Fashion Design

取得日期：未有保存

https://www.bcu.ac.uk/courses/fashion-design-ba-hons-2027-28

Fashion Design - BA (Hons) - 2027/28 Entry | Birmingham City University

We use cookies on this website to improve the experience we provide. By continuing to use our site you agree to this, or visit our cookie policy to manage your settings.

Birmingham City University

Skip to main content

Skip to main menu

Search the BCU website

View saved courses

Open main menu

Saved courses

Search website

Fashion Design - BA (Hons)

Currently viewing course to start in 2027/28 Entry.

Our BA Fashion Design Course will provide you with a comprehensive fashion design education. The course encourages innovation in both design skills and technical craftsmanship with a focus on sustainability, system thinking and socioeconomic practice....

How to apply

Sign up for updates

Save this course

Undergraduate

Study mode

Full Time

BA (Hons)

Start date

September 2027

View course fees

Fashion and Textiles

Location

City Centre

This course is:

Available with Professional Placement year

Open to International Students

Open Day Book now

Overview

LFW Student Vox V2

Our BA Fashion Design Course will provide you with a comprehensive fashion design education. The course encourages innovation in both design skills and technical craftsmanship with a focus on sustainability, system thinking and socioeconomic practice. We will provide you with international opportunities and integration with our industry partners to empower you to explore your individuality, creativity, and future employability.

You will work with industry experts and a dedicated team of academic researchers and practitioners. A decolonised curriculum structures the innovative approach to 2D and 3D design resulting in diverse experts of your craft.

Within your first year of study, you will explore pure fashion design skills through a fundamental grounding in garment knowledge, construction, materiality, fabric and fibres analysis, tailoring and drape delivered in an atelier environment. In your second year you will discover systems thinking in relationship to Fashion design and our course’s structure will allow you to strategically balance between physically traditional and virtually digital craftmanship. Your final year of study provides you with the opportunity to express your individual design methodology in one of many creative formats, including a collection of garments, fashion products, material research and digital design technology.

We will guide you with the decision of taking a placement year between your second and final year of study. Our dedicated internal careers team will support you through this process. We are proud that our recent cohorts have taken year placements with renowned designers such Paul Smith, Christopher Kane and Craig Green as well as industry super brands such as Superdry, NEXT and Adidas. We let you choose your design identity and tread your own design path.

Our Fashion Design Course has built a reputation for students entering the industry as original, creative, independent thinking employable designers. Our award-winning graduate portfolios and fashion collections are showcased on international, digital, and local west-midland based platforms. You will study on a programme that is specifically designed to produce job-ready graduates with transferrable skills that can form and reshape our industries.

What's covered in this course?

The course equips you with the necessary knowledge, skills and attributes to succeed in a wide range of careers in the fashion industry.

Your first year will introduce you to a number of fashion topics, helping you to develop a good foundation of fashion knowledge and skills, in both design and technical areas.

Your second year helps to strengthen your personal and professional development in relation to your own career goals. You will also have the opportunity to study abroad during this year.

An optional placement year takes place between years 2 and 3, providing an opportunity for an internship in industry.

Your final year, gives you the opportunity to specialise in women’s or menswear. You will focus on your own individual area of practice and produce garments that reflect your personal direction as a creative fashion design graduate.

The course blends individual creativity and commercial realism, and you will be able to apply your skills and knowledge of the professional design process, from concept to product.

Professional Placement year

This course offers an optional professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, following successful completion of your second year, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.

If you choose to pursue a placement year, you will need to find a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional, and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you are able to secure a placement, you can request to be transferred to the placement version of the course.

Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year.

My time at BCU has been amazing. My favourite part of my uni experience was my Final Major Project which I got to express myself and network with lots of people and industry. The university has supported me through my degree and I wouldn’t have been able to get my degree and achieve my best without them.

Rachel Hunt-Pearce

Why Choose Us?

You will have opportunities to take part in exciting social events and competitions with industry giants and leading retail businesses such as Freetrain and Harvey Nichols, which will help you secure professional experience and gain important commercial awareness.

