Top 10 Fashion Design Courses in The UK [2023]



Fashion Design courses in the UK are the way to go, if you want a career that is creative, imaginative and fulfilling. The world of fashion is forever evolving and is constantly in need of new ideas and professionals who will engage with and break the status quo. The United Kingdom is one of the global fashion capitals and is home to some of the top universities in the world, whether you want to learn design or production or fashion journalism.


What are the best fashion design courses in the UK for international students?


1. M.A. in Fashion, Royal College of Art, London


Source: RCA

The only postgraduate art and design university in the United Kingdom, The Royal College of Art (RCA) is a public research university in London with campuses in South Kensington, Battersea and White City. The Fashion programme is taught in the Kensigton campus. This master’s degree programme prepares you to question and reform dominant fashion trends especially when it comes to clothes. It allows you to take into account environmental concerns, social responsibilities, geopolitical and economic factors in the process of designing.

  • Ranked number 1 in the world for Art and Design by QS World University Rankings.
  • You can gain a Level 7 Master’s degree in a year in one of the top universities in the world.
  • Notable alumni include Christopher Paul Bailey (Chief Creative Officer of Burberry), Ossie Clark (renowned for his vintage designs), David Emmanuel (designer of Lady Diana Spencer’s wedding gown) and Zhandra Rhodes (celebrity fashion designer).

Why is it good to study here?

  • It is one of the top rated postgraduate programmes for fashion designing in the world.
  • At the master’s level, it goes above and beyond fundamentals and technicalities and engages in critical debates on gender, culture, race, digital values, design justice, and nature.
  • It is a course that will help you build your identity and brand as a designer.
  • The Digital 360 Platform allows you to also specialise in 3D digital design, in a world of avatars and online identities.
  • Every year, RCA hosts student exhibitions, allowing students to display their work to professionals and stalwarts in the industry. The university also collaborates with the Share Community, a charity that works with adults with disabilities and autism.

Fees

The programme costs £33,600. International students can apply for the Vice Chancellor’s or the Deputy Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship programmes.

Eligibility

  • A relevant undergraduate degree
  • A portfolio of your work is mandatory. It must show your work as an artist or designer and can be made up of images, videos or writing samples.
  • A video where you describe your creative process, your technical expertise, inclusivity and the other choices that you make.
  • Minimum IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0.

Related courses

  • M.A. Textiles
  • M.A. Jewellery in Metal
  • Master of Research

2. B.A (Hons) in Fashion Design - University of the Arts, London


Source: UAL

Specialising in arts, design, fashion and performing arts, the University of the Arts is a federation of six colleges of which we will be looking at the London College of Fashion. It is the only college in London entirely dedicated to studying the different aspects of the fashion industry. This college offers bachelor’s, master’s diplomas and short certificate courses to students from across the globe.

  • Ranked number 2 in the world for Art and Design by QS Rankings
  • Ranked number 6 in the UK specifically for fashion by the Guardian
  • A part of the history of the London College of Fashion can be traced back to 1877 as a leather trade school.
  • Notable alumni include Jimmy Choo, sustainable fashion designer Ioana Ciolacu, Rosenthal Tee and A’Whora.

Why is it good to study here?

  • As the world rankings show, it is one of the top universities to study art and design in the UK.
  • The college offers 15 different courses just at the undergraduate level, all within the ambit of fashion design and technology. These specialisations range from Print and Pattern cutting to sportswear and fashion communication.
  • The college has collaborated with giants in the industry including Christian Dior, L’Oréal Professionnel, Louis Vuitton, LVMH, Nike, Puma, Stone Island and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
  • The college gives you an option of working with industry for the duration of an academic year (across three terms/two blocks) and also completing a Diploma in Professional Studies, in addition to your B.A. Hons degree. It is not mandatory but it does provide you the necessary skills to set up your own practice.

Fees

For international students, the tuition fee is £25,970 per year. The university has a number of scholarships, bursaries and awards for both domestic and international students.

Eligibility

One of the following accepted full Level 3 (A levels/ Higher secondary education) qualifications:

  • Pass at Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3 or 4) and one A Level at grade C or above
  • Merit, Pass, Pass (MPP) at BTEC Extended Diploma (preferred subjects include Art, Art and Design or Design and Technology)
  • Pass at UAL Extended Diploma
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma equivalent to 64 UCAS tariff points (preferred subjects include Art, Art and Design or Design and Technology)
  • Pass at Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3 or 4) plus equivalent EU/international qualifications, such as International Baccalaureate Diploma (24 points)

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered. The key points of consideration are related academic or work experience, quality of the personal statement and a valid academic or other professional reference. Ultimately, the assessment of your portfolio and your statement of purpose is the key deciding factor.

It should display your ability to work creatively with 2D and 3D media, technical and research skills.

Minimum IELTS score of 6.0 with no band lesser than 5.5.

Related courses

The college has over 90 different courses under the banner of fashion, offered at different levels. You can access the entire list here.

3. B.A (Hons) in Fashion Design - Glasgow School of Art


Source: Glasgow School of Art

Located in Glasgow, Scotland, this school is one of the best universities for the pursuit of creative arts. The department of Fashion and Textiles has an international student community of over 150 students. This fashion design degree will help you acquire a thorough foundation of the design process and develop expertise and technical prowess.

  • Ranked number 12 in the world for Art and Design by QS
  • Ranked 11 in the United Kingdom for fashion by the Guardian
  • Notable alumni include Pam Hogg and Jonathan Saunders
  • The school is housed in an art nouveau building designed by the renowned Scottish architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Why is it good to study here?

  • It is one of the top public universities in Scotland and the United Kingdom for visual and creative arts.
  • The school takes a studio-based approach to research and teaching rather than taking the more traditional classroom approach.
  • Projects, student displays and internships play a significant role in this programme.
  • Unlike the English, Welsh or Irish courses, this programme takes 4 years to complete, giving you more time to explore and innovate. The school also includes a course that comprehensively covers design history and theory for you to understand the growth of the industry.

Fees

Students from India will have to pay £21,360 per year.

Eligibility

The entry requirements are as follows:

  • Indian students must have scored over 65% in Class XII. International diplomas such as A-levels or International Baccalaureate are also part of the standard entry requirements.
  • Minimum IELTS score of 6.0 is required.
  • The key component is your portfolio (minimum 15 slides) and your portfolio statement not exceeding 500 words. It is processed through UCAS and then followed up with an interview.

Related courses

  • B.A. (Hons) in Product Design
  • B.A. (Hons) in Fine Art Photography
  • B.A. (Hons) in Silversmithing and Jewellery

4. B.A (Hons) in Fashion Design and Technology - Loughborough University


Source: Lboro

Also referred to as Lboro, the Loughborough University is a public research university in Leicestershire, England. The School of Design and Creative Arts offers world-class education in the field, developing high-quality graduates who become top practitioners in their arena.

  • Ranked 32 in the world for Art and Design by QS World University Rankings
  • Ranked 1st in the UK for fashion and textiles by the Guardian University Guide 2023
  • Corporate tie ups for placement year include H&M, Alexander McQueen, Iris van Herpen, Jimmy Choo, Fusion Copenhagen, Karolina York Sydney, Timorous Beasties, Margo Selby, Paul Smith, Dunelm, Next, Diane Von Furstenberg, ASOS, Burberry and Tom Ford

Why is it good to study here?

  • Highly ranked, globally recognised institution.
  • Have access to state of the art equipment to understand textiles and the garment manufacturing process.
  • It is an industry-focussed course, with a dynamic curriculum that evolves with industry inputs.
  • You have the option of completing the course in 3 years (full-time) or 4 years (also full-time. There is no part-time variant of this programme). The additional year is a placement year where you will get a chance to work in any part of the industry such as stylists, fashion management, communication, design or fashion business. It is typically in your second year of study.

Fees

International students pay £22,000 per annum.

Eligibility

  • Students from India must have completed Standard XII with 83 – 93% in the best four subjects.
  • To show proof of English language proficiency, you must have a minimum score of 6.5 in IELTS / 92 in TOEFL iBT / 67 in PTE.
  • A carefully curated portfolio of previous work.

Related courses

  • BA (Hons) in Textile Design
  • BA (Hons) in Graphic Design

5. B.A (Hons) in Fashion - University of Edinburgh


Source: University of Edinburgh

A public research university in Edinburgh, Scotland, the University of Edinburgh has a history going back over 400 years. The Edinburgh College of Art (ECA), one of its constituent colleges has an undergraduate honours degree specialising in Fashion. The college has a state-of the art workshop dedicated to fabric sewing and pattern cutting processes.

