Hannah Blakeman

The Course

Studying BA (Hons) Fashion was a great opportunity, and I learnt a huge amount during my time. All three years helped me grow confidence in making/designing/sketching and presenting, and these skills have transferred into my career. The course also offered a number of opportunities and I have been lucky enough to visit places such as Tokyo, Paris and China. The university is created around a communal working space which allowed me and fellow students to interact and feel supported throughout our 3 years in Manchester. The tutors and technicians ensured we excelled in our certain interests whether that was knitwear, print design or embroidery.

Industry Placement/Internship

In my second year we were offered an opportunity to study in China (Ningbo) for 3 months. During this time, I specialised in Knitwear and was introduced to the tutor at Zhejiang Fashion Institute of Technology. I developed my skills and techniques over the placement, and this helped my confidence going into my final year. I was also able to travel whilst out there and I believe this experience allowed me to become more independent and ambitious.

Student Support

MMU have a great student support system. In my final year I was tested for Dyslexia and I was offered a lot of support to ensure I met my courses criteria. They provided the equipment that would help me maintain my grades and would have advice for time management and balancing workload. The tutors always ensured we were involved in a lot of competitions with industry brands such as H&M, Topshop/Topman and Burberry. In my final year I decided to apply for the British fashion council x Burberry competition. To my surprise I was fortunate to win 1st prize and was offered a 3-month internship and £2000. Three years later I am still at Burberry as a Studio Assistant on the Design floor. This role is based around coordinating the floor and ensuring all designers are supported. I have just finished assisting my sixth runway show and I have had to opportunity to work alongside the best in the business.

Advice for Future Fashion Graduates

One piece of advice I would give to future students is to say YES!! To every opportunity the course offers you. Every competition or collaboration is more and more practise for a future in the fashion industry.

Hannah Blakeman is now working as a Studio Assistant at Burberry.