A Degree in Fashion

Fashion degrees offer students a chance to is to enjoy an education and training that is demanding, challenging, and of the highest quality. British fashion education is regarded as the world’s best in creativity, professionalism and diversity

Foundation Programmes In Fashion
One year foundation programmes in fashion are available to students who have pursued their education to A level standard. These fashion courses offer a broad art and design experience, where time is spent in preparation for application to a chosen degree and finalising portfolio work suitable for submission and/or interview to an undergraduate course. Some Foundation courses allow students to specialise in their chosen area of design in the final term of the programme. Students are encouraged to investigate the variety of courses on offer and are guided through the application process.

Foundation year fashion graduates usually move on to either a two-year HND (Higher National Diploma) or a three or four year BA Honours course in Fashion. Most BA courses in Fashion take three years to complete, but some institutions offer a four-year sandwich course. This usually includes up to twelve months working on industrial placement, either as a one year block or as two six month periods. A number of three-year BA courses also include a short placement period within the curriculum, whilst all fashion courses dedicate time to working with the fashion industry in the form of sponsored projects, visits or visiting lecturers.
Upon graduation, a number of fashion students choose to continue their education within a range of postgraduate courses on offer; Diploma, M.A., MPhil/PhD. This allows for either further specialism or related study.

Applying For a Fashion Degree
Applying for a fashion degree means that you will need a good portfolio which demonstrates your ability in drawing, design development, problem solving, colour work and interest in fashion. Some courses may wish to see examples of written work such as an essay or report, and some staff may wish to interview you by telephone. Courses may have different entry requirements and regulations, so, if possible, you should check prospectus information or course leaflets.

Some BA courses in fashion will allow you entry direct to the second year if you have either the equivalent of an HND already, or you have prior experience within the fashion industry. Again, you should check with the courses you favour. You should also be able to submit your portfolio or ‘slides’ rather than posting the original work to the UK.

Becoming A Fashion Designer
Upon completion of your course you should be ready to enter the fashion industry as a professional fashion designer. During your time at college/university, you will have acquired the skills and developed a professional creativity which is invaluable in securing your first position as a fashion designer. Most institutions can offer help or advice to students before final graduation, and invaluable contacts can be made before you leave. Most institutions are able to offer links between students and the fashion industry, and students are always encouraged to keep in touch for the future.

Applicants to individual institutions should ask in more detail about student destinations and successes.

For more information on degree training in fashion log onto the UCAS website at: www.ucas.com

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