  • Ranked number 5 by the Guardian University Guide and 7 in the UK for Art and Design by QS World University Rankings.
  • The history of the Edinburgh College of Arts can be traced back to 1760! That is more than two and a half centuries of history.
  • Notable alumni include Holly Fulton, Supriya Lele and Alexander White

Why is it good to study here?

  • A highly renowned and recognised programme for fashion in the world.
  • The curriculum is designed to nurture individual expression, question and challenge status quo and learn cutting edge tech to be at the forefront of innovation.
  • ECA works closely with the national galleries of Scotland, providing ample opportunities to boost confidence and promote its students’ creations.
  • The programme will also include competitions and lives briefs set by H&M, Dr Martens, Mackintosh, Sophie Halette and more.

Fees

The annual tuition fee for international students is £32,200.

Eligibility

  • The standard entry requirement is SQA Highers/ IB/  levels. For students applying from India, an average score of 80% in CBSE / ICSE Grade XII is required.
  • Applicants will be asked to submit a digital portfolio to provide evidence of artistic aptitude and potential
  • Minimum IELTS score of 6.5/ TOEFL iBT of 92/ PTE of 62 is required.
  • The application is done through the UCAS portal.

Related courses

  • BA (Hons) – Illustration
  • BA (Hons) Performance Costume
  • MA Design for Change
  • Mphil/ PhD Design

6. Fashion M.A. - Kingston University


Source: Kingston University

Located within the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Kingston is another top UK university. According to the Guardian University Guide, the university is in the top 5 in London for 21 different subjects. The Kingston School of Art offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the field of fashion.

  • Ranked number 2 in the UK for fashion and textiles. Source: The Guardian University Guide
  • Work placements include Viktor & Rolf, McQ, Craig Green, JW Anderson, Paul Smith, Hugo Boss, COS and Roland Mouret
  • Kingston gives you the flexibility to gain your master’s as a full-time or a part-time course.

Why is it good to study here?

  • The master’s programme gives you the option to specialise in womenswear, menswear, knitwear, digital or fashion artefact outcomes.
  • You can complete your master’s either in one year or extend it to two by taking on the optional placement year.
  • The university has an open approach wherein students of fashion can collaborate with or benefit from other departments in the school of design.
  • The faculty team is made of diverse mentors who balance industry experience and academic knowledge. In addition, guest speakers and partnerships with corporate fashion houses are part of the everyday at Kingston.

Fees

The full-time MA fee for international students is £25,900. The course duration is 1 year.

Eligibility

  • A bachelor’s honours degree in fashion design or a related subject, product design, graphic design or fine art.
  • A portfolio. If shortlisted, you will be called for an interview. The interview can be in-person or online.
  • A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent.

Related courses

  • BA (Hons) Fashion
  • BA (Hons) Fashion Promotion and Communication

7. B.A. (Hons) Fashion Design - Buckinghamshire New University


Source: BNU

A prominent figure in the British higher education ethos for the last ~130 years, Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) is an option to consider, especially if you are looking at a career in creative industries.

  • Ranked number 3 in the UK for fashion and textiles.
  • Work and network with industry greats such as Alexander McQueen Studio, British Fashion Council, Mackintosh and New Star.
  • You can choose the 4-year programme option and undergo the initial Foundation Year to better accustom yourself to life in the UK.

Why is it good to study here?

  • The Art, Design and Performance School at BNU emphasises on offering practice-based courses to its students.
  • You can work in collaboration across disciplines and departments, building a diverse network and pushing the boundaries of innovation. You can work with students of photography, performance and hair and make-up to build your portfolio.
  • You will have the opportunity to take part in international competitions, including British Fashion Council reviews, exhibitions and the BNU Summer Show.
  •  The fashion school has the infrastructure to help you learn both traditional methods of working with fabric and design and high tech digital softwares.

Fees

International tuition fee is £15,000 per annum.

Eligibility

  • A minimum of two full A-levels (or equivalent) is required. Every application is considered on an individual basis.
  • Portfolio and Interview
  • Proof of English language proficiency such as IELTS/ TOEFL

Related courses

  • MA Wigs, Hair and Make-up for Fashion and the Arts

8. B.A (Hons) Fashion Design - University of Central Lancashire


Source: UCLan

Situated in the city of Preston, Lancashire, UCLan has an award winning fashion design degree programme and partnerships with over 150 international brands.

  • Ranked 4th in the UK for Fashion and Textiles. Source: The Guardian.
  • Is a member of the British Fashion Council
  • The programme includes working in live projects for real clients, and competing in national and international competitions.

Why is it good to study here?

  • UCLan is ranked 2nd in the uK for student satisfaction and 3rd for learning opportunities. (Source: The Complete University Guide and National Student Survey).
  • The programme has three pathways to choose from, depending on the approach you want to take: Conceptual (emphasis on garment manufacturing and textile solutions), Commercial (CAD, 2D design, trend awareness) or Enterprise (the business of fashion).
  • Optional work placement opportunities to gain practical experience while being a student.

Fees

The primary tuition fee is £16,500 per year. You can apply for the Articulation Scholarship, Excellence Scholarship or the International Bursary for financial aid.

Eligibility

  • Minimum 65% in Grade XII. You must have scored over 80% to be considered for scholarships.
  • Minimum IELTS requirement is 6.0.
  • Portfolio and a statement of purpose.

Related courses

  • BA (Hons) Animation
  • BA (Hons) Art and Design

9. B.A. (Hons) in Fashion Design and Technology, Manchester Metropolitan University


Source: MMU

One of the most popular universities in the UK (if you are looking at UCAS applications), Manchester Metropolitan Universities (MMU) is located in the centre of Manchester. It is one of the largest universities in England with a substantial student population. The School of Arts offers a bachelor’s degree in fashion design and technology.

  • Ranked 15th in the UK for fashion and textiles.
  • Graduates have been placed in Jack Willis, Abercrombie and Fitch, Christian Dior Victoria Beckham, Nike, Burberry, Old Navy and many other international brands.
  • Have access to industry-standard equipment

Why is it good to study here?

  • The course curriculum places equal importance on technical know-how, developing an individual sense of style and the business skills to run your own fashion enterprise.
  • Study trips to Paris, Munich, Amsterdam, India and China to understand the manufacturing process.
  • Competitive placement opportunities in the UK or abroad.
  • Choose a major and specialise in womenswear, menswear or sportswear.

Fees

Full-time fee is £18,500 per year.

Eligibility

  • IB Diploma with minimum 26 points overall or 104 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects
  • 6.0 overall with no individual element below 5.5
  • Portfolio

Related courses

  • B.Sc Hons Fashion Marketing
  • B.A. Hons Fashion Communication
  • B.Sc Hons Fashion Buying and Merchandising

10. B.A (Hons) in Fashion, Northumbria University


Source: Northumbria University

Located in Newcastle upon Tyne, the university has roots that can be traced back to the year 1877. Renowned for its research and cutting edge technology, Northumbria University has been instrumental in creating extraordinary fashion graduates since 1955.

  • Ranked 7th in the UK for Fashion and Textiles
  • Art & Design department is ranked 4th in the UK for research power (REF, 2021)
  • Ranked 1st in the UK for Graduate Prospects in the Guardian University League Table 2023

Why is it good to study here?

  • The curriculum is designed to help you explore the craftsmanship, aesthetics and the technology involved in the fashion industry.
  • The department collaborates with alumni and industry professionals to impart real-world knowledge to its students.
  • Self-initiated research, independent judgement and critical thinking are central to learning at Northumbria.
  • Northumbria graduates have built careers in Richard Nicoll, Lanvin, Christopher Kane, Burberry, Eley Kishimoto, Ralph Lauren, Old Navy and River Island.

Fees

£17,500 per annum.

Eligibility

  • Your application must have a minimum of 120 UCAS Tariff points.That includes a minimum of 65% from Class XII from CBSE / CISC for students applying from India.
  • Minimum IELTS Academic score of 6.0 or equivalent.
  • A portfolio of creative design.

Related courses

BA (Hons) Fashion Communication

Other Universities to consider for Fashion Design Degrees in the UK

This is in no means an exhaustive list. Here are a few more schools to consider.

  • University of Salford
  • DeMontfort University
  • Nottingham Trent University
  • Leeds Arts University
  • Coventry University

The UK has some great colleges for fashion, so if you want to study the subject, this is a great place for you.

What are the advantages of studying fashion design in the UK?


It was Miuccia Prada who said “What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today, when human contacts are so quick. Fashion is instant language.” Studying fashion opens up this entire world to you. You can enter it from the creative side, manufacturing, retail, technology, business or the environmental angle. In today’s post-pandemic world, fashion, like most other industries, is also turning digital. With such a wide scope, there is no doubt why this is a great field to pursue. But why choose the UK? Let’s take a look.

