Fashion Design

UCAS code: W290

Here's what Arts University Plymouth says about its Fashion Design course.

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, our program prepares 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. Join us as we redefine design, take creative risks, and communicate your unique style through your craft.

Why Choose This Course? 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 and 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 and unleashing your creativity to its fullest potential.

You'll have the freedom to refine your signature aesthetic without the constraints of a predefined house style. Our comprehensive program covers every facet of the design process, including trend analysis, research, design development, drawing, and illustration. Dive into the realms of colour and fabric development, and immerse yourself in historical and cultural studies that inform your creative vision.

Whilst studying this course, you'll utilise global trend forecasting tools like WGSN and The Future Laboratory, and master software such as Adobe Creative Suite and Gerber Accumark for CAD pattern cutting. Our curriculum covers every aspect of the design process, from future forecasting to concept and design development, and from creative pattern cutting to the leadership of compelling marketing campaigns.

Throughout this course you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainable design and ethical manufacturing, gaining insight into every step of the commercial supply chain.

Students on this course explore the factors influencing design, development, and production while participating in industry events worldwide, including London, Paris, New York, and Berlin. Showcase your work at prestigious events like Graduate Fashion Week and leverage our extensive professional network to secure placements with leading fashion houses like Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, and more.

Fashion is one of the largest employers in the UK’s creative industries, offering endless opportunities for forward-thinking individuals. Our students pursue various career paths, such as fashion designers, knitwear designers, stylists, buyers, tailors, fashion illustrators, pattern cutters, trend forecasters, visual merchandisers, studio managers, garment technologists, production coordinators, merchandisers, and lecturers.

Throughout the programme, you’ll be encouraged to explore other creative practices and work on multidisciplinary projects, through collaborations across the college and with industry. You’ll graduate with a final collection that showcases your individual style and approach to design, and a professional portfolio to launch you into this vibrant industry as a confident fashion practitioner. Many of our modules incorporate business skills, and you will gain hands-on experience in construction and textile techniques, trend-forecasting and more.