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Fashion Design BA (Hons)
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- UCAS Code(s): W230
- Start Date(s): September 2023
- Duration: Three years, full-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time
- Campus: City Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
Join our BA (Hons) Fashion Design course and become part of a renowned program with strong connections in the national and international fashion industry. You'll benefit from our recognized global presence, setting you up for success in the competitive fashion world.
At the Nottingham School of Art & Design, we pride ourselves on producing graduates who are admired for their creativity, innovation, and unique design flair. Alongside these artistic talents, you'll develop a solid understanding of commercial aspects, sustainability principles, and cutting-edge technologies. This holistic approach ensures you're equipped with the skills and knowledge to make a lasting impact in the fashion industry. So, embrace the opportunity to unleash your creative potential and shape the future of fashion with us!
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You’ll have the opportunity to complete a work experience placement of up to a year in length. Dependent on the duration of your placement, you could gain an additional Diploma or Certificate in Professional Practice. -
Go on optional international study trips to events like Paris Fashion Week. You will also have the opportunity to apply for a European or international exchange to one of our partner institutions, including the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and more. -
Benefit from guest lecturers such as Giles Deacon, Christopher Raeburn, and internationally renowned Japanese pattern cutting expert Shingo Sato. -
Get involved with competitions and live projects with companies like Oasis, Boohoo, Mulberry, ASOS, River Island and Burberry. There is also an opportunity to be nominated for the Sarabande Foundation: Lee Alexander McQueen scholarship.
What you’ll study
This course offers you a challenging and dynamic opportunity to develop the relevant skills and knowledge required to springboard you into the global fashion and related industries.
Through personalised and collaborative project work, you will learn to integrate research, design ideas, technology and theory to develop directional and contemporary fashion design concepts.
The curriculum reflects current industry practice and includes in-depth broad-ranging visual research / concept development, material awareness, design development, creative pattern cutting, garment manufacture, prototyping / product development, fashion drawing / illustration, visual communication, sustainability and future thinking.
Curiosity: Creative Exploration and Research
(40 credit points, full year)
This module explores core design components: concept, drawing, materials, colour and future thinking. You will be encouraged to question how fundamental aspects of design practice and theory can be used as both research tools and as a means to develop your design identity in a creative, explorative and hands on way. You will work with students across the department and begin to identify your future direction.
Curiosity: Creative Development and Application for Fashion Design
(80 credit points, full year)
Through a series of workshops you will apply your creative design ideas to practical and creative fashion design skills, such as, pattern cutting, 2D to 3D design development, CAD and fashion illustration. You will also build an awareness of core issues relating to design responsibility, sustainability and ethics.
You will also explore a range of manufacturing techniques including within fashion accessory design so that you can explore a broader range of materials and fashion products. You will have the opportunity to have taster workshops in Fashion Knitwear Design and Knitted Textiles in fabric development and manufacturing processes. There is an option to transfer to this course should you decide that this area of fashion is for you.
Directions: Industry and Context for Fashion Design
(40 credit points, first half of the year)
Through an industry led project you will develop your creative thinking and technical skills through tailoring, pattern cutting, construction, manufacturing and finishing techniques for fabric and leather. You will also develop and deepen your skills and knowledge of emerging cultural issues, including responsible design practice, visual, market and contextual research.
Live projects will challenge you to respond to commercial briefs in teams where you will enhance your employability skills through the practice of verbal and visual skills.
Directions: Innovation and Transition for Fashion Design
(40 credit points, second half of the year)
By developing your own personalised and negotiated briefs you will build on your design and research skills through the application of advanced techniques and the selection of individual research topics, methods and methodologies. You will negotiate your own design brief and undertake primary and secondary research to develop meaningful design concepts that respond to theory, contemporary cultural contexts and issues.
This module supports your transition to final year, enhancing your ability to develop individual research proposals that reflect personal design interests and building on theory and practice. You will extend and test innovative approaches to your specialist textile area, working beyond discipline boundaries where appropriate.
