Saint Joseph University (USJ) and ESMOD France, signed an agreement on Wednesday announcing the launch of a 180-credit degree in styling and pattern making whereby credits can be cumulatively converted according to the European university system. Applicants should have completed the Lebanese baccalaureate or its equivalent and passed an exam organized by ESMOD, as well as an interview with the administration and one faculty member. As for non-holders of a Bacc certificate, they are invited to attend classes at the end of which they are given a certificate instead of a degree. Courses begin with the start of the upcoming academic year 2017-2018 at the USJ School of Social Sciences, Ashrafieh. To note, USJ and ESMOD will offer a series of open training workshops covering the following subjects: fashion design, pattern drafting, fashion management, sales, jewelry design, shoe design, fashion journalism, luxury product marketing, photography and technical management. (Al Akhbar, July 31, 2017)