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LOCATION
Docklands Campus
Location Fees and Funding
Here's the fees and funding information for each year of this course
Overview
The Fashion industry is a multi-billion-dollar enterprise that has a huge impact on our world today.
The benefits are vast and with a great industry giant such as fashion, comes also a great need for innovators who will think above and beyond the structural norms that has followed fashion through time, and seeks new inspiration and change.
At UEL, we pride ourselves in teaching our students to understand the historical context of the creative industries so that they can rise to become innovators and disruptors for the greater advancement of fashion itself.
With an eye on sustainability, ethical materials and cultural awareness and diversity in our and the greater society of fashion, students can become designers of influence and fledging stars in a highly saturated market.
UEL encourages students to be different and harness their own creative diversity with tools that’ll prepare them for the wider industry and knowledge of how they can progress on their journey.
This is a fast paced, hands on course amid the creative hub of East London, preparing students to take their place in the world of fashion.
Foundation year
If you don't meet the entry requirements for a BA, you can study this course as an extended, four-year programme. You'll begin by taking a foundation year which prepares you for a successful transition to the BA degree. This means it will take you four years to complete the course full-time, and eight years to complete the course part-time.
What makes this course different
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Our Fashion Design course will give you the tools you need to develop your technical and sewing skills and explore surface design in textiles such as printing and other types of experimental fabrications.
You will be taught and utilise fundamental practice areas such as:
- Pattern cutting and technical sewing skills
- Soft skills in business and enterprise
- Tailoring
- Illustration
- Computer aided design (Photoshop and Illustrator)
- Design and Concept development
- Fashion history and theory
The course will share a series of modules with 5 other BA (Hons) courses within Fashion in order to offer insight to students with regards to the synergies between different disciplines.
Key to many careers and employers - you will also develop thinking skills, including ideas and concept generation for Fashion, individual and collaborative responses to set fashion projects, critical thinking, and appreciation of multiple perspectives and approaches.
Other skills for life and work include effective management and organisation of time, communication, computer literacy (Adobe suite: Illustrator, Photoshop and Microsoft Office, interpersonal and group skills.
DOWNLOAD COURSE SPECIFICATIONS
COURSE SPECIFICATION - BA (Hons) Fashion Design
docx, 40.68 KB
COURSE SPECIFICATION - Fashion Foundation
docx, 36.07 KB
MODULES
- Core Modules
Mental Wealth: Professional Life - Creative Research Practice CloseMental Wealth: Professional Life - Creative Research Practice
This module will facilitate practice-led research, from process through to practice across fashion disciplines in design, textiles and marketing.
You will be taught the skills of analysing your processes to develop a final product, continually questioning and defining your ideas as a researcher would.
Through initial research, you will explore and garner new knowledge; general and in-depth observations will create the platform to deliver a variety of initial concepts that can be further explored, brought together or focused on separately in more detail.
From this, you will be able to utilise and strengthen your understanding and approach of research practice as you continue to build on your area of expertise and modes of study.
Design and Application CloseDesign and Application
This module aims to allow you to put into practice knowledge gained from previous module development in term 1 and implement it towards design and application.
You will develop your design concepts developed from learned skills in the Design and Context module and be taught the application of your ideas towards potential 2D and 3D outcomes.
The application of your designs will delve into the different outputs of fashion such as graphics and layouts for fashion marketing, pattern cutting and sewing for design and sample and material development for textile design etc.
You will be expected to be innovative in your approach to application, practicing the context and technical and creative processes learned prior to help fuel your delivery.
The design element will come from a range of inspirational sources that you have a general interest in and be based on the fashion route chosen; be it Marketing, Design or Textiles, you will have the opportunity to explore what design means in your relevant fields.
Design and Context CloseDesign and Context
This module applies knowledge to the context of fashion through design and is effectively a new understanding of theory through creative vision, linking theory into practice.
Delving deeper beyond the practical, you will need to foster an understanding of your ideas from a theoretical point of view, beyond personal aesthetics and towards a broader development in professional practice.
The module will investigate the methods of contextual design using structural methods to consolidate research that will be used to create and prototype product or service concepts, and repeatedly test and refine those concepts with input from peers and tutors.
Through a series of workshops and lectures you will explore a wide range of creative techniques and methodologies within core specialisms in fashion such as design, textiles and marketing with a theoretical context given in each.
Utilising design research and skills learned from these specialisms, you will be able to transfer your knowledge across other projects and strengthen your creative portfolios.
Fashion Development and Techniques CloseFashion Development and Techniques
This module will give you an introduction to the wider aspects of the fashion sector through industry visits, market analysis, technical workshops and the fashion system.
You will be taught about the relationship between design, manufacturing, selling, buying and marketing facets of fashion.
Final Realisation CloseFinal Realisation
The final realisation module is geared to encouraging experimentation and providing a clear focus towards your intended pathway.
Based on the different learned skill sets throughout the first and second terms, you will be required to identify a specific interest you may have identified in a previous module to develop into a final major project; outcomes will vary according to your discipline.
By this juncture, you will have gathered a range of vital preparatory skills of drawing, observation, research and project development to explore your specialism in an innovative and original manner that will form a robust foundation for further undergraduate study.
- Core Modules
Technical Skills & Innovation CloseTechnical Skills & Innovation
This module provides students with the foundational knowledge of understanding technical/ theoretical skills and innovation within their relevant discipline. The module will prepare students with the skills to begin their development journey as professionals, introducing them to core study skills and practice within their fields. The module seeks to instil in students the understanding of beginning the processes conceptualisation through to development and finally realisation.
Through a series of workshops and lectures students explore a wide range of techniques and methodologies relevant to their chosen subject specialism. With the use of CAD, students will utilise programmes in Adobe suite, notably Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.
Students will have the opportunity to utilise knowledge expertise from this and other modules to develop their projects, providing holistic learning.
Fashion Practice CloseFashion Practice
This module equips students with a basic understanding of the creative design process and methodologies. It will engage students in the production of contemporary solutions for fashion and related design, textile and marketing areas using the key techniques and processes developed in Technical Skills & Innovation for Fashion.
Through a series of collaborative projects students will formulate concepts using creative play and visual narrative. Students will explore the basic principles behind good project development and management. They will gain confidence in producing collaborative works that will allow them to progress further.
Students will have the opportunity to have the basic understanding of fashion practice and its relation to the wider economy, consumers and society.
With the use of digital software and databases, students will utilise programmes such as WARC and WGSN.
Fashion Contexts and Research CloseFashion Contexts and Research
The aim of this module is to introduce students to collaborative projects and design creative solutions as a team by working alongside other creatives within the fashion cluster. This module will focus on how to develop best practice and fully utilise individual skillsets to deliver specific project outcomes. Students learn to work in a team to develop project plans, research and development and design production and delivery.
This module will look to explore techniques and research methodologies in ensuring that students have a good understanding on how context and theory apply to practice in relation to Fashion. Students will understand how the wide variety of media and cultural, social and political influences form our contemporary perceptions of fashion.
Fashion Process CloseFashion Process
This module will develop knowledge and understanding of collaborative projects gained in the Fashion Contexts and Research module.
This module will give students the opportunity to understand the business process and methodologies that are utilised across several disciplines in the fashion industry.
Here, students will be introduced to the issues and debates that are facing the fashion sector.
It is crucial that student’s understand the development of the Fashion sector and all its related sectors such as fashion buying, styling, trends, social media and consumers.
Fashion Enterprise CloseFashion Enterprise
This module will develop knowledge and understanding of collaborative projects created in the Fashion Theory and Research and Fashion Process modules towards enterprise.
At level 4 students will have the opportunity to engage in the beginnings of business processes that are crucial for their future success.
Knowledge of supply chains both national and international will be crucial to the basic understanding of our students. Where the fashion industry manufactures, produces and finishes in a global economy is integral to the foundation thinking of students.
Profitability and income margins, growth internationally, production cycles, digitisation and sustainable issues all form foundation knowledge of our students to make good future business decisions.
Mental Wealth: Professional Life - Business of Fashion 1 CloseMental Wealth: Professional Life - Business of Fashion 1
This module focuses on an introduction to fashion and the creative industries offering insight through guest lectures and workshops designed to develop your professional skills. Students gain key visual communication and written skills to better understand industry expectations and standards. Digital skills and graphic identity are explored in the production of subject specific publications and portfolio development.
This module will give students the basic understanding of business operations by being actively engaged with level 5 students in producing collaborative works that can be effectively marketed and translated to a market. This module will relate closely to the Fashion Enterprise module and much more focus on finalised product, service or media.
Students will have the opportunity to build on their community and industry connections via enhanced knowledge on social media and ethical practices within industry, building and developing their confidence towards a future they are passionate and well informed about.
- Core Modules
Technical Applications CloseTechnical Applications
This module utilises subject specific technical and theoretical skills gained in the Technical Skills & Innovation module at level 4.
You are required to further develop your individual skill set and employ this knowledge to create innovative design solutions.
The creative design process from concept through to development and final product, will be appropriately documented. You will also expand and strengthen your digital skills relevant to your subject specialism.
Creative Fashion Practice CloseCreative Fashion Practice
This module requires you to further develop your creative practice across fashion and the industry, utilising knowledge gained from the Fashion Practice module at level 4.
You will demonstrate an understanding of the design process through development of experimental and creative practice to produce an innovative sketchbook/ file and design construction/ creative/professional portfolio. Research and exploration of a broad range of future cultural and global trends are fundamental to your concepts for fashion, textiles and marketing campaigns.
Theory of Fashion CloseTheory of Fashion
This module builds on the skills you will have achieved in level 4 and its primary aims are to further develop your understanding of collaborative projects regarding industry and its working cycle.
You will address the impact of C21st fashion and look towards a more purposeful future by focusing on ideas such as fashion futures, digital technology, cultural globalisation, social media and sustainability.
You will be independent in your reflection and acute in your understanding of design thinking for tomorrow’s fashion.
This module sets out to further challenge the perspectives of fashion that are understood today and give you the opportunity to contest old ideas and be provocative in your outcomes.
Process and Identity CloseProcess and Identity
This module aims to build on the knowledge and skills learnt in the Fashion Process module in level 4.
You will be required to develop and share concepts based on your identity as a designer/ creative/ professional and, also to reflect and research your own cultural identity.
Using relevant subject specific creative and analytical processes you will develop your concepts collaboratively using visual ‘story telling’ and written analysis.
By the end of this module you will have a greater understanding of sequential design processes and industry practice.
Fashion Enterprise 2 CloseFashion Enterprise 2
Fashion Enterprise 2 will further expand on the projects developed on the level 4 Fashion Enterprise module via individual and collaborative projects, with a focus on career development.
The module aims to develop enterprise skills for self-promotion in industry as well as technique and strategies in setting up own enterprise.
You will have the opportunity to go on placement and work on live briefs, learning skills in developing your graphic identity through exploration of fonts, art direction and branding, CV and business profile development and portfolio and promotional materials.
Having focused on understanding how the fashion industry operates at different levels and its career opportunities, you will create your personal brand Identity & use of formats to promote yourself.
Mental Wealth: Professional Life - Business of Fashion 2 CloseMental Wealth: Professional Life - Business of Fashion 2
Building on the work of FT4011, you will further your ability to identify industry related processes and professional skills. Through a series of workshops focused on design presentation and effective visual communication, you will engage with subject specific external competitions alongside building your identity as a designer through the production of individual portfolios.
The module will allow you to contextualise your core discipline learning within specific markets and trends relevant to your discipline within the Fashion and Textiles sector. In addition, you will gain a greater understanding and ability to present your work professionally and articulate your concepts visually alongside a supporting written report.
- Core Modules
Optional placement between Years 2 and 3 CloseOptional placement between Years 2 and 3
An optional placement year can be taken between Level 5 (Year 2) and Level 6 (Year 3).
- Core Modules
Applied Innovation CloseApplied Innovation
This module will support you in your creative thinking and enhance your continued collaborative work practices and challenge your commitment in delivering innovative design solutions that may include various medias such as moving image to define the beginning process of your research.
The module will act as a forerunner to aid in bridging the gap between theory and practice. You will be expected to be hands on in your approach as a set of short creative challenges are tasked to you to allow for pragmatic and inspiring creative thinking and practice.
The aim of this module is to support you in your productivity to help further development of a culture of innovation towards your final major project.
Advanced Creative Practice CloseAdvanced Creative Practice
This module enables you to create a self-initiated concept, which you will thoroughly research and develop in preparation for your Final Major Project: Realisation module.
You will outline your proposals of work at the beginning of the module, which will then be negotiated and agreed with staff. Further developments may include collaborative industry partnerships fostering product enhancement and knowledge exchange.
You will further develop and nurture your career focus by utilising knowledge and skills gained in level 5 in the production of advanced visual research, development sampling and prototypes for fashion.
Final Major Project: Theoretical Identity CloseFinal Major Project: Theoretical Identity
You will embark upon a self-initiated line of study in order to thoroughly research, develop and experiment with your chosen concept.
Advanced concepts, research and development skills are explored in preparation for your Final Major Project: Realisation module.
Using project guidelines from previous briefs, you will have the opportunity to write your own brief with developing outcomes, based on your personal research and interests.
You will either create a collection of products, initiate a business plan or propose alternate fashion outputs.
Final Major Project: Realisation CloseFinal Major Project: Realisation
Building on the work of FT6021, you will realise your ideas through creative production of original and innovative negotiated concept and outcomes that are relevant to your career aspirations and specialism.
You will have the opportunity to produce a final major project that will primarily rely upon negotiated guidance in order to promote and develop your transition into working life.
You will have the opportunity to identify, develop, reflect upon and finalise projects that will create and build a signature for your exit portfolio.
Fashion Enterprise 3 CloseFashion Enterprise 3
This module allows you to work directly with industry to define and execute creative solutions and develop a creative portfolio of work within the creative industries.
You will learn how to freelance and set up your own businesses by examining and understanding future roles within the creative industries.
You will collaborate across all fashion titles to plan and organise a showcase of your work at a relevant trade fair or sell designs in a pop-up shop. By utilising professional skills, you will work in teams alongside staff to design and implement creative concepts for a given market sector.
Mental Wealth: Professional Life - Business of Fashion 3 CloseMental Wealth: Professional Life - Business of Fashion 3
You will develop your ability to produce industry standard portfolios reflecting your skills and expertise, ready for graduate level jobs.
You will be able to develop your professional identity by demonstrating your entrepreneurial thinking into your exit portfolio which will provide insight into the complexity of the fashion industry with consumer behaviour, business models, business funding and different career alternatives.
Further insight on business strategy such as investment capital and start up campaigns will be delivered.
HOW YOU'LL LEARN
The fashion area is made up of industry knowledgeable staff, entrepreneurs and business owners, so you can be sure you will be learning in real time.
We believe it is important that your education is consistent with the times and reflects the industry you will progress into.
Academic support
Our academic support team provides help in a range of areas - including learning and disability support.
Personal tutor
When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of the academic course team who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at UEL and who will show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer.
Scheduled teaching
The course is a 'technical skills driven, industry-relevant' resource for graduate talent.
The curriculum will include introductory projects, live project challenges, industry visits, work placements, group work challenges and autonomous learning via final major projects. Students will be required to develop organisation and management skills whilst exploring possibilities in materials and apparel tech development.
Skills for life and work are developed through partnerships with industry, project-management skills, time management and planning, project work and presentations as well as reflection and reviews with your peers and academic advisor.
Students on the BA course will have the opportunity to collaborate and take part in cross and multi-disciplinary activities such as hackathons with other courses within our cluster.
Independent, self-guided study
When not attending timetabled lectures or workshops, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study.
This will typically involve skills development through 3D studio and workshop development, online study, reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects and preparing practical and written coursework assignments and presentations.
Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, specialist facilities, such as edit suites, the library, the full Microsoft Office software, including Teams, and Moodle: our Virtual Learning Environment.
Timetable
Each year you will spend around 300 hours of timetabled learning and teaching activities. These may be lectures, workshops, seminars and individual and group tutorials. Contact hours may vary depending on each module.
The approximate percentages for this course are:
Year 1: scheduled teaching - approx. 300 hours; guided independent study - 450 hours.
Year 2: scheduled teaching - approx. 300 hours; guided independent study - 900 hours.
Year 3: scheduled teaching - 300 hours; guided independent study - 900 hours.
Your individualised timetable is normally available within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9.00am and 6.00pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.
Class size
To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally attracts 40-50 students a year. Lecture sizes are normally 40 plus students.
In the classroom you will be taught in groups of 20-25 students. However, this can vary by academic year.
Placement year (optional)
If you opt for the year-long placement, our close industry contacts will be key to helping you find the right opportunity. Previously, our students have worked as assistant designers, garment technologists and design consultants for world-leading firms. The list includes Ssōne, Very.co.uk, Yoox Net-A-Porter Group, Julien Macdonald and much more.
Even if you decide not to take the placement option, you'll still have the chance to work on some exciting industry led projects and companies as we approach key fashion calendar events such as London Fashion Week.
HOW YOU'LL BE ASSESSED
Coursework will include practical outcomes, e.g. garment construction, technical sewing files, reports and presentations. Coursework includes essays, research files, sample and development portfolios, practical design development, group and seminar presentations and a final-year project.
The approximate percentages for this course are:
Year 1: 50% coursework, 50% practical, 0% exams
Year 2: 50% coursework, 50% practical, 0% exams
Year 3: 50% coursework, 50% practical, 0% exams
You will have the opportunity to gain feedback from your lecturers, peers and our industry partners. We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
CAMPUS and FACILITIES

Docklands Campus, Docklands Campus, London, E16 2RD
WHO TEACHES THIS COURSE
The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.
Related Courses
Intersection UEL x London Fashion Week
Our students made history this year when they showcased their work at London Fashion Week. This is the first time University of East London students have been invited from the British Fashion Council and we couldn’t be more proud. Take a look at some of our student's work from the catwalk this year featuring womenswear, menswear, gender fluid and unisex designs.
What we're researching
At the University of East London we are working on the some of the big issues that will define our future; from sustainable architecture and ethical AI, to health inequality and breaking down barriers in the creative industries.
Our students and academics are more critically engaged and socially conscious than ever before. Discover some of the positive changes our students, alumni and academics are making in the world.

If you're motivated and would like an opportunity to be mentored and taught while you work by both industry leaders and academic professionals, the University of East London is an ideal place to study. My experience has really helped me understand the type of professional patience, perseverance and creativity that is invaluable in Fashion Design."
Sharan Samra, Fashion Design with Placement Year, BA (Hons), undergraduate
YOUR FUTURE CAREER
Fashion is an industry full of vast opportunities and much-needed skill sets that are continually involving. The great thing about studying fashion and developing core skills is that you can work practically anywhere within the creative industries.
Studying Fashion Design will give you the opportunity to work in various sectors such as fashion design, design consultant, styling and retail. Jobs include junior/senior designer, pattern cutter, garment technologist, stylist, creative director, fashion consultant, freelance designer, tailor and much more.
Having a key understanding of body shapes and sizes and CAD, will give students studying this degree a key advantage in the careers market.
Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal.