Fashion Design (Extended Degree)

If you want to pursue a creative degree at Arts University Plymouth but feel you have yet to acquire the experience and range of skills necessary, our Extended BA programme will prepare you for entry to one of our BA (Hons) undergraduate courses.

What is Extended BA?
Our Extended BA (Hons) Degrees offers a unique four-year route for students aiming to delve into the diverse realm of art, design, and media. This programme provides an initial exploratory year, where you'll cultivate insight into various creative skills and approaches, laying a robust foundation before advancing to a specialised degree of your choice. Whether you're returning to education after a hiatus or entering without formal qualifications, our Extended BA equips you with the requisite skills, knowledge, and experience to secure a place in our full undergraduate program.

Our Intensive Extended Degree program is a dynamic blend of lectures, workshops, and practical studio sessions designed to challenge and inspire. Our diverse student body spans from fresh-faced eighteen-year-olds to seasoned creatives in their seventies, fostering a rich collaborative environment. With the freedom to take risks and experiment, you'll develop a diverse skill set through hands-on experimentation with materials, processes, and methodologies. This transformative journey hones critical skills essential for degree-level study, expanding your proficiency in drawing, visual research, contextual studies, digital imaging, and design methods. Gain invaluable experience in a supportive atmosphere that encourages creativity, collaboration, and innovation.

Why Choose BA (Hons) Fashion Design?
Join our dynamic BA (Hons) Fashion Design program, tailored to nurture independently-minded fashion thinkers and makers poised to lead change in the industry. Our comprehensive curriculum equips you with the skills and knowledge essential for influencing change. With a focus on creativity, innovation, and practical application, preparing you for a rewarding career in fashion design.

We empower aspiring fashion thinkers, makers, and designers to embrace their creative journey and carve their path in the ever-evolving fashion landscape. By seamlessly blending traditional craft techniques with cutting-edge digital technologies, you'll transcend your ideas from concepts to tangible, three-dimensional creations. Redefine design, take creative risks, and communicate your unique style through your craft.

Our interdisciplinary approach ensures that you'll develop not only your fashion design skills but also expertise in textile surface pattern, print, digital media, and production. You’ll collaborate with professionals across various fields, from presentation and marketing to designing a portfolio, working closely with photographers, graphic designers and filmmakers throughout the university and in industry.

Our philosophy focuses on nurturing independently-minded fashion thinkers and skilled makers who confidently challenge industry conventions. With an innovative curriculum and strong industry links, including opportunities for entrepreneurship and live projects, our course equips you with the skills and connections needed to thrive in today's fashion landscape.

Equipped with cutting-edge industry-standard technologies, our studios serve as your creative sanctuary. You'll embrace a culture of cross-disciplinary collaboration, where you'll hone your skills in our professional textile print studios, jewellery & ceramics workshops, and our innovative Fab Lab. Here, you'll have access to the latest in laser cutting, 3D printing, and design technology, expanding your horizons, unleashing your creativity to its fullest potential.

On successful completion of your Extended Degree year, you will be guaranteed a place on one of our full undergraduate BA (Hons) programmes. Many of our past students have gone on to achieve high grades in their degrees, including a large number with First Class Honours.

The first year of an Extended Degree is not a qualification in its own right, but when you successfully complete it you are guaranteed a place on our full undergraduate programme.

You’ll develop confidence in your use of drawing, visual research, contextual studies, digital imaging and design methods, and you’ll have the chance to experiment with a range of materials, equipment, processes and software.

As the year goes by you’ll specialise in your chosen undergraduate subject (illustration, graphic design, fine art, etc.), helping you to become a confident, independent and creative artist, designer or maker.