Fashion Design BA Honours

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Course Overview

Attendance

UK Fees £9,250 *
International Fees £15,400 *
Duration 3 or 4 years

* Price per academic year

Course summary

Our Fashion Design BA has an exceptional reputation for being aligned with the international fashion industry and enabling you to have outstanding opportunities to engage with the industry throughout your course.

We specialise in helping you to become a highly original and individual creative designer, capable of working at the highest levels of the international fashion industry. We were the first undergraduate course to show at London Fashion Week, and able to show in February 2020, prior to the national lockdown. In 2021, when unable to have a live show, we collaborated with SHOWstudio to present graduate work using fashion film and a documentary, before returning to a live catwalk show in 2022 to close London Fashion Week.

Throughout our course, the emphasis is on the development of your personal design philosophy with an understanding of the changing context of fashion due to climate and societal changes. We are committed to sustainability and diversity and place this at the core of our teaching. The course offers a comprehensive design education for dedicated and ambitious individuals looking for a specialist career in the international fashion industry. You'll also gain the transferable and cognitive skills necessary for lifelong personal and professional development alongside up-to-date digital skills for fashion design.

Our students gain an enormous amount of specific and transferable knowledge from working within the fashion industry, whether these are in the context of ‘live’ design projects at university or out on extended periods of work placement.

Internships on both the three-year and with Professional Experience course take place with leading international fashion companies, and have previously included: Alexander McQueen, A Cold Wall, Adidas, Asics, Balenciaga, Balmain, Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY, Christopher Kane, Craig Green, Daniel w Fletcher, Eckhaus Latta, Erdem, Eudon Choi, Givenchy, Haider Ackermann, Halpern, H&M, JW Anderson, Kenzo, KNWLS, Lanvin, Louis Vuitton, Maison Margiela, Marine Serre, Marques Almeida, Molly Goddard, Norse Projects, Phoebe English, Preen, Raf Simons, Richard Quinn, Richard Malone, Roksanda, SS Daley, Simone Rocha, Stefan Cooke, Supriya Lele , Thom Browne, Viktor & Rolf, Vivienne Westwood, Walter van Bierendonck.

Opportunities to engage with the international fashion industry through set live briefs with companies have previously included FENTY, The Gap, CLOSED denim, Epson, Topshop, H&M, ISKO Denim, Max Mara, Abercrombie and ASOS.

Course graduates include London Fashion Week designers Steven Stokey Daley, Paolo Carzana, Katie Ann McGuigan, Roberta Einer, Ashley Williams, as well as Jutta Kraus, Creative Director of Bernhard Willhelm; Stuart Vevers, Creative Director of Coach; Christopher Bailey and Katie Hillier.

Our previous Fashion Design BA graduates have gained employment at companies including Balenciaga, Burberry, Alexander McQueen, Versace, Rick Owens, Phoebe Philo, Celine, Loewe, Maison Margiela, Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Gucci, Versace, Ferragamo, Kenzo, H&M, Preen, MaxMara, Anya Hindmarch, J.W. Anderson, Norse Projects, Charles Jeffrey, Martine Rose, Wales Bonner, Vivienne Westwood, Acne, Jacquemus, Paul Smith, Fred Perry and Adidas.

Top reasons to study with us

  • London Fashion Week opportunities – We were the first undergraduate course in the world to show a selection of our students on the official London Fashion Week schedule
  • Outstanding design facilities – You’ll have a dedicated studio equipped with industrial sewing machines, pattern-cutting tables and mannequins
  • Industry links – Our course has exceptional industry connections to support you with your career
  • Sustainability, diversity and digital skills – Our course has invested in developing expertise in design for sustainability, a decolonised curriculum and commitment to diversity and digital skills for fashion design including training in CLO 3D
  • Award-winning students – Our student success is recognised internationally with recent awards including the LVMH prize 2022, Arts Tbread/Gucci prize – Sports & Denim 2021, SHOWstudio Graduates to watch 2021, DRAWFASHION illustration prize (2020), FENTY design project (2020)
  • Westminster is ranked 2nd in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2023 for ‘Research Quality’ in Art and Design

Course structure

We use several different teaching and learning methods to enable students to develop an imaginative and creative approach to their discipline, based on increasing knowledge of practice and transferable skills.

Learning takes place through a combination of face-to-face teaching and independent study, including lectures, seminars and practical workshops.

The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.

This level covers the core fundamentals of the fashion design discipline, including 2D and 3D design practice, CAD and CLO 3D, construction, design, illustration, pattern cutting, print, research, and sustainability for fashion design.