Co Lab: Research, Exploration and Risk-Taking
(20 credit points, second half of the year)
Through active participation with team-based problem solving, you will work together in mixed teams on a project where you will use your creative ideas to generate solutions to the challenge or brief. Your project will allow you to explore how creativity can make an impact in society, as you choose a theme of sustainability, social justice, enterprise and innovation or community. This collaborative learning experience will expose you to a range of new processes and approaches that will develop your creative thinking and willingness to take creative risks.
Optional module
(20 credit points, first half of the year)
Personalise your learning, selecting a module that develops your awareness of possible professional futures you may wish to engage with. Study with students from the creative community in the Nottingham School of Art and Design to expand your horizons, challenge ways of thinking and facilitate potential future collaborations. Choose from:
- Material Stories
- Digital Marketing & Communication
- Telling Stories
- Typography: Use and Expression
- Buying, Merchandising and Product Fundamentals
- Trend Forecasting
- Creative Entrepreneurship
- Creative Live Event Production
- Human Stories and Inclusive Design
Optional Placement Year
We have an option for all of our students to undertake a placement year and allow you to decide whether this is right for you once you have completed years 1 and 2 of your course. This time spent working in industry provides our students with crucial work experience, which is highly prized and much sought after by employers upon graduation. If you are successful in securing a placement you will have the chance to gain an additional Certificate or Diploma in Professional Practice, dependent on duration.
Resolutions: Culture and Context
(20 / 40 credit points, the full year)
Develop an individual research concept established at the end of second year that advances your knowledge of contextual issues, cultural theories and debates. You will present this as a dissertation or in the alternative format of a visual product. Students choosing the 40 credit option will complete an extended body of research work for exhibition or publication.
Resolutions: Practice and Context for Fashion Design
(100 / 80 credit points, the full year)
You will write your own design brief informed by your emerging design interests through which you will develop a professional portfolio and collection of work relating to your career aspirations. This will communicate your creative design thinking and decision-making through selecting a pathway of either: fashion collection where you will create a four-outfit collection for a catwalk show, or fashion product for exhibition. The year will include opportunities to engage with external contexts through live projects, competitions, or professional bodies and will culminate in showcasing your collection/product and portfolio to a range of audiences and providing opportunities for your ongoing personal and professional development.
You will have opportunities to engage with live projects, competitions and professional bodies to broaden your portfolio and strategically enhance career directions.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
Video Gallery
How you’re taught
On this course, you’ll spend most of your time in a creative studio environment.
Teaching and learning experiences will include:
- lectures
- staged briefings
- independent learning
- NOW online learning portal
- demonstrations
- studio workshops
- textile workshops
- tutorials
- seminars
- team working
- verbal and visual presentations
- supervision in workshops
- live projects
- study trips
- peer group activities.
Assessment
Assessment is predominantly through coursework. You will receive feedback throughout each module and will be awarded a grade.
Depending on the module, you may be assessed through:
- 2D visual research and design development work
- 3D development work and final product
- portfolio work
- evaluations
- reports, essays and a dissertation
- presentations.
20% of your final degree mark will be based on your work in Year 2, and 80% from your work in your final year.
Co Lab
Want real-world experience alongside your degree? Co Lab is your opportunity to work with peers from different disciplines on live projects set by industry partners. Embrace collaborative practice as you explore how creativity can make an impact in society and develop the skills employers want to see in the creative industries.
Trips and study visits
Experience new cultures and learn more about the international fashion industry through trips to events like Paris Fashion Week, whilst taking inspiration from different subject areas through UK trips to places like Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
Exchange opportunities
The Nottingham School of Art & Design has exchange agreements with a number of institutions around the world, such as the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. You may choose to study abroad in Year Two for one semester. Two BA (Hons) Fashion Design students have recently completed an exchange to Hong Kong Polytechnic University, supported by funding from the Shirley Chan scholarship.
The University is also part of the Erasmus+ programme and has agreements with a number of partner institutions throughout Europe. If you're thinking about studying part of your degree abroad, Erasmus+ is a great way of experiencing a new culture, meeting new people, learning a new language and gaining a study experience which will enhance your CV.
