BA (Hons) Fashion Design with Foundation Year

Why study this subject?

The creative world is full of exciting and rewarding opportunities. Did you know, the creative industries contribute over £92billlion (gov.uk DCMS 2017) to the UK economy every year? And the fashion and textiles industry is one of the largest sectors in the UK.

From Prada to Primark, you can choose from a wide range of styles and stores. Behind the clothes, there’s a host of staff hard at work – from designers, product developers, garment technologists to buyers, merchandisers and marketing teams.

With the right teaching and learning opportunities, it’s possible to turn your passion into a rewarding and successful career.

Industry connections

With regular visiting lectures and workshops led by industry this is just a snapshot of our connections.

British Fashion Council The Fashion Design course is a member of the British Council collages organisation which allows the students to work on industry-led briefs and competitions and guest lectures from brands such as Burberry, Topshop and Armani, Stella McCartney and many others.

UKFT During 2020-21, UKFT provided masterclasses and extended industry connections with the fashion design course. We are one of just five UK providers chosen to take part of the Made it collaboration.

WGSN Guest lectures by WGSN provide the latest consumer and design trends product design and consumer forecasts, curated data and industry expertise to help innovators create the right products at the right time for tomorrow's consumer.

New Start  New Start are denim specialists in new product development, sustainable innovation and production for the sector across Turkey, Egypt, Bangladesh and Pakistan. New Star create everything from everyday basics to high-end fashion and provide an insight into global working with their visiting lectures.

Lara Jensen  Costume designer and milliner, Lara has has worked with some of fashion and film's biggest names, including Karl Lagerfeld, Jonas Akerlund, Peaches, Jessie J and Lady Gaga. Lara has previously led workshops with our Fashion Design students.

What facilities can I use?

In our professional working studio you’ll have your own personal workspace equipped with the technology and machines you’ll need to create your designs.

You’ll have the opportunity to work on industry standard equipment, learning key techniques and methods. You will master materials, both through traditional methods and using digital software.

We also have specialist technicians on site to support and share their knowledge with you, when and if you need it.

How will I be taught and assessed?

This course is offered as a four-year programme, including an initial Foundation Year. The Foundation Year will allow you to develop your academic study skills and build confidence in your abilities, identifying your own strengths and development needs for progression onto an undergraduate degree.

This course is 75% practice-based so you will have ample opportunity to develop your subject through a hands-on, experimental approach. You’ll get to enjoy a friendly, supportive and stimulating learning environment. This enables you to focus on perfecting your specialism, while developing your creativity and confidence.

You will benefit from close-knit tutor groups, studio-based lectures, masterclasses, demonstrations and live projects. You’ll also enjoy guest lectures, as well as put on shows and exhibitions. You’ll also have regular access to workshops to support the design process.

Thanks to our proximity to London, you can visit some of the world’s best shops, galleries and museums for inspiration. You could end up working with designers in and around the capital, gaining experience in how to adapt to the challenges of working in a business.

There are so many ways to make connections and you’ll be working on your career the very moment you begin your course.