Technical Approaches to Sustainable Fashion Short Course

About this course

The course traces fashion production from fibres and yarns through fabric construction, dyeing, finishing and garment manufacturing. Lectures, case studies and applied discussions investigate how choices about materials, processes and product development affect water use, chemicals, energy, labour conditions and wider sustainability outcomes. Learners also consider lower-impact dyeing and material innovations, alongside their practical limitations. The course links technical decisions to durability, recyclability and end-of-life planning, providing a basis for evaluating trade-offs across product development, sourcing and sustainability functions.

What you'll learn

• Map the main stages of textile and garment production from fibre selection to manufacturing.
• Assess the environmental and social effects associated with materials and production processes.
• Evaluate how fibre, fabric, dyeing and product development choices influence sustainability outcomes.
• Critically examine lower-impact dyeing and material innovations, including their practical limitations.
• Apply circularity considerations such as durability, recyclability and end-of-life planning to product decisions.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for fashion professionals, emerging practitioners and students working across product development, technical and raw materials, sourcing, supply chain, sustainability, compliance, buying or commercial roles. It may also suit people moving towards sustainability-focused fashion work. No technical background is required, although a basic understanding of the fashion industry is beneficial.

• Relevant to learners working across technical, sourcing, sustainability and commercial functions.
• Suitable for people exploring a transition into sustainability-focused fashion roles.
• A basic understanding of the fashion industry may be helpful.