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Fashion Design with Textiles BA(Hons)

2023-24 (also available for 2024-25)

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It’s not too late to apply for September.
It’s not too late to apply for September.

Start date

18 September 2023

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years inc. placement year

Entry requirements

A Level - BBB-BCC

BTEC - DMM-MMM

See full entry requirements

Chat with our students  

About the course

Reasons to study

  1. Explore the balance between creative and commercial requirements in pursuing sophisticated contemporary design solutions.
  2. Career prospects: 90% of graduates are in work/further study fifteen months after graduating.
  3. Competitions and live briefs, along with an exciting schedule of visiting speakers from industry, will give you the opportunity to be inspired, and truly engage with this diverse industry.

The Fashion Design with Textiles BA(Hons) course focuses on contemporary fashion and textile design and garment production for womenswear, menswear or unigender, with the specialism of textile design as a raw material for fashion design, through surface embellishment, fabric manipulation, and constructed textiles such as knitwear.

Why study Fashion Design with Textiles?

  • You’ll develop professional skills in fashion design, innovative textile applications, fashion illustration and portfolio techniques, CAD, pattern cutting and garment manufacture techniques.
  • We’ll support you in the application of a range of industry standard technology to bring your ideas to life and develop an awareness of sustainable practice.
  • Our industry-facing approach, including the opportunity to undertake a placement year, will help prepare you for a career in this exciting and diverse industry.

This course is accredited by the Textile Institute, a worldwide organisation for textiles, clothing and footwear.

Course detail

Core modules:

Fashion Design Practice 1

Fashion Design Practice 1 will present the foundations of fashion design, the basic principles of flat pattern cutting and the fundamentals of sewing and garment construction through holistic approaches. The module content is made up of two distinct elements - design and manufacture; however, these elements are assessed holistically as one, cohesive body of work. These elements will be explored and developed through the introduction of a range of creative and technical skills, materials and processes, including the use of specialist facilities. In further detail, this will include: * An introduction to primary and secondary research and forecasting materials relevant to fashion design. * An introduction to the fundamental distinctions between womenswear and menswear design, cut and construction. * An introduction to the skills of drawing and illustration relevant to fashion design. * Basic block manipulation and pattern production. * Introduction to fabric types, structures, trimming quality and detailing in relation to fashion design and creative sampling. * Foundation skill development in use of specialist facilities, sewing methods, toiling and garment construction techniques. * Introductory interpretation of design concepts into toiles and sample garments. * Problem solving and solutions relating to design, pattern cutting and garment construction. * An introduction to the skills needed to create basic garment technical packages. * The use of reflective, and self-evaluative processes.

Fashion Design Practice 2

Fashion Design Practice 2 is made up of two distinct elements - design and manufacture; however, these elements are assessed holistically as one cohesive body of work. Throughout this module, you will strengthen and develop your previously acquired skills and foundation knowledge concerning the principles of fashion design, pattern cutting and garment construction. Combining these elements aims to develop fundamental aesthetic considerations to process and creative solutions, alongside practical skill development. In further detail, this will include: * Visual inspiration and forecasting direction to refine concepts relevant to the design process. * Identification of trend, colour, silhouette and market awareness and distinctions between womenswear and menswear design, cut and construction. * Continuation of the skills of drawing and illustration relevant to fashion design. * Block manipulation and pattern production. * An appreciation to creative use of drawing and illustration, proportion and line in style translation as integral components of garment design and production processes. * Distinctions and considerations between fabric types, structures, trimming qualities and detailing in relation to fashion design and creative sampling. * Foundation skills in use of specialist facilities, sewing methods, toiling and garment making. * Creative and technical interpretation of design concepts into toiles and sample garments. * Problem solving and solutions relating to forms of design, pattern cutting and garment construction. * Continuation of the skills needed to create basic garment technical packages. * Continued reflective and self-evaluative processes.

Introduction to Critical and Contextual Studies

In this module the history, theory, and culture of fashion and costume will be used to contextualise contemporary industry practices. This module aims to provide you with a critical understanding of the development of fashion and costume. It will give you foundation knowledge about the history of fashion and dress, and the key cultural, political, social and economic contexts of clothing and the global fashion industry. The module will cover the development of fashion and the fashion industry, identifying the key people, institutions, events, performances and influences that have informed its evolution as a creative and commercial sector. The module will also examine the relationship between fashion, costume, and society, and their connections to other creative and commercial disciplines. It will also consider the positive and negative cultural, economic and environmental impacts of design, manufacturing, and consumption in both human and environmental contexts, in the UK and globally. The module will provide you with a foundation understanding of fashion, costume and their contexts, allowing you to develop critical insight into these industries. The module will support you in developing a critical vocabulary and the means through which to communicate your ideas. It will help you develop your academic skills, including writing, and help you embed critical and contextual material into your chosen course pathway.

Textiles for Fashion 1

This module will introduce you to the basic textile embellishment materials and techniques for fashion design. It will include both historical and contemporary textiles used in fashion design, focusing upon three distinct areas including embroidery, digital print and knit. The module will encourage awareness of the vast and exciting design opportunities inherent in textile design for fashion. This will include a basic awareness of fibres, yarns and fabrics used in textile embellishment and an understanding of the basic techniques used for constructing, manipulating and embellishing textile materials and developing samples. You will also acquire an understanding of the nature and properties of textile materials and sourcing for fashion design and have the ability to reflect upon these skills whilst writing about your own practice and its relationship to commercial textiles for fashion.

Entry requirements

BBB-BCCat A Level or equivalent.

120-104 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications.

Merit at T Level.

DMM-MMM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.

  • Pass in Diploma Foundation Studies in Art and Design combined with A Level or BTEC qualifications, to total an equivalent of 120-104 UCAS tariff points.
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above.
  • 120-104 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications.

