Fashion Design
Full-time
Three year
September 2025
In a nutshell
Fashion is a fast-paced and exciting industry, but where do you start? Embark on a transformative journey with our leading Fashion Design degree at the University of Salford. Located in the heart of Greater Manchester at our New Adelphi campus, you’ll be studying within one of the most vibrant centres of the UK.
This course offers innovative methods and industry-standard approaches to research, design, digital and making skills, empowering you creatively and technically. You'll benefit from access to our purpose-built studios, cutting-edge technology, and industry-standard equipment. The course also offers work placement opportunities where you can gain invaluable work experience, preparing you for a successful career in the fashion industry. Our students have worked with leading design houses including Alexander McQueen, Armani, Hugo Boss, JW Anderson, Karl Lagerfeld, Mary Katrantzou, Philip Treacy, Vera Wang, Viktor & Rolf, and Vivienne Westwood.
In year one you’ll learn research, design and construction skills and develop a good understanding of the design process. In year two, you’ll have the opportunity of work experience, to gain an essential understanding and knowledge of how brands and design studios work. In your final year, you’ll develop your own collection alongside opportunities to show your work in outfacing environments. We have previously shown at collections in London, Paris and New York Fashion Weeks. We also provide a range of study visits for you to experience other fashion hubs around the world, previous trips have included London, Milan, Paris, Antwerp, New York, Tokyo and Shanghai.
The fashion industry is a global community, and we will help you begin this networking journey. Our open-access studios have an atelier atmosphere, where you work alongside other year groups, sharing a professional space. Beyond graduation, you’ll become part of our alumni network where job opportunities can become available.
Throughout the course, we invite industry professionals to work with students through live projects, presentations, or networking events. Previous contributors have included guests from Adidas, H&M, Max Mara, Levis, Fred Perry, Iceberg, Superdry, Umbro, Harvey Nichols, Dr Martens, New Balance, and Patagonia.
Our academics are experienced designers and educators, supported by highly skilled technical demonstrators who will guide your journey as a designer. With us, you’ll gain valuable entrepreneurial skills and professional experience essential to realising your potential as a future Fashion Designer.
As part of our award-winning Fashion Design degree course, you’ll gain the necessary skills and knowledge to be part of this exciting global fashion network, leaving the course with confident and strong design voices, be resilient and have a diverse understanding of how you can impact the future of the industry.
Collectively we aim to produce graduates with confident and strong design voices, with soul, diversity, and resilience.
Interested in learning more about studying Fashion Design at the University of Salford? You can sign up for an Open Day follow the Fashion Design Instagram and attend a campus tour.
You will:
- Explore your individual talents and creativity through the application of the professional design process
- Study on a course awarded Best Programme for Undergraduate Fashion Design in the UK by The Business of Fashion in 2019
- Be transformed into a flexible, resourceful, and creative practitioner with well-developed transferrable skills
- Get invaluable insight into what it’s like to work in the fashion industry through live briefs and work placements.
- Study on a course which is ranked in the top 10 for Fashion and Textiles in the Guardian University Guide 2023
options available
students accepted
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This is for you if...
You want to study on a fashion design course that’s well-established, has great graduate prospects and is highly ranked in the United Kingdom.
You want to be able to come up with and present fashion designs to a professional standard.
You want to study in an environment that will develop your personal talent and unlock your full potential.
You want the opportunity to showcase your work in fashion shows.
You want the opportunity to show your work in major international fashion cities.
All about the course
Year one is all about introducing you not only to the fundamentals of fashion design and giving you the opportunity to develop your skills in a hands-on project-based environment but realising the impact of risk taking and experimentation. You’ll learn to illustrate, design, cut patterns and construct garments. As well as this, you’ll also look at the perspectives and contexts surrounding fashion design. By the end of your first year, you’ll be able to communicate your ideas to a professional standard and have the technical skills to make them a reality.
In your second year, the focus of your learning turns to the fashion industry. You’ll undertake a live project, working with a fashion house or label. This will give you chance to put what you’ve learned so far into practice in a real-world scenario, as well as give you first-hand experience of working with fashion design professionals. You’ll develop your understanding of markets and design trends through research, analysis and practical projects.
At the end of year two, you’ll undertake a work placement to develop your awareness and understanding of the fashion industry. Work placements offer the opportunity for regional, national or international experience in fashion-related organisations.
Your third year on our bachelor’s degree in fashion design provides the opportunity to personalise your studies to align with your interests and career goals. All your hard work will be put into practice in your final project. You’ll have the freedom to take your project in any direction you wish, and your work from this final module will be exhibited at a fashion show in Manchester. Some students will also be selected to take part in our prestigious annual fashion show in London or other international destinations.
