Fashion Designing in UK 2024: Eligibility, Cost, Top Colleges & Admission Process

The fashion industry in the UK is incredibly competitive, requiring you to constantly learn new skills to keep up with trends. This course helps you design unique clothing, accessories, and footwear while staying current with the latest fashion styles. Fashion designer courses in the UK combine creativity with technical know-how, helping you bring your ideas to life.

The UK is one of the best places to study fashion design, especially with London being a global fashion hub. In this blog, we’ll explore the top fashion designing courses in the UK, including eligibility, costs, and the admission process.

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Fashion Designer Courses in the UK: Key Highlights

Studying fashion designing in the UK offers you not only a world-class education but also the opportunity to immerse yourself in a dynamic fashion environment. With the right skills and knowledge, you’ll be fully equipped to succeed in the fashion industry and contribute to its ever-evolving landscape.

Top Universities in the UK

UK universities are renowned for their excellent fashion design programs, featuring experienced faculty and state-of-the-art facilities. We’ve listed institutions which will offer you the fantastic opportunities to develop their creative skills and industry knowledge.

We’ll explore these universities and the fashion design courses they offer, giving you a clear understanding of what each program involves. You’ll see how these courses can support your growth in the fashion industry, shaping your skills, expanding your knowledge, and preparing you for a successful career in fashion design.

London College of Fashion

London College of Fashion is a constituent college of the University of Arts London, situated in London, England. UAL is ranked 2nd in the world of Art and Design as per the QS World University Rankings 2023. The university offers undergraduate courses in 18 art and design subjects. It also has programmes for postgraduate degrees. The undergraduate degree has courses like BA (Hons) in Ceramics, BA (Hons) in Jewellery Design, BA (Hons) in Illustration, and many more. 

Courses: Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing, Fashion Journalism and Content Creation, Fashion Marketing and Global Cultures

Average Fees: £28,570 (INR 31.5 lakhs)

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The Glasgow School of Art

It is internationally recognised and one of the leading universities in Europe. It offers the most popular undergraduate degree programmes. The Glasgow School of Art has been ranked 13th according to the QS World University Rankings 2024. The institution also provides scholarships for deserving candidates. Visit its official website to learn more about the university and the courses offered. 

Courses: Fashion Design, Fine arts, communication design, product design engineering 

Average Fees: £23,500 (INR 25 lakhs)

Goldsmiths, University of London

Goldsmiths is a public research university, a constituent college of the University of London. QS World University Rankings 2024 ranked it the 104th best school in Europe. It offers BA (Hons) Fine Arts as its major undergraduate degree programme, with the average tuition fee of the school being around INR 13 lakhs per annum. The institution offers a range of scholarships, bursaries, and fee waivers for students.

Courses: BA (H) Design, MA Creative & Cultural Entrepreneurship, MA Creative & Cultural Entrepreneurship, MA Design

Average Fees: £12,100 (INR 13.4 lakhs)

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University for the Creative Arts

University for the Creative Arts is a public university that offers three courses for undergraduate degree programmes in art and design subjects. It has a score of 101-150 by QS WUR Ranking By Subject. The students can choose to attend either part-time or full-time. The tuition fee for the UG courses is around INR 18 lakhs per annum. The university is the go-to if you have a tight budget for your UG.

Courses: BA (Hons) Fashion Design, BA (Hons) Fashion Atelier & Tailoring, BA (Hons) Fashion Photography, BA (Hons) Fashion Image & Styling, MA Digital Fashion, MA Fashion Entrepreneurship

Average Fees: £16,250 (INR 18 lakhs)

The University of Manchester

It is a public research university situated in Manchester, England. According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, it is ranked 34th. It offers four UG courses in Fashion Design, each lasting 3-4 years. To finance your study, you will need to apply for a visa under the new Student Route. This will make you eligible to work part-time and allow you to stay in the UK after completing graduation for up to two years.

Courses: BA (Hons) Fashion, MA Fashion, MA Fashion Management, MA Fashion Communication

Average Fees: £30,000 (INR 33.2 lakhs)

Eligibility for Fashion Designing Courses in the UK

Knowing about the eligibility criteria is important to get admission in a prestigious institution. For both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, meeting the academic, language, and portfolio standards is essential to securing your spot. Here’s a clear breakdown of what you’ll need for each level of study.

Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) Level

• Academic Requirements:
  • A minimum of 50% overall in 12th grade or equivalent.
  • A relevant qualification in Art and Design is often preferred but not always mandatory.
• Language Requirements:
  • IELTS: Minimum overall score of 6.0, with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.
  • TOEFL: Minimum overall score of 79, with a minimum score of 20 in each section.
• Portfolio: A strong portfolio showcasing your creative design work is essential.

Postgraduate (Master’s) Level

• Academic Requirements:
  • A relevant undergraduate degree, preferably in fashion design or a related field.
  • A minimum GPA or equivalent is often required.
• Language Requirements:
  • IELTS: Minimum overall score of 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.
  • TOEFL: Minimum overall score of 90, with a minimum score of 22 in each section.
• Portfolio: A strong portfolio showcasing your creative design work, often focusing on your undergraduate projects.

