This popular course has an impressive reputation built on 30 years of expertise. It has a unique combination of:
- design innovation
- cutting-edge technology
- the latest theory
- overseas visits
- commercial reality.
You'll get involved directly in the modern professional fashion world, developing your creative potential through live project work. You'll work closely with industry professionals, your fellow students, and national and international organisations. Often these projects will lead to work experience opportunities, awards and prizes.
Throughout the course, you'll be support and directed by experienced tutors and practitioners. You'll benefit from group tutorials, feedback sessions and career planning classes.
Latest news from the course
Six of our Fashion Design students have recently been shortlisted as finalists in a design competition by bespoke formal shirt brand, Hawes & Curtis. Read more about this story on our Latest News pages.
Janine Clark and Emma Baldwin, both studying on this course, have been shortlisted for the Alfa Romeo Young Designer Award 2012. Read more about this story on our Latest News pages.
Art and Design Degree Shows 2012
Our final-year Art and Design Degree Shows will be taking place in May and June at the University. 20 courses will be showcasing inspirational work across the campus and the shows are open to the public.
Find out about our Degree Shows on the School of Art & Design website.
Any questions?
Email us
Telephone: +44 (0)115 9418 418
Visit the School of Art & Design website.
Please note the following information for applicants
Year One
You'll learn the fundamental skills of fashion design:
- drawing
- illustration
- colour
- pattern cutting
- garment construction
- fashion research.
You'll also study cultural and visual influences on fashion to help you develop your analysis and critique skills.
Year Two
In year two you'll focus on real-life, professional design practice.
- Undertake live commercial projects and collaborations with fashion companies.
- Broaden your awareness and international knowledge with trips to major trend capitals.
- Choose from a range of complementary modules. This could include fashion forecasting, buying and global sourcing, fashion journalism and ethical fashion.
Year Three
You will research and produce a catwalk collection, or range of products, around a theme of your choice.
You'll also have the option to complete a dissertation and present your collection in a professional catwalk show in Nottingham. You may also be selected to showcase your work at Graduate Fashion Week in London.
Assessment
Assessment for this course is continuous throughout, and based on coursework.
Student gallery
Have a look at some of the work created on this course in our student gallery.
Specialist equipment and facilities
Students learn and work in a lively, creative environment. We have exceptional, industry-standard facilities, including:
Take a look at our art and design facilities through 360 degree panoramas and images.
Opportunities
In Year Two, you'll have the opportunity to be selected for an international exchange to the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.
We also organise European study visits through the course, to directional trend exhibition and major fashion capitals. Recent destinations have included Paris, New York and Tokyo.
Industry focus
During your studies, you'll have some great chances to get involved with live projects and competitions in collaboration with established brands, organisations and professional bodies from fashion and related industries.
You'll also be able to take part in national and international promotional and team events, like catwalk shows and exhibitions.
Work placements
Although this course doesn't offer a formal placement year, students are encouraged to undertake work placements and enter industry competitions. All our courses are vocationally focused and benefit from strong links to industry.
Giving you competitive advantage
In today's competitive job market graduates often find that a degree is no longer enough to attract employers. A work placement is a valuable addition to your education. You'll gain real-life work experience that will make you stand out from the crown and enhance your employability in your chosen field of work.
What are the benefits of a work placement?
Practical work experience has many benefits for you. It can help in your day-to-day studies and is often paid. It can enhance your commercial awareness and your ability to link theory and practice which will be an invaluable skill in your future career. Although a work placement is highly recommended, obtaining one is based on an individual's effort and is not guaranteed.
How to apply
Application for this course is through UCAS application form. You can find more general information on the UCAS application process on the UCAS website.
You will still need to apply to us through UCAS if you are an International (non-EU) applicant. You can find information and help on the application process on our Applying and Fees for International (non-EU) students web page.
Application deadline
- 2012 entry: 15 January 2012
- 2013 entry: 15 January 2013
Applications received after this date will be marked as 'late'. Late applications will only be considered if places are still available after all on-time applications have been assessed.
We have a number of open days that take place throughout the year. If you'd like to visit us click on the 'Book an Open Day' button at the top right of this page.
Interviews, online work submissions and portfolios
Selection for this course takes place through UCAS application form and, where invited, work submission, interview and portfolio.
UK applicants
The table below shows you how we asses different types of applicants, once we've received their UCAS application.
| Type of applicant | Online work submission | Interview |
|---|
| A-Level / BTEC National Diploma / Other | Yes | Yes |
| Art and Design Foundation Diploma | No | Yes |
| Mature | Yes | Yes |
A-Level / BTEC National Diploma / Other / Mature applicants
If you meet the minimum entry requirements (or are a mature applicant) but have not completed an art and design foundation course, we will ask you to make an online work submission of:
- 12 examples of your practical work
- a short written summary.
If we need you to submit work, we'll contact you when we receive your UCAS application. Your online work submission will be used to decided whether to invite you to attend an interview at the University.
Art and Design Foundation Diploma applicants
If you meet the minimum entry requirements and are completing an art and design foundation diploma we'll invite you to attend an interview at the University without requesting an online work submission first
Interview and portfolio information
If you are invited to attend an interview, you'll bring your portfolio with you. For more information about what we look for during an interview, and some useful tips for your portfolio, download our BA (Hons) Fashion Design interview and portfolio information. 
Overseas applicants
If you meet the minimum entry requirements we will ask you to send us an online work submission of:
- 12 examples of your practical work
- a piece of written work (approximately 500 words) from your current or previous course.
When we receive your UCAS application we'll contact you to tell you how to submit your work online. Overseas applicants are not expected to attend an interview at the University.
English language requirements
English language entry requirements for courses in the School of Art & Design, and a full list of all English language qualifications accepted by the University are available on our website.
UCAS points
The 280 UCAS tariff points needed for entry to this course. These should be from a minimum of two A-levels or equivalent qualification (such as a BTEC National Diploma). We will also, in addition, accept UCAS points from AS-levels, where the subject wasn't continued to A-level.
If you're unsure if the qualifications you have, or are studying for, meet the minimum entry requirements please contact us before submitting a UCAS application.
Mature applicants
We welcome applications from mature applicants (over the age of 21) for this course. Candidates of this nature will be assessed on an individual basis.
If you're a mature applicant you'll still need to apply by UCAS form but you won't necessarily need to meet our minimum entry requirements. You may be asked to make a work submission and possibly attend an interview.
Any questions?
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to get in touch with us.
Email us
Telephone: +44 (0)115 9418 418