We have excellent links with regional and international brands such as Burberry, John Lewis, SuperDry and Rab, which give the course colour and contemporary relevance.

You can enjoy a vast archive of fashion publications dating back to the 1930s and develop digital skills within Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and Clo 3D, essential industry tools within the global fashion industry.

You will have the chance to showcase your final year work to industry leaders looking for talent at national and regional events.

We provide excellent international opportunities such as our students being able to attend New York Fashion Week and collaborating with global brands like Turtlehorn.

of students rated the teaching on this course as good or very good. 93% of students said that academic support was good or very good and 97% of students rated the learning resources as good or very good. NSS 2026

Alumna competes in major Amazon Prime fashion series

Emily Brookes, who graduated from BCU with a BA (Hons) Fashion Design in 2025, is a contestant in Amazon Prime’s six-part series, RE/style. Funded by Vinted, the series spotlights eight emerging designers from Italy, Spain, France, and the UK as they create capsule collections from second-hand items.

Discover more about the series

From Around Here: Creative Responses to Birmingham’s Southside

Explore From Around Here, a vibrant showcase of creativity inspired by the culture, communities and character of Birmingham’s Southside. Featuring original work by students from Birmingham City University’s Department of Fashion and Jewellery, the exhibition brings together fashion, jewellery, textiles, illustration, photography, digital media and wallpaper. The exhibition runs until May 2027.

Discover the event

Similar Courses

Textile Design - BA (Hons)

Fashion Design with a Foundation Year - BA (Hons)

Textile Design with a Foundation Year - BA (Hons)

Open Day

Join us for our next Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students,

explore our campus and tour accommodation.

Next Open Day: 21 November

an Open Day

Course in Depth

Year one

Year two

Professional Placement Year (Optional)

Year three

In your first year you are introduced to a broad range of fashion studies theory and technical skills, building a sound base for further study in years two and three.

You will learn design skills such as CAD, live fashion drawing, fashion illustration, fashion flats, styling and photoshoots. Alongside this, you will gain theoretical skills, such as contextual studies in fashion and related art and design.

You will also gain the skills that you need to solve practical problems and create presentations.

In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):

Creative Industries: Connections 20 credits

In this module you will explore the connections between the creative fashion and textile industries in the past, and how this informs present and future trends. You will be introduced to the way individuals have influenced culture, freedom of expression and experimentation, and how this pushes boundaries and explores identity.

Through reflection you will analyse your research and the connections that you discover, developing core skills and communicating your findings and ideas through the use of industry-standard software.

Shared content is delivered via blended learning, this is underpinned by your course-specific content which is delivered on campus.

Fundamental Fashion Design Skills 20 credits

During this module you will unleash your creativity and explore the vibrant role of fashion designer. You will undertake a multidisciplinary journey where you will craft and design garments with the intent to hone and develop your own set of specialist skills to inform your artistic vision. You will be tasked to create original concepts and to play with 2D and 3D forms, sourcing fabrics, and sketching mixed media illustrations.

Fashion Design Technology 20 credits

The Fashion design technology module will require you to explore the rich heritage of traditional flat pattern cutting techniques, guided by seasoned pattern cutting experts. Engage in a dynamic series of introductory workshops and seminars that will take you from the art of drafting patterns to the construction of physical toiles. You will acquire core skills in flat pattern cutting, draping, stand manipulation, and the cutting-edge Lectra technology processes. You will develop a solid foundation in pattern cutting that is crucial for becoming a well-rounded fashion designer.

Fashion Systems 40 credits

You will be introduced to systems thinking to create designs that not only look incredible but also make a statement and drive an impact for change. Connect the dots between conceptual design and garment functionality to understand the bigger role of fashion designer and the Fashion supply chain. You will be encouraged to explore the fashion archives, delve into historical garments, research contemporary fashion designers and current global trends to shape your innovative design approach.

Fashion Design Manifesto 20 credits

AI Integration will form part of your approach to problem-Solving: To kickstart the creative process, you will design something using AI on the first day of the module. You will receive a half-designed technical drawing and be tasked with solving a problem, sparking innovative thinking from the outset. Workshops, skill seminars, and technical sessions will then empower you to develop samples that will be included in your rudimentary design pack.

