Deborah Southerland

Deborah Southerland is a Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for BA Hons Fashion Textiles at the University of the West of England's Faculty of Arts, Creative Industries, and Education (ACE). With a focus on innovative curriculum development and industry collaboration, she has held leadership roles including Module Leader, Programme Leader, and Interim Associate Head of Department. Her work bridges academic and professional domains through partnerships with organizations like John Lewis, Max Mara, and the British Fashion Council.

Research Interests: Deb specializes in interdisciplinary studio pedagogy, emphasizing critical ideation, inclusive design, and sustainable fashion practices. Her methodology integrates real-world industry challenges into education, fostering student professional growth and network development.

Leadership & Events: She co-led the UG/PG Pass/Fail pilot (2022-2023) and chairs high-profile events such as the FTC Learning and Teaching series. Recent events include topics like Designing Fashion's Future, Unpaid Placements, and Championing Inclusivity in AI Models, reflecting her commitment to evolving pedagogical frameworks.

Awards:

• Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA)

Professional Contributions: Deb leads annual showcasing events at platforms like London Fashion Week Digital and Premier Vision Paris, while spearheading curriculum innovation through live industry briefs and collaborative projects.