This one year top-up programme offers direct entry into the final year of a Bachelors degree to students who have successfully completed a relevant HND (or equivalent), or who have completed the second year of relevant undergraduate degree, who wish to use their current qualifications to develop skills in international fashion practices. With a strong focus on employability and social responsibility, BA (Hons) International Fashion Design, is aimed at applicants from a variety of backgrounds who want to gain a professional understanding of the fashion industry. The course equips its students with an understanding of the various markets that they will seek to enter on graduation, whether at home or overseas. It has an excellent reputation for producing fashion graduates who combine design innovation with an in-depth knowledge of the technical aspects of fashion design and manufacturing. The course reflects contemporary industry standards and encourages students to design and develop innovative fashion products and ranges using both manual and digital technologies. The programme structure has been developed with shared core units across our fashion portfolio, which will not only provide innovative teaching but also enhance the undergraduate community within an interdisciplinary and internationalised learning culture. This structure allows fashion creatives to continue their creative practice whilst gaining a sound knowledge of the international fashion industry. As well as applicants who would like to establish their own fashion brand or consultancy in this competitive globalised business.

Career prospects

The unique mix of specialist pathways that this programme offers will enable successful graduates to locate their own practice and ambitions firmly within international industry and social contexts. The course encompasses cultural and business awareness and offers students the opportunity to promote their work through showcases and simulated real-world scenarios such as mock interviews or pitches. Students exiting with a strong portfolio of work will have the opportunity to progress directly into postgraduate level or secure employment.

As the programme offers a broad content, the job roles graduates can enter are broader than many competitor courses. Students who successfully complete the Design Practice pathway will go on to work as skilled fashion professionals in roles such as designers, product developers, pattern cutters and garment technologists.

Graduates will have the confidence to adapt in the fast-changing environment of the fashion industry and will have the literacy and understanding of contemporary and emerging technologies that will set them apart from other fashion graduates.