The first year of the Fashion Design BA at Westminster concentrates on introducing the student to a variety of skills and techniques related to all areas of 2D and 3D fashion practice. Design, research, illustration, cut, construction, print, and CAD are all covered.

Research is fostered through a variety of methods including visits to London Fashion Week, fashion shows, exhibitions, sketchbooks, and industry visits.

There are lessons in life drawing and illustration so that students understand proportion in 2D as well as 3D. Students undertake a range of design work spanning both conceptual and commercial briefs.

Subjects of study include:

  • Sustainability
  • Design Project 1: Skills
  • Portfolio 1
  • Design Project 2: Construction
  • Design Project 3: Transformation

Credit Level 4

The second year of the Fashion Design BA Honours course focuses on understanding and addressing the demands and needs of the fashion design industry through assignments which develop students creative 2D, 3D and digital design skills.

The Zero Waste project allows you to build on the skills gained in the first year, to develop experimental cutting techniques aimed at waste reduction for sustainability.

The Surface project focusses on fabrication, print and surface embellishment in garment design.

A sustained period of internship takes place over eight consecutive weeks, starting at the end of December until the London Fashion Week shows in February. The timing enables you to have the opportunity, if you wish, to work with a designer on their collection from its conception through to the runway show presentation.

The Portfolio 2 project focusses on a portfolio design project showcasing individual design skills in an industry context.

The Identity project allows students to explore and draw on their own cultural identity and how this might inspire their design work.

Subjects of study include:

  • Design Project 1: Zero Waste
  • Design Project 2: Surface
  • Internship
  • Design Project 3: Portfolio 2
  • Design Project 4: Identity

Credit Level 5

The Fashion Design BA Honours course has exceptional industry connections and an excellent track record of successful internships that have benefited both the students and the fashion companies alike. Students gain an enormous amount of specific and transferable knowledge during this period of study.

The four-year option with Extended Fashion Internship is for applicants who feel they would particularly benefit from an opportunity for more professional development within the fashion industry – spending one placement year in between their second and final years at Westminster working with one or more companies in the international fashion industry, either in London or abroad. The optional placement year is subject to an annual University administration fee.

At this level, you are expected to develop a more strategic perspective and draw together your academic and work experience. You’ll study subjects that further develop your design skills, and you’ll also have the opportunity to specialise in areas of particular interest. You’ll develop a pre collection and a runway collection, alongside a portfolio of design work to enable you to apply for design positions on graduation.

The Fashion Design BA Honours course at Westminster was the first undergraduate course to be invited to show a selection of its students on the official London Fashion Week schedule in 2018.

Subjects of study include:

  • Pre-collection
  • Collection
  • Portfolio 3
  • Thesis

Credit Level 6

Westminster BA Fashion Show London Fashion Week June 2022

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Programme specification

For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).

To request an accessible version please email [email protected]

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Prospectus

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Get in touch

Contact us for general course enquiries:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm GMT)

[email protected]

Live chat with us
(Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm GMT)

Open days

Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.

Careers

Graduates of the course are incredibly successful in the international fashion industry with many of our students going directly into fashion design roles, predominantly as designers or assistant designers working within established companies.

With a growing global network of 3,000 employers, our Careers and Employability Service is here to support you to achieve your full potential.

Industry links

Our Fashion Design BA Honours has long-standing industry connections to support you with your career.

Taught by professionals

You’ll be taught by professionals who have previously been designers for leading international fashion companies.

3,000

Employers around the world

The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.

Graduate employment

Graduates from the past 3 years are working as designers at companies including:

  • Alexander McQueen, London
  • ASOS, London
  • Alyx, Milan
  • Balmain, Paris
  • Burberry, London
  • Browzwear (Digital 3d software specialist)
  • Calvin Klein, Amsterdam
  • Christopher Kane, London
  • Cos, London 
  • Daniel w Fletcher, London
  • Fred Perry
  • Gymshark
  • H&M, Sweden
  • Inditex (Zara & Pull & Bear), Spain 
  • Kenzo, Paris
  • Lanvin, Paris
  • Louis Vuitton, Paris
  • Maison Margiela, Paris
  • Phoebe Philo, London
  • Phoebe English, London
  • Roberta Einer, London
  • Roksanda, London
  • SS Daley
  • Stone Island, Milan
  • Tiger of Sweden
  • Victoria Beckham
  • Vivienne Westwood
     

Internships

Our Fashion Design BA Honours course has exceptional industry connections and an excellent track record of successful internships that have benefited both the students and the fashion companies. Students gain an enormous amount of specific and transferable knowledge during this period of study.

In spite of the many challenges caused by Covid-19 and the limitations placed on overseas internships due to Brexit, the course team maintains contacts with many prestigious global brands. Our alumni support us greatly. We continue to work to widen our industry network to be able to offer a wide range of internship opportunities at all market levels. We maintain support and guidance to students throughout all industry internships.

Previous internships have taken place at companies including:

  • Alexander McQueen | A Cold Wall
  • Adidas | Asics
  • Balenciaga | Balmain
  • Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY | Christopher Kane | Craig Green
  • Daniel w Fletcher
  • Eckhaus Latta | Erdem | Eudon Choi
  • Givenchy
  • Haider Ackermann | Halpern
  • H&M
  • JW Anderson
  • Kenzo
  • KNWLS
  • Lanvin | Louis Vuitton
  • Maison Margiela | Marine Serre | Marques Almeida | Molly Goddard
  • Norse Projects
  • Phoebe English | Preen
  • Raf Simons | Richard Quinn | Richard Malone | Roksanda
  • SS Daley | Simone Rocha | Stefan Cooke | Supriya Lele
  • Thom Browne
  • Viktor & Rolf
  • Vivienne Westwood
  • Walter van Bierendonck

Course Leader

International Opportunities

Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.

Opportunities could include:

  • Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
  • Attending an international summer school or field trip
  • Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad

International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.

Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.

Students working and studying internationally

Why study this course?

London Fashion Week

Our course at Westminster is currently the only undergraduate course in the world that shows a selection of its students on the official London Fashion Week schedule.

Outstanding facilities

You’ll have a dedicated studio with individual design spaces for every student. Each of our design studios is equipped with industrial sewing machines, pattern-cutting tables and mannequins.

Award-winning students

Our student success is recognised in awards. Recent awards include: FENTY design project (2020), Fashion Makes Sense Award (2018), British Fashion Council x Coach Design competition (2017) and many more.

Entry Requirements

  • Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design – Pass 
  • International Baccalaureate – 128 UCAS Tariff points from the IB, to include HL 6 in Visual Arts
  • BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM in Art & Design or arts related subject
  • UAL Extended Diploma – Merit
  • Access – 128 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course in an Art & Design or arts related subject
  • First year of a university degree in an art and design subject

Please note: A levels – we do not accept  A Levels or country specific equivalent awards such Abitur, French Baccalaureat, Scottish and Irish Highers or High School Diplomas. 

In addition to one of the above, you should have: 

  • GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4

If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall with 6.0 writing and speaking.

Selected applicant will be invited to present a portfolio of their work. We do not consider applications for year 2 or above. We do not offer deferred entry. 

  • Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design – Pass
  • International Baccalaureate – 128 UCAS Tariff points from the IB, to include HL 6 in Visual Arts
  • BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM in Art & Design or arts related subject
  • UAL Extended Diploma – Merit
  • Access – 128 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course in an Art & Design or arts related subject
  • First year of a university degree in an art and design subject

Please note: A levels – we do not accept  A Levels or country specific equivalent awards such Abitur, French Baccalaureat, Scottish and Irish Highers or High School Diplomas. 

In addition to one of the above, you should have: 

  • GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4

If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall with 6.0 writing and speaking.

Selected applicant will be invited to present a portfolio of their work. We do not consider applications for year 2 or above. We do not offer deferred entry. 

More information

Alumni

Ashley Williams

Fashion Design BA - 2012

Creative director at Ashley Williams

Photo of Stuart Vevers

Stuart Vevers

Fashion Design BA - 1996

Creative Director, Coach

Photo of Claire Barrow

Claire Barrow

Fashion Design BA - 2012

Director/ Designer at Claire Barrow

Alumni

Photo of Liam Hodges

Liam Hodges

Fashion Design BA - 2011

Creative Director, Menswear Designer at Liam Hodges

Photo of Katie Hillier

Katie Hillier

Fashion Design BA - 1997

Creative Director, Hillier Bartley

Photo of Markus Lupfer

Markus Lupfer

Fashion Design BA - 1997

Designer, London Fashion Week

Paris showroom

In May 2019 the Fashion Design BA graduates held their first Paris showroom presenting their A/W19 collections, S/S20 precollections and their final design portfolios.

 

Held over three days in Espace Commines, in the fashionable Marais district of Paris, the event enabled graduates and staff to meet designers and recruiters from the world's most prestigious fashion brands. While some of the collections had debuted earlier in the year at our on-schedule London Fashion Week show in February, this was a chance for all of the Fashion Design BA graduates to show their collections and portfolios to an invited VIP audience of buyers, designers and senior fashion recruiters.