As a centre of creative excellence, we look forward to hearing about your own creative experiments and ambitions through a discussion of your portfolio at interview.

Read our guidance on developing your portfolio and what to expect from your interview.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our Where are you from information pages.

Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

Placements

The course offers an optional one-year (36 weeks minimum) work placement after the second year, in the UK or abroad. This will give you the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience, insight into your chosen career and open up your graduate employment prospects.

Our Placement Unit and academic staff have excellent industry links and can support you in applying for and finding your placement(s), as well as during your placement year.

Students on the course have previously taken up placement opportunities with companies including: LK Bennett - London; Matthew Williamson - London; Vivienne Westwood - London; Stella McCartney - London; Boohoo - Manchester; Me and Thee - Huddersfield; Jo-Y-Jo - Manchester; Christy Group - Barnsley; Temperley - London; Oasis Stores- London; Emilia Wickstead - London , Faustine Steinmetz - London; Christopher Kane – Paris and Eliaz Bridal Fashion - Bulgaria.

Alternatively, if you are a student from within the UK, you could consider starting your own small business by applying for the Enterprise Placement Year in conjunction with the University’s Enterprise Team.

You’ll have the opportunity to benefit from business advice, mentoring and networking sessions. You can find out more information on the Enterprise Placement Year here.

You can find out more information on placement here.

The fashion industry is extremely competitive, so I knew doing a placement would help me gain real industry experience and ultimately help me get a job after I graduate. Completing a placement will also help me during my final year, where I'll be designing and making my own final collection.

Image of Fashion Design Student, Amarah Hussain

Amarah Hussain, Garment Technologist at Matalan, Fashion Design student

Student Work

A gallery of work by our Fashion Design students. Click on each image to find out more.

Your career

This course aims to help you develop the skills needed to go on to work in design, styling, merchandising, buying, selection, management, marketing and promotion, fashion journalism, product development and manufacturing. Some companies our graduates have gone on to work for include Bonmarche, Burberry, Christy's by design, IJP Design and Visage.**

Recent placements include Alexander McQueen, Mary Katrantzou, Faustine Steinmetz, Private White VC, Vivienne Westwood, Stella McCartney, LK Bennett, Matthew Williamson, Preen, Boohoo, and Christopher Kane (Paris).

Competitions and live briefs, along with an exciting schedule of visiting speakers from industry, will give you the opportunity to be inspired, and truly engage with this diverse industry.


 *Percentage of our undergraduate students from this course go on to work and/or further study within fifteen months of graduating (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20, UK domiciled, other activities excluded).

Source: **GEMS

 

90% Graduates employed*

Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you'll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you'll soon discover that you're never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey. Find out more about all our support services.

Important information

We will always try to deliver your course as described on this web page. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below.

Changes to a course you have applied for

If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment.

Cancellation of a course you have applied for

Although we always try and run all of the course we offer, we may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants to ensure you have a good learning experience. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and we will contact you to discuss other suitable courses with us we can transfer your application to. If we notify you that the course you have applied to has been withdrawn or combined, and you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

We will always try to deliver your course and other services as described. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below:

Changes to option modules

Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have a range of options to choose from and we will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

Major changes

We will only make major changes to the core curriculum of a course or to our services if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change in this context is a change that materially changes the services available to you; or the outcomes, or a significant part, of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), classes, type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum.

For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators; to meet the latest requirements of a commissioning or accrediting body; to improve the quality of educational provision; in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback; and/or to reflect academic or professional changes within subject areas. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff leaving the University or being unable to teach, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment.

Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but this may not always be the case. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will carry out suitable consultation with affected students. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you contact us in writing before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for future tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

Termination of course

In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed and we will notify you as soon as possible about what your options are, which may include transferring to a suitable replacement course for which you are qualified, being provided with individual teaching to complete the award for which you were registered, or claiming an interim award and exiting the University. If you do not wish to take up any of the options that are made available to you, then you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the course without liability to the University for future tuition fees and you will be entitled to a refund of all course fees paid to date. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by a framework of regulations, policies and procedures, which form the basis of your agreement with us. These include regulations regarding the assessment of your course, academic integrity, your conduct (including attendance) and disciplinary procedure, fees and finance and compliance with visa requirements (where relevant). It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to abide by them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan, where you will also find links to the full text of each of the regulations, policies and procedures referred to. You should read these carefully before you enrol. Please note that this information is subject to change and you are advised to check our website regularly for any changes before you enrol at the University. A person who is not party to this agreement shall not have any rights under or in connection with it. Only you and the University shall have any right to enforce or rely on the agreement.

Equal opportunities

The University of Huddersfield is an equal opportunities institution. We aim to create conditions where staff and students are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of gender, age, race, caste, class, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, family responsibility, trade union activity, political or religious belief, or age. Please visit our website to see our Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy

Data protection

The University holds personal data on all enquirers, applicants and enrolled students. All such data is kept and processed in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Legislation. The University’s Data Protection Policy and Privacy Notices are available on the University website.

Students’ Union membership

Under the 1994 Education Act, students at all UK universities have the right to join, or not to join, the Students’ Union. There is no membership fee. If you choose not to join you have the right not to be disadvantaged; however, you are not entitled to vote, take part in elections, or hold any office. The following arrangements apply in order that non-Union members are not disadvantaged: Non-members are welcome to take part in the activities of Affiliated Clubs and Societies on payment of the appropriate subscription. However, they may not vote or hold office in the society or club. Union members may be offered a discounted subscription. Non-members are free to use Union facilities on the same basis as members. Welfare, catering and shops are available to non-members as well as members. Union members may be offered a discounted price.

The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

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