Additional Requirements

• Statement of Purpose (SOP): A well-written SOP outlining your academic goals, motivation for pursuing fashion design, and how the chosen program aligns with your aspirations.
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Letters from academic or professional references who can attest to your skills, potential, and suitability for the program.
• Visa Requirements: International students will need to obtain a student visa to study in the UK. The specific requirements for a student visa can vary, so it’s important to check the latest information from the UK government’s website or consult with a visa advisor.

Having your academic records, language skills, and portfolio in good shape will really help your application shine. Take the time to write a strong Statement of Purpose and gather meaningful Letters of Recommendation. With everything in place, you’ll be well on your way to following your passion for fashion design in one of the world’s most creative environments.

Application Process

Here is a process to apply for admission in bachelor or masters fashion design courses in UK: 

Bachelor’s Degree:

• You can apply directly through the university website or use the UCAS (Universities and College Admissions Service) platform.
• UCAS allows you to apply to up to five different courses at the same or different universities.

Master’s Degree and PhD:

• Applications for master’s and PhD programs can typically be submitted throughout the year. However, some courses may have specific deadlines.
• Be sure to check and adhere to these deadlines to ensure a smooth application process.

Preparing for Admission:

• Educational Preparation: To strengthen your application, consider taking extra preparation courses that can give you an educational boost.
• English Language Proficiency: A strong command of the English language is essential. You may need to prove your proficiency through standardized tests when applying to study abroad.

Accepted English Language Tests:

• Most UK universities require proof of English-language skills to ensure you can successfully complete your courses. The following exams are widely accepted:
  • IELTS
  • TOEFL
  • C1 Advanced
  • PTE Academic

By following these steps and ensuring your qualifications are in order, you’ll be well-prepared to take the next big step in your academic journey in the UK.

Fashion Designing in UK: Scholarships

When pursuing higher education, securing a scholarship can significantly ease the financial burden and enrich your academic journey. Scholarships not only cover tuition fees but also offer a range of additional benefits that enhance both your learning experience and personal development. 

Here’s a look at some prestigious scholarships and the comprehensive benefits they provide:

These scholarships not only support your academic pursuits but also offer invaluable experiences and connections that can shape your future career and personal growth.

Top Courses for Bachelors in Fashion Design

If you’re looking to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design in the UK, there are several exciting programs to consider. Below is a list of notable courses and the universities that offer them, each providing unique opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career in fashion.

Courses Available:

• BA (Hons) Fashion – Coventry University
• BSc in Fashion Management – The University of Manchester
• BA (Hons) in Fashion and Textiles – University of West London
• BA (Hons) Fashion Marketing and Consumer Behaviour – London College of Fashion
• BA (Hons) Textiles – Cardiff Metropolitan University
• BA (Hons) in Fashion Communication and Promotion – Nottingham Trent University
• BA (Hons) Product Design – York St. John University

BA (Hons) Fashion Sportswear – London College of Arts

Each of these programs offers a unique focus and approach to fashion design, providing a range of options to suit your interests and career goals. Exploring these courses will help you find the best fit for your passion and ambitions in the fashion industry.

Top Courses for Masters in Fashion Design

There are different courses available for postgraduate study in fashion designing. To study Master’s programme in the United Kingdom, you should have a minimum score of 55% on your Bachelor’s degree. Some of them are listed below with the universities that offer these courses.

1. MA Fashion, Film and Digital Production – London College of Arts  
2. MSc International Fashion Marketing – The University of Manchester
3. MA for Creative Industries – University of Bolton
4. MA (Hons) Digital Fashion – University for the Creative Arts
5. MA Fashion Design – University for the Creative Arts
6. MA International Fashion Business – University of East London
7. MBA International Fashion Management – Coventry University
8. MSC Applied Psychology in Fashion – London College of Arts

Exploring these options will guide you toward the best fit for your aspirations and goals in the fashion industry.

What are short courses in the UK? 

Courses in the field of fashion design that are generally six weeks long and can go on up to 6 months are called short courses. Short courses are increasingly in demand as they prepare you for stepping into the fashion industry by boosting your knowledge and accelerating your skills. They also prepare you for internships and entry-level jobs.

All of this is done in the shortest time with intensive training! Dart into the open days and make sure your short course is worth your aims. You will receive a certificate after the course completion. You can add it to your CV.

There are an ample amount of short courses to choose from in Europe. A few are listed in this blog.

• Fashion Design Diploma Course
• Upcycling Fashion
• Dress Making and Fashion Design
• Womenswear and Fashion Design
• Draping Womenswear Design

The institutes offering these courses are:

• London College of Fashion
• University of the Arts London
• Conde Nast College
• International Career Institute

The eligibility criteria for each course may vary based on the college you choose. Please contact the colleges regarding any queries.

Conclusion

The UK has some fantastic fashion colleges, and London is one of the top fashion hubs in the world. If you’re considering studying fashion design there, you’ll get great experience and exposure. It’s important to have a creative mindset and good visualisation skills to stand out in the industry. If you’re unsure about which university or course is right for you, a LeapScholar counsellor can help guide you to the best choice for your career goals.

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