National Certificate and DIT Course in Fashion and Design (NCFD)

Fashion and garment designs is one of the most adorable hands-on courses that involves the creation, innovation and improvement of designs with the aim of suiting preferences and tastes of different people around the globe.

Modularization of the program: Modular learning in Fashion and design is the approach where the focus is on learning outcomes, and its success relies on connecting outcomes to student learning and course design. We emphasize skills development and competencies at every module that will enable a learner to leave at any stage with employable skills. Under this program, the candidates should be able to draft, cut and construct various garments using different methods, producing new outfits. Other competences a learner should develop include the ability to start and manage individual sewing workshops and make profits. The assessment syllabus has been prepared keeping in view the learning outcome of each module. Trainees are allowed to proceed with their own learning pace (self-pacing) and will be assessed for every module completed. The program structure has been divided into six modules as illustrated below. The additional two modules; Life skills and vocational mathematics will be compulsory for trainees who wish to progress for the whole course.

Major Modules Covered:

1. Pattern Making and Grading: Learn to create garment pattern templates and grade patterns to various sizes and specifications.
2. Garment Making: Acquire skills in constructing new garment designs, repairing garments, and making alterations.
3. Fabric Decorating: Produce designed fabric surfaces with patterns.
4. Dry Cleaning and Laundry: Master modern techniques for cleaning apparel products.
5. Jewelry Making: Create ornamental pieces and jewelry.
6. Fabric Construction: Learn to produce woven and knitted fabrics.

Admission Requirements:

1. UBTEB Admission: Minimum pass in three subjects at Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) Examination or its equivalent.
2. DIT Admission: Primary training with a PLE certificate or its equivalent.

Fees:

1. Tuition:
   • Ugandans / East Africans / Refugees: UGX 420,000 per semester.
   • International Students: UGX 800,000 (USD 223) per semester.
2. Examination Fees: Fixed by UBTEB and DIT.
3. Accommodation/Hostel/Meals: UGX 480,000 per semester. Private accommodations also available.

Other Requirements:

• A rim of unruled paper
• A rim of ruled paper
• Pattern or drafting papers
• Pair of scissors
• Box of tailoring chalk
• 6 yards of starter fabric
• Tape measure
• Set of tailoring pins
• Box of small size threads
• Seam rippers
• Machine components (bobbin ring and case, hand needles, machine needles)

The course aims to:

1. Impart knowledge of clothing, communication, and fashion expression.
2. Create awareness about clothing culture.
3. Equip students with practical and theoretical knowledge about fashion and design.
4. Teach students about different fiber yarns and fabric properties.
5. Enable students to understand fabric structure and analysis.
6. Develop an understanding of different garment terminologies.
7. Teach about different textiles materials used in product development.
8. Understand current fashion scenarios and trends at local and international levels.
9. Provide knowledge about the design process used by designers.
10. Develop skills for creating inspirations and mood boards for different themes or seasons.

Career Opportunities:

Graduates of the NCFD program can pursue various career paths, including:

• Jewelry Designer: Create and design jewelry and accessories.
• Fashion Photographer: Capture artistic fashion images.
• Art Director: Bring creative visions to life in fashion layouts.
• Market Retail: Gain industry experience and customer interaction.
• Fashion Model: Model clothing and accessories.
• Fashion Blogger/Writer: Write for fashion magazines or blogs.
• Illustrator: Create sketches for fashion houses.
• Fashion Journalist: Manage content for fashion magazines.
• Fashion Designer: Create designs, organize fashion shows, and develop décor art.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this program, learners will be able to:

1. Draft, cut, and construct various garments using different methods.
2. Start and manage individual sewing workshops and make profits.
3. Repair and make alterations to garments.
4. Produce designed fabric surfaces and patterns.
5. Clean apparel products using modern techniques.
6. Create jewelry and other ornamental pieces.
7. Produce woven and knitted fabrics.