Sustainable Fashion BA

Course overview

Transform the future of fashion as you explore how to drive the industry towards more sustainable and ethical practices.

Sustainability in fashion strives toward fairer labour practices while reducing harm to the environment, for the betterment of everyone.

With this course, you’ll rethink, redesign, and reshape the future of fashion as you shift your mindset to more ethical and sustainable practices. You’ll explore how cultural, social and industrial factors shape the fashion sector today, before studying the positive role of sustainability.

By delving into the industry through blended learning, you’ll identify the environmental and social challenges that the fashion world faces. Study how products are made, sold, and used, and the resources needed to push them through each stage of their lifecycle. We’ll also help you harness your creativity and critical approach. You’ll develop resilient skills that will set you up for success in the fashion industry and many other sectors.

Your studies will empower you to find innovative solutions that can benefit consumers, workers, business and the planet.

The Sustainable Fashion course was exactly what I was looking for, as it is a relatively new course, it is constantly on the front line of research and innovation, meaning you learn alongside the development of sustainable fashion as an industry.

Fionn O'Neill, BA Sustainable Fashion

Why study at Leeds

• Secure your future: Future-proof and tailor your career with optional modules, including Creative Thinking, Colour Design and Application, and Fashion Styling and Photography.
• Specialist facilities: Test your skills with our laser cutting and 3D print workshop, XLab for Immersive Technologies and other practical studios. Take a virtual tour of our facilities.
• Gain hands-on experience: Get a taste of the world of fashion and sustainability with our optional placement year.
• Access to experts: Glean insights from industry-recognised visiting speakers from across the world.

Scholarships for 2026 Entry

The Clothworkers' Company are offering two scholarships for UK students to support textiles by funding technical education, skills development and innovative design.

Course details and modules

You’ll explore the relationship between fashion and sustainability with a variety of immersive modules covering the lifecycle of materials, the environmental impacts of the industry, strategic sustainability solutions and more. We’ll teach you to become a creative thinker and critical practitioner, by combining theory and practice to study effectively. You’ll be equipped with a broad range of resilient skills that are adaptable within the ever-changing sustainable fashion landscape.

You'll be encouraged to consider the interconnectedness of sustainability, business and technology, and the changing nature of consumption and consumer behaviour in fashion. You'll achieve this through research and developing an understanding of contemporary and historical discourse that will underpin your thinking.

This course offers a wide range of exciting experiences through industrial engagement, guest speakers, and optional Year in Industry. Collectively, they will equip you with vital skills to enter the world of the creative industries. 

By the time you graduate, you'll be able to choose from a diverse range of roles and career paths across different aspects of the fashion industry, that could include:

• Fashion Retailing

• Sustainable Manufacturing

• Green Product development

• Corporate Social Responsibility

• Studying at a postgraduate level

Throughout the course, you’ll have the opportunity to choose a number of optional modules in the School of Design in a range of related subjects. You could also choose some Discovery modules that are hosted across the University. These could include popular subject choices such as business management and sustainability.

We also offer you the opportunity to participate in the Study Abroad scheme or our very successful placement year (Year in Industry) between the second and third years. For many students, the placement year is an ideal opportunity to experience the reality of fashion and sustainability.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

Sustainable Fashion (20 credits) - This module explores the changing dynamics within the fashion industry due to the pressure for greater sustainability. The module will consider the broad nature of sustainability and the fashion industry to show the challenges faced by fashion as well as highlight how the industry has reacted to these challenges. This module will explore how graduates can influence consumers, organisations and society’s view of sustainability through their individual and professional decisions.

Fashion Lifecycle 1: Materials and Process (20 credits) - This module introduces the concept of sustainable analysis via the early lifecycle stages of a product. By considering the sustainability issues of the manufacturing of textiles (raw materials, production processes, dyeing and finishing) the module builds on the programme themes for considering sustainability in terms of environment, society, business and culture. This module provides the technical foundation for understanding the full fashion lifecycle and important sustainability issues at each stage of the life cycle from design choices through to material selection and fabric manufacturing.

Fashion Lifecycle 2: Products, Users, End of Life (20 credits) - This module extends the concept of sustainable analysis via the full lifecycle concept of a product introduced in Fashion Lifecycle 1. In this module the sustainability of fashion products and the industry is explored for the garment manufacturing, distribution, usage and end of life stages of the lifecycle. This module provides the technical foundation for understanding these stages of a fashion product and supports the programme themes of environment, society, business and culture.

The Fashion Industry (20 credits) - You'll be introduced challenges and opportunities for sustainable fashion within the modern industry, focusing on how environment, society and business are intimately related. The module will provide you with a description of the key operations within the industry in terms of its structure, different sectors, business models, and the supply chain. As 80% of the environmental and social impacts of a product are ‘locked in’ during the product development process, you'll also explore this process and roles of the functions that manage product development. The module will also explore the economic drivers that influence decision making within brands and retailers to provide the business context for sustainable fashion.

Design Studies: Foundation (20 credits) - This module provides opportunities to develop the foundational skills of scholarly research, academic writing and critical thinking. You’ll be immersed in key issues and debates informing the changing values and future of design and consider how these have been influenced by social and historical forces. It will equip you with the skills to read and understand academic texts and apply theoretical ideas to your own design practice. You’ll also be introduced to research methods for finding and analysing texts and images. 

You’ll develop your awareness of the complexity of challenges that design and society faces and an ability to analyse the relevance of and make connections between the contexts, issues and subject fields that will shape your future studies and professional careers.

You will also take another 20 credit optional module in the School of Design or 20 credits from the University's range of discovery modules.

Optional modules

(20 credits each)

• Colour Design and Application

• Creative Thinking

• Introduction to Photography (Digital)

• UoL Discovery Modules

Please note that the above are optional modules and will only run subject to sufficient enrolments. If a module has low student demand, it may not be offered, and you may be asked to choose an alternative

Year 2

Compulsory modules

Sustainable Product Development (20 credits) - You’ll apply the knowledge and skills you have developed through the course to the development of the perfect sustainable product. You’ll apply the core themes of environment, society, business and culture, and will employ the concepts and technologies to create a blueprint for sustainable fashion products. This module goes beyond simple product design by incorporating product development tools to create a detailed specification and to include analysis of the product to quantify the reduction in product footprint and to show how ethical considerations have been addressed.

Green Processes (20 credits) - This module will review the environmental and social impacts of key processes involved in the conversion of raw materials into the finished product for fashion (clothing) products and then present new developments that can be used to minimise those impacts. New developments will be critically considered within the constraints of the business environment and the function of the product. Existing best practice and new innovative approaches to textile processes are included for raw materials, yarn and fabric production, coloration and finishing and garment manufacturing.

Fashion Management Issues & Strategies (20 credits) - To create a new design idea and develop it into a successful new product, not only requires an understanding of the design process and the technology that can deliver that design, but also requires a broad understanding of the wider fashion industry. Supply chain dynamics, business strategy, costing structures and management theory are important components of industry, and particularly important for the fast moving and global fashion industry where consumer and society are powerful influences, and where many of the current impacts are considered to be negative for the environment and local communities around the world. This module will explore how current management theories are applied to the fashion industry to negotiate the many factors that influence the market.

Design Studies: Exploration (20 credits) - This module will develop your research and analysis skills and show you how these can be used to tackle the complex challenges faced by society today. You’ll learn how to apply a range of different research methods to explore the role design plays in our lives. This module will equip you with an understanding of how you can use design research to create positive change in the world and the confidence to put this knowledge into practice.

Strategic Marketing for the Creative Industries (20 credits) - This module explores the way in which consumer relevant products/services or enterprises are conceived, developed and marketed. The module considers the role of innovation in developing competitive advantage for an organisation. Market factors are explored and the tension between organisational objectives and market demand is discussed. The module concludes with the consideration of designing for the future. Key theories from contemporary design research fields, which may include subjects such as innovation, sustainability and neuromarketing will be introduced.

You will also take another 20 credit optional module in the School of Design or 20 credits from the University's range of discovery modules.

Optional modules

(20 credits each)

• Digital Photography

• Designing for Colour

• Contemporary Illustration

• Collage Culture

• University of Leeds Discovery Module

Please note that the above are optional modules and will only run subject to sufficient enrolments. If a module has low student demand, it may not be offered, and you may be asked to choose an alternative

Year 3

Compulsory modules

Fashion Revolutions (20 credits) - This module explores how the fashion industry is in a constant state of flux and how a number of external forces are driving the constant evolution of the industry. The forces driving change are categorised into three key themes; new technology, changes in consumer attitudes and behaviour and sustainability. These forces are explored and their impact will be considered in the context of their effect on the fashion industry, its mode of operation and how organisations react to these changes. This module will provide you with a mix of lectures and seminars to develop your awareness and perception of global and macro trends across the fashion technology landscape. You’ll explore how they can develop your innovative skills to harness technologically developments to exploit new markets or respond to new challenges, especially those associated with the sustainability. This module will use case studies from industry to show how fashion technology has evolved and innovated to meet the needs and challenges of the global society.

Major Research Project (40 credits) - In your final year, you’ll carry out an academic research project, building on the research and analytical skills developed throughout your studies. You’ll select from a range of project types, enabling you to focus on a subject of specific interest, developing the skills required for your future career. 

Sustainable Fashion Strategy and Innovation (20 credits) - This module extends your understanding of sustainable fashion in terms of the triple bottom line (environmental, social and economic) by engaging you in a process of critical analysis for the industry. You’ll be challenged to explore the industry objectively and to identify how the industry could or should be developing strategies to embrace environmental and social sustainability within ethical business models. This module studies new initiatives and cutting-edge approaches to sustainability to provide the tools for a strategic review that meets the programme themes of environment, society, business and culture.

The Sustainable Product (20 credits) - This module provides you with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills you have developed through the programme to the development of the perfect sustainable product. Through this process you will apply the core programme themes of environment, society, business and culture, and will employ the concepts and technologies to create a blueprint for sustainable fashion products. This module goes beyond simple product design by incorporating product development tools to create a detailed specification and to include analysis of the product to quantify the reduction in product footprint and to show how ethical considerations have been addressed.

You will also take another 20 credit optional module in the School of Design or 20 credits from the University's range of discovery modules.

Optional modules

(20 credits each)

• Contemporary Advertising

• Collaborative Marketing and Promotion

• Fashion Styling and Photography

• Social Design

Please note that the above are optional modules and will only run subject to sufficient enrolments. If a module has low student demand, it may not be offered, and you may be asked to choose an alternative

Learning and teaching

Creative problem solving and design thinking methods are central our teaching in the School of Design. Your learning will be enhanced by a range of contemporary teaching methods which encourage active learning and are underpinned by inclusive and authentic learning activities, including team working, creative sprints and industry facing scenarios.

We follow a campus-based blended learning approach, you’ll have a range of resources in the virtual learning environment which are accessible at all times, including videos and pre-work to help you prepare. You’ll attend lectures which are carefully designed to invite engagement and participation, seminars which enable you to delve deeper into key topics, workshops to explore problem solving and tutorials to discuss your coursework progress.

Collaboration with staff and your peers is the foundation of our teaching and learning, giving you input into their learning journey. Some of your core modules will be studied with classmates from other design disciplines, here you will benefit from our community of learners, to contribute their diverse perspectives, and to encounter those of others, with global industry practices in mind.  Your module tutors have dedicated office hours, which means there’s always the opportunity to ask questions.

A typical week in your first year may include eight to 12 hours of in person and online study, one to four hours of specific workshop and studio activities, regular personal tutor sessions and private study. You’ll also have the ongoing support of your Academic Personal Tutor.

Private study is important at university and a potentially significant change from the way you have been taught previously. This is space where you can reflect and critique materials from taught session, including further reading, writing, designing and making. You’ll be guided through this process by your tutors to help you develop your knowledge and research skills. The ability to work independently is key skill to your development as creative professional and thinker.

There is an active visiting lecturer programme, formed on industry and academic experts, including School of Design alumni.

Specialist facilities

The School of Design offers excellent facilities and technical support for sharpening your creative skills. Have the freedom to work independently in our range of dedicated and inspiring spaces. You’ll also have access to practical workshop studios and specialist facilities, including our:

• sculpture programme studio
• 2D programme studio
• fashion design studio
• knit and weave studio
• photography studio
• digital print workshop
• laser cutting and 3D print workshop
• printmaking workshop
• XLab for Immersive Technologies
• 3D workshop

You can consult our expert technicians who are equipped with the skills that can help bring your work to life.

The School also provides valuable support to enhance your student experience and prepare you for the workplace:

• free dedicated software
• technical induction programmes
• free access to LinkedIn Learning
• free cameras and video recorder on loan
• supporting a Degree Show
• external promotion
• Yorkshire Fashion Archive and Membership to the Association of Suppliers to the British Clothing Industry
• visiting speakers from industry or other institutions around the world

Programme team

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed through a variety of methods, these may include visual 2D and 3D responses, portfolios of text and image, blogs, short videos, presentations as well as more traditional essays, reports and occasional exams. Some of your assessments will be based upon collaboration with your peers. This collaboration could be in the development of artefacts, proposals and/or various forms of visual and textual communication in response to problem-based issues.

The nature of assessment will change as you progress through your course:

• at Level 1 assessments focus on your understanding and acquisition of new knowledge and practical, digital, academic and professional skills

• at Level 2 assessments focus more on establishing how well you understand, analyse and apply this new knowledge and new skills in relation to real-world, local and global settings

• in your final year study becomes more self-directed with forms of assessment often being negotiated and agreed with tutors

Throughout each year of study, it is to be expected that you’ll find that assessments are progressively more challenging. To support you as you navigate assessment at the different levels of study, we provide formative as well as summative assessment. Formative assessment gives staff an opportunity to give you feedback on personal progress, in good time before a summative deadline. Given the range of assessment types in any one level of study, formative assessment and feedback enables you to reflect upon your personal progress and establish which forms of assessment allow you to play to your strengths.

Authentic assessment means relevant assessment; in terms of contemporary contexts and relevant to your personal interests and your future aspirations. The authenticity of assessment is an important consideration in how we design assignments and project briefs. This means that we think carefully about the relevance of assessment outcomes; not only in academic terms but also in terms of your chosen career path, skill development needs and the future of work in your chosen discipline. Where appropriate, there will be an element of choice in your assessment. Some projects will allow you to choose the focus and format of your submission.

Dialogic teaching methods emphasise in-class discussion and support staff- / student debate. This approach to teaching and learning enables staff to hear all student voices. In turn, for some modules, this in-class dynamic may facilitate and inform the co-production of assessment tasks. Co-production of assessment tasks means that staff and students work together to devise fair and inclusive assessment; both formative and summative. This allows staff to consider the requirements of a module alongside opportunities to allow students to harness their strengths.

While remaining considerate of module and programme learning outcomes, where relevant and beneficial, we strive to adopt a flexible approach to assessment design. This flexibility allows us to respond to student voice, maintain an agility that allows us to react to global, social and cultural change and respond swiftly to opportunities to devise projects with our industrial partners. We aim for all assessment to be relevant, meaningful and engaging.

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB

GCSE: at least 5 at Grade 4 (C) or above including English and Mathematics

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

If you live in a neighbourhood where there is low participation in higher education, we may be able to give priority to your application.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year

This course is designed for students whose backgrounds mean they are less likely to attend university (also known as widening participation backgrounds) and who do not currently meet admissions criteria for direct entry to a degree.

The course will give you the opportunity to be taught by academic staff and provides intensive support to enable your development of academic skills and knowledge. On successful completion of your foundation year, you will progress to your chosen degree course. Find out more about the Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year

Alternative Entry Scheme for Mature Students

If you are a mature applicant (over 21) and you don’t have the required A Levels or GCSE English and maths qualifications, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for the scheme). As part of this, you may be asked to take tests in English and maths and to write an essay.

