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Solent Unviersity Southampton logo

BA (Hons)Fashion Design

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Starting in2024
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UCAS code: F001
Institution code: S30
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps

Why study a fashion design degree at Solent University

Make your cutting-edge designs ready for the catwalk. This degree will nurture your creativity through practical experience from tailoring to streetwear in our specialist fashion studios.

  • 0th
    in the top 20 best student cities (StudentCrowd, 2023)
  • £0m
    invested in a dedicated art and design school
  • 0th
    university in the UK for low carbon emissions (THE 2023)
  • Work on highly creative and inspiring client projects, giving you a sound understanding of industry practice.
  • Learn from an experienced course team. Our academic staff have a wide range of industry backgrounds.
  • Access to high-end pattern-cutting and sewing studios. And in your final year, you will have your own dedicated space in the studio.
  • A creative, multi-disciplinary environment for world-leading research in media, culture and the arts – you will learn from experts in their field.
Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.

Course overview

Throughout the course you will be supported to gain an in-depth knowledge of the fashion design process from initial concept, research and design development, through to the realisation of final design outcomes. With the freedom to explore both menswear and womenswear, you are encouraged to include print design and textiles into fashion design projects.

The academic team have a real focus on getting to know each student individually, and with a wide range of design briefs, from the highly creative to live commercial projects, you will be encouraged to push your creative design skills and develop your individual design identity - gaining an understanding of where you fit best in the industry.

You will study a wide range of advanced technical skills such as creative pattern-cutting, garment manufacturing and digital print design in our industry-standard facilities. Our facilities include specialist machine rooms, digital and sublimation printers and a range of laser cutters.

Emphasis is also placed on developing professional visual communication skills, including fashion illustration, technical drawing and mood board presentation, enabling you to build an exciting and industry-ready portfolio of design work.

To complement your studies and gain professional industry experience, you will be required to do a work placement. Past students have gained internships at House of Holland, Timberland, Alexander McQueen, Ted Baker and Marks & Spencer amongst many others.

Work from our final year students across our fashion-related degrees is showcased at Graduate Fashion Week (GFW). In 2023, seven students have been shortlisted by the Graduate Fashion Foundation across a number of different categories at the GFW23 awards. Read more about the students and their work.

Any questions?

Contact UK admissions

Email: admissions@solent.ac.ukCall: 023 8201 5066

Contact international admissions

Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukCall: +44 (0)23 8201 5066

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Student work

Our creative degrees allow our students to develop a critical eye for design with a knowledge of different design approaches and problem solving techniques. Take a look at some of the great work they produce.

Course features

  • Professional membership

    You have the opportunity to obtain a professional membership as part of this degree

  • Specialist facilities

    This course has access to specialist facilities

  • Top-up option

    If you have an appropriate Level 5 qualification, you can top it up to a degree in just a year

  • Foundation year available

    If you're not quite ready for a full undergraduate degree, there's alternative entry through one of our foundation years

  • Further studies

    After successfully completing your studies, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent

  • Study abroad

    You have the opportunity to study abroad in one of our partner universities for a semester on this course

Who is this course for?

Solent’s BA (Hons) Fashion Design degree is for students who are passionate about fashion design; who are keen to advance their creative design ability, knowledge of fashion industry practice and develop advanced creative technical skills.

Applicants should have previously studied a creative art and design subject, and have a portfolio of design work that demonstrates their skills and love of the subject area.

What does this course lead to?

This course primarily prepares students for design and studio assistant roles in menswear and womenswear, for a wide range of market levels from the high street to high-end.

Graduates also have the relevant skills to go into print and textile design roles. Graduates have also entered into roles such as; assistant buyer, production assistant, pattern-cutter and trend forecaster.

Solent stories

Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.

Read more stories
I am so grateful for Solent, I don’t think I would be where I am without the uni, course or lectures

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Alysha Lily Stroud

Graduate

Meet the team

The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.

Facilities

Students are taught in specialist studios with a range of industrial machines for garment production and pattern-cutting equipment. Access is also available to digital and sublimation printers and a laser-cutter, and photographic equipment and studios. In the third year, each student also has their own designated studio space.

Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.

    International opportunities

    Broaden your horizons by adding an international dimension to your CV – essential to achieving success in today’s fast-changing, global environment.

    Studying, working or volunteering in another country could be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance your degree by developing important global skills such as knowledge of other countries, language skills, intercultural awareness, adaptability and confidence.

    For more information, please email international.mobility@solent.ac.uk.

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