Fashion Design, BA, University of Leeds

Course content

In your first year, you'll work on the building blocks of your degree - design development and garment construction - whilst gaining an understanding of both menswear and womenswear. You'll learn how to find and research the key information you need to create fashion products.

Core modules will underpin your studies, introducing you to the principles of design theory, green issues, visual communications and art and design as a whole. You could also take discovery modules from across the University, including business and enterprise modules run by Leeds University Business School that are very popular with BA Fashion Design students.

In Year 2, you'll be able to specialise in menswear or womenswear in your studio practice and work to industrial standards. As you start to build a professional, diverse portfolio of your own work, you'll face a range of project briefs to develop design solutions for different consumers and different market levels. Optional modules will allow you to focus on subjects such as photography, designing sports and performance clothing or fashion in the 20th century.

The knowledge you develop throughout your course will come together in the final year, when you'll continue to grow and explore your personal design philosophy. You'll demonstrate the critical, research and design skills you've gained by creating innovative garments and a professional design portfolio, in conjunction with a written dissertation on a fashion topic of your choice.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: ABB including an art or design-related subject and not including General Studies or Critical Thinking.

  If you don't have an art or design-related subject but you are taking Media Studies A-level, we may also consider your application based on a high grade at GCSE in Art/Design and a portfolio of recent and relevant work.

  • Career opportunities

    Your professional and practical skills are obviously central to the degree, and they will prepare you for an exciting career in the fashion industry. If you take an industrial placement year, you'll also have valuable experience for your CV. But because Leeds offers you the chance to study academic modules that put your practice into context, you will also develop a range of transferable skills that appeal to all kinds of employers.

    You'll be a confident communicator with excellent presentation skills, as well as being an analytical problem-solver with strong research skills. You'll have great visual, critical and commercial awareness, as well as an in-depth understanding of consumer profiles and trends in a fast-changing market.

    Graduates have pursued a wide range of careers. In the fashion industry including; design, pattern cutting, garment technology, buying, trend forecasting, PR and journalism, they've gone to work for companies including Abercrombie & Fitch, BMB Menswear, Esprit, George, New Look, Next, River Island, Ted Baker, Tommy Hilfiger, Warehouse, French Connection, H&M, Karen Millen, Dunhill International, Christopher Kane, Amanda Wakeley, Betty Jackson and Paul Smith.

    Careers support

    We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

    Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

    The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

  • Study abroad and work placements

    Study abroad

    On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. The University has partnerships with more than 400 universities worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

    Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

    The industrial placement option is particularly popular with BA Fashion Design students - it's great for your personal and professional development, and some students have even been offered permanent roles at their placement companies.

    Students have worked in in designing, buying, pattern cutting, PR, visual merchandising and other roles for companies like ASOS, Amanda Wakeley, Monsoon, Christopher Kane, WGSN, Mark Jacobs, River Island, Alexander McQueen and French Connection. Many companies are so impressed with Leeds students that they request them every year.

    Read more about the Year in Industry