamic Art through a chronological overview of various ?trends and approaches throughout history. Students will explore and analyze the rise and influence of ?Islam leading to the formation of a new artistic culture the world over.? |
| Innovation and Entrepreneurship | MGT 604 | 3 | This course marks students’ introduction to the theory and practice of innovation and entrepreneurship. Whether they are creating an opportunity or seizing an existing one students explore the core concepts and tools for creating new products or services, new businesses, or new markets from a multilayered perspective. The course examines the fundamentals of innovation in a multitude of settings, operationalizing the entrepreneurial spirit via a comprehensive business plan, and making decisions in the areas of strategic planning, financing, marketing, process improvement, and management with an awareness of the opportunities and challenges of working in an increasingly complex environment regionally and internationally. |
| Introduction to Philosophy | ASC 201 | 3 | This course will introduce the students to the key concepts of philosophy and its principle tools. The course will discuss the schools of philosophical thought, and will apply philosophical analysis to the topics of knowledge, religion, mind, freedom, responsibility, and ethics. |
| Introduction to Research | ASC 207 | 3 | The intent of this course is two-fold. First, it introduces students with the basic research terminologies. Second, it familiarizes them with the process of research from choosing a topic to writing the proposal. Students will be immersed in hands on experience where they will be introduced to research concepts that will help them understand, interpret, and review a journal article. Contents to be covered include the language of research, types of research, elements of scientific research proposal, writing an academic research proposal using APA style, research ethics, identifying data collection instruments, and interpreting data. |
| Islamic Civilization | ASC 106 | 3 | The course is designed to give an in-depth understanding of the Islamic civilization. It deals with the universal principles that went into the making of the Islamic civilization. It examines the basic ideas of Islamic civilization besides exploring their contemporary relevance and challenges. The course seeks to effectively address the notion of the ‘clash of civilizations. |
| Islamic Culture | ASC 105 | 3 | This course will expand students’ knowledge to enable them to understand the Islamic culture and its characteristics. It analyzes the sources of legislation in Islam. It offers a review of the history of Islam and how it is currently the fastest growing religion in the world. |
| Middle East History | ASC 204 | 3 | This course provides an overview of Middle-Eastern History, including the sources of Middle Eastern History. The course will conclude with discussions about perspectives on Middle-Eastern History. |
| Natural Science | ASC 210 | 3 | The natural science course incorporates a wide range of subjects of sciences such as astronomy, geology, biology, chemistry, and environmental science. The course will present the scientific facts of astronomy, the Earth and its weather, water, and environment, biology, and nutrition with the chemicals of life. The course emphasizes understanding the core principles of different branches of science and their effects on our lives. Moreover, the course explores the scope of natural phenomena, changing environment conditions, general health rules of nutrition, and the variety of living organisms. The course helps the students to acquire skills in observation, critical thinking, analyzing, interpreting, understanding and discussing scientific terminology and facts. |
| Sustainable Energy | ASC 212 | 3 | This course gives a thorough introduction to sustainable energy, conservation, and energy efficiency within the UAE and the world. It will explore the relationship between energy, environment, economy and ecological well-being. It will discuss energy production from the biology, natural science, environmental science and social sciences perspectives. A variety of topics will be introduced including global warming, climate change, sustainable food production, solid waste management, environmental and natural resources laws. The course includes the growing challenges of climate change and energy crisis and proposes solutions to overcome them. |
| University Life | ASC 101 | 3 | The purpose of this course is to facilitate the process of transition into a new academic and cultural environment for the new students enrolled in the AUE. Furthermore, it aims to promote their confidence so that they can succeed and meet the academic requirements. The course assimilates academic content with interactive in class activities to ensure an understanding of curricular options and begin to develop a future career plan through self-reflection. |
| World History | ASC 203 | 3 | This course provides an overview of World / General History. The course will conclude with discussions about perspectives on World History. It surveys the history of humankind since 250CE till 1990 CE. In addition, interregional, comparative, cross-cultural, transnational, and historiographical topics will be considered. The objective of the course is to explore the roots of contemporary globalization and to develop historical thinking and writing. |
| Course Name | Course Code | Credit Hours | Course Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3D Design | DES 212 | 3 | In this course, students will learn various techniques to construct objects in digital 3D space, as well as physical 3D solutions. Students will follow a concept development process of research and sketching, to generate designs for 3D production. A final original design, related to each student’s major, will be constructed using industry-standard 3D software. |
| Art History I | DES 122 | 3 | This course is a chronological survey of art and design offering students an in-depth understanding of the role of art throughout history with a strong focus on aesthetic values, socio-cultural influences and technical terminology. Architecture, sculpture, painting, decorative arts, prehistoric art, design of the ancient world, the world beyond Europe, early Christian and Islamic art and the art of the Middle-Ages and Gothic period form the foundation of the course material spanning a period from 40,000 BC to 1300 AD. |
| Art History II | DES 211 | 3 | This course covers the extensive cultural shifts from the early Renaissance through to the 20th century. Students will study painting, sculpture, furniture architecture as individual works in relation to their geographical, social, political, and religious environments. Also, analysis and comparative study of periodic decorative elements, strong designs and architectural features will be conducted. |
| Basic Design | DES 101 | 3 | This course is one of the fundamental courses in which the students will be introduced to the visual elements of design comprising of: point and line; shape and form; surface and texture; color and value; light and shadow; negative and positive space. The students will practice design principles: unity and variety; similarity; emphasis and point of interest; scale; proportion; and balance. This course is designed to give the students a strong understanding of 2D and 3D visual communications. |
| Collaborative Design Studio | DES 414 | 3 | The course is designed to promote interdisciplinary collaboration in design. Graphic, Interior, Fashion Design and Digital Animation are brought together into one studio environment to allow students with different skills and strengths work as a team solving a relatively complex design problem. Students develop a research plan followed by the establishment of intent and context for the topic and identification of stakeholders, leading to concept exploration and creation of a holistic design solution in cooperation with other specializations, institutes or with professionals from the industry. |
| Color Theory and Practice | DES 100 | 3 | This course examines color theory as an aid to communication, control and expression in traditional and contemporary design. The fundamental course allows students to explore color topics including color theory, color interaction, and color psychology. Students will study a wide range of creative and technical aspects of color and its use in design, experimenting with traditional mediums and digital applications. |
| Design Thinking | DES 210 | 3 | This course introduces students to human centered design thinking methods and practices through a variety of hands-on activities. DT is a methodology used by designers for the identification of problems and the definition of innovative solutions. Students will engage in processes for idea generation including sketching and diagramming, concept mapping and low-fidelity prototyping infusing visualization techniques and empathic tools into their design process. |
| Drawing I | DES 121 | 3 | This course provides a core introduction to drawing, covering a wide range of basic and intermediate practical and technical skills. Students will explore approaches and concepts to the subject through manual practice using a comprehensive range of media and with reference to great masters in the field. Traditional and objective drawing skills in the use of line, tone, form and perspective provide the foundation for learning in this course. Students are required to develop their ability to observe, perceive and interpret through drawing the world around them, reflecting their understanding of 2D and 3D space. |
| Drawing II | DES 123 | 3 | This course introduces students to different drawing concepts and skills through observation and exploration of several drawing techniques. In this course, students will develop the ability to express themselves, learn problem solving, and exploring portraiture, figure drawing, landscape drawing, and advanced compositions. Critical thinking skills, problem-solving, and a self-directed improvement capability are essentially required for this course. |
| Fundamentals of Graphic Illustration and Digital Imaging | DES 102 | 3 | Fundamentals of Graphic Illustration and Digital Imaging introduces students to the use of a computer as a powerful digital drawing and imaging tool. The focus of the course is on basic computer skills and use, mastering fundamental digital illustration and imaging skills, and developing efficient working styles. The course learning experience incorporates a variety of visual artwork strategies including but not limited to, color/ texture enhancements, typography, pen/ brush tools, , perspective tool, using different color schemes. This course involves considerable hands-on instruction and multiple projects using Adobe Photoshop/ Illustrator. |
| Internship | DES 301 / FAD 300 / FAD 305 | 3 | The college considers students’ internship as an essential channel that brings together the college, the students, and the job marketplace. Furthermore, internship is a method that integrates the instructional theoretical backgrounds to real existing practice. The training allows them to work under the observation and guidance of the field supervisor without replacing any regular employee. The internship is closely monitored by a college faculty member as an academic supervisor. |
| Course Name | Course Code | Credit Hours | Course Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAD for Fashion Design | FSD 410 | 6 | This course explores the application of computer-aided design (CAD) in the fashion industry. The students will be using industry-standard software to create and enhance digital designs including concept boards, storyboards, illustrations and flats. They will develop a portfolio of creative responses through trend research and analysis for effective visual communication. |
| Capstone Graduation Project | FSD 423 | 3 | The capstone graduation project represents the students’ in-depth learning and understanding of their specialization field through a long-term project accomplished professionally. They are evaluated on their ability to complete this project with originality and quality, integrating and applying the skills, techniques, and methodologies they have learnt during their course of study in the program. The capstone is executed in stages under an academic advisor's supervision, whose regular feedback and support are imperative in guiding the student to achieve the desired outcome of this autonomous individual project. The capstone graduation project is preceded by the capstone seminar, where extensive research and exploration lead to the formulation of a proposal that includes the topic, designs, materials and techniques, and the methodology and timeline for the execution of the capsule collection. The implementation of the proposal takes place during this course, and the complete process is documented, findings are compiled and presented orally as well as in writing through a comprehensive capstone report. For the project's duration, the academic supervisor monitors the progress, advising and offering suggestions to uplevel the quality and finishing per industry standards. The Capstone experience integrates coursework, knowledge, skills and experiential learning to enable the student to demonstrate a broad mastery of learning across the curriculum for further career advancement. The project is divided into three distinct phases: |
