Fashion

Study options

Award

BA (Hons)

Key facts

UCAS code:
W235
UCAS code:
W23A
Location:
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Location:
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Study option:
Full-time
Study option:
Full-time, with a placement year
Duration:
3 Years
Duration:
4 Years
Start date:
23 September 2024

Top 5 for Fashion and Textiles

Guardian University Guide 2024

Optional one-year placement

Make connections in the industry

National and international trips

Visit studios, factories and exhibitions in New York and London

If you have a real passion for fashion, this degree will give you the creative, technical, academic and professional skills needed to take the fashion world by storm.

Fashion is an ever-changing industry that needs professionals who can respond to its challenges. On our course, students develop their knowledge and skills in a broad range of subject areas, including the fundamentals of fashion business, creative design, communication and technical practices. Students then have the chance to specialise in an area of their choice that will inform their future career goals.

Placements, live projects and collaborations play a large part in the course, aiding our students to build their CV enough to gain employment after graduation.

We also ensure students are aware of the bigger picture within the fashion industry, so sustainability, ethics and diversity are explored in-depth in a module in first year then encouraged throughout the course. 

This Fashion degree brings together creative, technical, academic and professional skills needed to sustain a career in the fashion industry.

To enhance your CV, You also have the option of choosing a one-year placement in industry (Sandwich).

Key features

  • 100% Coursework (No exams)
  • Small group sizes, ensuring you get enough contact hours with staff
  • Well equipped workshops with industry standard kit
  • Flexibility to negotiate modules to reflect your specialisms
  • Collaborative working with across other courses in the University
  • Expand your technical and creative skills to include digital fabric printing, laser cutting, wood, metal, ceramics, plaster and plastics
  • Access to the unique Betty Smithers Design Collection

Fashion is an ever-changing industry that needs professionals who can respond to its challenges. On our course, students develop their knowledge and skills in a broad range of subject areas, including the fundamentals of fashion business, creative design, communication and technical practices. Students then have the chance to specialise in an area of their choice that will inform their future career goals.

Placements, live projects and collaborations play a large part in the course, aiding our students to build their CV enough to gain employment after graduation.

We also ensure students are aware of the bigger picture within the fashion industry, so sustainability, ethics and diversity are explored in-depth in a module in first year then encouraged throughout the course. 

This Fashion degree brings together creative, technical, academic and professional skills needed to sustain a career in the fashion industry.

To enhance your CV, You also have the option of choosing a one-year placement in industry (Sandwich).

Key features

  • 100% Coursework (No exams)
  • Small group sizes, ensuring you get enough contact hours with staff
  • Well equipped workshops with industry standard kit
  • Flexibility to negotiate modules to reflect your specialisms
  • Collaborative working with across other courses in the University
  • Expand your technical and creative skills to include digital fabric printing, laser cutting, wood, metal, ceramics, plaster and plastics
  • Access to the unique Betty Smithers Design Collection

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BA (Hons) Fashion

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BA (Hons) Fashion

Work placements

You will attend a work placement between the second and final years of the course, our placement staff will work with you to identify a suitable location for your work placement. Please also note that you are responsible for any costs incurred in travelling to and from your work placement, and for any accommodation costs.

Course content

You’ll master the practical and technical skills used in fashion design, covering areas such as pattern cutting and computer aided design. You’ll also gain a solid understanding of design theory, exploring the history of fashion, fashion business and the wider cultural context of fashion.

Negotiated Studies modules will encourage you to further pursue your personal career ambitions in your chosen specialism.

Technical workshops including digital fabric printing, laser cutting, wood, metal, ceramics, plaster and plastics, will ensure your creative vision is not restricted.

Most excitingly, you’ll work on live industry projects for real companies – gaining work experience and boosting your portfolio.

You’ll master the practical and technical skills used in fashion design, covering areas such as pattern cutting and computer aided design. You’ll also gain a solid understanding of design theory, exploring the history of fashion, fashion business and the wider cultural context of fashion.

Negotiated Studies modules will encourage you to further pursue your personal career ambitions in your chosen specialism.

Technical workshops including digital fabric printing, laser cutting, wood, metal, ceramics, plaster and plastics, will ensure your creative vision is not restricted.

Most excitingly, you’ll work on live industry projects for real companies – gaining work experience and boosting your portfolio.

Academic year

The course operates on a modular basis, typically the majority of modules are 20 and 40 academic credit modules. Each credit taken equates to a total study time of around 10 hours. Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity. Full-time students take modules worth 60 credits per semester, with part-time students taking proportionately fewer credits per semester. All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6. The full-time course has one start point in September.

The course operates on a modular basis, typically the majority of modules are 20 and 40 academic credit modules. Each credit taken equates to a total study time of around 10 hours. Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity. Full-time students take modules worth 60 credits per semester, with part-time students taking proportionately fewer credits per semester. All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6. The full-time course has one start point in September.

Professional body accreditation

Accreditation is the approval of a programme, giving holders of the programme's award exemption from the academic requirements for a Textile Institute professional qualification.

The Textile Institute logo depicting the name and a crest with two birds and a shield.

Upon the recommendation of the Professional Qualifications Committee the Governing Council of The Textile Institute agree to accredit this programme as fulfilling the academic requirements for the Associateship of the Textile Institute.

Professional body accreditation

Accreditation is the approval of a programme, giving holders of the programme's award exemption from the academic requirements for a Textile Institute professional qualification.

The Textile Institute logo depicting the name and a crest with two birds and a shield.

Upon the recommendation of the Professional Qualifications Committee the Governing Council of The Textile Institute agree to accredit this programme as fulfilling the academic requirements for the Associateship of the Textile Institute.

Fashion placement year - Busola

Fashion placement year - Busola

Video

Placement students gain valuable experience at a range of companies, big or small. Busola explains how events like London Fashion Week, that is helping to prepare her for industry.

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Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Fashion Hot Topics 40 credits
Fashion In Context 40 credits
History And Theory Of Fashion 20 credits
Technical Processes Of Fashion 20 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Fashion Business 20 credits
Fashion Industry Ready 40 credits
Fashion Negotiated Study 40 credits
Life After Staffs 1 20 credits
Year 3 compulsory modules
Year 3 compulsory modules
Fashion Fmp 60 credits
Fashion Research And Analysis Report 20 credits
Life After Staffs 2 20 credits
Professional Fashion Practice 20 credits

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Fashion Hot Topics 40 credits
Fashion In Context 40 credits
History And Theory Of Fashion 20 credits
Technical Processes Of Fashion 20 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Fashion Business 20 credits
Fashion Industry Ready 40 credits
Fashion Negotiated Study 40 credits
Life After Staffs 1 20 credits
Year 4 compulsory modules
Year 4 compulsory modules
Fashion Fmp 60 credits
Fashion Research And Analysis Report 20 credits
Life After Staffs 2 20 credits
Professional Fashion Practice 20 credits

Entry requirements

112-120 UCAS Tariff points

  • GCE A Levels - grades BBC or equivalent
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • Access to HE Diploma - Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • T Levels - Eligible T Level applications will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of P (A*-C) or Higher Pass as a condition of offer

All applicants are individually assessed via a portfolio review

112-120 UCAS Tariff points

  • GCE A Levels - grades BBC or equivalent
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • Access to HE Diploma - Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • T Levels - Eligible T Level applications will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of P (A*-C) or Higher Pass as a condition of offer

All applicants are individually assessed via a portfolio review

We understand that you might have experienced a challenging run up to higher education and may have not met the entry requirements as listed. If this is the case don’t worry, contact us and our team of expert advisors can guide you through the next stages of application, or help you find the perfect course for your needs.

Careers in the creative industries (Eve Austin - Fashion)

Careers in the creative industries (Eve Austin - Fashion)

Video

Fashion student Eve busts the myth that there is a lack of career options in the creative industries and shares her love of living and studying in Stoke.

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For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

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Facilities

Careers

Our degree offers you the opportunity to explore the fundamentals of fashion. You then negotiate your specialism, depending on your personal interests, which means graduates from our Fashion degree are likely to find work as:

  • Fashion Designers
  • Pattern Cutters
  • Garment Technologists
  • Stylists
  • Trend Forecasters
  • Illustrators
  • Buyers
  • Merchandisers
  • Fashion Writers
  • Bloggers/Vloggers
  • Events Managers
A bold splash of colour - Fashion Degree Show 2022

A bold splash of colour - Fashion Degree Show 2022

Video

Fashion Degree Show, Eve explains how her love of illustration were incorporated into her final-year designs, inspired by queer and feminist art.

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Teaching and assessment

Teaching

The teaching on this course is firmly rooted in studio practice. You develop your skills across a wide range of project-based activities, which take place within a studio setting appropriate to the subject. Sometimes you will work in whole groups, sometimes you will working in teams, with presentations of your work to your peer group and the academic staff. At other times during your study, you will be working on individual self-initiated projects. During projects, there will be tutorial sessions with academic staff where you explore your practice in more detail.

In addition, you take part in lecture and seminar activities which allow you to explore the contextual and professional background to the projects you are undertaking. These are led by your lecturers and also guest tutors from industry who bring their specialist insight into the sessions. You also participate in technical skills instruction sessions with Technician Instructors enabling you to enhance your making and digital skills across a wide range of techniques and approaches.

The teaching on this course is firmly rooted in studio practice. You develop your skills across a wide range of project-based activities, which take place within a studio setting appropriate to the subject. Sometimes you will work in whole groups, sometimes you will working in teams, with presentations of your work to your peer group and the academic staff. At other times during your study, you will be working on individual self-initiated projects. During projects, there will be tutorial sessions with academic staff where you explore your practice in more detail.

In addition, you take part in lecture and seminar activities which allow you to explore the contextual and professional background to the projects you are undertaking. These are led by your lecturers and also guest tutors from industry who bring their specialist insight into the sessions. You also participate in technical skills instruction sessions with Technician Instructors enabling you to enhance your making and digital skills across a wide range of techniques and approaches.

Assessment

You are assessed in this course by a range of different types of coursework and practical activities. The assessment task for each module will vary dependent upon its content but may include:

  • A portfolio of completed artwork, professionally presented in the format required by the assignment, project or brief.
  • Workbooks, sketchbooks etc., documenting the process of generating, developing and resolving thoughts/ideas, and demonstrating the influence of research on practical work.
  • Research books, folders, dossiers, etc. documenting the gathering, sorting and presentation of research material.
  • Technical Exercises demonstrating your skills and competencies using particular equipment and/or techniques.
  • Written essays or reports, in which you are exploring the contextual or professional background to a specific project.
  • An individual or group seminar presentation and/or the accompanying material which you have used to create the presentation.

You are assessed in this course by a range of different types of coursework and practical activities. The assessment task for each module will vary dependent upon its content but may include:

  • A portfolio of completed artwork, professionally presented in the format required by the assignment, project or brief.
  • Workbooks, sketchbooks etc., documenting the process of generating, developing and resolving thoughts/ideas, and demonstrating the influence of research on practical work.
  • Research books, folders, dossiers, etc. documenting the gathering, sorting and presentation of research material.
  • Technical Exercises demonstrating your skills and competencies using particular equipment and/or techniques.
  • Written essays or reports, in which you are exploring the contextual or professional background to a specific project.
  • An individual or group seminar presentation and/or the accompanying material which you have used to create the presentation.

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills); written English (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy); academic writing (including how to reference); research skills; critical thinking and understanding arguments; and revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management).

Additional support

Our Student Inclusion Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Feedback

Throughout the modules you take on your course you are provided with formative, developmental assessment opportunities, which are carried out in tutorial and critique situations. Feedback is usually provided to you orally, with a written record kept either by the tutor or by you. This is sometimes produced as the result of peer or self-assessment exercises.

All modules also included formal or “summative” assessment tasks and the grades from the formal assessments count towards your module mark. You will normally receive feedback on coursework assessments within 20 working days following the date of submission.

Throughout the modules you take on your course you are provided with formative, developmental assessment opportunities, which are carried out in tutorial and critique situations. Feedback is usually provided to you orally, with a written record kept either by the tutor or by you. This is sometimes produced as the result of peer or self-assessment exercises.

All modules also included formal or “summative” assessment tasks and the grades from the formal assessments count towards your module mark. You will normally receive feedback on coursework assessments within 20 working days following the date of submission.

Fashion - Designing for the Future

Fashion - Designing for the Future

Video

Fashion students Chloe and Masuma talk about their work on industry briefs tackling 21st century issues of fast fashion and sustainability.

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Your study time will consist of class contact hours, self-directed learning, assessment and placements where appropriate. Your actual contact hours will depend on the subject area, on the option modules you select and professional body requirements. 

Your study time will consist of class contact hours, self-directed learning, assessment and placements where appropriate. Your actual contact hours will depend on the subject area, on the option modules you select and professional body requirements. 

Year 1

24% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
76% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Year 2

24% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
76% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Year 3

24% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
76% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Independent learning

When not attending lectures, seminars, laboratory or other timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve utilising a range of digital resources including our virtual learning environment; reading journals, articles and books; working on individual and group projects; undertaking research in the library; preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations. Your independent learning will be supported by a range of excellent facilities. These include the library, open access computer facilities, informal learning zones, a range of laboratories and performance and studio spaces.

