Fashion Design BA Honours - University of W

Tuition Fee

GBP 15,400

Per year

Start Date

2024-09-01

Medium of studying

On campus

Duration

48 months

Program Facts

About Program

About University

Admission Requirements

Video

Contact School

Program Facts

Program Details

Degree

Bachelors

Major

Marketing Management

Discipline

Business & Management

Minor

Market Research

Education type

On campus

Timing

Full time

Course Language

English

Tuition Fee

Average International Tuition Fee

GBP 15,400

Intakes

Program start date	Application deadline
2024-09-01	-

About Program

Program Overview

Course summary

Our Fashion Design BA has an exceptional reputation for being aligned with the international fashion industry and enabling you to have outstanding opportunities to engage with the industry throughout your course.

We specialise in helping you to become a highly original and individual creative designer, capable of working at the highest levels of the international fashion industry. We were the first undergraduate course to show at London Fashion Week, and able to show in February 2020, prior to the national lockdown. In 2021, when unable to have a live show, we collaborated with SHOWstudio to present graduate work using fashion film and a documentary, before returning to a live catwalk show in 2022 to close London Fashion Week.

Throughout our course, the emphasis is on the development of your personal design philosophy with an understanding of the changing context of fashion due to climate and societal changes. We are committed to sustainability and diversity and place this at the core of our teaching. The course offers a comprehensive design education for dedicated and ambitious individuals looking for a specialist career in the international fashion industry. You'll also gain the transferable and cognitive skills necessary for lifelong personal and professional development alongside up-to-date digital skills for fashion design.

Our students gain an enormous amount of specific and transferable knowledge from working within the fashion industry, whether these are in the context of ‘live’ design projects at university or out on extended periods of work placement.

Internships on both the three-year and with Professional Experience course take place with leading international fashion companies, and have previously included: Alexander McQueen, A Cold Wall, Adidas, Asics, Balenciaga, Balmain, Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY, Christopher Kane, Craig Green, Daniel w Fletcher, Eckhaus Latta, Erdem, Eudon Choi, Givenchy, Haider Ackermann, Halpern, H&M, JW Anderson, Kenzo, KNWLS, Lanvin, Louis Vuitton, Maison Margiela, Marine Serre, Marques Almeida, Molly Goddard, Norse Projects, Phoebe English, Preen, Raf Simons, Richard Quinn, Richard Malone, Roksanda, SS Daley, Simone Rocha, Stefan Cooke, Supriya Lele , Thom Browne, Viktor & Rolf, Vivienne Westwood, Walter van Bierendonck.

Opportunities to engage with the international fashion industry through set live briefs with companies have previously included FENTY, The Gap, CLOSED denim, Epson, Topshop, H&M, ISKO Denim, Max Mara, Abercrombie and ASOS.

Course graduates include London Fashion Week designers Steven Stokey Daley, Paolo Carzana, Katie Ann McGuigan, Roberta Einer, Ashley Williams, as well as Jutta Kraus, Creative Director of Bernhard Willhelm; Stuart Vevers, Creative Director of Coach; Christopher Bailey and Katie Hillier.

Our previous Fashion Design BA graduates have gained employment at companies including Balenciaga, Burberry, Alexander McQueen, Versace, Rick Owens, Phoebe Philo, Celine, Loewe, Maison Margiela, Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Gucci, Versace, Ferragamo, Kenzo, H&M, Preen, MaxMara, Anya Hindmarch, J.W. Anderson, Norse Projects, Charles Jeffrey, Martine Rose, Wales Bonner, Vivienne Westwood, Acne, Jacquemus, Paul Smith, Fred Perry and Adidas.

