Hot Thing: HND Fashion Course In Sportswear and Streetwear

FOR MOST fashion students, Umbro is a more familiar name than Ungaro. They might leave college dreaming of the Paris catwalks, but the average student wouldn't know what to do with a couture dress if it fell on them. Instead, they are far more familiar with labels such as Nike, Adidas and YMC.

Sportswear and utility streetwear is a growth area - both on and off the sportsfield. Even Prada has got in on the act, with a new range of hooded jackets, reflective Puffa jackets, and weird, moulded, aerodynamic shoes. Strange then that few students are given the opportunity to specialise in sportswear while at college.

In September, a unique two-year HND course launches at Salford University with aspirations to send graduates into jobs with companies such as Stussy, X-Girl, Henri Lloyd and Nike. The course is geared towards turning out designers who understand the clothes that young people really wear, introducing them to relevant placements in industry, new sportswear technology and high-performance fabrics.

If you think you could improve on the England strip, find Ralph Lauren's sportswear more stimulating than his evening wear, or want to design the ultimate snowboarding trousers, this could be for you. Late applicants are still being considered. Inquiries: Lucy Jones, Course Leader, HND Fashion, Salford University, 0161-295 6094.