When not attending lectures, seminars, laboratory or other timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve utilising a range of digital resources including our virtual learning environment; reading journals, articles and books; working on individual and group projects; undertaking research in the library; preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations. Your independent learning will be supported by a range of excellent facilities. These include the library, open access computer facilities, informal learning zones, a range of laboratories and performance and studio spaces.

Year 1

17% practical assessments
83% coursework
0% written exams

Year 2

17% practical assessments
83% coursework
0% written exams

Year 3

20% practical assessments
80% coursework
0% written exams

Staff

You will be taught by an expert teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes senior academics and professional practitioners with industry experience. Postgraduate research students who have undertaken teaching training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

Rachel Heeley

Interim Head Of Department

Rachel teaches across all aspects of BA (Hons) Fashion due to her diverse background of events management, Fashion & Textile design and fashion communication. She currently runs print label SpottedDoTDoT and is undertaking a PhD in Global Education.

Rachel's profile

Angela Devoti

Lecturer

Angela is a Design and Visualisation Lecturer on the BA (Hons) Fashion course here at Staffordshire University. She teaches across a variety of modules including Design, Visualisation and History and Theory of Fashion.

Angela's profile

Holly Nancarrow-Hassall

Lecturer

After graduating from Derby University in 2007, Holly formed a strong knowledge of industry standards and gained experience covering all elements from fabric testing, and digital and manual pattern cutting. After visiting and liaising with facto…

Holly's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 23 September 2024 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BA (Hons)-Full-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,250 per year of study £16,750 per year of study

For the course starting on 23 September 2024 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BA (Hons) Full-time, with a placement year
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,250 per year of study £16,750 per year of study

UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year. But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX**. Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. Further information about fee changes would be posted on the University’s website once this becomes available.

**RPIX is a measure of inflation equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index (RPI) excluding mortgage interest payments.

International students: Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course, as long as you complete it in the normal time-frame (i.e. no repeat years or breaks in study).

Included in tuition fees
Included in the fees:

Travel, and accommodation costs incurred by compulsory trips and visits away from the University that are directly linked to the learning requirements of a specific module.

The use of all workshops, studios and specialist technical facilities and hire of equipment relating to the course of study.

 

 

Travel, and accommodation costs incurred by compulsory trips and visits away from the University that are directly linked to the learning requirements of a specific module.

The use of all workshops, studios and specialist technical facilities and hire of equipment relating to the course of study.

 

 

Not included in tuition fees
Not included in the fees:

The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.

Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course.

The cost of materials for the development of a student’s individual practice and work. Additional costs vary dependent upon student’s own choice of materials and approach to their practice.

Optional personal insurance when borrowing equipment such as cameras, lighting equipment etc. for extended period of use off campus [Approx £50-£100]. It may be possible to add some items to home contents insurance.

The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.

Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course.

The cost of materials for the development of a student’s individual practice and work. Additional costs vary dependent upon student’s own choice of materials and approach to their practice.

Optional personal insurance when borrowing equipment such as cameras, lighting equipment etc. for extended period of use off campus [Approx £50-£100]. It may be possible to add some items to home contents insurance.

Accommodation and living costs
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

If you receive funding from Student Finance you may be eligible to apply for additional benefits. Details can be obtained by reading our additional funding web pages, or visiting www.gov.uk

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Our students

Coming here I’ve realised Fashion is more than just designing and making, there’s also styling, marketing etc. One thing that is really good about this course is they help you find your path.

Recca Adjei

Graduate

“My fashion course at Staffs uni has allowed me to express my creativity and given me chances to become innovative. The modules have let us adapt existing skills and form new ones, from producing fashion illustrations and designing CAD flats to constructing garments and learning a lot about the fashion industry past/ present. I enjoy studying fashion as I can excel in something I am good at everyday. Alongside I always have the help and guidance from my peers and tutors.”

Savana Goodwin

First year student

I think a degree was the best thing to do because I'm able to gain more skills. I'm able to meet new people and network and able to be in an environment where I know that the industry I want to do is what's catered towards me.

Busola Gbaja

Graduate

“The course starts from basics and gets everyone up to a good level in pattern cutting, construction, illustrations and CAD. We learn this while doing projects which means you get stuck in right from the beginning. The amount I have learnt already is crazy! The staff know their subjects really well so the teaching is great, but they are also good at encouraging you individually to achieve new things.”

Lizzie Bishop

Fashion student

It’s not just sewing machines. We also get to use wood, metal, plastic, and resin to really explore areas.

Emily Lowndes

Fashion Student

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date Apply Link
Stoke-on-Trent campus BA (Hons) Full-time 23 September 2024 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at Staffordshire University, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of Staffordshire University enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.

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in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021