Course Overview
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.
In 2023, we opened London Fashion Week with our catwalk show. The 2024 catwalk show attracted a capacity crowd and generated a large amount of global press and social media reach.
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 Acne, Adidas, Alexander McQueen, Anya Hindmarch, Balenciaga, Balmain, Burberry, Celine, Charles Jeffrey Loverboy, Dior, Dunhill, Ferragamo, Fred Perry, Gucci, Gym shark, H&M, J.W. Anderson, Jacquemus, Kenzo, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Maison Margiela, Marc Jacobs, Martine Rose, MaxMara, Norse Projects, Paul Smith, Phoebe Philo, Preen, Pull & Bear, Rapha, Rick Owens, Thom Browne, Tiger, Tom Ford, Versace, Vivienne Westwood, Wales Bonner, Walter Van Beirendonck, Wood Wood and Zara.
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 (2022 LVMH Prize winner), Paolo Carzana (2024 LVMH Prize Shortlist), Roberta Einer, Ashley Williams, as well as Stuart Vevers, Creative Director of Coach, Christopher Bailey and Katie Hillier.
Our previous Fashion Design BA graduates have gained employment at companies including Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Burberry, Dunhill, Ferragamo, H&M, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Maison Margiela, Paul Smith, Phoebe Philo, Vivienne Westwood and Zara.
Top reasons to study with us
- Exhibition opportunities - Final year students participate in our Undergraduate Fashion show, which takes place annually in Central London.
- 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 FACE Excellence award 2023 and 2024, Arts Thread/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:
- Construction
- Portfolio 1
- Skills
- Sustainability
- 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 Surface project focuses on fabrication, print and surface embellishment in garment design.
The Sustainable and Responsible Cutting and Draping project allows you to build on the skills gained in the first year and develop experimental cutting techniques aimed at waste reduction for sustainability.
The Identity project allows students to explore and draw on their own cultural identity and how this might inspire their design work.
There is a Preparation for Industry module to prepare students taking the year out in Industry, and a period of internship takes place over 5 weeks whereby Level 5 students assist Level 6 students in the studio in the approach to the Graduate Showcase in June.
Subjects of study include:
- Identity
- Portfolio 2
- Preparation for Industry
- Surface
- Sustainable and Responsible Cutting and Draping
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.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a placement year.
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:
- Collection
- Portfolio 3
- Pre-Collection
- Thesis
Credit Level 6
Westminster BA Fashion Show June 2024
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm BST)
Live chat with us
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm BST)
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.
Can't attend? See more open events
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.
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
- Alyx, Milan
- ASOS, London
- Balmain, Paris
- Browzwear (Digital 3d software specialist)
- Burberry, London
- 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 English, London
- Phoebe Philo, 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
Unlock your career potential at Zone29
Zone29 is our new home for student enterprise and career success, opening in spring 2026.
It will be your digital and physical destination for careers opportunities and guidance, including:
- jobs, placements and work experience
- tailored career guidance and mentoring
- step-by-step career planning through the Westminster Award
- work and study abroad programmes
- help with starting your own business or freelancing
- connecting with Westminster graduates
Course Leader
Robert Leach
Senior Lecturer
Robert Leach was educated at Kingston University and graduated in 1981. He has been in the fashion business for over 30 years, working first as designer, then in the field of styling and journalism; working for publications such as i-D Magazine, in film, television and on major advertising campaigns.
Robert has been part of Westminster’s Fashion Design BA course team since 2003. His teaching career also includes roles at Central Saint Martins – UAL and Kingston University.
In 2012 he authored The Fashion Resource Book: Research for Design and The Fashion Resource Book: Men in 2014. He curated Archetypes in 2015, an exhibition exploring the evolution of archetypal garments and how they become markers in popular culture and society. In 2016 he co-curated The Vanishing Art of Camouflage, the first exhibition based on the Menswear Archive at Westminster.
We have an international reputation and history of innovation as the first undergraduate course to show at London Fashion Week. Our strong industry connections, exceptional tutors, and successful alumni set our graduates apart as confident, socially aware, and highly employable.
Course Team
- Dr Rosie Wallin - Senior Lecturer
- Dansoa Koi - Lecturer
- Donna Kernan - Lecturer
- Eugene Reeder - Lecturer
- Dr Hannah Rumball - Lecturer
- Anne Marie Ng - Lecturer
- Jane Hayward - PTVL - DCDI
- Nafisa Abdullaeva - Lecturer
- Tumi Ladega - Lecturer
- Jan Bigg-Wither - Lecturer
- Lauren Loftus - PTVL - DCDI
- Jasmine Carey - Lecturer
- Joyce Thornton - Senior Lecturer
- Robert Jones - Lecturer
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.
Why study this course?
Exhibition opportunities
Final year students participate in our Undergraduate Fashion show, which takes place annually in Central London.
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 pass – IB pass
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall with 6.0 writing and speaking.
Selected applicants 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.
Portfolio guidance
To be able to gain an understanding of you as a practitioner and your current breadth and depth of fashion related knowledge, we would like to see edited sample portfolio of recent work.
What should I include in my portfolio submission?
- A minimum of three pages of fashion related research. Use your own photographs, sketches, notes, and gathered inspirational images, etc.
- At least three pages of design development from your initial related research. These can be a mix of hand-drawn, collage and computer work. This development work can also include sewn samples, knit, print etc.
- At least two pages of your outcome developed from, and in response to, your research and design development above. Demonstrated through photographs of the work, in close-up etc.
- At least one page that demonstrates either your skills in drawing (for example a fashion illustration) or demonstrates your personal inspirations/skills (outside of your Foundation or BTech project work).
- One page of fashion illustration that shows your skills in drawing while also showing your awareness of contemporary fashion and fashion illustration.
How should I structure my portfolio?
Please prepare a portfolio and save it on a free website such as Flickr, Dropbox, Behance, Issuu, Google or any other portfolio platform. We would like you to copy and paste the portfolio web-link onto a Word document and upload that document to the Applicant Portal, as per instructions on the cover email. Please ensure that we can view the portfolio publicly by simply clicking on the link and that there are no passwords or expiry dates. Please type your full name and reference number on each page. Do not upload the portfolio as a PDF – links only please! Please note that we will not accept portfolios sent by email.
How will my portfolio be evaluated?
Your portfolio will be reviewed by a member of the academic team and some applicants will be invited for interview. We are keen that you use this process to help us to understand you as an individual, including your skills, your inspirations and current expertise. We are keen to see a broad range of your work within the limits of an edited online portfolio.
What happens next?
If you upload your work by the deadline, it will be reviewed by the course tutors, and a decision will be made. Selected applicants will be invited to either an in-person or online 15 minute interview where you can show a full portfolio of your recent work. they will let the admission team know and they will contact you directly.
Top Tip from our course team
Check out the Westminster fashion Instagram to see images of current students work and https://degree-shows.westminster.ac.uk to see recent graduates work.
Please do not send in portfolios until requested to do so by the University's Admissions team. You will be notified by email about when to submit your portfolio.
- International Baccalaureate – 128 UCAS Tariff points from the IB, to include HL 6 in Visual Arts. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score.
- Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design – Pass
- 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 pass – IB pass
- Selected applicants 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.
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
- If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall with 6.0 writing and speaking. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
Portfolio guidance
To be able to gain an understanding of you as a practitioner and your current breadth and depth of fashion related knowledge, we would like to see an edited sample portfolio of recent work.
What should I include in my portfolio submission?
- A minimum of three pages of fashion related research. Use your own photographs, sketches, notes, and gathered inspirational images, etc.
- At least three pages of design development from your initial related research. These can be a mix of hand-drawn, collage and computer work. This development work can also include sewn samples, knit, print etc.
- At least two pages of your outcome developed from, and in response to, your research and design development above. Demonstrated through photographs of the work, in close-up etc.
- At least one page that demonstrates either your skills in drawing (for example a fashion illustration) or demonstrates your personal inspirations/skills (outside of your Foundation or BTech project work).
- One page of fashion illustration that shows your skills in drawing while also showing your awareness of contemporary fashion and fashion illustration.
How should I structure my portfolio?
Please prepare a portfolio and save it on a free website such as Flickr, Dropbox, Behance, Issuu, Google or any other portfolio platform. We would like you to copy and paste the portfolio web-link onto a Word document and upload that document to the Applicant Portal, as per instructions on the cover email. Please ensure that we can view the portfolio publicly by simply clicking on the link and that there are no passwords or expiry dates. Please type your full name and reference number on each page. Do not upload the portfolio as a PDF – links only please! Please note that we will not accept portfolios sent by email.
How will my portfolio be evaluated?
Your portfolio will be reviewed by a member of the academic team and some applicants will be invited for interview. We are keen that you use this process to help us to understand you as an individual, including your skills, your inspirations and current expertise. We are keen to see a broad range of your work within the limits of an edited online portfolio.
What happens next?
If you upload your work by the deadline, it will be reviewed by the course tutors, and a decision will be made. Selected applicants will be invited to either an in-person or online 15 minute interview where you can show a full portfolio of your recent work. they will let the admission team know and they will contact you directly.
Top Tip from our course team
Check out the Westminster fashion Instagram to see images of current students work and https://degree-shows.westminster.ac.uk to see recent graduates work.
Please do not send in portfolios until requested to do so by the University's Admissions team. You will be notified by email about when to submit your portfolio.
- 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 pass – IB pass
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall with 6.0 writing and speaking.
Selected applicants 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.
Portfolio guidance
To be able to gain an understanding of you as a practitioner and your current breadth and depth of fashion related knowledge, we would like to see edited sample portfolio of recent work.
What should I include in my portfolio submission?
- A minimum of three pages of fashion related research. Use your own photographs, sketches, notes, and gathered inspirational images, etc.
- At least three pages of design development from your initial related research. These can be a mix of hand-drawn, collage and computer work. This development work can also include sewn samples, knit, print etc.
- At least two pages of your outcome developed from, and in response to, your research and design development above. Demonstrated through photographs of the work, in close-up etc.
- At least one page that demonstrates either your skills in drawing (for example a fashion illustration) or demonstrates your personal inspirations/skills (outside of your Foundation or BTech project work).
- One page of fashion illustration that shows your skills in drawing while also showing your awareness of contemporary fashion and fashion illustration.
How should I structure my portfolio?
Please prepare a portfolio and save it on a free website such as Flickr, Dropbox, Behance, Issuu, Google or any other portfolio platform. We would like you to copy and paste the portfolio web-link onto a Word document and upload that document to the Applicant Portal, as per instructions on the cover email. Please ensure that we can view the portfolio publicly by simply clicking on the link and that there are no passwords or expiry dates. Please type your full name and reference number on each page. Do not upload the portfolio as a PDF – links only please! Please note that we will not accept portfolios sent by email.
How will my portfolio be evaluated?
Your portfolio will be reviewed by a member of the academic team and some applicants will be invited for interview. We are keen that you use this process to help us to understand you as an individual, including your skills, your inspirations and current expertise. We are keen to see a broad range of your work within the limits of an edited online portfolio.
What happens next?
If you upload your work by the deadline, it will be reviewed by the course tutors, and a decision will be made. Selected applicants will be invited to either an in-person or online 15 minute interview where you can show a full portfolio of your recent work. they will let the admission team know and they will contact you directly.
Top Tip from our course team
Check out the Westminster fashion Instagram to see images of current students work and https://degree-shows.westminster.ac.uk to see recent graduates work.
Please do not send in portfolios until requested to do so by the University's Admissions team. You will be notified by email about when to submit your portfolio.
- International Baccalaureate – 128 UCAS Tariff points from the IB, to include HL 6 in Visual Arts. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score.
- Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design – Pass
- 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 pass – IB pass
- Selected applicants 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.
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
- If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall with 6.0 writing and speaking. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
Portfolio guidance
To be able to gain an understanding of you as a practitioner and your current breadth and depth of fashion related knowledge, we would like to see an edited sample portfolio of recent work.
What should I include in my portfolio submission?
- A minimum of three pages of fashion related research. Use your own photographs, sketches, notes, and gathered inspirational images, etc.
- At least three pages of design development from your initial related research. These can be a mix of hand-drawn, collage and computer work. This development work can also include sewn samples, knit, print etc.
- At least two pages of your outcome developed from, and in response to, your research and design development above. Demonstrated through photographs of the work, in close-up etc.
- At least one page that demonstrates either your skills in drawing (for example a fashion illustration) or demonstrates your personal inspirations/skills (outside of your Foundation or BTech project work).
- One page of fashion illustration that shows your skills in drawing while also showing your awareness of contemporary fashion and fashion illustration.
How should I structure my portfolio?
Please prepare a portfolio and save it on a free website such as Flickr, Dropbox, Behance, Issuu, Google or any other portfolio platform. We would like you to copy and paste the portfolio web-link onto a Word document and upload that document to the Applicant Portal, as per instructions on the cover email. Please ensure that we can view the portfolio publicly by simply clicking on the link and that there are no passwords or expiry dates. Please type your full name and reference number on each page. Do not upload the portfolio as a PDF – links only please! Please note that we will not accept portfolios sent by email.
How will my portfolio be evaluated?
Your portfolio will be reviewed by a member of the academic team and some applicants will be invited for interview. We are keen that you use this process to help us to understand you as an individual, including your skills, your inspirations and current expertise. We are keen to see a broad range of your work within the limits of an edited online portfolio.
What happens next?
If you upload your work by the deadline, it will be reviewed by the course tutors, and a decision will be made. Selected applicants will be invited to either an in-person or online 15 minute interview where you can show a full portfolio of your recent work. they will let the admission team know and they will contact you directly.
Top Tip from our course team
Check out the Westminster fashion Instagram to see images of current students work and https://degree-shows.westminster.ac.uk to see recent graduates work.
Please do not send in portfolios until requested to do so by the University's Admissions team. You will be notified by email about when to submit your portfolio.
Alumni
Stuart Vevers
Fashion Design BA - 1996
Creative Director, Coach
Claire Barrow
Fashion Design BA - 2012
Director/ Designer at Claire Barrow
Alumni
Liam Hodges
Fashion Design BA - 2011
Creative Director, Menswear Designer at Liam Hodges
Katie Hillier
Fashion Design BA - 1997
Creative Director, Hillier Bartley
Markus Lupfer
Fashion Design BA - 1997
Designer, London Fashion Week
Students
Mathilda Schira
Fashion Design BA - 2027
The chance to explore and experiment with different resources is incredibly liberating. As a creative thinker, being able to bring my ideas to life through embroidery, print, or sewing provides the perfect outlet for my imagination.
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.
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.
Follow us on Instagram
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.
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.
Renee Shanel Edwards Final Collection Photo credit London Eye Production House LTD
Konthorn Wutthiwongangkhana Wins Arts Thread's Award for Casual Streetwear Fashion
Steven Stokey Daley with Queen Elizabeth II Award
2024
- Reneé Shanel Edwards, Aliyah Dankwah, Reuben Harris and James Rowland receive the BFC Scholarship Award
- Alumnus Paolo Carzana is a finalist for the LVMH Prize
- Reneé Shanel Edwards receives The Vanguard Education Fund in partnership with Net-A-Porter and the British Fashion Council
- Alumnus Steven Stokey Daley wins Queens Elizabeth II Award for Excellence in British Design
- Konthorn Wuttiwangangkhana wins Arts Thread’s Global Creative Graduate Showcase award in Casual/Streetwear Fashion
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 Westminster Enterprise Network 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: £9,535 (Price per academic year)
Please note that if you defer your place, the first year’s tuition fees will be those of the academic year in which you enrol, which may be higher than the fee shown for this year.
Fees are subject to UK Government Parliamentary procedure.
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: £17,000 (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 International tuition fees.
Please note that if you defer your place, the first year’s tuition fees will be those of the academic year in which you enrol, which may be higher than the fee shown for this 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.
UK tuition fee: £9,535 (Price per academic year)
Please note that if you defer your place, the first year’s tuition fees will be those of the academic year in which you enrol, which may be higher than the fee shown for this year.
Fees are subject to UK Government Parliamentary procedure.
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: £17,000 (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 International tuition fees.
Please note that if you defer your place, the first year’s tuition fees will be those of the academic year in which you enrol, which may be higher than the fee shown for this 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.
We Are Westminster Blog
Read our blog to get an insight into student life and studying at the University of Westminster.
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
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into two broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2024/25
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
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.
More information
Your Westminster
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