According to the 2006-07 Pakistan Economic Survey, at least 38 percent of the Pakistani workforce is employed in the textile industry. Making up more than 61 percent of the country's total annual exports, fashion and textile design is an important sector of Pakistan's economy. If you're looking to break into the field of fashion and textile design, consider attending a fashion design school.
Foundation Programs
Some four-year schools start their students off with a one-year foundational program. Depending on the school, it may be focused only on fashion and textile design, or it may give the student a broad base in the visual and creative arts. For students who are not ready to commit to a four-year degree, the one-year foundation program at STEP Lahore is a way to dabble in the field of fashion design.
Undergraduate Options
Bachelor's degree programs are usually made up of eight semesters and take three to four years, depending on the school's academic calendar. In Lahore, there are several options for pursuing a bachelor's degree in fashion or textile Design. Hajvery University's Fashion Institute of Technology offers a three-year program that culminates in a Bachelor of Arts in Textile Design. Beaconhouse National University, the country's first liberal arts college, has bachelor's programs in both textile and jewelry design, while the National College of Arts offers a four-year Bachelor of Arts in Textile Design. In Karachi, you can do a Bachelor of Science in Textile Design at the Textile Institute of Pakistan, or a Bachelor of Arts at Karachi School of Art.
Master's Programs
Master's level programs are not as plentiful as undergraduate programs in Pakistan. There is a seven-semester program on offer at Hajvery University's Fashion Institute of Technology in Lahore. The program takes at least two years of full-time study to complete and results in a Master of Arts in Fashion Design.
Continuing Education
Summer workshops are another way to continue your education in fashion design. Every summer, the National College of Arts in Lahore offers one-week workshops in a variety of disciplines. STEP in Lahore also offers short workshops during the summer.
Considerations
If you already have an undergraduate degree, you may consider doing a master's degree or attending short courses for professional development. STEP runs short courses for the professional development of artists and designers.
Tuition Costs
Tuition varies widely between schools and programs. Tuition fees at the Textile Institute of Pakistan start at 66,000 rupees ($793) per semester, while tuition fees at the National College of Arts start at just 600 rupees ($7.20) per month. Before applying to a program, inquire about the current fee structure.
Tags: fashion textile, Bachelor Arts, College Arts, fashion design, fashion textile design