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BA (Hons) Fashion Design

UCAS CODE: W230 (Full-time) or W234 (Foundation Year)
TARIFF: 88 - 112 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)
  • Study Mode: Full Time
  • Location: High Wycombe
  • Duration: Three or Four Years
  • Start Date: September 2024

You can also study this course:

Our BA (Hons) Fashion Design degree puts an emphasis on craftsmanship and innovation. During your time on the course you’ll get hands-on you with a broad range of fashion design techniques. From experimenting with design, to pattern cutting and construction of garments, if you want to make your mark on the fashion industry, this course is the perfect place to start.
Stay updated with all our latest BA (Hons) Fashion Design news by following us on Instagram @bucks_fashion
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No. 1 in England for Student Satisfaction*
*Measured by % of positivity across all questions within the larger providers only: taught or registered population (NSS 2023)
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No. 1 Students' Union in the UK*
*As ranked among taught students at non-specialist HEIs (NSS 2023)
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Top for our response to the cost-of-living-crisis*
*Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023
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5th for learning opportunities*
*NSS 2023
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Top 10 for student support*
*Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

Why Study BA (Hons) Fashion Design at BNU

 

 

We are extremely proud to be able to offer industry-standard studios, technical machines and high-quality equipment to our fashion and textile-based courses.

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.

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.         

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.

Our fashion and textiles programmes are ranked 3rd best in the UK (The Guardian University Guide 2023) and we celebrated 95% overall student satisfaction in the 2022 National Student Survey.

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. 

Our High Wycombe Campus is only a short train ride away from London, meaning you are only a stones-throw away from the hustle and bustle - enabling you to visit exhibitions, galleries, shows and watch emerging styles, to help you gain inspiration and ideas.

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.

Fashion Design student work banner image

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 - all of which is shown at our end of year summer show, which both industry and friends are invited too. 

This fashion design 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.

Fashion Design Student work drawings concept art
Fashion Design Student work drawings concept art

How will I be taught and assessed?

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.

Useful Documents

BA (Hons) Fashion Design Additional Course Costs

BA (Hons) Fashion Design Interview Guide

British Fashion Council Portfolio 2021

BA (Hons) Fashion Design Programme Specification

What are the course entry requirements?

A typical offer will require a UCAS tariff score of: 88 - 112 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)

UCAS points can be obtained through qualifications such as A levels, T levels, BTEC or an Access to Higher Education course in a relevant subject. Please list all your qualifications on the application form as you will be asked to provide copies when we receive your application.

A minimum of two full A-levels (or equivalent) is required. Every application is considered on an individual basis.

Applicants will need to complete an interview and/or demonstrate portfolio work, further guidance is given on the interview and portfolio advice section.

For further details of our international English entry requirements, please visit our international pages.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements for the three-year undergraduate programme, or those who do not feel fully prepared for a degree course, can apply for a four-year programme including a Foundation Year; find out more.

Modules

This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.

This course has Opportunity modules.

Opportunity modules are a key part of the BNU curriculum. You’ll choose modules in your first year from a broad selection in areas such as sustainability, entrepreneurship, creativity, digital skills, personal growth, civic engagement, health & wellbeing and employment. Opportunity modules are designed to enable you to develop outside the traditional boundaries of your discipline and help you to further stand out from the crowd to future employers. Find out more.

What are the tuition fees

Home

Home, Academic Year 2024 - 2025

£9,250 per year

International

Overseas/International, Academic Year 2024 - 2025

£15,150 per year

Additional course costs and financial support

Most courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees.
You could benefit from financial support through a bursary or scholarship during your time as a student. For more details visit our financial support, bursaries and scholarships section.

Questions about fees?

If you have any questions about the fees above, contact our Enquiries team by calling 0330 123 2023 or emailing advice@bnu.ac.uk.

What are my career prospects? 

Throughout your time with us we’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. We’ll help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good leaders. Our Careers and Employability Team also help you find employment after graduation.

Upon graduation, you will be prepared for a range of career possibilities. Using the skills and knowledge learnt on this fashion design course, you could find yourself performing the following roles all over the world:

  • Fashion designer
  • Pattern cutter
  • Garment technologist
  • Product developer
  • Entrepreneur
  • Fashion buyer
  • Visual merchandiser
  • Retail management
  • Public relations, press and the media
  • Events and production organisation
  • Fashion styling.

You may also choose to stay on at Buckinghamshire New University and study a postgraduate programme, such as MA Design Innovation.

 

The first job I got after graduating was an Internship with a Fashion Company as a Studio Assistant, where I have been helping to produce and construct garments alongside the head designers for clients.

My work at BNU prepared me for the role by providing me with firsthand studio experience, working with different machines and teaching me how to use different techniques, and providing me with the knowledge needed for the industry.
Danielle Feheley
Danielle Feheley
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Jessica Raban-Williams
  • Senior Lecturer
  • Senior Lecturer
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Matthew Street
  • Technical Demonstrator in Visual Production
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Al Watkins
  • Technical Demonstrator for Digital Arts
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Evangelina Thomadaki
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Joseph Davies
  • Technical Tutor
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Rosie Williams
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Rupert Hammerton-Fraser
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Dr Louisa Lee
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BA (Hons) Fashion Design
BA (Hons) Fashion Design with Foundation Year