Program Overview

Fashion Design BA (Hons)

Overview

Fashion Design BA (Hons) provides creatively minded students with a supportive learning environment to nurture original and authentic approaches to design and garment generation.

Course Structure

• Level 4: Introduction to Design Process and Methods, Design in Context, and Design in Practice
• Level 5: Contemporary Practice, Creative Futures: ADI, Creativity in the Modern Workplace, and L5 FD - Garment Production - Specialist
• Level 6: Exploring Design, Workplace Readiness, L6 FD - Pre Collection Development - Creative Experimentation Specialist, L6 FD - Final Capsule Collection Realisation - Specialist, and L6 FD - Brand 'Me' - Specialist

Modules

• Methods, Materials and Possibilities (100 Credits) Core: Introduces key aspects of the subject area, including foundational knowledge, problem-solving skills, effective communication, personal responsibility, and the development of important attributes required for employment within and beyond the creative and cultural industries.
• Design Project (20 Credits) Option: Enables students to apply their skills and knowledge to a specific design challenge.
• Language Module Options: Offers various language modules, including Chinese, French, German, and Spanish, at different levels (Intermediate Language Development, Communication in Practice, and Advanced Language Development and Global Sustainability).
• Contemporary Practice (40 Credits) Core: Explores contemporary cultural and critical issues in both current and future design practice.
• Creative Futures: ADI (40 Credits) Option: Provides students with the practical and theoretical underpinning of professional practice in their specific subject.
• Creativity in the Modern Workplace (40 Credits) Option: Offers students an opportunity to undertake a 140-hour work placement.
• L5 FD - Garment Production - Specialist (40 Credits) Option: Introduces students to more advanced, industry-specific garment production methods.
• Exploring Design (20 Credits) Core: Provides students with the opportunity for an in-depth exploration of a design topic of personal interest.
• Workplace Readiness (20 Credits) Core: Focuses on building students' workspace readiness through the development and production of a visually exciting Curated Portfolio-to-Go and complementary self-promotion materials.
• L6 FD - Pre Collection Development - Creative Experimentation Specialist (20 Credits) Option: Invites students to explore authentic design concepts, which challenge and stretch their aesthetic judgment.
• L6 FD - Final Capsule Collection Realisation - Specialist (40 Credits) Option: Focuses on realizing a final collection that showcases students' vision and individual identity as designers.
• L6 FD - Brand 'Me' - Specialist (20 Credits) Option: Evaluates students' individual design identity and produces a strategic body of work to support their intended career pathway.

Assessment

• Coursework-based assessment, including sketchbooks, portfolios, illustration, technical manufacturing, pattern cutting files, and written pieces.

Entry Requirements

• Home Students: UCAS points: 112; GCE A Level: BCC-BBC; BTEC: DMM; International Baccalaureate: 28 points; Irish/Scottish Highers: H3 H3 H3 H3 H4/BBBB; Access requirements: Access to HE Diploma, to include 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Merit or above.
• International Students: UCAS points: 72; GCE A level: 72 points overall, including grade D in one of the following subjects: Art & Design, Fine Art, or Textiles; BTEC: MMP; International Baccalaureate: 24 points including 4 in HL Visual Arts; Irish/Scottish Highers: H4 H4 H4 H4 H4 including Art/CCDD including Art and Design; Access requirements: Access to HE Diploma (Art and Design) – Pass overall.
• Foundation Year: UCAS points: 72; GCE A level: 72 points overall, including grade D in one of the following subjects: Art & Design, Fine Art, or Textiles; BTEC: MMP; International Baccalaureate: 24 points including 4 in HL Visual Arts; Irish/Scottish Highers: H4 H4 H4 H4 H4 including Art/CCDD including Art and Design; Access requirements: Access to HE Diploma (Art and Design) – Pass overall.

Fees and Finance

• Home Students: £9,535 per year for a full-time course (2025/26).
• International Students: £14,450 per year for a full-time course (2025/26).
• Additional Costs: Students should budget for final garment fabric costs and optional subsidised trips to fashion capitals.

Careers and Employability

• Job Prospects: Womenswear Designer, Menswear Designer, Product Developer, Product Management, Trend Forecasting, Garment Technologist, Pattern Cutter/Grader, Fashion Merchandiser/Fashion Buyer.
• Progression Options: Design MA.
• Careers Service: The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service that provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences.