Fashion Design

Why Study BA (Hons) Fashion Design at BNU
Industry-level facilities
You will master materials, both through traditional methods and using digital software. This includes an in-house fabric and yarn store, screen printing facilities, a dye laboratory and sewing and garment production facilities.

In our professional-working studio you’ll have you own workspace which you’ll be able to turn into your own personal area, where you can bring your designs to life and surround yourself with inspiration.

We also have specialist technicians and demonstrators on site to support and share their knowledge with you, when and if you need it.

As well as this you may also have the chance to access to our photography studios where you’ll be able to work collaboratively with photography and hair and make-up students to build your portfolio, and network like you would in the industry.

Taught by industry
Led by a dedicated and experienced course team, you’ll benefit from their industry knowledge and the industry links they bring to the course. You’ll get direct access to guest lectures, who are specialists in the sector, and can benefit from live project briefs, master classes, and networking opportunities.

As part of the Art, Design and Performance School at BNU, you’ll benefit from a practiced-based course, supported by contextual studies. You’ll also have the opportunity to work collaboratively across the school with other courses, ensuring during your studies you are building a varied network, like you would in the real world.

Connections
You could also benefit from masterclasses and industry brief opportunities, where you’ll gain an insight and feedback from current industry-leaders. For previous projects, we've collaborated with Alexander McQueen Studio, Chittleborough and Morgan, Mackintosh, Mint Velvet, New Star, British Fashion Council, UKFT and many more.

Top-ranked
Our fashion and textiles programmes are ranked 3rd best in the UK (The Guardian University Guide 2023).

Our students and graduates are also highly rated. Some of our student success includes winning a British Fashion Council scholarship, being shortlisted for Real Leather. Stay Different. International Design Competition, being a runner up for New Designers collaboration award with OPPO and being shortlisted for the Artsthread /Gucci award.

What will I study?
On our BA (Hons) in Fashion Design degree programme, you’ll explore the many twists and turns of fashion, as well as how to research and develop ideas to produce exciting and innovative fashion. The course cultivates new ways of making and thinking.

Creativity, innovation, holistic thinking and the development of your unique style are at the core of this fashion degree programme. The course aims to develop your knowledge and skills in fashion design on both an artistic and professional level. You will be encouraged to research, interpret and develop your own appreciation of the use of traditional techniques, new technologies, materials and innovative design solutions.

During your time with us, you’ll learn approaches that will enable you to understand the design process from concept, through design to production and product placement. You’ll delve into the core fundamentals, including 2D and 3D, advanced pattern cutting, manufacturing processes, illustration and processes and materials workshops.

Upon graduating from this fashion design degree you’ll have developed your aesthetic style, which will then lead on to the completion of a final capsule collection, and an industry ready portfolio and promotion package.

This course is also offered as a four-year programme, including an initial Foundation Year. The Foundation Year will allow you to develop your academic study skills and build confidence in your abilities, identifying your own strengths and development needs for progression onto an undergraduate programme.

Year one
Core Modules
Design Techniques and Concepts
Materials and Process 1
Materials and Process 2
Portfolio
Contextual Studies 1

Year two
Core Modules
Design and Market Awareness 1
Design and Market Awareness 2
Industry brief
Professional Studies
Contextual studies 2: Research strategies

Year three
Core Modules
Research and Development
Final Major Project
Professional Practice
Creative and Professional Development
Contextual Report on Practice

Majority of this degree is studio-practice based; during your time study on the fashion design course you’ll have to complete a series of modules and projects. These are designed to grow your skillset and knowledge in core areas of fashion design, such as pattern cutting and creative identity.

You’ll also be assessed though; 1:1 or small group tutorials, lectures and seminars, portfolio and presentations, written assessments, sketchbooks, group critiques and self-directed study.

By the end of your time with BNU, you’ll benefit from a full portfolio, and collection, to go to employers with.