In your second year, you will develop more advanced research, design development, presentation and technical skills, with a view to gaining work experience that will enhance your skills and employability upon graduation.

In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits):

Creative Industries: Industry Futures 20 credits

This level 5 undergraduate module is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge necessary for a successful transition into the industry work placement and beyond. The module focuses on cultivating a deep understanding of professional practices, industry expectations, and personal development strategies.

Through a combination of theoretical knowledge, practical exercises, case studies, and industry guest lectures, this module provides students with a solid foundation for their future careers empowering them to thrive in a competitive and dynamic industry landscape.

Fashion Design Tailoring 40 credits

Tailoring serves as the backbone for honing your understanding of form and silhouette manipulation.

You will learn traditional bespoke techniques from menswear tailoring such as padding, pitch, fit, function, hand and pad stitch, moulding and building shape into fabric, and sewing and pressing techniques. These traditional technical skills will serve as tools for your artistic innovation. They will enable you to not only meet industry standards but also push creative boundaries. Traditional tailoring techniques are not just methods; they become the language through which your unique design voice will be articulated.

Fashion Design Technology 40 credits

In this experimental fashion design module, you will aim to create a body of work that will form the essential skills and knowledge needed to create a work placement portfolio that showcases your creativity but also reflects a commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. The focus will be on merging cutting-edge digital design skills, advanced technical expertise, an understanding of fabric properties, and a thoughtful approach to design that minimises environmental impact and engages with a community output.

In order to complete this course you must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules.

Work Placement 20 credits

The purpose of the work placement module is to enable you to develop professional attributes and subject skills through experience in the work place, and to critically reflect upon your learning in that context. You will normally be expected to arrange your own placement, with support from academic staff and BCU Careers.

Industry Project 20 credits

This module provides an opportunity for you to apply your knowledge and skills to an external, professional brief. The brief will be set by or in discussion with an external client/agency/community and could be a ‘real life’ problem to be solved, or a simulation. The resulting project should consider sustainability and address relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals as a key aspect of contemporary creative industries work. The module provides an opportunity for you to engage in a responsive, imaginative and professional manner with an aspect of your subject area, which contributes to the development of employability skills within the supportive infrastructure of the University. You will collaborate with students, and where relevant with other stakeholders, and will be supported to approach the project with curiosity, openness, critical thinking, innovation and practical and technical skills, in order to produce project outcomes and/or solutions which meet the required brief.

Independent Creative Entrepreneur 20 credits

Creative careers can take people to a wide variety of, sometimes, unexpected destinations. Learning to see and exploit opportunities can be the key to a rewarding portfolio career making good use of your creative skills whilst earning a living from doing what you love, whether it's producing creative artefacts, performing, offering a service or consultancy. Learning to promote and ‘pitch’ those ideas to others is core to developing a successful independent, creative and entrepreneurial career. This module will build your skillset to enable you to talk confidently about you and your work. It will also help you to find or create opportunities, some may even come as a surprise to you!

Core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.

In order to qualify for the award of BA (Hons) Fashion Design with Professional Placement Year a student must successfully complete the following module.

Professional Placement Year 120 credits

Creative Industries: Research Development and Enquiry 20 credits

This Level 6 undergraduate module is designed to further develop your research and inquiry skills within the context of the fashion and textile industry.

You will undertake a range of research methods on a topic of personal interest. You will investigate and critically analyse the findings. You will be applying a reflective comment to the evidence to deepen your understanding of your field and considering real-world challenges in the industry.

You will present conclusions and recommendations in a proposal that feed into an independent project.

Fashion Design Pre-Collection (FMP) 40 credits

Your pre-collection module will ask you to focus your previous learning and provide you, the designer, with the opportunity to unleash your creativity, implement your acquired technical skills, and showcase a personalised design methodology that reflects your unique perspective. The module emphasises negotiation with your tutor to explore diverse outcomes in the realms of digital design, material selection, and garment creation, fostering an environment where your ideas flourish and push the boundaries of conventional fashion.