Introduction to Fashion Design
This module introduces you to the foundational principles of fashion design, focusing on the development of personal and innovative concepts in response to design briefs. Throughout the module, you will investigate and apply a diverse range of media and construction methods, enhancing your technical skills and understanding of contemporary fashion practices. The module emphasises the importance of research methodologies to guide and inform design decisions, encouraging you to apply your findings creatively. You will learn visual and verbal communication skills, essential for effectively presenting and articulating your design ideas.
Fashion Design: Principles
This module introduces you to the primary principles of the 2D fashion design process. Through a series of short lectures, you will engage in discussions around the fundamentals of fashion practices and their application within the industry context. These lectures will provide a theoretical foundation, covering key concepts and methodologies essential for understanding the fashion design process. Workshops and mini projects are integrated into the module to support these topics, allowing you to experiment and develop different aspects of your portfolio outcomes. You will be encouraged to generate personal and innovative concepts in response to design briefs, utilising research methodologies to guide and inform your design decisions.
Fashion Contexts
The Fashion Contexts module develops your knowledge and understanding of the wider contexts surrounding fashion design and will develop your skills in critical thinking, visual analysis, research, communication and professional practice. You will join a range of lectures, workshops and seminar sessions to support your individual exploration of the critical, ethical, cultural, political and/or commercial issues which shape contemporary fashion and wider visual culture. Field trips, independent and group work tasks also support you in establishing a deeper understanding of fashion and ultimately, identifying potential areas for further enquiry at Level 5.
Introduction To Pattern Cutting and Construction Techniques
This skill-based module is primarily conducted within the workshop or studio environment through a series of demonstrations and lectures. You will be introduced to various materials, workshop machinery, and studio equipment via structured demonstrations and practical exercises. Assessment will be project-based, typically requiring you to compile a body of work that demonstrates your understanding and application of techniques, materials, and practical skills. This body of work is generally presented in the form of a project file developed throughout the module.
Fashion Illustration & CAD 1
This module is designed to immerse you in various approaches to fashion communication, with a particular focus on drawing and sketching. Emphasis is placed on both digital and hand-drawn methods of fashion design. Learning is facilitated through workshops that include practical drawing for fashion and the use of industry-relevant computer software.
3D Approaches to Design Research
In this module, you will develop an understanding of research concepts and methodologies pertinent to fashion design. You will demonstrate an awareness of design principles that can lead to innovative three-dimensional fashion outcomes. Additionally, you will begin to expand your foundational skills in creative pattern-cutting methods and production techniques.
Fashion Illustration & CAD 2
This module builds upon the foundational skills acquired in Year 1, with a heightened focus on Adobe Illustrator and an introduction to digital design. You will enhance your proficiency in both digital and hand-drawn methods. Teaching will focus on and emphasise advanced techniques in Adobe Illustrator, alongside practical drawing sessions and the use of cutting-edge digital design tools relevant to the fashion industry. This comprehensive approach ensures you are well-equipped with the skills necessary for modern fashion design and communication.
Critical Dialogues
Critical Dialogues asks you to investigate and share an informed critical perspective on a selected topic in fashion, clothing and their wider contexts. Taught content introduces the ethical and theoretical considerations facing the 21st Century fashion designer to support you in identifying your unique position and establishing an independent enquiry into an area relevant to your emerging creative and/or professional practice. Workshop, seminar sessions and formative review points support you to establish clear and confident communication of their findings and ideas.
Fashion Design Specialism
Fashion Design: Specialism will enable you to develop and realise your personal direction within the fashion industry and allow exploration of specific skills and techniques. Through developing a personally derived concept and/or narrative, you will consider how your individual creativity and aesthetic expression can be applied to the fashion design process. Through a succinct merging of 2D and 3D design principles you will produce a body of work which will support your progression into the final year of studies.
Work Placement: Fashion Design
Placements within industry not only add to your knowledge and appreciation of your chosen discipline but can also enhance future employment prospects. This module encourages a liaison between you and the industry – allowing you to apply and develop your knowledge and skills gained on the course while gaining an understanding of the relevant working procedures of industry and the professional activities of design. You will be supported to identify a placement that supports your chosen design field and future career aspirations.