Showcase
You will be given the opportunity to exhibit your work during your time at NTU to members of the creative industries. You may also be selected to showcase at Graduate Fashion Week in London – where many of our previous students have won awards. Visit our ‘We Are Creatives’ showcase to take a look at the work of this year's graduating students’.
Contact hours
- Year 1 lectures/seminars/workshops (21%), independent study (79%).
- Year 2 lectures/seminars/workshops (20%), independent study (80%).
- Year 3 lectures/seminars/workshops (20%), independent study (80%).
Further information
NTU is in the UK’s Top 15 for Art & Design in the Complete University Guide 2023 (Ranked 15th).
How you’re assessed
- Year 1 coursework (100%).
- Year 2 coursework (90%), practical exams (10%).
- Year 3 coursework (100%).
Careers and employability
Our graduates go into a range of fashion-related roles across the world such as designers, product developers and buyers. Recent graduate destinations include:
- ASOS
- Abercrombie & Fitch
- Burberry
- Coach
- George
- H&M
- Mulberry
- Next
- River Island
- Roksanda
- Tom Ford
- Victoria Beckham
- Vivienne Westwood
- Yohji Yamamoto.
Our students have also had success at: The Young Ideas 50 Years in Fashion Illustration Competition, the Young Creators to the World contest at Lima Fashion Week in Peru and the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest (YDC).
Work placements and internship opportunities
You’ll have the opportunity to complete work experience or longer placement, with the chance to gain an additional Diploma or Certificate in Professional Practice, dependent on duration. Course tutors and our Employability team are on hand to support you in applying for placement and professional practice opportunities.
With the fashion department's excellent links with industry, students have secured paid summer internships at brands such as GAP inc. in New York and Urban Outfitters in Philadelphia.
Other recent placement destinations include:
- ASOS
- Boohoo
- Christopher Raeburn
- GAP Inc.
- Jigsaw
- Old Navy
- Paul Smith
- River island
- Victoria Beckham
- Vivienne Westwood
YouFirst – working with our Employability Team
Studying a creative degree in a large university has many benefits, none more so than having access to a large employability team.
Our friendly, experienced careers consultants will work closely with you at every stage of your career planning, providing personal support and advice you won't find in a book or on the internet. You can benefit from this at any time during your studies and up to three years after completing your course.
Connecting with industry
This course collaborates with industry at local, national and international levels. Live projects and competitions will give you the opportunity to have exposure to real-life design situations.
Our students have taken part and enjoyed success in a range of top industry projects, awards and competitions, including:
- a live project with Oasis inspired by The Nottingham Lace Collection, which saw our students’ design launched in stores and online
- winning the TU Menswear Scholarship Award, Tessuti Sports and Leisurewear Award, and Fashion Marketing Award at Graduate Fashion Week (GFW).
Creative Industries Federation
We are members of the Creative Industries Federation (CIF), which means students in the Nottingham School of Art & Design have the opportunity to sign up to free student membership. Creative Industries Federation are an organisation that represents, champions and supports the UK’s creative industries and membership grants students exclusive access to their selection of resources and events to help advance your career and connect with industry.
Hear from global leaders
Recent visiting speakers have included Creative Director of Graduate Fashion Week, Martyn Roberts, and renowned fashion journalist, Hilary Alexander OBE, who visited to give students a GFW Masterclass.
Former editor of British Vogue, Alexandra Shulman, also visited to talk to students about her 25-year career at the magazine.
What our students are doing now
Rebecca Lennox
Profile of Rebecca Lennox, NTU alumna now running her own business and working for a London fashion design company.
Fashion collection made entirely from donated fabrics
Wildbrain’s Teletubbies inspire bold fashion creativity in unique collaboration with NTU students
Campus and facilities
Our Fashion Design studios are lively, highly creative environments based in the Bonington building, a dedicated art and design hub. You can view all of our Fashion facilities on the Nottingham school of Art & Design Facilities page.
Entry requirements
Looking for a place in Clearing? We are accepting applications and would love to hear from you.
To discuss our entry requirements and see what we can offer you, call us now on +44 (0)115 848 6000 or apply online.
What are we looking for?
- We accept UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications.
- GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4.
To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.