Fashion Design Collection Construction 20 credits

During your Collection Construction Module, you will embark on an advanced journey, seamlessly integrating your accumulated design knowledge into the meticulous construction of a signature collection and or body of negotiated work. You will be required to refine your design methodologies through close collaboration and negotiation with tutors, ensuring that creative visions align with industry standards, and sustainable ethical practice. You will be required to document the fit, form, silhouette, and function of your garments, as you reflect on the development during construction of your collection and how those garments interact with the human and/or 3D forms.

Fashion Design Industry Portfolio 40 credits

You will immerse yourself in a comprehensive exploration of your creative abilities, culminating in a multifaceted showcase of your skills. You will have the opportunity to direct and create your own Lookbook photoshoot, where you conceptualise and execute a visually compelling documentation of your previous collection outcomes, Recording your proficiency in design, styling, and storytelling. Additionally, emphasis is placed on the art of presentation and curation, where you learn to articulate your design concepts effectively and curate a cohesive narrative during an internal platform or external showcase. You will refine your communication skills and enhances your ability to engage new audiences with your work.

Download course specification

Download now

This course is ideal if you intend to pursue a creative career in fashion design and related industries. Our previous graduates work within companies including H&M, Victoria Beckham, Marks & Spencer and Erdem, as well as many other international brands.

Within the first year you will be introduced to the fundamental skills needed to work within the fashion industry including fashion theory, commercial and conceptual design, trend research and garment development.

During your second year, you will develop these skills to a more focused and advanced level, before applying for work experience within your chosen sector of the industry, with the option of a professional placement year between the second and third years of study.

In your final year, you will design and produce a collection of garments plus associated portfolio work for your major project, with a focus on either the menswear or womenswear market sectors.

Discover the community in the College of Jewellery, Fashion and Textiles where our students talk about their journeys here at BCU which has inspired creativity and innovation.

View video transcription

Fashion Design Students Win Superdry Competition

BA Fashion Design students recently undertook the Superdry X BCU Sustainable Design Project on a sustainability-focused design competition. Emily reveals the creative process behind her denim garment, and highlights the experience of working on a live industry brief with Superdry.

Emily's Superdry competition

Fashion Design students design kit for Birmingham’s first Netball Superleague team

Birmingham’s first-ever Netball Superleague team have unveiled their new kit – and it’s been designed by two talented students from Birmingham City University’s (BCU) College of Fashion and Textiles.

Find out more

BCU Fashion Design student showcases work to Birmingham Commonwealth Association

Students from across the Fashion Design course at both Birmingham Metropolitan College and Birmingham City University came together in a celebration of commonwealth design, colour and shape in a fabulous catwalk.

Read blog

Entry Requirements

These entry requirements apply for entry in 2027/28.

All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.

Essential requirements

112-72 UCAS Tariff points. Applicants will also need to submit a good portfolio.

The offer we make you takes into account the creative potential illustrated in your portfolio, along with your individual circumstances, predicted grades, achieved qualifications and potential to succeed at university.

If you are not studying a creative subject at Level 3, you can still apply for this course. Our portfolio guidance information includes alternative options for how you can show us your passion for art.

GCSE and other level 2 requirements

This course does not require evidence of GCSE qualifications. Please see A Level, BTEC and other level 3 requirements below.

A Level, BTEC and other level 3 requirements

Qualification

Entry requirements

A Level / AS Level

A Level: 112-72 UCAS Tariff points / BBC-CDE (or equivalent)

AS Level: Must be in a different subject to A Levels

A maximum of four subjects will be considered

Pearson BTEC (Diploma / Extended Diploma/ Extended Certificate)

112-72 UCAS Tariff points

Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications

Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications

Typical offers vary according to individual circumstances and may be equivalent to a Merit or Pass overall grade

All subjects accepted but Craft and Design preferred.

Access to HE Diploma

Pass with 60 credits, 45 credits at level 3

Accepted subjects: Arts, Media, Publishing, Retail, Commercial Enterprise and Business subjects preferred but other subjects also considered

OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications

NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications

WJEC Level 3 qualifications

Considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)

Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers)

112-72 UCAS Tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects

Scottish Higher / Advanced Higher

112-72 UCAS Tariff points, achieved from three Advanced Highers or two Advanced Highers plus two Highers

Welsh Baccalaureate

112-72 UCAS Tariff points. Considered with three A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications

UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma

Typical offers vary according to individual circumstances and may be equivalent to a Merit or Pass overall

Foundation Studies (Art and Design, and Art, Design and Media)

Typical offers vary according to individual circumstances

If you're applying with an International Baccalaureate Diploma or international qualifications, please see further information below.

Mature students

Applications from mature students (21+) with alternative qualifications and/or considerable work experience will be considered on their merits.

International qualifications

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Obtain 28-24 points overall

EU / International students

Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In addition to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require IELTS 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band.

If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information on pre-sessional English courses.

Meeting our entry requirements

If you do not meet our academic or English language requirement, or have been out of education for some time, you may wish to consider joining Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC). BCUIC is part of the global Navitas Group, an internationally recognised education provider, and the partnership allows students to access the University’s facilities and services and move seamlessly through to undergraduate study at Birmingham City University.

If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.

Fees & How to Apply

Please select your student status to view fees and apply

UK Student

International Student

UK students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

Award: BA (Hons)

Starting: Sep 2027

Duration

£10,050 in 2027/28

Apply via UCAS

International students

£19,220 in 2027/28

Apply Online

Included in your course fees

Access to computer equipment

You will require use of a laptop, and most students do prefer to have their own. However, you can borrow a laptop from the University or use one of our shared computer rooms.

Printing

You will receive £5 print credit in each year of your course, available after enrolment.

Field trips

All essential field trips and associated travel costs will be included in your course fees.

Access to Microsoft Office 365

Every student at the University can download a free copy of Microsoft Office 365 to use whilst at university and for 18 months after graduation.

Key software

You will be able to download SPSS and Nvivo to your home computer to support with your studies and research.

Key subscriptions

Subscriptions to key journals and websites are available through our library.

Specialist software

You will be able to access free licences for specialist software such as CLO3D and Lectra.

Free Adobe Creative Cloud licence

Students studying on this course can request a free licence to install the entire suite of applications on up to two personal devices.

Specialist equipment

This course requires specialist equipment. You will have access to a wide range of fashion and textiles machinery and equipment in our Parkside building.

Not included in your course fees

Project materials (mandatory)

Students will need to invest in materials for developing and producing their portfolios. The cost will vary depending on factors such as the quality and quantity of materials chosen by the student. However, an estimated budget could range from £50 to £200 or more, depending on the type of portfolio desired (digital or physical) and the materials used (such as high-quality paper, printing costs, binding materials, etc.).

Media consumable items (mandatory)

For a BA Fashion Design course, students may require various consumable items to facilitate their learning and creative processes. Here's a list of potential consumables along with estimated costs:

Fabric: Different types of fabric for practicing sewing techniques, creating prototypes, and final projects. Cost varies widely depending on fabric type and quality, but an average estimate could be around £200-£500 per semester.

Thread: Various colours and types of thread for sewing and stitching garments. Estimate around £50 per semester.

Trimmings: This includes buttons, zippers, snaps, hooks, and other fasteners used in garment construction. Estimate around £50-£100 per semester.

Pattern Paper: Large rolls of pattern paper for drafting and creating garment patterns. Supplied by the University.

Drawing and Sketching Supplies: Sketchbooks, pencils, markers, pens, and other drawing materials for fashion illustrations and design concepts. Estimate around £50-£100 per semester.

Sewing Machine Supplies: Needles, bobbins supply for sewing machines used in the classroom. Estimate around £50 per semester.

Trimming and internal structure and Embellishment Supplies: Ribbons, lace, shoulder pads, fusing and other decorative/internal elements for adding form and silhouette to garments. Estimate around £50-£100 per semester.

