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Fashion Designing Courses in UK: Top Universities, Eligibility & More

Updated on 24 September, 2024

Kanika Pruthi

Kanika Pruthi

Sr. Content Writer & Study Abroad Expert

Dreaming of a career in fashion designing in the UK? This exciting field lets you explore your creativity while learning design, aesthetics, and clothing construction. The UK, known for its fashion scene, has top-notch fashion universities where you can learn from the best.
Studying fashion design in the UK covers both the art and business sides of fashion. You’ll get practical experience and learn about marketing, too. In this article, we’ll look at the top fashion universities in the UK, their courses, and how you can start your fashion career. Let’s get started on this stylish journey!

Why Study Fashion Designing Courses in UK

Thinking about studying fashion abroad in the UK? Here’s why it’s a great idea:

Top Universities

The UK has some of the best fashion schools in the world. Central Saint Martins, for example, is ranked among the top fashion schools globally. The London College of Fashion is another prestigious institution known for its state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive programs.

Learn from the Best

The UK is home to many of the world's top fashion professionals. Studying here means you get to learn from experienced designers and industry leaders, enhancing your knowledge and skills.

Exciting Fashion Scene

London is one of the four major fashion capitals of the world, alongside New York, Paris, and Milan. Events like London Fashion Week attract designers, models, and fashion enthusiasts from all over the globe.

All-Round Education

UK fashion design programs cover everything you need to know. You’ll learn about design, aesthetics, commercial aspects, and marketing. For instance, the University of the Arts London offers courses that integrate business and design.

Practical Experience

UK schools focus on hands-on learning. At institutions like the Royal College of Art, students participate in internships, workshops, and real-world projects. This practical experience is crucial for building your portfolio and gaining industry-relevant skills.

High Job Prospects

The UK fashion industry employs over 1.3 million and contributes 58.5 billion to the UK economy. A degree from a top fashion university in the UK is highly respected, opening doors to job opportunities worldwide. Graduates from UK fashion schools often find positions in leading fashion houses, such as Burberry and Alexander McQueen.

Fashion Designing in UK: List of Popular Universities 

Every year, the educational institutions in the UK rank high amongst their competitors in global rankings. Here are the details about some of the top fashion universities in UK:

University

Campus Location

QS World Rankings 2025

Average Annual Tuition Fee

Courses Offered

Loughborough University

Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK 

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London

224

GBP 23,000

Undergraduate Courses Fashion Design and Technology BA (Hons)

Textile Design BA (Hons)

Kingston University

Penrhyn Road, Surrey

Kingston Hill, Surrey

Kingston School of Art, Knights Park, Surrey

Kingston School of Art, River House, Surrey

Roehampton Vale, London

601-610

2023/24: GBP 16,500

2024/25: GBP 16,800

2025/26: GBP 17,100

Undergraduate Courses Fashion BA (Hons)

Fashion Promotion and Communications BA (Hons) 

Postgraduate Courses

Fashion MA

Sustainable Fashion: Business and Practices 

Short Courses

Sustainable Fashion: Upcycling and Repair

University of Central Lancashire

Preston, Burnley, and Westlakes

951-1000

GBP 16,500-16,900

Undergraduate Courses Art, Design & Media - Entry Programme

Fashion Design BA (Hons) 

Art & Design (Foundation Entry)

Fashion Promotion & Marketing BA (Hons)

Textile Design BA (Hons) 

Postgraduate Courses

Fashion Design MA

Fashion & Lifestyle Promotion MA

Surface Pattern & Textiles MA

London Metropolitan University

Holloway, Aldgate, and Shoreditch

1001-1200

GBP 19,000

Undergraduate Courses Fashion - BA (Hons)

Fashion (including foundation year) - BA (Hons)

Fashion (Top-Up) - BA (Hons)

Fashion Textiles - BA (Hons) 

Fashion Textiles (including foundation year) - BA (Hons)

Fashion designing courses in UK: Eligibility Requirements

If you're considering fashion designing in the UK, here are the key eligibility requirements you need to know:

  1. You can apply even if your previous studies were in a different field.
  2. Some universities require you to take an admission exam to assess your skills and knowledge.
  3. Most institutions will ask for a portfolio that showcases your creative work and demonstrates your potential in fashion design.
  4. Generally, you need an IELTS score of 6.0, with no band lower than 5.5. This can vary, so check the specific requirements for each university.
  5. Each university may have unique requirements. Always double-check the prerequisites on the university’s official website before applying.

Meeting these eligibility requirements will help you prepare a strong application for a fashion designing course in the UK.

