Program Overview

BA (Hons) Fashion

The BA (Hons) Fashion course at Manchester Metropolitan University has an excellent reputation for producing graduates recognized for their creativity, originality, versatility, and professional skills. Students explore future-facing, contemporary fashion design in a hands-on, creative studio environment, developing ideas through original research, material experimentation, and practical making.

Course Overview

• The course focuses on research, the development of ideas, and design and garment construction methodology.
• Individuality and creativity are at the core of the briefs set, and students learn how to develop and challenge concepts and ideas, which they apply to their design work.
• Practical skills are taught throughout the course in tutorials and workshops, using traditional and state-of-the-art equipment.

Features and Benefits

• A history of success: Students win awards for their work across the world.
• Manchester and beyond: The university's network spans the globe, including placements, collaborations, and live briefs from partner universities, workshops, and design studios in various countries.
• Collaborative spirit: Students work with other students on interdisciplinary projects in a studio environment, honing essential creative skills needed for the growing creative economy.
• Tailored to your interests: Students can select a textile specialism based on their interests and career aspirations, including print, knit, and embroidery.
• Industry-standard facilities: Students have access to industry-standard equipment, including specialized sewing and joining machines, laser cutting equipment, 3D printing, and the latest digital pattern-cutting software.

Accreditations, Awards, and Endorsements

• The Textile Institute: This program is accredited by The Textile Institute, the leading professional body for promoting professionalism in the textile industries.
• Teaching Excellence Framework: The university has received an overall gold status in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), meaning it's rated as an outstanding university for its student experience.
• UK Fashion and Textile Association: The university is a UK Fashion and Textile Association Education Partner, facilitating greater connectivity between education and industry.
• Association of Fashion and Textiles Courses: The university is a member of the Association of Fashion and Textiles Courses, promoting and developing fashion and textiles through academic debate, education, and research.
• British Fashion Council (BFC) Colleges Council: The university is a member of the British Fashion Council (BFC) Colleges Council, representing the leading fashion departments in universities across the UK.

Year 1

• Fashion Practice: Students challenge traditional approaches to cut, make, and silhouette, building upon skills and knowledge in construction.
• Research and Design: Students are introduced to different research methodologies, concept building, garment analysis, and textile specialisms such as print, knit, leather, and embroidery.
• Fashion Cultures: This module introduces a wide range of key cultural theories, concepts, and significant contemporary challenges and issues affecting global society.
• Fashion Collaboration: The module provides an opportunity to explore collaborative and interdisciplinary practice in response to industry contexts.

Year 2

• Fashion X: This module provides a space for collaborative projects with external and/or internal partners.
• Fashion Cultures in Context: This module builds upon the Fashion Cultures module in the first year, developing students' knowledge of key cultural theories, concepts, and significant contemporary challenges and issues affecting global society.
• Design Philosophy: Students develop and disseminate a design philosophy that articulates their individual strengths, specialisms, and design identity.
• Studio Practice: Students develop their range-building and making skills within this module, building upon their design philosophy.

Year 3

• If students opt for the four-year sandwich route and are successful in their application, they will spend Year 3 on a full-time placement before returning to complete their degree in their final year.
• Placement opportunities are available in both the UK and abroad.
• There is also the option to undertake an international exchange with one of the university's partner universities overseas.

Year 4

• The final year is self-directed, with students developing their studies in line with their own design philosophy and career expectations.
• Through extensive original research, students establish their own design practice and produce 2D, 3D, and digital fashion outcomes alongside related reflective and critical writing.
• Fashion Futures: This module asks students to draw upon key ideas, theories, and methods encountered in their Fashion Cultures and Fashion Cultures in Context modules, as well as other aspects of their program teaching and individual research.
• Concept: Students undertake extensive research and investigation to further explore their own design philosophy.
• Collection: Students build upon their research and design work through continued development to realize a range of designs into fashion collections.

Study and Assessment

• Study: The course consists of a combination of lectures, seminars, and independent study.
• Assessment: The course is 100% coursework, with no exams.

Entry Requirements

• Typical offer: 104-112 UCAS tariff points.
• IELTS score: 6.0 overall with no individual element below 5.5.
• Portfolio: A portfolio of work is required as part of the application.
• UK students: Level 3 qualifications, such as GCE A levels, Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma, Access to HE Diploma, UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma, OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma, and T level.
• International students: IB Diploma with minimum 26 points overall or 104 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects.

Fees and Funding

• Tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are still being finalized.
• Information on 2025/26 standard undergraduate fees for UK/Channel Islands and EU/Non-EU international students is available.

Careers Support and Prospects

• Employed or in further study: 88.7% of UK-domiciled, full-time, first-degree graduates are employed or in further study 15 months after graduation.
• Graduate Outcomes survey 2021/22 leavers, HESA data.
• The university's Careers Service supports students in getting ready for further study or working life, including starting their own business.
• The university has unrivaled business connections that can help open doors to dream careers.

Related Courses

• BA (Hons) Fashion Art Direction
• BA (Hons) Textiles in Practice
• BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Technology

Disclaimers

• Programme review: The university's programs undergo an annual review and major review (normally at 6-year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the latest online learning technology.
• Important notice: The online prospectus provides an overview of the university's programs of study and is regularly updated to ensure accuracy.
• Confirmation of regulator: The Manchester Metropolitan University is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS).