Studying fashion design in the United Kingdom
is to enjoy an education and training that is demanding, challenging,
and of the highest quality. British fashion education is regarded
as the world’s best in creativity, professionalism and diversity.
Graduates are valued as innovators working towards the industry’s
future. Many graduates are offered positions with international
designers and multi-national companies, in addition to the fortunate
few who go on to become international names in their own right.
This quality and reputation is the result of a strong emphasis
on the development of the individual and an understanding of craft
and business practice within the context of historical and contemporary
culture. Students are presented with a dynamic mix of inspirations
and considerations; never easy, but never dull.
What are the usual routes to studying Fashion design?
Students are usually required to have studied GCSEs at school and
then go on to take A levels or, in Scotland, Highers. All UK Fashion
courses will accept the equivalent overseas qualifications. Alternatively,
students may undertake equivalent vocational qualifications such
as BTEC National Diplomas, or the Advanced GNVQ qualifications in
Art and Design.
Where students have pursued their education to A level, the next
step is to apply for a one year Foundation programme. These courses
offer a broad art and design experience, where time is spent in
preparation for application to a chosen degree and finalising portfolio
work suitable for submission and/or interview to an undergraduate
course. Some Foundation courses allow students to specialise in
their chosen area of design in the final term of the programme.
Students are encouraged to investigate the variety of courses on
offer and are guided through the application process.
At the end of a typical foundation year, most graduates move on
to either a two year HND (Higher National Diploma) or a three or
four year BA Honours course. Most BA courses take three years to
complete, but some institutions offer a four year sandwich course.
This usually includes up to twelve months working on industrial
placement, either as a one year block or as two six month periods.
A number of three year BA courses also include a short placement
period within the curriculum, whilst all fashion courses dedicate
time to working with the fashion industry in the form of sponsored
projects, visits or visiting lecturers.
Upon graduation, a number of fashion students choose to continue
their education within a range of postgraduate courses on offer;
Diploma, M.A., MPhil/PhD. This allows for either further specialism
or related study.
How do I apply for a place?
In order to gain a place on a typical course in the UK you will
need a good portfolio which demonstrates your ability in drawing,
design development, problem solving, colour work and interest in
fashion. Some courses may wish to see examples of written work such
as an essay or report, and some staff may wish to interview you
by telephone. Courses may have different entry requirements and
regulations, so, if possible, you should check prospectus information
or course leaflets.
Some BA courses will allow you entry direct to the second year
if you have either the equivalent of an HND already, or you have
prior experience within the fashion industry. Again, you should
check with the courses you favour. You should also be able to submit
your portfolio or ‘slides’ rather than posting the original
work to the UK.
What is the range of courses on offer?
Across the UK there is a great variety of courses on offer to fashion
students. Two, three and four year undergraduate programmes cover
all aspects of fashion design, drawing, design development, pattern
cutting, manufacture, C.A.D. and C.A.M. In addition, students may
study the historical and cultural influences on fashion, take elective
or optional subject in photography, styling, knitting, footwear
design etc. Some courses offer integrated subsidiary subjects such
as textile design, marketing, languages, technology, or may specialise
in one fashion area such as menswear or womenswear.
Course curricula are usually project based, with each project being
run as a module or unit within the course. Students can expect to
be taught and learn in a variety of ways - in a studio situation,
in a seminar group, or attending lectures. Presentation and discussion
of work is typical on many courses to enable students to develop
confidence in presenting their work and learning from others in
the group.
Most fashion courses organise a fashion show at the end of each
academic year as a celebration of their students’ work and
to allow graduating students to present their final collections
to a wider audience. A number of the UK Fashion courses take part
in Graduate Fashion Week, held in London each June, and event which
attracts a great deal of media as well as industry attention.
Applicants from outside the UK should consider the college/university
location for study, its facilities, campus, course details and successes,
as this will help to focus in on the most suitable course to choose.
What then?
Upon completion of your course you should be ready to enter the
fashion industry as a professional designer. During your time at
college/university, you will have acquired the skills and developed
a professional creativity which is invaluable in securing your first
position as a fashion designer. Most institutions can offer help
or advice to students before final graduation, and invaluable contacts
can be made before you leave. Most institutions are able to offer
links between students and the fashion industry, and students are
always encouraged to keep in touch for the future.
Applicants to individual institutions should ask in more detail
about student destinations and successes.
Any questions?
Most institutions will be happy to deal with requests for prospectuses
or course details. A number of institutions are to be found on the
Internet which you can e-mail for specific information.
One place to consider is American InterContinental University in London which makes it possible to fit education into your schedule, and nurtures your achievement with incredible support. Please visit http://www.aiulondon.ac.uk/apply_now/
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) in the
UK lists all the full-time Higher Education courses in Fashion in
its handbook. To obtain a copy contact UCAS on +44 1242 227788 or
check out its website at www.ucas.ac.uk. Alternatively, British
Council offices around the work will be able to provide comprehensive
lists of Fashion courses in the UK.
The Author: Colin Renfrew, Course Leader, BA (Hons) Fashion with
Textiles, Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication, U.K
This article first appeared in Educational Courses in Britain
