Program Overview

Fashion Design BA (Hons)

Course Description

The Fashion Design BA (Hons) course at the University of Derby is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in fashion design, preparing them for a successful career in the fashion industry.

Study Options

• Full-time: 3 Years
• UK fee: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
• International fee: £16,900 per year (2025/26)
• UCAS points: 104 (September 2025 entry)
• UCAS code: W221
• Start date: September
• Location: Chandos Pole Street, Derby Campus

What You Will Study

• Year 1: Discovering my Practice, Design, Research and Inspiration, Thinking Through Design, Design, Culture and Curiosity
• Year 2: Core modules include Design, Research and Inspiration, Thinking Through Design, Design, Culture and Curiosity
• Diploma in Professional Practice (optional)
• Year 3: Core modules include Discovering my Practice, Design, Research and Inspiration, Thinking Through Design, Design, Culture and Curiosity

How You Will Learn

• Problem solving, reflective practice, analysis of given problem with synthesis of solution, portfolio building, group work, the use of influences files, report writing, group critiques, negotiated learning, presentation and demonstration
• Assessment is 100% coursework based including practical production and oral presentation work, along with written assignments
• Field trips to inform and inspire students, putting them in direct contact with significant cultural and commercial organisations and events
• Placements play a key role in providing opportunities for students to network
• Guest lectures from industry professionals

Careers

• Fashion design, textile design for fashion or interiors, knitwear, sportswear and accessories design, fashion forecasting, illustration, PR, marketing, media, buying and merchandising, photographic styling
• Opportunities to showcase work and get noticed, including participation in London Alternative Fashion Week
• Option to study MA/MDes Design

Entry Requirements

• UCAS points: 104
• A Level: BCC
• T Level: Merit
• BTEC: DMM
• GCSE: Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification
• Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 24, Pass: 6
• English language requirements: IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)
• Portfolio: Recommended

Fees and Funding

• UK: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
• International: £16,900 per year (2025/26)
• Additional costs and optional extras:
  • Technical equipment & materials for making across years 1 & 2 (approx. £75)
  • Drawing equipment general 'toolbox' (marker pens, pencils, etc.) (approx. £50 in each year)
  • Student promotion materials & marketing pack (approx. £75)
  • Graduate design show printing of student work & production of final collection (costs determined by student £100 - £600)
  • Additional materials (printing, stationery, portfolio sleeves, folders, USBs/hard drives etc.) Approx. costs - Year 1= £150, Year 2 = £200, Year 3 = £300
  • Printing of design work in support of catwalk show (approx. £100)
  • Production of a A2/A3 Portfolio (approx. £125)

How to Apply

• UK students: Apply through UCAS or directly to the University
• International students: Apply through the University's online application portal or through a trusted local representative

Additional Information

• Teaching hours: Extended teaching hours, with contact time with lecturers and tutors between 9am and 9pm
• Course updates: Course content, costs, and individual course details are subject to change and are updated as often as possible
• Discover Uni: 70% of students say staff value students' views and opinions about the course, 80% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well, and 85% of students are in work or doing further study 15 months after the course.