Fashion Design Innovation BA

On this course you'll have the freedom to express your creativity in diverse ways, by exploring innovative fashion and textile design solutions that respond to the needs of contemporary consumers. Working in our well-equipped studios and purpose-built facilities, you’ll develop your understanding of the fashion design process, combining the latest digital technologies with traditional manual skills, in line with industrial standards. You’ll develop creative and practical skills that enable you to develop beautiful, responsibly produced, and innovative fashion and textile products. This practical experience is balanced with a range of theoretical learning that informs fashion research, as well as fashion's relationship to historical context, cultural practices, social trends and values, and ideological assumptions. After the first year of common study you’ll choose a fashion and textile specialism, in either menswear or womenswear and in either structured or printed textiles.

As an interdisciplinary school, we’re able to offer you a wide variety of optional modules, allowing you to tailor your degree to your interests and career aspirations. You’ll develop a wide range of transferable skills which are highly regarded by employers across all sectors, including creative and critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills, as well as design development, product research and analysis. You’ll be equipped for a broad range of prestigious employment, enterprise or postgraduate opportunities, particularly due to the emphasis on the role that fashion and textile innovation – when blended with digital technologies – can play in responding to the future requirements and challenges of the fashion industry.

Our popular Year in Industry offers you the chance to gain first-hand experience of the variety of roles available in fashion and is a great way to prepare for a career in this fast-paced industry. As an alternative to this, students also have the opportunity to take a study abroad year at partner institutions across the world.

Specialist facilities and support

Take a virtual tour of our facilities.

The School of Design offers excellent facilities and technical support for developing your creative skills. We have dedicated practice studios, workshops and specialist facilities: 3D Art & Design Studio; 2D Art & Design studios; Fashion Design studios; Knit and Weave studio; Graphic and Visual Communication studio; Photography and Film studio; Digital print studio; Laser cut studio; traditional printing studio; Design workshop; 3D workshop with 3D printing; computer clusters.

The School also provides a range of other support to enhance the student experience and prepare students for the workplace: essential learning materials; essential studio and workshop materials; dedicated software (Adobe CC; PointCarre, Solid Works, Cinema 4D, Lectra, etc); cameras and video recorder on loan; free entry to Inside/Out lecture series; compulsory field trips part of assessment; part of curriculum subscriptions (eg LSN, Special journals and periodicals); costs of Degree Show (infrastructure, course catalogue and exhibition set-up); external promotion (eg New Designer, AD&D, Graduate Fashion Week); Yorkshire Fashion Archive and Membership to the ASBCI (Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing students); and Visiting Speakers, who are well known figures from industry or other institutions around the world.

In your first year, you’ll gain foundational knowledge and skills in the key areas of visual research and design development, garment construction and basic structured and printed textiles. You’ll gain an understanding of both menswear and womenswear and learn how to find and research the key information you need to create high-quality fashion products for retail.

Core modules will introduce you to the principles of design history and design futures, and digital fashion. You’ll also have the opportunity to choose optional modules in the School of Design in subjects such as photography, drawing, fashion brand analysis, and colour and the design process. Discovery modules from across the university include popular subject choices such as business management and sustainability.

In your second year, you’ll choose to specialise in either menswear or womenswear and in either structured or printed textiles in your studio practice, and will gain hands-on experience of working to industrial standards. As you start to build a diverse professional portfolio of your practical work, you’ll work on a range of project briefs to develop design solutions for a variety of consumers at different market levels. Further core modules focus on research methods and strategic fashion management. Optional modules will allow you to develop specialist knowledge such as eco-design, marketing, photography, designing sports and performance clothing or 20th century fashion history. Again, students will have the opportunity to choose discovery modules from a wide range of subjects across the University.

In final year, you’ll have the chance to bring together the skills and knowledge you have gained as you develop your professional design portfolio and create innovative fashion products for a specified target market. You’ll also demonstrate your critical and research skills through a dissertation exploring a fashion and / or textiles topic of your choice.

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.

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

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

Creative practical work is assessed using visual presentations, portfolios and journals. Written exams, essays and other written responses to assignment briefs may also form part of the assessment. Methods of assessment will vary depending on the modules you choose.

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB including art/design subject or media. Excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking.

If you don’t have an art or design-related subject but you are taking Media Studies A-level, we may also consider your application based on a high grade at GCSE in Art/Design and a portfolio of recent and relevant work.

GCSE: 5/6 A-C (or 4+) including English.

• Access to HE Diploma

  Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. An interview and a piece of written work may be required.

• BTEC

  DDM including Art/Design

• Cambridge Pre-U

  M1, M1, M2 including M1 art/design or media.

• International Baccalaureate

  34 points overall with 16 at Higher Level including 5 in Visual Arts and 4 in English.

• Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)

  H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3 including art/design or media.

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  BB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers OR B in Advanced Highers and AAABB in Highers OR AABBBB in Highers.

• Other Qualifications

  Art Foundation course: Whilst we welcome applications from students who have completed an Art Foundation course it is not a requirement for entry and doesn’t usually count towards entry requirements.

  In exceptional cases, we may make you an offer conditional on achieving an Art Foundation qualification: we may consider your application if you’re taking a validated Art Foundation course and have ABB or above at A-level not including Art or Design.

  Extended Project Qualification: If you’re taking the EPQ, we may make you an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. In this case that would be BBB, plus EPQ grade A.

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 an alternative 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.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBC at A Level and pass Access to Leeds.

International

We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications, please visit our international equivalencies page to find out more about entry requirements for your region.

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.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

Read our guidance about applying.

Documents and information you’ll need

If you don’t have an A-level in a related art or design subject, you’ll need to submit a portfolio of recent and relevant art/design work. Please email at least six images of recent work to designundergrad@leeds.ac.uk at the time of your application to UCAS – the email subject line should include your name and UCAS ID number.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU 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.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2022

Fees

UK: See fees section below

International: £22,000 (per year)

UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2021 entry 
For UK full-time students starting in 2021, the fee for 2021/22 will be £9,250.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the UK government and may vary if policy changes.

EU students starting in 2021/22 
EU students starting their course in the 2021/22 academic year or later will now be classed as international students and so will need to pay the international student tuition fee.

UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2022 entry
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. In other years, the government has confirmed fee levels in the summer. When the fee is confirmed we will publish an update on all course pages.

Tuition fees for new international students for 2022 entry
Tuition fees for international students are published on each individual course page. These are usually published a year in advance, so 2022 course fees should be available from September 2021.

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.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Brexit 
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.

We expect that you will have to pay for the printing and production of visual and written coursework. Toile fabrics are provided at wholesale costs, but in final year you may wish to use a particular fabric. We encourage you to find sponsorship if possible.

There are optional study trips abroad which will involve an additional cost: details will be provided as these are arranged.

Additional cost information

<p>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.</p><p><strong>Equipment and material costs</strong></p><p>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, etc.) and more course specific materials (eg sketchbooks, specialist papers, specialist fabrics, sculpting materials, specialist tools, etc.), as well as print portfolios.</p><p>The approximate cost of these items in recent years has been:</p><p>• Level 1 – £100 - £170<br />• Level 2 – £100 - £150<br />• Level 3 – £200 - £600</p><p><strong>Computers and digital equipment</strong></p><p>Our course requires the development of work using Adobe Creative and other relevant software. 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 £500 - £2,500. You might also consider buying an external drive to back-up your work on a regular basis, which may incur another additional £50 - £150. Alternatively you can choose to store your work using cloud storage or your personal M:Drive, provided by the University.</p><p>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 (eg Apple, Adobe Creative, etc.). Delaying purchasing also allows you to find out from your programme leader what you need and what you do not need. In case you cannot afford a laptop, you may be eligible for further support from our <a href="https://students.leeds.ac.uk/info/10231/university_financial_assistance_fund">Financial Assistance Fund</a>.</p><p>You’ll also have access to further digital equipment in our studios and using our loan scheme. But, you may decide to purchase your own equipment (from Year 1 or as your studies progress) which will result in additional costs. Examples are: Drawing tablet (£50 - £500); Digital camera (£200 - £1500); etc.</p><p><strong>Study and field trips</strong></p><p>The School of Design pays for all compulsory field trips that are part of the curriculum and/or assessment. There may also be opportunity for optional study trips and the need for individual field-based projects / trips. Costs will depend on the project / courses undertaken, and on the nature and location of each trip, and can therefore range between £100 and £750.</p><p><strong>Degree show, extra exhibitions, and competitions costs</strong></p><p>Your Degree Show will require extra production costs, which will vary according to individual projects. If you’re given the opportunity to showcase your work outside the School of Design, this will require additional production costs, as well as travelling, accommodation and subsistence costs.</p><p>You might also have opportunities to submit to competitions and may want to subscribe to online networks, which may cost up to an additional £100 per year.</p><p><strong>Reading materials</strong></p><p>You’ll have access to a good supply of books, academic journals, periodicals, etc., that are available in the University libraries. You’ll also have online access to an extensive range of reading resources. You might decide, however, to purchase required books that are recommended on your course.</p>

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 about additional costs

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.

Your professional and practical skills are central to the degree, and they will prepare you for an exciting career in the fashion industry. If you take an industrial placement year, you’ll also have valuable experience for your CV. Because Leeds offers you the chance to study academic modules that put your practice into context, you’ll also develop a range of transferable skills that appeal to all kinds of employers.

You’ll become a confident communicator with excellent presentation skills, as well as being an analytical problem-solver with strong research skills. You’ll have great visual, critical and commercial awareness, as well as an in-depth understanding of consumer profiles and trends in a fast-changing market.

Graduates have pursued a wide range of careers in the fashion industry including; design, pattern cutting, garment technology, buying, trend forecasting, PR and journalism. They’ve gone to work for companies including Abercrombie & Fitch, BMB Menswear, Esprit, George, New Look, Next, River Island, Ted Baker, Tommy Hilfiger, Warehouse, French Connection, H&M, Karen Millen, Dunhill International, Christopher Kane, Amanda Wakeley, Betty Jackson and Paul Smith.

Find out more about how we prepare you for your future career.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

Work placement

Our Year in Industry is an opportunity available to all Fashion Design Innovation students. It’s great for your personal and professional development, and some students have even been offered permanent roles at the company where they completed their placement.

A Year in Industry is not only a fantastic opportunity to gain experience of working in your chosen industry or field of expertise before you graduate, but it is also a chance for you to put the knowledge and skills you have gained during the first two years of your degree into practice. You can spend a year immersing yourself with one organisation or try a multitude of placements to explore different organisations and career paths.

Whilst on placement you could be in a fast-paced creative agency, or a high end fashion design company, an international retailer, a product manufacturer or an art practitioner developing their latest exhibition. Whatever option you decide to do you’ll be expanding your skillset, creating your professional network and developing your professionalism all of which will help you to secure graduate employment in the future.

Students have worked in designing, buying, pattern cutting, PR, visual merchandising and other roles for companies like ASOS, Amanda Wakeley, Monsoon, Christopher Kane, WGSN, Mark Jacobs, River Island, Alexander McQueen and French Connection.

Read more about our Year in Industry in the School of Design