Digital Fashion Design
This module is designed to bridge the gap between traditional fashion design and the digital future, ensuring you are well-prepared to lead and innovate in the fashion industry. It aims to equip you with the knowledge and practical skills, understanding and proficiency in digital fashion design. You will explore digital design-based software, 3D modelling, virtual garment creation, and digital pattern making. Emphasis will be placed on sustainability, innovation, and the ability to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the fashion industry. By the end of this module, you will be adept at creating digital fashion garments/collections that are aesthetically pleasing and technically proficient.
Fashion Design Professionalism
This module aims to enhance your understanding of fashion design and establish a solid foundation for creating a professional portfolio. You will acquire the technical skills essential for effectively realising concepts within this discipline, encompassing research and concept development, the design process, garment construction, and portfolio skills. The module emphasises professional strategies and approaches necessary for achieving practical yet creative outcomes, which are crucial for comprehending fashion design and preparing for work placements and the broader industry.
Design and Research for an External Brief
This module offers you the opportunity, to develop a comprehensive body of creative work that reflects a deep understanding of the contemporary fashion industry's realities and expectations. It’s designed to prepare you for professional engagement by responding effectively to the constraints and demands of an external brief. It also aims to foster an appreciation of the fashion industry's current trends, challenges, and opportunities. This includes understanding market demands, consumer behaviour, and the impact of global fashion movements.
Pre-collection
This module serves as a prelude to the negotiated major project, where you will define your initial ideas and concepts for their final collection. You will develop an understanding of creative pattern cutting, exploring the full potential of 3D design interpretation and considering pattern cutting as a creative process.
Portfolio Module: Fashion Design
Portfolio module is an opportunity to consolidate learning from the entire degree to compile a professional portfolio of your strongest work. This diverse portfolio will include both edited existing projects alongside new, additional and refined 2D work that will act as an industry-ready, printed and digital portfolio. We expect work within this module to be considerate of professional and contemporary presentation conventions. Your portfolio will define the overall direction you wish to take into the industry, ready to show potential employers upon graduation.
Negotiated Major Project: Collection
Negotiated major project, is structured to integrate and synthesise cumulative learning experiences acquired throughout the course. Students are encouraged to identify a specific issue or set of issues to focus their design investigation. This project involves the definition, negotiation, and execution of a self-directed program of independent design investigation, research, and development, culminating in the presentation of a comprehensive collection of garments.
Major Project Proposal
This module will support you in the generation and development of a personal concept for your Negotiated Major Project collection. Through exploring a range of research sources that inform your idea, you will navigate a written proposal that considers the implications of this research on your professional studio practice.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
Be a part of a creative, supportive community
All our Fashion courses are delivered by the School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology. We are a creative community with a focus on creating a collaborative environment where you can thrive and gain the skills needed to pursue your dreams.
Our Engagement Team coordinates school-wide events such as the Create Students Awards, academic conferences, networking and volunteering opportunities, welcoming and wellbeing fairs and exhibitions like our annual Degree Show.
For non-course matters, you will have access to our university-wide support service askUS, who will support and guide you to be successful in all aspects of your life.
Throughout your time at Salford, you'll be mentored and supported by experts. And once you graduate, it won't end there. You'll join a thriving alumni network across Greater Manchester and beyond, meaning you'll be supported professionally and personally whenever you need it.
Fashion Facilities
This fashion design degree is based at our £55 million New Adelphi building, the home of design and creativity on campus.
When you study with us, you’ll learn from our experienced tutors and demonstrators, who’ll teach you how to use our design facilities, including specialist industrial machinery for fashion production. These include:
Studio space – dedicated areas for each course, giving you room to think and create.
Maker Space workshop - create digital rapid prototypes using 3D printers, CNC machines, laser cutters and more.
Photography studios - industry standard photographic studios, which you can use in conjunction with darkrooms and digital printing facilities.
Workshops – from print to textiles, wood to metal, our range of workshops allow you to take your ideas from page to reality and work in a variety of media.
Mac suites - equipped with the industry-standard software you’ll need during your studies and in the world of work.
Want to explore our Fashion Facilities? Take a 360 tour of our New Adelphi building or sign up for an Open Day.
MEET THE FASHION TEACHING STAFF
Are you looking to learn more about the background of our fashion tutors and demonstrators, or put a face to a name?
Sign up to an Open Day, and find out who'll work with you throughout your academic journey at the University of Salford.
What about after uni?
EMPLOYMENT
Your career options with a fashion design degree span everything from working as a designer, pattern cutter, stylist, through to becoming a buyer, visual merchandiser, illustrator or work within the retailer and management sector, to name just a few roles.
Graduates have gone on to work for renowned companies including Adidas, Fred Perry, John Lewis, Levi’s, Max Mara, New Balance, Puma, Zara, H&M and many more. We’ve also had graduates go on to set up their own businesses using the skills they’ve gained on this fashion design degree.