Application Procedure 

Applying to fashion designing colleges in the UK is a structured process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help with the study abroad process:

Prepare Your Application

  1. Complete the application form thoroughly through the university website. You can also use platforms like the UCAS (Universities and College Admissions Service) interface.
  2. Provide certified copies of your academic transcripts and educational certificates.
  3. Include your IELTS or other English language test scores if available.
  4. Submit copies of your passport pages or identity card with your personal details.
  5. If you have any work experience in the field, include reports or certificates as supporting documents.
  6. Make sure all copies of original documents are certified. A certified copy is signed and dated by the organization that issued the original document or a Public Notary, confirming that they have seen the original.

Application Deadline

Students must keep in mind the deadlines for the most highly sought-after courses in the UK.Here are the important dates for some of the top universities:

Following are several deadlines for admission to fashion designing courses in UK:

University

Application Deadline

Start Date

Loughborough University

30 August 2024

30 September 2024

Kingston University

Applications will close when the course is full

September 2024

University of Central Lancashire

15 July 2024

September 2024

London Metropolitan University

1 August 2024

September 2024

Source: University official website

Important Note: Submit your applications when the entry window opens to secure your spot in these highly sought-after courses.

Scholarships to Study Fashion Designing Courses in UK

Planning to study fashion abroad in UK can be financially demanding. However, several scholarships are available to help students manage the costs. Here are some notable scholarships you can apply for:

Scholarship Name

Benefits/Amount

Beneficiaries (Eligibility)

Key Highlights

Chevening Scholarships

Tuition fees, living expenses, return flights, and allowances

International students from Chevening-eligible countries

Strong leadership background required

Commonwealth Scholarships

Tuition fees, airfare, living expenses, and travel allowances

Students from Commonwealth countries with strong academic records

Supports postgraduate studies

British Council GREAT Scholarships

Up to £10,000 towards tuition fees

Students from select countries with academic excellence

Partnership with UK universities

Loughborough University International Scholarships

Up to 25% of tuition fees

International students with excellent academic records

Varies by course and program

Kingston University International Scholarships

Up to £5,000

International students with strong academic records and a personal statement

March to May application period

University of the Arts London (UAL) Scholarships

Full tuition fees and a contribution towards living costs

Students from low-income backgrounds with a strong portfolio

October to January application period

The Felix Scholarship

Tuition fees, living expenses, and airfare

Students from India and developing countries with financial need and academic excellence

October to January application period

Fashion Designing Courses in UK: Career Prospects 

After completing the course, a candidate has several work opportunities. They may even opt to pursue a master's in fashion design in UK. Following graduation, graduates can take on the following roles with annual pay:

Job Profile

Salary/Remuneration

Fashion Designer

GBP 29,147 

Textile Designer

GBP 25122 

Retail Merchandiser

GBP 28,392

Visual Merchandiser

GBP 22,208 

Source: Payscale

The United Kingdom (UK) can open up multiple avenues in the fashion industry for individuals who are passionate about pursuing fashion designing courses in the UK. This article has covered almost all aspects of the top fashion management courses and their eligibility criteria for admissions. Hope this article is of immense help to you in gaining insights into the fashion industry and schools offering fashion courses.

FAQs

Is the United Kingdom the ideal place to learn fashion design?

Yes, the UK is ideal for studying fashion design, with 50+ universities offering degrees in the field. With over 679,970 international students and 1,500 scholarships available, you'll benefit from a diverse, vibrant environment and numerous financial support options.

What qualifications do students need to work as fashion designers in the United Kingdom?

A foundation or bachelor’s degree is required to work as a fashion designer in the United Kingdom. To excel in fashion design, students must have diverse business knowledge, a knack for problem-solving, and a creative mindset. 

What is the cost of a fashion design course in the UK?

The cost of a fashion design course in the UK typically ranges from £14,000 to £22,000 per year for undergraduate programs. Depending on the university, postgraduate courses usually cost between £16,000 and £24,000 per year.

What is the best fashion course in the UK?

Central Saint Martins (BA Fashion, MA Fashion), London College of Fashion (BA Fashion Design Technology, MA Fashion Design Technology), and Kingston University (BA Fashion, MA Fashion) offer some of the best fashion courses in the UK.

What is a fashion designer's salary in the UK?

The average salary for a fashion designer in the UK is around £29,147 per year. Senior designers or those working with top brands can earn between £40,000 and £60,000 annually.
 

How much money is required for a fashion designing course?

You should budget approximately £30,000 to £40,000 annually for a fashion designing course in the UK. This includes tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, and study materials.
 

Did you find this article helpful?

Kanika Pruthi

Sr. Content Writer & Study Abroad Expert

Kanika has 5+ years of experience as a writer and content developer. She has written for a wide range of industry verticals, including hospitality, restaurants, non-profits, finance, IT, HR, technology, payroll, and education. She has worked as a creator for a few leading companies and has also helped brands grow through her creative writing.

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