Companies who came along to see the graduates’ collections included: Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Balmain, Calvin Klein, Christian Louboutin, Citizen K, Courrèges, Desigual, Dior, Eyes on Talent, FENTY, Givenchy, Karl Lagerfeld, Kenzo, Koche, Lanvin, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, LVMH, M.O Conseil, Maison Margiela, Marine Serre, Numero, Purple, PVH, Saint Laurent, Tommy Hilfiger, Vogue, Woolmark, and Y Project.

Paris-Showroom

Westminster Degree Shows

The Westminster Degree Shows are an annual collection that showcases the creativity, vibrancy and artistic talent of our undergraduate arts courses. You can see the latest online collection on Westminster Degree Shows.

Banner text: Westminster Degree Shows 2023

Facilities

Our fashion facilities at Westminster are acknowledged as being outstanding, with each cohort having their own dedicated studio to work in, equipped with individual design spaces for every student. Each of our design studios is equipped with industrial sewing machines, pattern cutting tables and mannequins.

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Westminster Menswear Archive

The Westminster Menswear Archive has examples of some of the most important and exciting menswear garments covering the last 100 years. The archive includes garments from Alexander McQueen, Craig Green, Stone Island, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Nutter, Liam Hodges, Carol Christian Poell, C.P. Company, Jean Paul Gaultier, Calvin Klein, Meadham Kirchhoff, Kim Jones, Aitor Throup, Vivienne Westwood, Mr Fish, Irvine Sellars, Umbro, MA.Strum, adidas, Nanamica, Belstaff, Barbour, Burberry, Maison Margiela, Jeremy Scott, Vexed Generation, Aquascutum, Levis, Jeremy Scott, Berghaus, Penfield, Griffin, and Comme Des Garcons.

Additionally, the archive includes an extensive range of utilitarian and uniform garments from the Army, Police, US Marines, GPO, Coldstream Guards, French fire service and others.

Items from the Westminster menswear archive

Student Awards

Students are encouraged to enter competitions while at Westminster, as part of their course work or as standalone projects. Recent competition winners are listed below. 

Fashion Design BA student competition winner - collection by Paolo Carzana

2020

  • Jordan Ellison wins the FENTY design project.
  • Dominic Huckbody wins British Fashion Council BA Scholarship Award
  • Min Lee wins British Fashion Council BA Scholarship Award
  • Hannah Sosna and Lottie Everett win the Epson Award for fashion print

2019    

  • Georgia Fallon is selected for Teen Vogue's Gen Next and shoes at New York Fashion Week
  • Tumi Ladega wins the Anne Tyrrell Student Design Award
  • Ieva Melece-Hall is selected for the CFDA+ Fashion Future Graduate Showcase
  • Manimekala Fuller is selected for the CFDA+ Fashion Future Graduate Showcase

2018

  • Paolo Carzana wins the Fashion Makes Sense Award
  • Joshua Crabtree wins the BFC MA Scholarship Award
  • Paolo Carzana wins the BFC MA Scholarship Award
  • Melissa Eakins wins the BFC Final Year Scholarship Award

Learn new skills

Learn a new language

From Arabic to Spanish, you can learn a new language alongside your degree with our Polylang programme

Develop your entrepreneurial skills

Our award-winning Creative Enterprise Centre offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your startup projects. 

Gain extra qualifications

We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.

Fees and Funding

UK tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

Funding

As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.

Find out about undergraduate student funding options.

Scholarships

The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.

Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.

Additional costs

Whilst some basics are provided by the course, students will be required to purchase their own pattern cutting equipment and materials.

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

International tuition fee: £15,400 (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme

If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.

International student funding

Find out about funding for international students.

Additional costs

Whilst some basics are provided by the course, students will be required to purchase their own pattern cutting equipment and materials.

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

Teaching and Assessment

Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable.  Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.

How you'll be taught

Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:

  • Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
  • Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
  • Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
Year
1
74%26%
2
63%22%15%
P
4%31%65%
3
65%35%
Scheduled hoursIndependent studyPlacement

How you'll be assessed

Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.

Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:

  • Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts  
  • Written exams: end of semester exams 
  • Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
     
Year
1
35%65%
2
33%67%
P
100%
3
25%75%
PracticalCoursework

Data from the academic year 2023/24

Supporting you

Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.

  • Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
  • Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
  • Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
  • Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more

Visit our student hub

Course location

Harrow is our creative and cultural hub, home to most of our arts, media and digital courses. It houses state-of-the-art facilities for every discipline, including project and gallery spaces, film studios, creative labs, collaborative learning spaces, and the Westminster Enterprise Network.

Harrow Campus is based in north-west London, just 20 minutes from the city centre by train.

For more details, visit our Harrow Campus page.

Contact us

Call our dedicated team on:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511

Opening hours (GMT): 10am–3pm Monday to Friday

[email protected]

Start live chat

Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday

More information

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