Prototyping Materials: Toile fabric or inexpensive fabric for creating prototypes and mock-ups of designs before using final materials. Estimate around £100-£200 per semester.

These are rough estimates, and actual costs may vary based on factors such as location, course requirements, and personal preferences in materials. Additionally, costs may fluctuate depending on the specific projects assigned throughout the semester.

In addition to the consumable items mentioned above, for a BA Fashion Design course we emphasize sustainable and zero-waste practices, here are some additional items that students may use along with their estimated costs:

Upcycled and Repurposed Materials: This could include old garments, fabric scraps, or other materials sourced from donations or thrift/vintage stores for use in design projects. Since these materials are often donated or repurposed, costs can be significantly reduced, sometimes even to zero.

Sustainable Fabric: Organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, and other sustainable fabrics may be encouraged for use in projects. While these fabrics may sometimes be more expensive than conventional options, their use aligns with the sustainable focus of the course. Estimate around £200-£500 per semester for sustainable fabric purchases.

Natural Dyes: Natural materials like plant extracts, vegetables, and fruits for creating dyes instead of synthetic alternatives. Cost can vary depending on the availability of materials, but it's often lower than purchasing synthetic dyes. We have numerous workshops and a Natural Dye growth garden free for students to engage with.

Reusable Sewing items: Encourage the use of reusable sewing details such as metal snaps instead of plastic ones, wooden buttons, or recycled zippers. While the initial investment may be slightly higher, the long-term cost savings and environmental benefits are significant.

Waste Reduction Techniques: Teach students techniques for minimizing waste in their design process, such as pattern optimization, zero-waste pattern cutting, and creative use of fabric scraps. These techniques not only reduce material costs but also promote sustainable practices.

By incorporating these sustainable and/or zero-waste approaches, students can reduce the financial burden associated with purchasing new materials but also contribute to environmental conservation efforts and develop skills that are increasingly valued in the fashion industry.

Specialist equipment (mandatory)

This course requires the purchase of the following equipment, costing £75+.

Pattern Master – clear plastic

Tailors Awl – Stiletto

Tracing Wheel

Tape Measure: Metric/Imperial - 150cm

Dressmakers Shears: 23cm: Soft Handle – Fabric ONLY

Scissors: Embroidery: Pro Cut: 10.8cm/4.25in

Pins: Straight: Silver: 32 x 0.6mm: 50g (Pins: Straight: Silver: 32 x 0.6mm: 50g)

Wrist pin cushion

Fabric Tailors Chalk Pencils set of 3 colours

Seam Ripper, steel point, plastic handle

Exhibitions (mandatory)

Students may be required to enter Graduate Fashion Week.

Excess printing (optional)

Once you have spent your £5 credit, additional printing on campus costs from 5p per sheet.

Personal stationery and study materials (optional)

Based on the past experience of our students, you might find it helpful to set aside about £30 for each year of your studies for your personal stationery and study materials.

Placement expenses (optional)

If you choose to undertake a placement, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst living or working away from home.

Field trips (optional)

This course includes the option of additional trips that may enhance your experience, at extra cost.

Gallery visits (optional)

It is advisable for all Creative Arts students to visit exhibitions, galleries and other creative and cultural institutions and events depending on your own individual area of interest. Travel and entry costs may be associated with this.

Personal equipment (optional)

For personal equipment, it is advised that students own a computer or laptop capable of running design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), CAD software (such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks), and other relevant programs used in fashion design.

The recommended specifications for the computer or laptop include:

Operating System: Windows 10 or macOS Processor: Intel Core i5 or higher (or equivalent AMD processor) RAM: 8GB or higher Storage: SSD (Solid State Drive) with at least 256GB of storage capacity

Graphics Card: Integrated or dedicated GPU with at least 2GB VRAM

Display: 13-inch or larger with a minimum resolution of 1920x1080 pixels

Ports: USB ports (preferably USB-C), HDMI or DisplayPort for external display connectivity

Having a computer or laptop with these specifications will ensure that students can efficiently work on design projects, complete assignments, and engage with course materials.

Accommodation and living costs (optional)

The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.

Guidance for UK students

UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.

Applying through UCAS

Register with UCAS

Login to UCAS and complete your details

Select your course and write a personal statement

Get a reference

Pay your application fee and submit your application

Guidance for International students

There are three ways to apply:

1) Direct to the University

You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.

2) Through a country representative

Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.

3) Through UCAS

If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS.

Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.

Portfolio guidance

If you receive an offer to study this course, you will be required to submit a portfolio. We ask that this is submitted within four weeks of receiving your offer.

Please see our portfolio guidance page for tips on putting your portfolio together.

Personal statement

The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.

Here are the three areas you’ll need to address:

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Here’s where you explain what makes this course exciting to you. Think about your motivations for studying the course and your future plans. If you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

This is your chance to show what you’ve learned at school or college. You should include the skills and knowledge you’ve gained from education or training and how this will help you succeed in your chosen course.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

Not everything you’ve learned comes from the classroom. Life experience counts too! You might want to talk about work experience, employment, or volunteering and how they’ve helped you develop the skills needed for your chosen course or future career.

Worried about Personal Statements?

If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.

Get personal statement advice

Financial Support

We offer further information on possible undergraduate financial support. This includes the type of loans, grants and scholarships available both from the government and from Birmingham City University.

View fees for continuing students

Employability

The course is ideal if you intend to pursue a creative career in fashion design and related industries. Throughout the degree, you will develop the fundamental skills needed to work within the fashion industry, equipping you with the necessary knowledge, skills and attributes to succeed in your creative practice.

You will have the opportunity to apply for work experience in your chosen sector of the industry during your second year, with the option of a professional placement year between the second and third years of study. On successful completion, you will graduate with a portfolio-based final outcome relevant to your individual career aspirations.

Graduate jobs

Graduates from our course progress to gain jobs within many of the major high end and high street companies, both within the UK and overseas. You’ll find Birmingham City University alumni working in Adidas, Marks & Spencer, Erdem and Victoria Beckham.

As well as womenswear and menswear designers, the BA (Hons) Fashion Design can also allow you to find employment as the following: accessories designer, art director, academics and teachers, activewear designer, brand managers, buyer, content creator, curator, childrenswear designers, costume designer, 3D designer, denim designer, digital operations, data analyst/insights, display designer, e-comms developer, fabric buyer/developer, factory sourcing, graders (pattern), homeware designer, influencer/talent management, interiors for retail, jewellery designer, knitwear technician, lingerie/intimates designer, merchandiser and digital designer.

Destinations:

Paul Smith

Ted Baker

J.Lindeberg

Gym Shark

MA Central Saint Martins

MA Royal College of Art

MA London College of Fashion

Placements

This course offers an optional professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, between the second and third year of your degree, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Our students have previously secured placements with major fashion brands including H&M, Next, Amanda Wakeley, Mary Katrantzou and Iris Van Herpen.

Links to industry

The College of Fashion and Textiles works with local, national and international businesses to enhance student learning through placements, workshops, live briefs and guest lectures from industry professionals.

Working in industry

Throughout our course we actively encourage collaboration sponsored and live projects with the fashion industry. We have worked with Paul Smith, Burberry, George and Rab. These collaborations underpin our delivery and add value to the curriculum within the course. Industry links include:

The British Fashion Council

The National Trust

Harvey Nichols

The Commonwealth Games

River Island

Superdry

The Couture Company

London Royal Ballet

Carrier Goods

Hades Knitwear

Katie Jones

I had the best experience I could have hoped for at BCU, the course has prepared me well for my future in the fashion industry. The wonderful lecturers and technicians supported me throughout my university journey, helping me to achieve my best. Since Graduating I have been doing freelance work for two different brands, and started my own online sustainable clothing and accessories brand.

Florence Cook - Fashion Design Graduate

BCU is the space where I gained confidence in being myself. It provided me with the required support and mentoring that has shaped my skills as a designer. Even though I was an international student the friendly environment helped me become comfortable and later it became a space for cross-pollination of ideas helping me grow as a designer. I went on to develop my interests in sustainability, culture, and object value through design at the Royal College, London.

