Fashion designing courses in the UK are taught by several reputable institutions. These include Loughborough University, Kingston University, Buckinghamshire New University, the University of Central Lancashire, the University of Edinburgh, etc. They offer courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels that last for 3 years and 1 year respectively. To enhance their practical skills, many fashion graduates prefer to go straight into employment after an undergraduate degree. But a small percentage go on to study for a master’s, perhaps specializing in areas such as childrenswear, womenswear, textiles, embroidery, theatrical costume, etc. If you have the creativity and flair for fashion, here are the top five universities in the UK and their fashion design programs, along with their tuition fees.
Overview of Fashion Designing Courses in the UK
| Number of universities | 77 (source: Guardian) |
| Number of courses | 593 (source: Guardian) |
| Course levels | Undergraduate and graduate |
| Duration | 3 years (undergraduate) and 1 year (graduate) |
| Annual tuition fees for international students | £15,000 to 28,000 (undergraduate) and £15,000 to 26,000 (graduate) |
Why Study Fashion Designing Courses in the UK?
Academic excellence: The UK is ranked #2 in the 2023 Education Rankings by the U.S. News. UK universities are also consistently ranked among the top countries in global university rankings. They are renowned for their world-class education, high academic standards, cutting-edge research facilities, and robust faculty. This ensures that students receive an excellent quality education in fashion designing.
Diverse course options: It offers a wide variety of programs in fashion designing catering to students with different interests and career goals. Whether you are interested in fashion designing or allied specializations, you will find suitable courses in the UK.
Multicultural environment: Studying in the UK exposes students to a variety of cultures resulting in a diverse and active learning environment that equips graduates for an international employment market.
Research opportunities: The UK is ranked fifth in the world for research and innovation. UK universities are renowned for their contributions to the field. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research projects that allow them to work on real-world problems, fostering innovation and critical thinking.
Strong industry connections: Strong connections between many UK universities and major business players give students access to networking, internship, and placement possibilities.
Post-study visa options: The UK government has introduced post-study work visa policies for international students. This allows them to stay and work in the country after completing their education.
Rankings: Top Fashion Designing Universities in the UK
| University Name | Guardian Ranking 2023 |
| Loughborough University | 1 |
| Kingston University | 2 |
| Buckinghamshire New University | 3 |
| University of Central Lancashire | 4 |
| University of the Arts London | 5 |
| Northumbria University | 6 |
| University of South Wales | 7 |
| University of Wales Trinity Saint David | 8 |
| University of Salford | 9 |
| Glasgow School of Art | 10 |
Top Universities for Fashion Designing Courses in the UK
Loughborough University
Loughborough University, located in Loughborough, Leicestershire, is a renowned institution with a strong reputation for its engineering, sports science, and design programs. It was established in 1909 as Loughborough Technical Institute and received its status as a university in 1966. Loughborough University has been awarded the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework, a gold for student experience, outcomes, and overall. It is ranked at position 1 in Fashion and textiles in the UK by the 2023 Guardian rankings.
The university’s Department of Design and Creative Arts is responsible for offering a BA honors degree in fashion design. It provides students with a comprehensive education in fashion design, covering various aspects of the field.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| Fashion Design and Technology BA (Hons) degree | 4 years | £22,000 |
Kingston University
Located in Kingston upon Thames, Kingston University has its roots going back to the Kingston Technical Institute, founded in 1899. The university is a recipient of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold Award for its commitment to high-quality teaching. It is top in London and second in the UK in the field of fashion and textiles. Over 13,105 home/European students and 3,680 overseas students from more than 140 countries are currently enrolled at the university.
The fashion design programs at Kingston University are housed within the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture which is among the best in the world in Business of Fashion listings. This department is known for its commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and industry-relevant skills in its students.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| Fashion BA (Hons) | 3 years | £18,400 |
| Fashion MA | 1 year | £25,900 |
Buckinghamshire New University
Buckinghamshire New University, often referred to as Bucks New University, is a well-regarded institution located in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. It was originally established as a School of Science and Art in 1891. It offers a range of programs, including fashion design courses, and has gained recognition for its practical and career-focused education.
Buckinghamshire New University offers fashion design courses through its “School of Art, Design, and Performance”, known for its practical approach and industry relevance. It provides students with state-of-the-art facilities, including well-equipped design studios, sewing workshops, digital design labs, etc. Students are encouraged to develop portfolios and engage with industry professionals to enhance their job prospects upon graduation.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| BA (Hons) Fashion Design | 3 years | £15,000 |
| BA (Hons) Fashion and Textiles | 3 years | £15,000 |
| BA (Hons) Fashion Promotion and Communication | 3 years | £15,000 |
University of Central Lancashire
Shortened as UCLan, the University of Central Lancashire is located in Preston, Lancashire, England. It is a multi-campus, public research university with a history dating back to 1828. It has a strong reputation for academic excellence and is known for its commitment to providing high-quality education. It is one of the UK’s largest universities offering over 350 undergraduate programs and nearly 200+ postgraduate courses. This diverse university has an international student population of students from more than 100 countries around the world.
