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Fashion, textiles, and jewellery

Creativity is the ultimate accessory, so why not express yourself with wearable art by studying fashion, textiles and jewellery?

If you study fashion, textiles, and jewellery, you’ll unveil a world where creativity becomes a tangible expression. Students delve into the art of crafting garments, exploring the intricate weave of textiles, and mastering the skill of transforming raw materials into stunning jewellery. It’s a subject that not only hones technical skills but also builds an understanding of design aesthetics, cultural influences, and sustainable practices.

Beyond the studio, a degree in fashion, textiles, and jewellery can lead to many different and exciting careers. Graduates may find themselves as fashion designers, textile artists, jewellery designers, or even in careers such as trend analysts, merchandisers, or sustainable fashion advocates. The industry's ever-evolving nature ensures that creativity knows no bounds, inviting you to shape the future of style, one stitch, fabric, or jewel at a time.

The impact you could make
  • Contribute to cultural expression and preservation, where you could find yourself dressing celebrities or designing jewellery for high street brands.
  • Have an impact on the industry's shift toward responsible and environmentally conscious fashion.
  • Be part of the evolution of fashion technology.
What you could study
  • Computer-aided design (CAD)
  • Fashion drawing
  • Fashion illustration
  • Design development
  • Textile processes
  • Jewellery fabrication
  • Finishing techniques
Example module
"On my course we see the design of a garment through from the ideation to the final photoshoot, so we cover all aspects of garment production. Personally, I love the physical construction of the garment as I am more of a hands-on person than digital."
Second year fashion, design and technology student, Manchester Metropolitan University
Example project
"Projects with established jewellery companies such as Swarovski and Louis Vuitton."
Second year jewellery design student, University of the Arts London

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Subjects it's useful to have studied first

Some fashion, textiles and jewellery courses or apprenticeships will have requirements for previous qualifications in certain subjects. Entry requirements vary, so always check with the provider.

GCSE English language
GCSE Maths
Hard skills you'll develop
  • Visual communication through sketches and illustrations
  • Understanding of fabric types, structures, and properties
  • Shaping, soldering, and finishing metal components
  • Skills to interpret and anticipate fashion trends
Soft skills you'll develop
  • Creativity to think outside the box
  • Refined time management skills
  • Entrepreneurial mindset
  • Customer service

Careers: Where it can take you

Find out more about your career prospects from studying fashion, textiles and jewellery. The following information is based on a typical designer role.
Average salary
£29,835
Up to £53,571
Available jobs
27,769 vacancies in the past year
5.33% growth over next eight years

What is a…. tech-infused fashion designer?

Tech-infused fashion designers enhance everyday fashion with a touch of innovation. Their creations blend cutting-edge technology with textiles and jewellery, turning garments into interactive experiences. Whether it's clothing that changes colour based on mood or jewellery that doubles as a fitness tracker, their mission is to make fashion not just stylish but smart. 

Getting in: Entry requirements

Find out more about what you'll need to study fashion, textiles and jewellery at university or as an apprentice.

Average requirements for undergraduate degrees

Entry requirements differ between university and course, but this should give you a guide to what is usually expected from fashion, textiles and jewellery applicants.

A levels
BBC
Vocational
BTEC DMM
Other Level 3/Level 6 qualifications (e.g. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma or SQCF Level 6) may be accepted as an alternative
Scottish Highers
ABBB

Other subjects you may be interested in

Considering an apprenticeship?

Applying for an apprenticeship is just like applying for a normal job. Here’s what you need to know:
  1. Deadline

    Apprenticeships don't follow the same deadlines as applying to uni, the deadline is down to the employer.
  2. Where to apply

    You apply directly through the employer.
  3. No limits

    You're not restricted to one apprenticeship application; you can do as many as you like.
  4. Apply to university and apprenticeships

    There's nothing stopping you applying to university through UCAS, while also applying for apprenticeship vacancies.

Let's talk about... creative and design apprenticeships

Not sure if a traditional degree is for you? Listen to our new podcast to learn more about studying degree apprenticeships in creative and design.

Explore further

Go deeper into topics around fashion, textiles and jewellery with the following.
  1. Netflix – Next in Fashion

    Be inspired by 18 talented fashion designers from across the globe, designing to win the competition. 
  2. Do you have a favourite stylist or jewellery designer?

    Follow them on social media to stay up-to-date with all their work.
  3. Subscribe to fashion magazines

    These might include British Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar or i-D.
73% of students
studying fashion, textiles and jewellery would recommend the subject to others
(UCAS subject guide survey 2023)

Application advice

Whether it's personal statement tips or what to write in a cover letter for an apprenticeship application, our application advice will help you get ahead in your fashion, design and jewellery journey.
Skills, experiences, and interests to mention
  • Do you love playing with fabrics and making your own clothes?
  • Have you got a blog or social media presence dedicated to your passion for fashion, textiles and jewellery? How do you use these platforms to showcase your style?
  • Can you talk about how research has informed your design choices and contributed to your overall understanding of the fashion, textiles, and jewellery landscape?
  • Mention any experiences related to exploring different textiles and materials. This could involve experimenting with fabric manipulation techniques, dyeing fabrics or creating textile samples.
  • If you've attended or participated in fashion events, runway shows or exhibitions, share your insights and observations. How have these experiences influenced your understanding of current trends and the nature of the fashion industry?
 

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