Other requirements
Other qualifications and experience
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
Looking for a place in Clearing? We are accepting applications and would love to hear from you.
To discuss our entry requirements and see what we can offer you, call us now on +44 (0)115 848 6000 or apply online.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Other requirements
Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3)
You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before. This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there's no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
What's included in the course fees?
The School will cover the costs of any mandatory study trips.
In Final Year, the Nottingham School of Art & Design will provide infrastructure costs for your Degree Showcase, including exhibition set-up costs.
If you’re selected to showcase your work at Graduate Fashion Week in London, the School will cover the cost of transporting your work, the exhibition stand, and catwalk show.
Additional fees
Print and copy costs
We advise you to budget between £140 - £300 (minimum) per year for printing costs.
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Material costs
Depending on the materials you choose to work with, you should budget a minimum of £300 (Year One), £500 (Year Two), and £900 - £1,500 (Final Year) to cover the production costs associated to your course. This will include things like fabrics, pattern-cutting paper, toiling fabric (calico), and printing (optional).
Stationery and reading materials
Most study modules will recommend one or more core textbooks, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary between courses and further information is available in the University’s bookshop, Blackwell’s.
A good supply of these essential text books are available in the University libraries, which students can easily borrow or access directly whilst studying in the library.
You should budget between £150 - £200 per year (minimum) for stationery and reading materials.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
If you choose to join optional UK research trips, you should budget £60 - £120 in Year One and Two (minimum). In Final Year, you should budget £420 (minimum) for optional UK research trips and a field trip to Paris Fashion Week.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
If you undertake work experience or a longer placement, you will have the chance to gain an additional Certificate or Diploma in Professional Practice, dependent on duration. The Diploma in Professional Practice incurs a fee for the additional placement year.
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there's no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those international students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion, and dedication to their studies.
Please take a look at our International students page for information about fees, scholarships for international students, visas and much more.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
What's included in the course fees?
The School will cover the costs of any mandatory study trips.
In Final Year, the Nottingham School of Art & Design will provide infrastructure costs for your Degree Showcase, including exhibition set-up costs.
If you’re selected to showcase your work at Graduate Fashion Week in London, the School will cover the cost of transporting your work, the exhibition stand, and catwalk show.
Additional fees
Print and copy costs
We advise you to budget between £140 - £300 (minimum) per year for printing costs.
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Material costs
Depending on the materials you choose to work with, you should budget a minimum of £300 (Year One), £500 (Year Two), and £900 - £1,500 (Final Year) to cover the production costs associated to your course. This will include things like fabrics, pattern-cutting paper, toiling fabric (calico), and printing (optional).
Stationery and reading materials
Most study modules will recommend one or more core textbooks, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary between courses and further information is available in the University’s bookshop, Blackwell’s.
A good supply of these essential text books are available in the University libraries, which students can easily borrow or access directly whilst studying in the library.
You should budget between £150 - £200 per year (minimum) for stationery and reading materials.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
If you choose to join optional UK research trips, you should budget £60 - £120 in Year One and Two (minimum). In Final Year, you should budget £420 (minimum) for optional UK research trips and a field trip to Paris Fashion Week.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
If you undertake work experience or a longer placement, you will have the chance to gain an additional Certificate or Diploma in Professional Practice, dependent on duration. The Diploma in Professional Practice incurs a fee for the additional placement year.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS.
We will ask you to provide a digital portfolio. Download some advice on what to include to help make your portfolio stand out. After you have submitted your portfolio, we may also invite you to an online interview to help us make our final decision.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please email our Admissions team or call +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Apply through UCAS (if applying to more than one university in the UK), or through our NTU applicant portal.
We will ask you to provide a digital portfolio. Visit our webpage which had some advice on what to include to help make your portfolio stand out. After you have submitted your portfolio, we may also invite you to an online interview to help us make our final decision.
Keeping up to date
After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Please also take a look at our International students page and our application guide for international students, which are full of advice and information about the University.
If you need any more help or information, please contact our International team or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200. Alternatively, you can get in touch with our staff at the International Development Office, who are always happy to help. Or speak to one of our official NTU representatives for your country.