Uroos Jamal - Fashion Design Graduate

During my time studying fashion at BCU, I was encouraged to work hard and constantly pushed to develop my skills and personal design style. The lecturers worked cohesively to get to know each student and develop their own talents on a one-to-one basis. I was provided with countless opportunities both internally and externally to exhibit my work and acquire new knowledge and a better understanding of the industry.

Marcus Deaville - Fashion Design Graduate

My time at BCU was incredible. The enriching, creative environment allowed complete freedom to achieve my designs and to form a personal voice. My lecturers were so supportive and attentive to my learning style, making sure that my specific talents were championed and developing areas where I was less confident in a tailored, personal way. The experiences offered to me have shaped my future, including a sandwich year to gain important industry experience. A collaboration with an official brand to understand real-world practices (which lead to my first job in fashion design). The best of all was the development of a final major collection, shown at catwalks in Birmingham and London (and featured by Vogue twice).

After a 3 month design internship that I won through the BCU X SDX competition, I was offered a job. So I am now an assistant designer at Superdry, focusing on jersey sport men’s and women’s.

Abigail Buckland - Fashion Design Graduate

Facilities & Staff

Fashion and Textiles facilities

Take a look around the facilities available to you as a Fashion and Textiles student at BCU.

See our Fashion and Textiles facilities

Our staff

Dean Fallon

Senior Lecturer and Course Leader – BA (Hons) Fashion Design

Dean is a full-time Fashion Design Lecturer at BCU and Teaching Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA), with lecturing experience since 2012. Furthermore, Dean’s career outside of teaching spans over a decade, from design roles for High St suppliers and independent labels, to Creative Director of an independent streetwear brand.

More about Dean

Sabine Lettmann

Senior Lecturer - BA (Hons) Fashion Design

Sabine started teaching fashion design in 2015. Since then, she teaches diverse fashion design related subjects with an emphasis on sustainability across different fashion programmes in Germany, Denmark and the UK including BA and MA level. She also shares her work through workshops and guest lectures and has been invited to contribute to fashion...

More about Sabine

Sian Riley

Lecturer - BA (Hons) Fashion Design

Sian studied her Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design Technology: Womenswear from the London College of Fashion, before completing her Master’s degree in Fashion Design and a PGCE in Post-Compulsory Education at Birmingham City University.

More about Sian

Joseph Turvey

Course Leader – MA Fashion and Textile Design

Joseph Turvey is a British fashion designer known for his eponymous menswear brand, His work has been presented through renowned platforms such as Fashion East, London Fashion Week, Capsule Paris, and Shanghai Fashion Week.

More about Joseph

Lucinda Holbrook-Hase

Lucinda is a Pattern Cutting Lecturer and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) with 7 years lecturing experience in HE. She began teaching fashion design and pattern cutting in 2008 at both further education and vocational education courses.

More about Lucinda

Discover Uni information for this course

UK prospective students

Contact the enquiries team

T: +44 (0)121 331 6295

Non-UK prospective students

E: International enquiry form

T: +44 (0)121 331 5389

Already applied?

Contact the admissions team

Accommodation

View our accommodation

Our Campus

See our campus

Prospectus

Download your prospectus

Our City

Find out about our city

Recent searches

We won't record your recent searches as you have opted out of functional cookies.

You can change this on our Manage Privacy page should you wish to.

Popular searches

Open Days

Personal statement help

Postgraduate study

Help with your application

Finance and money

Suggested searches

Life in Birmingham

Starting at BCU

Virtual Tour

Reaching

Curzon Building

4 Cardigan Street

Birmingham, B4 7BD

United Kingdom

All contact details

Maps and directions

Our university

News and events

Online shop

Job vacancies

Study with us

Our courses

Our subject areas

Our campuses

Our students

Future students

Open days

Our prospectus

Ask a question

Facebook

Instagram

Linked-in

Interested in studying with us? Sign up for our email updates

© 2026 Birmingham City University

院校未公布 DSE 對應等級，請向院校確認。

請查看下方完整入學要求原文，或向院校確認。