Contact the Lifelong Learning Centre for more information.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: £9,790

International: £28,750 (per year)

The amount of tuition fees you pay is based on whether you are classified as a home (UK) or international student. Find out how we assess your fee status.   

Tuition fees for UK students 
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2026/27 are £9,790. 

Subsequent years 
The UK government sets the maximum tuition fee caps that universities can charge UK students. This means your tuition fee in future academic years will reflect any changes set by the government.   

The government has confirmed that the fee for 2027/28 will be £10,050. 

From 2028/29 onwards, tuition fees are likely to increase annually, at least in line with inflation, and may rise further if the government increases the fee cap.   

Tuition fees for international students 
The international fee applies for each year of full-time study and will remain the same for the duration of your course.    

Read more about tuition fees.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Additional cost information

There are additional costs of study that students need to cover. We estimate that these additional costs could be as described below, but this amount may vary depending on how you decide to respond to university briefs and the range of materials and techniques you decide to adopt.

Equipment and material costs

Students need to cover the cost of printing their work during the course, including specialist print workshop costs. Students also need to cover costs of copying and supplying their own basic materials (eg pens, pencils, cutting tools, paper, ruler) and more course specific materials (eg sketchbooks, specialist papers, specialist fabrics, sculpting materials, specialist tool), as well as print portfolios.

The approximate cost of these items in recent years has been:

• Level 1 – £100 - £170
• Level 2 – £100 - £150
• Level 3 – £200 - £600

Computers and digital equipment
To ensure you can make the most of your studies at Leeds, you’ll need to make sure your laptop meets the system requirements for your course.

This courses require the development of work using industry standard specialist software. As/if required by your course, the School will provide this to you when you arrive. We also use a blended learning model where you’ll need to access course materials and video conference using a computer or mobile device (eg laptop, tablet, smartphone). Costs for a laptop will vary depending on the exact specification. You should expect to pay between £1,500–£2,500.

If you’re buying a new laptop for your studies, then we recommend that you wait until you’re registered as a student so that you take advantage of discounts given to university students. Delaying purchasing also allows you to find out from your course leader what you need. Depending on your circumstances you may be able to benefit from a Student Loan or Bursary, or the University Financial Assistance Fund.

You’ll also have access to further digital equipment in our studios and by using our loan scheme. You may decide to purchase your own equipment (from Year 1 or as your studies progress) which will result in additional optional costs. Examples include a drawing tablet (£150–£500) or a digital camera (£200–£1500).

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Scholarships are also available to help fund your degree. Find out more and check your eligibility below:

• Scholarships for International students
• Scholarships for UK students
• Your subject area may also offer scholarships

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

Read our guidance about applying.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Laptop system requirements

Although the University has computer clusters available for you to use across campus, all Undergraduate courses in the School of Design require you to have your own Apple or Windows laptop for use during teaching sessions (tablets are not enough). The minimum requirements needed will depend on your chosen course, so before you begin your studies with us, you’ll need to ensure your laptop meets the correct specifications. You can find out what these are by clicking on your course in the list below.

Depending on your circumstances you may be able to benefit from a Student Loan or Bursary, or the University Financial Assistance Fund.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026

This course is taught by

School of Design

Contact us

School of Design Undergraduate Admissions

Email: designundergrad@leeds.ac.uk

Career opportunities

Studying ethical fashion practices will make you highly desirable to employers in the fashion industry and wider sustainability community.

You’ll be encouraged to tackle the challenges facing the modern-day fashion world. You’ll then propose innovative, sustainable business strategies to shape a bold vision for the future of sustainable and ethical fashion.

You could get to work with fashion retailers and circular economy organisations to engage in cutting-edge research and industry projects.

In the School of Design, you’ll gain specific knowledge based on the latest insights from research and industry. We’ll also equip you with the best possible skills for a variety of careers. Holistic thinking, combined with excellent research and critical reasoning skills, are increasingly valued across a wide range of sectors. Therefore, your University of Leeds degree opens opportunities across disciplines and multiple industries as well as within your course-related specialism.

Where this degree could take you

The demand for sustainable fashion professionals is quickly gaining traction. The industry is under mounting pressure to address environmental impacts, social justice, the circular economy and sustainable development goals.

You’ll understand how sustainable strategies can translate into workable practical solutions for products, businesses, industries and our society. You’ll have a wide-ranging knowledge of product development, fashion technology, the supply chain and the industry from your course. You’ll also have the means to succeed in a range of different careers with clothing brands and retailers, sustainability specialists and policy makers.

Our students and recent graduates have worked with brands like Marks & Spencer and Camira Fabrics in graduate roles and gained industry experience at Reiss, Hermès, Primark, Ralph Lauren and Yours Clothing through placements.

Upon graduation, you’ll be able to choose from a diverse range of career paths and roles, including:

• ethical sourcing or supply chain assistant
• corporate social responsibility advisor
• environmental, social, and governance analyst
• sustainable sourcing or raw materials specialist
• product compliance officer
• sustainability coordinator or manager
• circular fashion strategist
• sustainable-focused fashion buyer
• sustainable fashion officer at a non-governmental organization or think tank

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.

Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.

• Dedicated Employability Team – meet with our qualified careers consultants and specialist employability and placements officers, on hand to help you choose the right path and develop the skills to get there. They can support with CV and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile building, mock interviews and navigating AI: get confident with tailored advice and techniques.
• Employability and networking events – get involved in a full range of events, including careers fairs and specialist industry talks with employers who are actively recruiting. You’ll also benefit from mentoring and a supportive careers community, helping you make connections, build your network, and shape your journey as a future professional.
• Skills training – we embed transferable skills training in all our programmes to support your transition to the workplace. Gain expertise employers value, such as communication, problem-solving and research and data analysis.
• MyCareer system —– access a dedicated portal where you can book careers appointments, view helpful resources and browse vacancies and events. Access digital tools, including LinkedIn support, video‑interview preparation, plus global job market and visa guidance. We also offer pre‑arrival support to help you prepare for career planning in the UK and make the most of your time with us.
• Exclusive opportunities – bring your enterprise to market with our award-winning business advice service, Spark. Apply for vacancies only available to our students. And hone your skills further with Leeds University Union, home to volunteering opportunities and over 300 clubs and societies.

Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to explore the world, whilst gaining invaluable skills and experience that could enhance your future employability and career prospects too.

From Europe to Asia, the USA to Australasia, we have many University partners worldwide you can apply to, spanning across some of the most popular destinations for students.

This programme offers you the option to spend time abroad as an extra academic year and will extend your studies by 12 months.

Once you’ve successfully completed your year abroad, you'll be awarded the ‘international’ variant in your degree title upon completion which demonstrates your added experience to future employers.

Work placements

Make connections, practice skills and build future confidence in your future with an industrial placement year as part of your course. 

A work placement can be a great investment in your future: 

• Choose from 100+ organisations in the UK and overseas. 
• Build industry contacts within your chosen field. 
• Be in direct contact with potential employers thanks to our close industry links.  
• Advance your experience and skills by putting course teachings into practice. 
• Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in your chosen industry. 
• Improve your employability. 
• All placements sourced by the University are paid positions 
• We also offer shorter-term placement opportunities. 

Our Employability Team are here to help you every step of the way. They run several placement sessions to answer your questions, discuss available opportunities and support you with CV writing and interview preparation. 

If you decide to undertake a placement year, your period of study will be extended by 12 months.  

If your application is successful, during placement, you'll be supported by an industrial supervisor from within the company, plus an academic supervisor who will keep in touch throughout. 

On successful completion of your placement year, you'll be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers. 

Students in our Faculty have recently completed placements at: 

• JD Sports Fashion
• Ralph Lauren
• Primark
• French Connection
• E.L.V Denim

We can’t guarantee a work placement. The job market is competitive – and there may be competition for the placement you want. You’ll have to apply the same way you would for any job post, with your CV and, if successful, attend an interview with the organisation. That said, we encourage everyone to apply.