Fashion Design for Beginners
- Level(s) of Study: Short course
- Course Fee:
£495
- Start Date(s): 11 August 2025
- Duration: Tuesdays, 6 pm to 8.30 pm, for ten weeks or Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm, one week
- Study Mode(s): Part-time
- Campus: City Campus
- Entry Requirements: More information
Introduction:
Course dates:
11 - 15 August 2025, Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm
On this course, you’ll learn how to create innovative fashion concepts, taking your designs from an initial idea and sketch to a coherent collection.
It’s a great first step if you want to explore the processes involved in designing clothes for yourself or for others, or are considering further studies in fashion or accessory design.
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You’ll be part of a design community in our creative studio culture; one that promotes discussion and collaboration, and encourages experimentation and the constant swapping of ideas. -
With a limited class size you'll have the one-to-one attention you need to ensure you leave with the skills to continue developing your designs at home or work. -
Benefit from learning with an experienced tutor who has established links to the profession and significant experience working in varied practices. -
On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance.
Here is what our previous attendees said:
'I enjoyed the illustrations and the technical drawing, and the course was taught at a good speed. Hannah was very friendly and clearly passionate, as well as experienced with design.'
'Hannah was really good, I enjoyed the lessons in illustration and draping from her, she is always so helpful.'
'This course has inspired me to continue designing and making my own clothes. I really enjoyed it, thank you!'
'Great teaching, at a good level and pace, tailored to what we were interested in.'
What you’ll study
By the end of the course, you’ll have a sketchbook and portfolio of new drawings and designs, plus photographs of your 3D work.
You’ll have an appreciation of the steps involved in fashion concept development, and the motivation to keep designing into the future.
- find and evaluate new sources of creative inspiration
- develop your approach to fashion concept development
- research themes and trends and apply them to your work in an intelligent way
- understand historical fashion reference points to create a modern day interpretation
- learn how to create contemporary fashion illustrations that have impact
- create working and technical drawings to sit alongside your illustrations
- explore trends in pattern, print and textile design, and apply these to your work
- look at fabric samples, colour options and accessorising
- experiment with draping to create new silhouettes
- discuss how to make commercially viable designs
- considering customer profiling and branding
- produce a coherent collection of designs and present them in a professional way.
Student Work
How you’re taught
This is a hands on, practical course taught at Nottingham Trent University city campus delivered via practical studio activities and manageable homework assignments.
You’ll develop your idea generation and research skills, along with your technical skills in design, illustration and presentation.
There will be time for 1-2-1 feedback as well as group discussions and critiques.
Contact hours
You will receive 25 contact hours of quality tuition with an experienced tutor.
Careers and employability
On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance, which will further enhance your CV.
Campus and facilities
You will be based in the School of Art and Design on the City Campus.
You will have access to an excellent range of facilities and equipment in the fashion studios, with industry-standard fashion tables, professional mannequins, and space to work on your hand-drawn designs.
You’ll also have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.
You will receive an email one week before the course starts with joining instructions on where to go for the first day.
Entry requirements
Level: Beginner
Entry requirement: No previous design or drawing experience is required – just plenty of enthusiasm and the willingness to share ideas.
You must be over the age of 18 to attend this course.
Fees and funding
The fee for this course is £495.
Payment is due at the time of booking - ask us if you'd prefer an invoice sent to your company.
Secure your place with a deposit - If you're booking more than two months before the course starts, we can accept a £200 deposit to secure your place, and the balance is due one month before the course starts.
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, including great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course.
Please bring with you to the first session:
- a layout pad
- drawing materials (pencils, felt-tips, gel pens etc)
- a couple of fashion magazines or imagery for inspiration
- notepad and pens.
You can read the terms and conditions of booking here.
Need accommodation for a week long summer course?
Accommodation can be booked separately to the course; the rooms are only a few minutes’ walk from our studios and classrooms, and cost £259 per week.
These are single rooms with a private bathroom in shared apartments in Nottingham Trent University’s city campus accommodation, which is ideal if you're looking to be based in Nottingham's lively city centre and want an economical place to stay.
Find out more and book your accommodation here.
How to apply
You can book your place via the NTU online store:
11 - 15 August 2025, Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm
Browse all short courses in Fashion, Textiles and Costume.
Any questions?
Contact the short course team:
Email: creativeshortcourses@ntu.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 2813