Top reasons to study with us

London Fashion Week opportunities – We were the first undergraduate course in the world to show a selection of our students on the official London Fashion Week schedule
Outstanding design facilities – You’ll have a dedicated studio equipped with industrial sewing machines, pattern-cutting tables and mannequins
Industry links – Our course has exceptional industry connections to support you with your career
Sustainability, diversity and digital skills – Our course has invested in developing expertise in design for sustainability, a decolonised curriculum and commitment to diversity and digital skills for fashion design including training in CLO 3D
Award-winning students – Our student success is recognised internationally with recent awards including the LVMH prize 2022, Arts Tbread/Gucci prize – Sports & Denim 2021, SHOWstudio Graduates to watch 2021, DRAWFASHION illustration prize (2020), FENTY design project (2020)
Westminster is ranked 2nd in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2023 for ‘Research Quality’ in Art and Design

Course structure

We use several different teaching and learning methods to enable students to develop an imaginative and creative approach to their discipline, based on increasing knowledge of practice and transferable skills.

Learning takes place through a combination of face-to-face teaching and independent study, including lectures, seminars and practical workshops.

The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.

Year 1
This level covers the core fundamentals of the fashion design discipline, including 2D and 3D design practice, CAD and CLO 3D, construction, design, illustration, pattern cutting, print, research, and sustainability for fashion design. The first year of the Fashion Design BA at Westminster concentrates on introducing the student to a variety of skills and techniques related to all areas of 2D and 3D fashion practice. Design, research, illustration, cut, construction, print, and CAD are all covered. Research is fostered through a variety of methods including visits to London Fashion Week, fashion shows, exhibitions, sketchbooks, and industry visits. There are lessons in life drawing and illustration so that students understand proportion in 2D as well as 3D. Students undertake a range of design work spanning both conceptual and commercial briefs. Subjects of study include: Sustainability Design Project 1: Skills Portfolio 1 Design Project 2: Construction Design Project 3: Transformation Credit Level 4

Year 1

This level covers the core fundamentals of the fashion design discipline, including 2D and 3D design practice, CAD and CLO 3D, construction, design, illustration, pattern cutting, print, research, and sustainability for fashion design.

The first year of the Fashion Design BA at Westminster concentrates on introducing the student to a variety of skills and techniques related to all areas of 2D and 3D fashion practice. Design, research, illustration, cut, construction, print, and CAD are all covered.

Research is fostered through a variety of methods including visits to London Fashion Week, fashion shows, exhibitions, sketchbooks, and industry visits.

There are lessons in life drawing and illustration so that students understand proportion in 2D as well as 3D. Students undertake a range of design work spanning both conceptual and commercial briefs.

Subjects of study include:

Sustainability
Design Project 1: Skills
Portfolio 1
Design Project 2: Construction
Design Project 3: Transformation

Credit Level 4

Year 2
The second year of the Fashion Design BA Honours course focuses on understanding and addressing the demands and needs of the fashion design industry through assignments which develop students creative 2D, 3D and digital design skills. The Zero Waste project allows you to build on the skills gained in the first year, to develop experimental cutting techniques aimed at waste reduction for sustainability. The Surface project focusses on fabrication, print and surface embellishment in garment design. A sustained period of internship takes place over eight consecutive weeks, starting at the end of December until the London Fashion Week shows in February. The timing enables you to have the opportunity, if you wish, to work with a designer on their collection from its conception through to the runway show presentation. The Portfolio 2 project focusses on a portfolio design project showcasing individual design skills in an industry context. The Identity project allows students to explore and draw on their own cultural identity and how this might inspire their design work. Subjects of study include: Design Project 1: Zero Waste Design Project 2: Surface Internship Design Project 3: Portfolio 2 Design Project 4: Identity Credit Level 5

Year 2

The second year of the Fashion Design BA Honours course focuses on understanding and addressing the demands and needs of the fashion design industry through assignments which develop students creative 2D, 3D and digital design skills.

The Zero Waste project allows you to build on the skills gained in the first year, to develop experimental cutting techniques aimed at waste reduction for sustainability.

The Surface project focusses on fabrication, print and surface embellishment in garment design.

A sustained period of internship takes place over eight consecutive weeks, starting at the end of December until the London Fashion Week shows in February. The timing enables you to have the opportunity, if you wish, to work with a designer on their collection from its conception through to the runway show presentation.

The Portfolio 2 project focusses on a portfolio design project showcasing individual design skills in an industry context.

The Identity project allows students to explore and draw on their own cultural identity and how this might inspire their design work.

Subjects of study include:

Design Project 1: Zero Waste
Design Project 2: Surface
Internship
Design Project 3: Portfolio 2
Design Project 4: Identity

Credit Level 5

Placement Year
The Fashion Design BA Honours course has exceptional industry connections and an excellent track record of successful internships that have benefited both the students and the fashion companies alike. Students gain an enormous amount of specific and transferable knowledge during this period of study. The four-year option with Extended Fashion Internship is for applicants who feel they would particularly benefit from an opportunity for more professional development within the fashion industry – spending one placement year in between their second and final years at Westminster working with one or more companies in the international fashion industry, either in London or abroad. The optional placement year is subject to an annual University administration fee.

Placement Year

The Fashion Design BA Honours course has exceptional industry connections and an excellent track record of successful internships that have benefited both the students and the fashion companies alike. Students gain an enormous amount of specific and transferable knowledge during this period of study.

The four-year option with Extended Fashion Internship is for applicants who feel they would particularly benefit from an opportunity for more professional development within the fashion industry – spending one placement year in between their second and final years at Westminster working with one or more companies in the international fashion industry, either in London or abroad. The optional placement year is subject to an annual University administration fee.

Year 3
At this level, you are expected to develop a more strategic perspective and draw together your academic and work experience. You’ll study subjects that further develop your design skills, and you’ll also have the opportunity to specialise in areas of particular interest. You’ll develop a pre collection and a runway collection, alongside a portfolio of design work to enable you to apply for design positions on graduation. The Fashion Design BA Honours course at Westminster was the first undergraduate course to be invited to show a selection of its students on the official London Fashion Week schedule in 2018. Subjects of study include: Pre-collection Collection Portfolio 3 Thesis Credit Level 6

Year 3

At this level, you are expected to develop a more strategic perspective and draw together your academic and work experience. You’ll study subjects that further develop your design skills, and you’ll also have the opportunity to specialise in areas of particular interest. You’ll develop a pre collection and a runway collection, alongside a portfolio of design work to enable you to apply for design positions on graduation.

The Fashion Design BA Honours course at Westminster was the first undergraduate course to be invited to show a selection of its students on the official London Fashion Week schedule in 2018.

Subjects of study include:

Pre-collection
Collection
Portfolio 3
Thesis

Credit Level 6

Program Outline

Careers

Graduates of the course are incredibly successful in the international fashion industry with many of our students going directly into fashion design roles, predominantly as designers or assistant designers working within established companies.

With a growing global network of 3,000 employers, our Careers and Employability Service is here to support you to achieve your full potential.

Industry links

Our Fashion Design BA Honours has long-standing industry connections to support you with your career.

Taught by professionals

You’ll be taught by professionals who have previously been designers for leading international fashion companies.

Employers around the world

The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.

Graduate employment

Graduates from the past 3 years are working as designers at companies including:

Alexander McQueen, London
ASOS, London
Alyx, Milan
Balmain, Paris
Burberry, London
Browzwear (Digital 3d software specialist)
Calvin Klein, Amsterdam
Christopher Kane, London
Cos, London
Daniel w Fletcher, London
Fred Perry
Gymshark
H&M, Sweden
Inditex (Zara & Pull & Bear), Spain
Kenzo, Paris
Lanvin, Paris
Louis Vuitton, Paris
Maison Margiela, Paris
Phoebe Philo, London
Phoebe English, London
Roberta Einer, London
Roksanda, London
SS Daley
Stone Island, Milan
Tiger of Sweden
Victoria Beckham
Vivienne Westwood

Internships

Our Fashion Design BA Honours course has exceptional industry connections and an excellent track record of successful internships that have benefited both the students and the fashion companies. Students gain an enormous amount of specific and transferable knowledge during this period of study.

In spite of the many challenges caused by Covid-19 and the limitations placed on overseas internships due to Brexit, the course team maintains contacts with many prestigious global brands. Our alumni support us greatly. We continue to work to widen our industry network to be able to offer a wide range of internship opportunities at all market levels. We maintain support and guidance to students throughout all industry internships.

Previous internships have taken place at companies including:

Alexander McQueen | A Cold Wall
Adidas | Asics
Balenciaga | Balmain
Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY | Christopher Kane | Craig Green
Daniel w Fletcher
Eckhaus Latta | Erdem | Eudon Choi
Givenchy
Haider Ackermann | Halpern
H&M
JW Anderson
Kenzo
KNWLS
Lanvin | Louis Vuitton
Maison Margiela | Marine Serre | Marques Almeida | Molly Goddard
Norse Projects
Phoebe English | Preen
Raf Simons | Richard Quinn | Richard Malone | Roksanda
SS Daley | Simone Rocha | Stefan Cooke | Supriya Lele
Thom Browne
Viktor & Rolf
Vivienne Westwood
Walter van Bierendonck

Course Leader

Rosie Wallin

Senior Lecturer

Rosie Wallin joined the University of Westminster in 2020 as Course Leader for Fashion Design BA after leading the Fashion Design and Marketing Pathway at Central Saint Martins – University of the Arts London, and consulting on sustainable luxury for brands including Louis Vuitton, Loewe and Marc Jacobs. She ran successful live projects with Mulberry and zero-waste design with LVMH, resulting in student work being shown at the LVMH environment day in Paris.

Rosie is a designer and academic specialising in technology and sustainability for the fashion industry. As a designer she was a recipient of NESTA funding and her current research received a Gucci Fellowship. In recent years she has focused her research on the luxury sector, and how digital tools might enable sustainable approaches to design.

“This course has an international reputation and a history of innovation – becoming the first undergraduate course to show at London Fashion Week and present graduate work in Paris. Our unrivalled industry links, successful alumni and focus on skills set our graduates apart.”

Course Team

Rosie Wallin - Senior Lecturer
Robert Leach - Senior Lecturer
Joyce Thornton - Senior Lecturer
Dansoa Koi - Lecturer
Jasmine Carey - Lecturer
Jane Hayward - PTVL - DCDI
Eugene Reeder - Lecturer
Tumi Ladega - Lecturer
Lauren Loftus - PTVL - DCDI
Nafisa Abdullaeva - Lecturer
Dr YeSeung Lee - Lecturer
Priya Ahluwalia - PTVL - DCDI
Donna Kernan - Lecturer
Sharon Hyacinth Robinson - PTVL - DCDI
Jan Bigg-Wither - Lecturer
John Booth - PTVL - DCDI
Robert Jones - PTVL - DCDI
Maddalena Amato - PTVL - DCDI
Mark Taylor - PTVL - DCDI
James Millar - PTVL - DCDI
Alexander Mullins - PTVL - DCDI
Hazel Robinson - PTVL - DCDI

International Opportunities

Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.

Opportunities could include:

Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
Attending an international summer school or field trip
Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad

International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.

Why study this course?

London Fashion Week

Our course at Westminster is currently the only undergraduate course in the world that shows a selection of its students on the official London Fashion Week schedule.

Outstanding facilities

You’ll have a dedicated studio with individual design spaces for every student. Each of our design studios is equipped with industrial sewing machines, pattern-cutting tables and mannequins.

Award-winning students

Our student success is recognised in awards. Recent awards include: FENTY design project (2020), Fashion Makes Sense Award (2018), British Fashion Council x Coach Design competition (2017) and many more.

Teaching and Assessment

Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.

How you'll be taught

Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:

Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision

How you'll be assessed

Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.

Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:

Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
Written exams: end of semester exams
Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation