Fashion Design: New Practice with Foundation - BA (Hons)

University of West London

Developed in collaboration with industry professionals, this dynamic BA (Hons) Fashion Design: New Practice degree will help to launch your fashion industry career.

Central to the course is the mutually beneficial relationship between fashion design and business and you will develop your skillsets in both disciplines.

By studying this fashion design course you will:


- build essential fashion skills


- study silhouette, print and knit experimentation


- enjoy access to extensive specialist equipment and facilities


- gain industry practice experience through live briefs, guest speakers, showcases, visits and more


- have an opportunity to undertake a placement year


- expand your practical and business skills


- learn from an industry-active fashion and textiles team


Combining fashion practice with business will propel your career and open a range of opportunities such as working for a brand, freelancing or even setting up your own business.

Our Fashion Design: New Practice course will build your confidence and understanding of fashion with the aim of launching your professional career in this exciting and dynamic industry.

You will develop your design thinking, explore industry processes, learn how to design for specific markets with a business focus and more.

From hands-on workshops, lectures, tutorials and seminars you will experience authentic learning experiences to develop creative, cognitive and technical skills such as:


- primary and secondary research


- understanding of market segments


- understanding how brands work


- understanding of sustainability UN goals


- understanding of garment critical paths


- developing entrepreneurial skills


- design development


- industrial manufacturing techniques


- print and knit applications


- digital applications.


You will gain experience in industry practice through live briefs, guest speakers, visits and the opportunity to undertake a placement year, while developing your visual language within the fashion business context.

From Level 5 of the course, you’ll be able to personalise your design direction, towards more garment technology or textile application orientated, as well as exploring entrepreneurial thinking.

Facilities and equipment
Throughout your studies, you will have access to a range of specialist equipment and facilities, including:


- industrial sewing machines


- industrial knitting machines


- screen printing


- fabric dying


- software packages


- 3D printing


- laser cutting


- heat press facilities


- access to photography facilities


- loan facilities for cameras etc.


Placement year
You will have the opportunity to engage in an optional placement year between Level 5 and Level 6 if you wish.

The foundation year course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to continue onto your Honours degree. You will study a range of subjects that will underpin your future study and also gain valuable experience of university life, with full access to campus facilities. Successful completion of the year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course.