Course Overview
* 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 enabling you to become a highly original and individual creative designer, capable of working at the highest levels of the international fashion industry. Our Fashion Design BA Honours course is currently the only undergraduate course that shows on the official London Fashion Week schedule (Source: London Fashion Week, site accessed in March 2020).
Throughout our course, the emphasis is on the development of your personal design philosophy. Our 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.
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 sandwich course take place in partnership with leading international fashion companies, and have previously included: A Cold Wall, Alexander McQueen, Ashley Williams, Balmain, Burberry, Chalayan, Charles Jeffrey Loverboy, Charlotte Knowles, Christopher Kane, Cottweiller, Craig Green, Eckhaus Latta, Erdem, Eudon Choi, Gareth Pugh, Givenchy, Haider Ackermann, Halpern, JW Anderson, Kenzo, Kilgour, Lanvin, Louis Vuitton, Maison Margiela, Marine Serre, Marques Almeida, Molly Goddard, Nazir Nasar, Norse Projects, Peter Pilotto, Phoebe English, Preen, Raf Simons, Richard Quinn, Roksanda, Self Portrait, Simone Rocha, Stefan Cooke, Supriya Lele, Thom Browne, Underage, Viktor & Rolf, and Walter van Bierendonck.
Embedded into the course structure are several opportunities to engage with the international fashion industry through set live briefs with companies. Previous companies have included FENTY, The Gap, CLOSED denim, Epson, Topshop, H&M, ISKO Denim, Max Mara, Abercrombie and ASOS.
Course graduates include London Fashion Week designers Katie Ann McGuigan, Roberta Einer, Liam Hodges and 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 Versace, Rick Owens, Celine, Loewe, Alexander McQueen, Maison Margiela, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Carven, Tom Ford, Gucci, Versace, Ferragamo, Kenzo, H&M, Preen, MaxMara, Anya Hindmarch, Burberry, J.W. Anderson, Norse Projects, Acne, Jacquemus, Paul Smith and adidas.
Top reasons to study with us
- London Fashion Week opportunities – Our course is the only undergraduate course in the world that shows a selection of its students on the official London Fashion Week schedule (Source: London Fashion Week, site accessed in March 2020)
- 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
- Award-winning students – Our student success is recognised in awards, with recent awards including the DRAWFASHION illustration prize (2020), FENTY design project (2020), British Fashion Council x Coach Design competition (2017)
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, construction, design, illustration, pattern cutting, print, research, and trend analysis.
The first year of the fashion degree course 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 that includes menswear and womenswear, spanning both conceptual and commercial.
Subjects of study include:
- Design Project 1: Skills
- Design Project 2: Sportswear
- Design Project 3: Outerwear
- Design Project 4: Modernity
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 design assignments.
Guest industry speakers and lecturers allow you to understand your personal design practice within the context of the wider international design industry. Recent guest lecturers and visitors to the course include Julian Ganio from Fantastic Man, Lou Stoppard from SHOWstudio, Cozette McCreery from Sibling, Natasha Booth from Fashion East, Meadham Kirchhoff, Liam Hodges, and Charlie Porter.
A sustained period of internship takes place over eight consecutive weeks, starting at the end of December until the end of Paris Fashion Week in March. 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.
Subjects of study include:
- Collection 1: Cutting
- Collection 2: Surface
- Collection 3: Internship
- Collection 4: Portfolio
- Collection 5: Historical
Credit Level 5
At this level, you are expected to develop a more strategic perspective and draw together your academic and work experience. You will study subjects that further develop your design skills, and you will also have the opportunity to specialise in areas of particular interest. You will develop a A/W runway collection, and following this a S/S pre-collection, alongside a portfolio of design work to enable you to apply for design positions on graduation.
Additionally, 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:
- Final Collection 1
- Final Collection 2
- Portfolio
- Thesis
Credit Level 6
Programme Specification
For more details on course structure and modules, and how you will be taught and assessed, see the programme specification.
University of Westminster BA A/W20 London Fashion Week Show
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 in Paris, Milan, New York or further afield.
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 course 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 such as Alexander McQueen.
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
- Anya Hindmarch
- ASOS
- Balmain
- Burberry
- Calvin Klein
- Carven
- Celine
- Cherevichkiotvichki
- Emma Wickstead
- H&M
- Lanvin
- Louis Vuitton
- Margiela
- MaxMara
- McQ
- North Sea Clothing
- Paul Smith
- Roksanda
- Smythson
- Stone Island
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.
Previous internships have taken place at companies including:
- Alexander McQueen | Ashley Williams | A Cold Wall
- Balmain | Burberry
- Chalayan | Charles Jeffrey Loverboy | Charlotte Knowles | Christopher Kane | Cottweiller | Craig Green
- Eckhaus Latta | Erdem | Eudon Choi
- Gareth Pugh | Givenchy
- Haider Ackermann | Halpern
- JW Anderson
- Kenzo, | Kilgour
- Lanvin | Louis Vuitton
- Maison Margiela | Marine Serre | Marques Almeida | Molly Goddard
- Nazir Nasar | Norse Projects
- Peter Pilotto | Phoebe English | Preen
- Raf Simons | Richard Quinn | Roksanda
- Self Portrait | Simone Rocha | Stefan Cooke | Supriya Lele
- Thom Browne
- Underage
- Viktor & Rolf
- Walter van Bierendonck
Course Team
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?
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
- A levels – Not accepted
- International Baccalaureate – 128 UCAS Tariff points from the IB, to include HL 6 in Visual Arts
- Art and Design Foundation – Pass to Distinction
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM in Art & Design or arts related subject
- BTEC Diploma – Not accepted
- Access – 128 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course in an Art & Design or arts related subject
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.
If you meet the entry requirements, you will be asked to submit example pages from your portfolio. If you are then invited to a portfolio review, you will be asked to present your full portfolio. We are looking for creative individuals who can show evidence of personal expression, creative ideas, related skills and a depth of subject knowledge.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process
- International Baccalaureate – 128 UCAS Tariff points from the IB, to include HL 6 in Visual Arts
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall with 6.0 writing and speaking.
If you meet the entry requirements, you will be asked to submit example pages from your portfolio. If you are then invited to a portfolio review, you will be asked to present your full portfolio. We are looking for creative individuals who can show evidence of personal expression, creative ideas, related skills and a depth of subject knowledge.
More information
Online open days
Join us at an online open day and get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster.
You'll get a chance to:
- Speak to our academic staff
- Take a virtual reality tour of our student halls
- Ask us any questions you may have about student finance and accommodation
Alumni
Ashley Williams
Creative director at Ashley Williams
Fashion Design BA
Stuart Vevers
Creative Director, Coach
Fashion Design BA
Claire Barrow
Director/ Designer at Claire Barrow
Fashion Design BA
Alumni
Liam Hodges
Creative Director, Menswear Designer at Liam Hodges
Fashion Design BA
Katie Hillier
Creative Director, Hillier Bartley
Fashion Design BA
Markus Lupfer
Designer, London Fashion Week
Fashion Design BA
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.
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.
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.
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
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £14,400 (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.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
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
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Teaching and assessment
Below you'll find examples of how marks have been calculated and study time distributed in the past. Changes to assessment weights and division of study time 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 seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, as well as group work. Teaching will be informed by our research, giving you the benefit of the knowledge of current theories and, where appropriate, their practical application.
Year
1
84%16%
2
80%20%
3
37%63%
How you'll be assessed
Assessment methods across our undergraduate courses may include essays, reports, presentations, case studies, videos, podcasts and posters, as well as time-constrained in-class tests and exams.
Year
1
26%74%
2
24%76%
3
35%65%
Data from the academic year 2019/20
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 creative enterprise hub.
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
We have an FAQs page if you are applying this year.
Or you can contact the Course Enquiries Team:
Opening hours (GMT): 9am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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