UCLan’s School of Arts and Media, a part of the Faculty of Culture and the Creative Industries is engaged in offering the following courses in fashion designing. These courses are known for their practical approach, allowing students to develop hands-on skills in designing and creating clothing and accessories.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| BA (Hons) Fashion Design | 3 years | £14,900 |
| MA Fashion Design | 1 year | £15,500 |
University of the Arts London
The University of the Arts London (UAL) is one of the most prestigious institutions for arts, design, fashion, and communication in the world. It consists of six individual colleges, each with its own unique specialization. When it comes to fashion design courses, one of the standout colleges within UAL is Central Saint Martins (CSM). It offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and short courses in fashion design and related fields. These programs cater to students with different levels of experience and interests. CSM is equipped with state-of-the-art design studios providing students with access to the latest technology and resources to bring their creativity to life. Being located in London, one of the fashion capitals of the world, CSM has strong ties to the fashion industry. Students often get opportunities to collaborate with fashion brands and participate in internships.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| BA (Hons) Fashion Design: Print | 3 years | £28,570 |
| BA (Hons) Fashion Design Technology: Womenswear | 3 years | £28,570 |
| BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Development | 3 years | £28,570 |
| BA (Hons) Fashion Design: Knitwear | 3 years | £28,570 |
| BA (Hons) Fashion Design: Menswear | 3 years | £28,570 |
| BA (Hons) Fashion Design: Communication | 3 years | £28,570 |
| MA Fashion | 1 year | £25,970 |
| MA Fashion Design Technology (Menswear) | 1 year | £25,970 |
| MA Fashion Design Technology (Womenswear) | 1 year | £25,970 |
Admission Requirements for Fashion Designing Courses in the UK
Fashion design universities in the UK consider educational achievements, predicted grades, work experience, and personal statements. To get selected you must meet the grades and other admission requirements for your chosen course.
Undergraduate Courses
High school education: Students wanting to pursue an undergraduate degree in fashion design in the UK are required to have high school level education which can be an International Baccalaureate Diploma, A levels, international qualifications, etc.
English language proficiency: Submitting English language proficiency scores is compulsory for applicants whose first language is not English. UK universities accept IELTS normally with a minimum overall grade of 6.5 (no individual band less than 5.5).
Other admission requirements: As a part of the admission process, international students must also have a study visa, a valid passport, reference letters, a statement of purpose, etc. They must also provide financial proof to cover their fees and living expenses in the UK.
Graduate Courses
Bachelor’s education: To be admitted to graduate-level courses, students must have a first-class honors degree in fashion design or any other related field from an accredited university.
English language proficiency: Submitting English language proficiency scores is compulsory for applicants whose first language is not English. Students can prove their English language proficiency through standardized tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Universities usually require a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent.
Other admission requirements: International students must also submit transcripts, a study visa, a valid passport, reference letters (at least two academic references), a statement of purpose, etc. Some programs may require students to have academic or work experience. Few fashion institutions also conduct personal interviews as part of their admission process.
Employment Opportunities
The Fashion industry is known to be extremely competitive. Thus, graduates must make the most of their degree and work experience opportunities to build their portfolio and make their name in the fashion world. The typical employers include top designers in studios and high-street retail outlets, supermarket clothing labels, and manufacturing operations. They offer employment opportunities in areas such as creation, sales, design work, marketing, and PR.
Here are some job options available to fashion graduates
- Fashion designer
- Retail manager
- Retail merchandiser
- Stylist
- Textile designer
- Visual merchandiser
- Arts administrator
- Event manager
- Clothing/textile technologist
When appearing for an interview you must prepare a portfolio that contains themed collections of different garments. It is your best chance to show off your skills and impress a potential employer with your creativity and flair. You must also keep yourself updated with rapidly changing trends in the fashion industry. As per Indeed, the average salary of a fashion designer in the UK is £29,863 per year. It may vary based on the location, from one job to another.
Conclusion
In summary, Loughborough University, Kingston University, Buckinghamshire New University, the University of Central Lancashire, and the University of Edinburg are the best fashion design universities in the UK. They offer courses at undergraduate and graduate levels. Many of these universities offer a range of bursaries, scholarships, and funds to help support you while studying. It is extremely important to consider the location, the specific focus of the program, faculty expertise, and any additional opportunities such as internships or industry connections when choosing a fashion design course in the UK. A balanced and informed decision will save you a lot of money and time. If you need assistance in choosing the right fashion designing courses in the UK, reach out to us at Gyanberry. Book your free video call now!