| Capstone Seminar | FSD 416 | 3 | The capstone seminar is registered prior to the Capstone project to help students develop a high-quality capstone proposal and plan. The students are guided and mentored by the academic advisor during a thorough research process until the iteration reaches a satisfactory level, thus preparing them for applied self-directed capstone experience. |
| Fashion Design by Draping | FSD 412 | 6 | This course is a study of three-dimensional fashion design through the technique of draping directly on a body form. Various silhouettes and garment style features are explored through draping in muslin, and then converted to flat patterns to have an integrated design approach. Students use the principles of draping to create original apparel designs in fashion fabric for specified target markets. |
| Fashion Illustration | FSD 312 | 3 | The course introduces fashion illustration styles and techniques. The focus is on the development process of the fashion figure, design details, fabric rendering, flats, customer profile analysis, and collection development. The students will also discover and compare the work of famous fashion illustrators and consequently develop their individual style that will be demonstrated in the portfolio. |
| Fashion Management | FSD 314 | 3 | This course provides fashion management and business knowledge to the students through real world experience. The different aspects of fashion retail industry and global supply chain are explored in relation to consumer behavior and current industry trends from line planning to product development, visual merchandising, retail distribution, marketing and management. Through industry-related projects involving in-depth research, data collection and analysis via case studies, site visits, surveys and interviews, students enhance their competencies and communication skills. They participate in exciting group exercises, model making and fashion industry events/presentations to gain insights about the operation of the global fashion system to be able develop their own merchandising and management strategies. |
| Fashion Studio I | FSD 311 | 6 | In this course, students will learn to adapt garment construction principles, techniques and skills based on the lean methodology of “learn, build, test and repeat”. They will create prototypes that will be tested and recreated to achieve new outcomes per prevailing industry standards and requirements. |
| Fashion Studio II | FSD 321 | 6 | The course builds upon previously learnt apparel construction principles, techniques and skills to apply them in the production of various garments. The focus will be on integrating research and design to plan and construct outfits of intermediate complexity from muslin and subsequently with fashion fabric. The students will execute the construction using advanced tailoring techniques and develop their ability to achieve precision in fitting and adjustments. |
| Garment Construction | FSD 307 / FSD 224 | 3 | This course introduces students to the fundamentals of sewing and garment construction. They develop skills in the operation and maintenance of professional sewing equipment and learn to apply various hand and machine techniques for the construction and appropriate finishing of garments. They explore the variation in sewing techniques for different types of materials and execute an outfit in fashion fabric with manual dexterity. |
| History of Costume | FSD 202 | 3 | This course studies the historic development of Western and Asian fashion design and costumes. The evolution of clothing from the ancient times to the present day will be examined in detail, with an understanding of the social, technological and artistic influences. Students will study the significant fashion designers and their contribution to the field of fashion. They will comprehend and explore extensive design possibilities and apply them in contemporary fashion design. |
| Introduction to Textiles, Materials and Processes | FSD 303 / FSD 223 | 3 | This course introduces students to textile materials and their application in fashion design. It explores various textile processes, techniques, materials and their performance, serviceability, identification and selection of suitable fabrics. Environmental and sustainability issues associated with textiles practice are also examined to provide a comprehensive view of the textile industry and its relation to fashion design. |
| Introduction to the Fashion Industry | FSD 211 | 3 | The course explores the concept of the fashion design cycle from trend research and production to fashion retailing. The processes involved in conceptualizing, designing and creating a collection for various sectors of the industry are examined. The students will gain insights into the working processes and inter-relationships in the international fashion industry, as well as understand relevant areas for design practice and career opportunities. |
| Patternmaking | FSD 322 | 6 | This course is aimed at providing students the knowledge and skills of the principles and techniques of flat patternmaking to produce drafts according to standard and individual measurements. The students will prepare paper patterns for different types of garments and garment parts and use their sewing skills to execute the pattern for an original design into an outfit. Students learn the importance of fit and balance in patterns to get a well finished garment |
| Special Topics in Design | FSD 422 | 3 | This course provides an opportunity for students to focus on various issues in fashion design and to study advanced techniques and processes. Course content vary each time the course is offered. The course emphasizes research analysis and the creative process that leads to innovative solutions and allows students to pursue individual projects related to the subject of the course. The course may include lectures, discussions, individual projects and critique, depending on the nature of the topic. |
| Course Name | Course Code | Credit Hours | Course Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Elective | 6 | 6 Credit Hours must be chosen from any other college/specialization in condition the prerequisites of the chosen courses are met. |
For undergraduate degree completion, undergraduate students must satisfy the following requirements:
