Integrated Foundation - Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Fashion

The BA (Hons) Fashion with Foundation Year offers excellent placement opportunities with leading companies including ASOS, Alexander McQueen, Puma, Temperley, Aitor Throup, and others. Students are given the opportunity to exhibit their final collections and portfolios at the graduate fashion show and to participate in a range of external competitions. Recent student achievements include Olivia Noble, winner of the David Nieper Scholarship Award in 2019; Freya Whittaker, recipient of the Fashanne Design Award in 2018; Sarah Woodward, Midlands Emerging Designer winner in 2015; and Nicole Wells, winner of the St Andrews Young Designer award in 2015. The programme also benefits from strong collaboration with industry partners to enhance the curriculum through cutting-edge learning environments.

In the first year, students are introduced to the fundamentals of fashion design practice for the ready-to-wear sector. The second year places greater emphasis on commercial aspects of the fashion industry. Independent study during the third year provides an opportunity to further develop creative thinking and professional practice through a self-managed process of experimentation, risk-taking, and resolution. Contextual Studies and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) run throughout all years of study, supporting professional development and helping students gain a competitive advantage within the fashion sector. As creative profiles develop, students refine ideas and techniques while working with growing independence.

Study takes place at the Chandos Pole Street building, a purpose-built learning environment providing access to specialist fashion and textiles facilities. These include spacious studio environments alongside industry-standard equipment and professional design resources.

The programme strongly encourages second-year students to undertake an industry work placement, which also leads to the additional qualification of the Diploma in Professional Practice. Although placements can be demanding, they offer highly rewarding professional experience. Previous placements have included companies such as Marks & Spencer, Temperley London, Erdem, Mother of Pearl, Preen, Aitor Throup, Tommy Hilfiger, and Roksanda, among others.