FURTHER STUDY
Graduates showing strong academic and research skills can pursue a further postgraduate path through our Postgraduate programmes on a full-time or part-time basis subject to a satisfactory proposal.
Career Links
Students have the opportunity to meet and collaborate with a wide range of industry professionals. The valuable knowledge and experience that visiting speakers bring ensures that you are kept informed of the current changes and demands within the fashion industry.
You’ll benefit from hearing a professional perspective which complements your learning and development while providing inspiration and an acute awareness of the fashion world.
Our visiting industry consultants and speakers are a valuable asset to the course and help us to maintain our contemporary outlook. Recent guests have included the iconic fashion designer Romeo Gigli, the H&M design team, Emma Davidson director of Denza International, design teams from Max Mara Fashion Group, Lee Lapthorne, creative director of Doll & On-Off. These guest speakers were invited as part of a lecture series, workshop or live project
What you need to know
APPLICANT PROFILE
Ready to apply for this fashion design course? First and foremost, you’ll have to submit a personal statement and meet our entry requirements. A personal statement is a personal summary (up to 4,000 characters) of your academic, professional/life experience and future goals.
We’ll want to see your personality and understand:
- what motivates you and what you’ve learnt on your current academic journey
- why you want to work in the fashion industry and your experience of fashion design so far
- why this fashion design course at University of Salford is right for your future goals
In addition to this, we’d also like to see examples of your previous work in a well-presented portfolio. We want to know who inspires you, which brands and designers do you admire, and why? Your portfolio can take the form of sketches or images of your textile creations. We don’t expect you to be an expert - as you’ll learn new creative and technical skills on this course - but we’d like to see that you have some experience in a relevant area. and that you can demonstrate a clear design process.
When reviewing your portfolio, we’ll be looking for examples of drawing and colour usage, design/idea development, sketchbooks and notebooks, photographs, as well as 2D and 3D work. At this stage in your career, we would much rather see experimental and playful drawing and developmental work than all finished work showing a final solution.
We don’t need to see all the work you have produced - around 20-30 samples in your main portfolio would be ideal as well as some sketchbooks. Any offers will be conditional upon our subject team having the opportunity to review your portfolio, and we look forward to viewing your work.
For some applicants, you may also be asked to take part in an informal group seminar discussion or interview– either live or on camera – to demonstrate your skills.
Once you’ve made your application to study with us, we’ll contact you and let you know the next steps.
GCSE
English Language at grade C/level 4 or above (or equivalent) is required. Maths at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) is preferred but not essential.
You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below
UCAS tariff points
104-112 points
A level
104-112 points
T level
Merit
BTEC National Diploma
DMM including Art & Design
BTEC Higher National Diploma
Applicants may be considered for entry into year two
Foundation Degree
Applicants may be considered for entry into year three
Access to HE
Pass Level 3 Access to HE Diploma with 112 points (relevant subjects)
Scottish Highers
112 points including an art and design subject
Irish Leaving Certificate
112 points including an art and design subject
International Baccalaureate
31 points including an art and design subject
European Baccalaureate
Pass in Diploma with at least 73% overall (relevant subject)
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
Distinction = 112 UCAS points - if you have a Pass (80 points) or Merit (96 points), you must have additional qualifications to a total of 112 points.
International students
We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.
If you are an international student and not from a majority English speaking country, you will need IELTS 6.0 with no element below 5.5.
We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take our Pre-Sessional English course. Or if you have finished high school in your country but don’t have the qualifications to gain entry to this course, you can take our International Foundation Year as a pathway to this degree.
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.
There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.
How Much?
Your tuition fees are regulated by the UK government who has proposed changes to tuition fees for UK students studying in England from 1 August 2025. The fee stated reflects this proposed change, but remains subject to parliamentary approval. Your tuition fees may increase in your first and each subsequent year of your programme to the maximum amount permitted by UK law or regulation for that academic year.
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time home | 2025/26 | £9,535 per year |
| Full-time international | 2025/26 | £17,650 per year |
Additional costs
Students should expect to pay their studio levy each year. Most undergraduate students will receive £150 per year from the Salford Inspire scheme which can be put towards your studio fee. In addition, in year three of study, students will also incur a cost to participate in shows.
- First year costs: £150
- Second year costs: £150
- Third year costs: £350
For optional trips, you should expect to pay from £350 to £1,200. Costs are approximated based on the current academic year.
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Scholarships for International Students
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Explore our international scholarships.
