Fashion Design BA (Hons)

About the course

We develop designers who are technically accomplished, visually literate and articulate. It encompasses a wide range of projects which include briefs set by designer labels through to the high street.

Reasons to choose Fashion Design at DMU

• A creative and dynamic course moving with the constantly evolving fashion world

• The opportunity to enter prestigious national and international competitions

• Projects set by companies and organisations such as British Fashion Council, Burberry, Warehouse and New Look

• Opportunities to specialise in fashion areas including womenswear, menswear and fashion knitwear

The course offers the opportunity to specialise in project work for womenswear, menswear or fashion knitwear, gaining specialist design and technical expertise relevant to a range of fashion activities, from initial design concept through to the finished prototype.

The first year provides a grounding in fashion and design through a wide variety of practical, creative and technical classes and projects.

The second year is more focused, with the emphasis on experimentation, more in-depth project research and 3D development. New skills are introduced such as tailoring and fashion prediction, as well as collaborative project work both with industry and within the textile area.

The major project in the third year gives you the opportunity to set your own briefs, and design and produce a final collection, as well as to take part in national and international competitions.

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Key facts

UCAS course code: W230

Duration: Three years full-time, six years part-time

Institution code: D26

Entry and admission criteria

2013

A good portfolio and normally:

• Art and Design Foundation or
• 260 UCAS points from at least two full A levels, including a grade C or above in Art and Design or
• National Diploma MMM or
• International Baccalaureate: 28+ Points

Five GCSEs grades A* - C including English Language or Literature at grade C or above.

We also accept the BTEC First Diploma plus two GCSEs including English at grade C or above.

Interview and Portfolio

UK applicants with relevant qualifications will be invited to bring their portfolio of work to an open day and interview.

Overseas applicants will be invited to send samples of their work. For further details check our international students portfolio page|.

International Students

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent when you start the course is essential. English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching encompasses design studio practice, formal lectures, group seminars, tutorials, exhibition and store visits, presentations and practical workshops.

Assessment is at the end of each semester with feedback and evaluation critiques held at appropriate times throughout the year.

Course modules

Year one

• Complete Fashion Studies
• Integrated Fashion Studies

Year two

• Practical Fashion Studies
• Fashion Design Studies

Year three

• Advanced Fashion Studies
• Major Project

Work experience and placements

Our students have completed work placements with various companies and designers from, for example, Jonathan Saunders and Alberta Ferretti through to high street retailers such as River Island.

Graduate careers

Graduates go on to work in a variety of areas within the fashion and textile industry as fashion designers, illustrators, pattern cutters, stylists, and trend forecasters, and often go on to launch their own businesses. Recent employers include companies such as Burberry, River Island, Alexander McQueen, Nicole Fahri, Reiss and French Connection.

Others have progressed to MA courses at IFM Paris, Royal College of Art, Central St Martins, and our MA Fashion Bodywear.

Fees and funding

2013 entry

UK/EU Fees: £9000
International Fees: TBC

Learn more about fees and funding information 2013|

Scholarships

Learn more about our Undergraduate scholarships and awards| information.

Facilities

The fashion area has dedicated studio space, extensive pattern tables, sewing, and knitting machine workshop resources. You will also have access to our extensive CAD suites (PC and Mac), used for specific teaching, with open access if you are completing coursework.