ba (hons) cordwainers footwear and accessories is a future-focused course for students ready to challenge conventions and shape the next generation of fashion products. with global growth predicted across the footwear, bags, and accessories sectors, this course offers a unique opportunity to develop innovative, responsible, and industry-ready design practice. blending heritage craftsmanship with emerging digital technologies, the course encourages 3d experimentation across both analogue and digital methods. from studio practice in hand crafted techniques to 3d modelling, digital prototyping, and material innovation, students are supported to build a wide-ranging skill set that reflects both historical context and future possibility in footwear and accessories. at its core, the course prioritises sustainability, inclusivity, and forward-thinking design. you will develop a problem-solving mindset aligned with product and industrial design approach, preparing you to tackle real-world challenges within the fashion industry. collaboration, critical thinking, and entrepreneurial skills are embedded throughout to support employability and long-term creative growth. project outcomes may include socio-cultural fashion footwear and accessories sample ranges, or crafted components - physical or digital outcome that respond to contemporary concerns such as climate change, circularity, and material scarcity. whether it's a single product, a set of modular designs, or an exploration into future-making techniques, your work will reflect your unique voice and direction. delivered within studio spaces at east bank, and supported by industry partnerships and live briefs, this course will empower you to graduate with the vision, agility, and skill to thrive in an evolving global market. what to expect professional technical expertise: you will develop valuable specialised technical, digital and hand making skills to industry standard, engaging with diverse materials, processes and applications. advanced communication skills: throughout your studies you will develop your ability to communicate your ideas through a variety of methods including: hand and digital tools, 2d to 3d design development, and oral and digital presentation skills. academic thinking: we will provide both studio environments to facilitate problem solving of relevant footwear and accessory design issues and in your academic studies of fashion cultures and history you will engage with debates concerning climate, racial and social justice. knowledge of the entire design process: you will focus on the design and development process from initial research, 2d design development, 3d experimentation and prototype making. industry links: you will have the opportunity to engage with industry through live projects, be an active designer through presentations and critiques of your work to industry. experimentation with a variety of materials and processes: you will have the opportunity to deepen your understanding of materials and develop both hand crafted and digital manufacturing processes, that are embedded in the curriculum, through experimentation and studio practice. confidence and team building opportunities: you will build key employability competencies through collaborative activity such peer critique, team workshops, and group tutorials. industry experience and opportunities throughout the course, you will have access to valuable industry engagement designed to build real-world knowledge and professional confidence. you’ll experience masterclasses, guest lectures, field trips, and hands-on workshops led by designers and specialists from across the fashion product sector. these interactions offer insights into industry trends, practices, and expectations, helping you understand where your work fits within a global context. in year 2, you will take part in industry-set challenges and live briefs, working directly with established brands to respond to real design problems. previous collaborators have included vivienne westwood, salomon, russell & bromley, lineapelle, bill amberg, inditex, and mcm, offering diverse perspectives across luxury, performance, and commercial markets. there is also the option to study abroad for a semester in year 2 at one of our international partner universities, potentially expanding your global outlook and developing cross-cultural design awareness. mode of study ba (hons) cordwainers footwear and accessories runs for 90 weeks in full-time mode. it is divided into 3 stages over 3 academic years. each stage lasts 30 weeks.