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BA (Hons) Fashion Design (Top-up)

UCAS CODE: FD99
  • Study Mode: Full Time
  • Location: High Wycombe
  • Duration: One Year
  • Start Date: September 2024

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Our course reflects the realities of working as a professional in industry. Everything you do on the course is working towards you getting your first job in the sector. If you have completed a foundation-level degree, HND, or equivalent qualifications in a relevant Art and Design subject, you can choose to top-up your studies to gain a full bachelor’s degree.
With a focus on craftsmanship and innovation, we will equip you with a broad and practise-based knowledge of fashion design, experimentation, pattern cutting and construction to enable you to create your individual collections. If you want to make your mark on the fashion industry, start with this course.
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No. 1 in England for Student Satisfaction*
*Measured by % of positivity across all questions within the larger providers only: taught or registered population (NSS 2023)
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No. 1 Students' Union in the UK*
*As ranked among taught students at non-specialist HEIs (NSS 2023)
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Top for our response to the cost-of-living-crisis*
*Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023
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5th for learning opportunities*
*NSS 2023
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Top 10 for student support*
*Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

Why study this subject?

Do you have an eye for Fashion Design? Want to turn your creative ideas into complete clothing lines? Discover the skills you need to break into this fast-paced industry.

With the right teaching and learning opportunities, it’s possible to turn your passion into a rewarding and successful career. From designers, product developers, garment technologists to buyers, merchandisers and marketing teams.

Stay updated with all our latest BA (Hons) Fashion Design news by following us on Instagram @bucks_fashion.

Fashion Design student work clothes on display

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

A top-up degree is the equivalent of the final year of an undergraduate degree, and offers a chance to deepen your knowledge, skills and understanding of your subject, while also getting an internationally-recognised qualification.

With a history of delivery expert craft, art and design education for more than 130 years, Buckinghamshire New University is the perfect place to start your creative career.

We will make sure that you have all the skills you need to start a career in fashion. With our focus on craftsmanship and skills, you graduate with a robust understanding of the sector.

We’re only 30 minutes by train into London, one of the world’s fashion capitals and well known for spawning innovation and talent.

Our experienced and specialist team of lecturers are experienced designers, current industry practitioners and researchers.

With our strong links with the fashion industry, you’ll get direct access to guest lectures and can benefit from live project briefs, master classes, and plenty of networking opportunities.

Throughout your course you will have the opportunity to take part in international competitions, including British Fashion Council reviews, exhibitions and the BNU Summer Show.

As well as working on your own briefs, you’ll be able to work on industry-based projects with international companies and attend specialist workshops. All our students are invited to events with guest speakers covering a range of areas from fashion design, production, trend prediction, visual merchandising and brand consultancy. As a member of the British Fashion Council  and WGSN our students are supported by industry links  to reach their potential.

We’re proud of the many achievements of our students and staff. Our fashion and textiles programmes are ranked number one in London and the South East and fifth best in the UK. 

We celebrated 100% overall student satisfaction in the 2019 and 2020 National Student Survey. With industry recognising the skills of our students to be selected as one of only five UK institutions to take part in the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) ‘MADE IT’ programme that provided masterclass, networking and internship opportunities.

Fashion Design Students stood in red outfits
Fashion Design Student work stood in blue outfit

What facilities can I use?

We’ve spent a lot of love and care making the our professional workshop the perfect creative space and one of the best-equipped workshops in the country.

You'll be working on industry standard equipment, learning latest techniques and future focused methods of fashion craftsmanship. You will master materials, both through traditional methods and using digital software.

You’ll have the opportunity to work on industry standard equipment, learning key techniques and methods. You will master materials, both through traditional methods and using digital software.

We also have specialist technicians on site to support and share their knowledge with you, when and if you need it.

What will I study?

On our BA (Hons) in Fashion Design Top-up programme, you’ll explore the many twists and turns of fashion, as well as how to research and develop ideas to produce exciting and innovative fashion. The course cultivates new ways of making and thinking.

To achieve the full BA (Hons) in Fashion Design you will need to complete a major project, a contextual report as well as undertake a Professional Practice module.

The major project and contextual report will allow you to investigate a topic important to you within fashion design. You will cover the whole research process, undertaking empirical investigation and analysis. You will be allocated a dissertation supervisor, who will offer support and advice.

The Professional Practice module gives you the opportunity to undertake work-based learning or answer live industry briefs, gaining the practical and transferable skills you need for your career in the creative industries.

 

How will I be taught and assessed?

You’ll get to enjoy a friendly, supportive and stimulating learning environment. This enables you to focus on perfecting your specialism, while developing your creativity and confidence.

You will benefit from close-knit tutor groups, studio-based lectures, masterclasses, demonstrations and live projects. You’ll also enjoy guest lectures and visits to agencies as well as put on shows and exhibitions. You’ll also have regular access to workshops to support the design process.

Thanks to our proximity to London, you can visit some of the world’s best shops, galleries and museums for inspiration. You can work with designers in and around the capital, gaining experience in how to adapt to the challenges of working in a business.

There are so many ways to make connections and you’ll be working on your career the very moment you begin your course.

Related Documents

British Fashion Council Portfolio 2021

BA (Hons) Fashion Design Programme Specification

What are the course entry requirements?

This programme is offered as a top-up qualification for students who have completed a HND, FDA, or other equivalent qualification in a relevant Art and Design subject, and wish to progress further to achieve an Honours degree. An interview and portfolio review are also required.

Modules

This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.

What are the tuition fees

Home

Home, Academic Year 2024 - 2025

£9,250 per year

International

Overseas/International, Academic Year 2024 - 2025

£15,150 per year

Additional course costs and financial support

Most courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees.
You could benefit from financial support through a bursary or scholarship during your time as a student. For more details visit our financial support, bursaries and scholarships section.

Questions about fees?

If you have any questions about the fees above, contact our Enquiries team by calling 0330 123 2023 or emailing advice@bnu.ac.uk.

What are my career prospects?

Throughout your time with us we’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. We’ll help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good leaders. We also help you find employment after graduation. Have a look at our Careers and Employability pages to find out more.

Our BA (Hons) Fashion Design (Top-up) course will help prepare you for a range of career possibilities, such as:

  • Fashion designer
  • Pattern cutter
  • Garment technologist
  • Product developer
  • Entrepreneur
  • Fashion buyer
  • Visual merchandiser
  • Retail management
  • Public relations, press and the media
  • Events and production organisation
  • Fashion styling.

You may also wish to stay on at Buckinghamshire New University and study our full-time or part-time postgraduate courses.

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