Check upcoming open days and book your place arrow
Subject Guides

Studying fashion & textiles degree guide

The world of fashion is one of the most creative, exciting and biggest industries in modern society. Jobs in fashion and textiles are competitive and there’s often a lot of work needed to get to the top, but it can be one of the most rewarding industries to work in. Read on to find out if a degree in fashion & textiles is for you.

Eleanor Foulds
by Eleanor Foulds
Last Updated:
03 Nov 2022

There’s no exact science that says what’s fashionable and trendy and what isn’t but a degree in fashion & textiles will give you a great understanding of trends and patterns and give you the skills needed for a successful career in the industry. There’s a wide range of career paths in the fashion world from the design and manufacturing side of things to the business and marketing aspect. So, if you love design and want to do a hands-on degree that’s creative, then fashion & textiles may be the course for you.

Find fashion & textiles courses.

What do you need to get on a fashion & textiles degree?  

Average entry requirements for fashion & textiles are:

  • UCAS points: 128–8

  • A-levels: ABB – CCD

  • BTEC Nationals: DDM – MPP

  • International Baccalaureate: 34–27

Please be aware that these are average entry requirements and may change depending on the course and institution you select. Always confirm this for the particular university/course you're interested in.

Most courses will also ask for an A-level (or equivalent) in an art-related subject. Often a portfolio of work or an art foundation qualification is required.

What fashion & textiles degrees can you study?

Degrees in fashion & textiles include:

  • BA Fashion Marketing
  • BA Fashion with Journalism
  • BA Fashion Technology
  • BA Fashion
  • BA Textiles

What topics does a fashion & textiles degree cover?

Common modules for fashion & textiles include:

  • Handcraft techniques
  • Digital technologies
  • Pattern cutting
  • Screen and digital print
  • History of fashion
  • Fashion in society
  • Textiles
  • Creative research and design process
  • Fashion theory

What do you learn studying a fashion & textiles degree?

Studying a fashion & textiles degree will help you gain industry-specific skills like:

  • Artistic and creative skills
  • Knowledge of texture, patterns, dyes and yarns
  • Knowledge of design-related software
  • Craft skills
  • Fashion industry knowledge

More general, transferable skills you’ll pick up include:

  • Problem-solving
  • Innovation
  • Team working
  • Communication
  • Research
  • Attention-to-detail
  • Working in groups
  • Analysing trends
  • Creative thinking
  • Independent thinking
  • Independent working
  • Flexibility

What professional accreditations can you get with a fashion & textiles degree?

Some fashion & textiles courses are accredited by organisations like the Textile Institute.

What can you do with a fashion & textiles degree?

Popular jobs in the fashion industry that fashion & textiles graduates can go into are:

How long is a fashion & textiles degree?

A fashion & textiles degree usually takes three years to study. However, many unis will give the option of a sandwich year (a placement in industry), which will increase the course to four years.

How will you be assessed?

Fashion & textiles courses usually involve assessment through:

  • Studio work
  • Coursework
  • Workshops
  • Portfolio reviews
  • Projects
  • Presentations
  • Dissertation

What are the postgraduate opportunities?

Your options for further study include:

  • MA Fashion 
  • MA Fashion Management  
  • MA Fashion and Textile Design  
  • MA Textile Management 
  • MA Design Innovation 

What alternatives are there to a fashion & textiles degree?

Not sure if a fashion & textiles degree is right for you? Check out these related subjects: