BA (Hons) Fashion is a 'classically constructed' degree that focuses on the essential partnership between innovative design and technical excellence.

In line with the contemporary fashion industry, the programme encourages students to consider sustainable approaches to their practice, exploring the relationship between good design and timeless fashion.

The programme aims to give students the opportunity to explore traditional and creative pattern cutting (including zero waste approaches), tailoring, modelling/draping on the stand, specialist finishing, fabric sourcing, handling and embellishment, and digital fabric print. In addition to 3D fashion skills, students can study the fashion design process, traditional and digital visual communication and portfolio development, in addition to other areas such as fashion trends and styling.

As part of their professional development students are expected to engage in external opportunities during their three years on the programme. These typically include internships, international competitions, collaborative projects and exhibitions, and more. External activities are supported by the academic team or University Careers and Employability service.

As creative and academic excellence, employability, and personal wellbeing are at the heart of the programme, learning and teaching has been carefully developed to inspire, nurture, and cultivate individual talent within a supportive environment. The course aims to produce graduates who are prepared on both a personal and professional level for a successful career within fashion or related industries.

Placements

Students are advised to engage in a number of placements during their degree to enhance their CV and employability. It is recommended that placements are undertaken during holiday periods to fit in with the academic calendar. Guidance and advice on placements and internships can be sought from either fashion academics or the University's Careers and Employability service.

Currently all fashion students participate in an annual student Internship Programme, which is a two to four week experience at the end of Semester B. During this time students work with a third-year student, assisting them with the final stages of their garment collection and final exhibition.

This course is designed to prepare graduates for a wide range of careers within the fashion and the wider creative industries.

Graduate careers are extensive and have included womenswear and menswear design, fashion styling, film and TV costume, fashion PR, marketing and social media, constructed textiles, digital and traditional print design, embroidery design, tailoring, and education, amongst others.