A Fashion Capital

It is natural for our minds to jump towards Paris, New York or Milan when talking about fashion. But like France, the USA or Italy, the UK is also one of the fashion capitals of the world. London attracts designers from far and wide. World-class luxury brands such as Alexander McQueen, Burberry and Stella McCartney are all English brands. Besides the London Fashion Week, the city also hosts the Graduate Fashion Week, providing a platform for fashion graduates to display their works to the entire world.

Top Universities

Having looked at our list, it comes as no surprise that some of the top universities in the world to pursue this course of study are located in the UK. Be it experienced faculty, state-of-the-art-tech, industry connections or the sheer number of study options, the UK gives you a wide variety to choose from.

Placement Year

It is common knowledge that undergraduate degrees in the UK are typically 3 years long, except in Scotland. However, when it comes to fashion and related courses, especially because it is practice oriented, most universities offer an optional placement year. If you choose this, your degree extends to 4 years. In most universities, the 2nd or the 3rd year is allocated for it. You spend the year working/ in an internship, experiencing the industry in real life. Your academic advisors continue to offer support while you also learn from your place of work. This helps cement your portfolio for future employment and allows you to make more informed professional choices.

How to choose the right fashion design course in the UK?


With so many options in terms of universities and specialisations, choosing the right course can be a difficult task. Here are some tips to help you select.

1. Understand the branches of the fashion industry

Fashion is not one homogenous entity. It is like “Science”. At the undergraduate level, you cannot just choose to study science but choose a specialisation such as physics, chemistry or even physical biology. In the same way, you have to know which branch of fashion you would like to get into. There is the creative/ design element, production/ manufacturing, sales, entrepreneurship, technology or journalism.

Each of these branches require a fundamental understanding of fashion and its trends but also require separate skill sets. So know what you would like to go into and then choose a course accordingly. If you are unable to choose, then look for universities that offer fashion courses at a foundational level where you get to learn the basics of all of these before you can make your choice.

2. Research is your best friend

Your selection of university rests primarily on one question: “Does it suit your needs?”. This question is more important than the ranking or location or the reputation. To get answers to this question, research is your best friend. Here are pointers –

  • Does the course meet your learning objectives?
  • Are the specialisations/ electives suiting your career plan?
  • Does it include practical training in the form of showcases/ projects/ internships/ placements?
  • Do you meet the eligibility criteria? What kind of portfolio must you submit during admission?
  • Is it affordable? What are the scholarship options?
  • How is the university connected to the industry? What will be your career opportunities after?
  • What kind of portfolio will you be able to build in the 3 or 4 years?
  • What are the immigration requirements?

Finding the answers to all these questions can be overwhelming but it needs to be done. You can always seek expert guidance from the relationship members at TC Global!

3. Develop your skill sets and keep up-skilling

If you are applying from India, it is better to build some design related skills before you go to the UK for university. Most typical Indian education systems do not offer a fine arts or a design elective at the higher secondary level. You cannot assume that the university will begin right at the basics. You must either ensure that they do or learn the basics of some common design softwares to ensure your transition is smooth. Upgrading your skill-sets is non-negotiable, especially in this industry. So ensure that the university is also up-to-date on teaching the latest developments in the world of fashion.

4. Build your portfolio

Like with your statement of purpose, your portfolio cannot be built overnight. Give yourself enough time to build a substantial one. Moreover, different universities have different guidelines in how your portfolio must be put together. Assign enough time to edit to meet individual requirements.

5. Seek expert guidance

Reduce your stress is to sign up with TC Global.

We simplify international education, learning, and mobility through connecting students, universities, and a global community on a single platform where there are over 1000+ education providers and over 80,000+ courses.

Our platform enables students to study anywhere in the world in just a few steps. From search and discovery and finding the right course fit for you, to applications, visas and departure – we see you through it all.

To move forward with us, download our app or visit tcglobal.com and sign in to create an account on our student platform and onboard with us in quick, easy steps.! 🚀

Then simply set up a visit Calendly.com/tcglobal to pick a Relationships Team closest to you and choose a slot to meet with a Relationship Member. Make your process of choosing fashion design courses in the UK simpler!

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Date added
24.08.2023

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