Research Methods at Level 6: Preparing Delight Fashion Graduates for University and Industry
By Delight Technical College | Fashion Curriculum Deep Dive | 2026
Level 6 at Delight Technical College is not just about making beautiful things, it is about understanding the industry, analyzing trends, and thinking critically about fashion as a cultural, economic, and creative phenomenon. The Research Methods module prepares students for both university progression and the evidence-based professional practice expected in the modern fashion industry.
📚 About the Module
- Module: Research Methods
- Level: 6 | Term: Seven (Module VII)
- Total Hours: 80 | Hours per Week: 7
🔍 What Is Research in Fashion?
Fashion research goes far beyond browsing Pinterest or Instagram for inspiration. Professional fashion research involves:
- Trend forecasting- identifying emerging consumer and aesthetic trends
- Market research- understanding who your customer is and what they want
- Historical research- drawing on fashion history for design inspiration
- Material research- investigating new fabrics, technologies, and production methods
- Sustainability research- exploring eco-friendly practices and materials
📝 What You Will Learn
Research Design:
- Formulating research questions and objectives
- Choosing appropriate research methods (qualitative and quantitative)
- Primary research- surveys, interviews, observations
- Secondary research- journals, industry reports, historical archives
Data Analysis & Presentation:
- Analyzing research findings critically
- Presenting findings in written reports and visual formats
- Using research to inform design decisions
Academic Writing:
- Structuring a research paper or dissertation
- Referencing and citation standards
- Academic integrity and avoiding plagiarism
🎓 The University Progression Link
This module is specifically designed to bridge the gap between TVET education and degree-level study. Level 6 graduates who progress to university will find that the research skills developed in this module give them a significant advantage in the academic environment.
“The designer who can research is the designer who leads. Research Methods at Level 6 makes our graduates thinkers as well as makers.”
📍 Delight Technical College | Muindi Mbingu Street, Opposite Jevanjee Gardens, Nairobi | +254 722 533 771 | www.delight.ac.ke
