BA (Hons) Fashion Design

Our BA (Hons) Fashion Design degree will help you forge an identity as a designer, specialising in menswear or womenswear.

You’ll be hands-on from day one, creating your own fashion designs and engaging with all aspects of the design process in our studios, including pattern cutting, draping, textiles and digital media.

You’ll also learn about contemporary fashion promotion, including marketing, styling, fashion photography and art direction – and create campaigns to attract consumers and influencers to your brand. Alongside this you'll learn about the ethics of the fashion industry, and consider issues of sustainability that will help you to develop as a responsible industry professional.

You’ll work closely with students from across our creative community, including fashion students in other years, photographers and filmmakers to create eye-catching campaigns and digital content. Perhaps most importantly, you’ll get time, guidance and support from our team, including technical staff and lecturers who have worked with brands such as Chloe, Alexander McQueen, Warner Bros Records, and London Records.

Many of our students go on to establish their own labels or work for fashion houses and major brands.

Our BA (Hons) Fashion Design degree will help you develop your individual style as a designer, with a portfolio ready to present to fashion houses. Or you might pursue other roles, such as styling, buying, pattern cutting and trend forecasting.

If you’re a budding entrepreneur, you can explore the prospect of starting your own business – supported by the commercial know-how you’ll gain at ARU.

Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Masters. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.

Employability and personal career development

Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.

To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, whether you choose to explore placements, internships or volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.

Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.