Undergraduate BA (Hons)

Fashion Design With Foundation Year

Attendance

Full-time

Course

Four year

Next enrolment

September 2025

Introduction

In a nutshell

The Foundation Year of this four-year programme aims to provide you with an understanding of the subject to allow you to progress on to the BA (Hons) Fashion Design course, which is ranked in the top 10 for Fashion and Textiles in the Guardian University Guide 2023.

The world of arts and media is changing at a phenomenal rate, and there has never been a better time to explore your creativity and the ways in which you can apply it to the world around you.

This Foundation Year provides the perfect opportunity for you to explore the key principles of art, design and media. The course is designed to help you develop your creative skills, it gives you a chance to build a larger portfolio, and provides a good transition period to familiarise yourself with the School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology and life as a student at Salford. You will then be in a strong position to progress onto your chosen degree pathway. 

This is a shared Foundation Year across Art, Design and Media disciplines, and will give you a collaborative environment to explore ideas, take creative risks and become confident independent learners. You will be joining a thriving and creative community. 

Find out more by signing up to our upcoming Open Day, or if you have any general questions please contact course enquiries.  

You can also find helpful FAQs, learn more about student life at Salford or explore all our Fashion courses. Continue reading to understand more about this BA (Hons) Fashion Design with Foundation Year course. 

You will:

  • develop your creative skills and academic confidence
  • familiarise yourself with student life
  • prepare to study on one of our degree programmes
Placement

options available

This is for you if...

1.

You have enthusiasm, passion and dedication for fashion

2.

You are eager to develop your creative ideas and visual communication skills

3.

You want to study in an environment where personal talent and individual potential are nurtured

Course details

All about the course

The Foundation Year will provide you with a dynamic, exciting and collaborative environment in which you will become a confident self-learner, with the underpinning skills and knowledge to apply in your studies. You will be taught with students interested in progressing to different art, design and media programmes, and study modules that will help you increase your knowledge and understanding of basic art and design as well as other aspects of creative thinking.

Our strong connections within Greater Manchester’s thriving creative sector mean you will also hear from practitioners working in the industry right now about their practice, journey into the world or art and design. 

In the first term you will study modules that introduce the key concepts, skills and knowledge of art and design. Modules will help you to develop your study skills such as note-taking and structuring reports. In the second semester, you will further develop your creative practice and be introduced to the creative industries.

The assignments are flexible enough to allow you to interpret and tailor your submissions to your preferred area of study. Tutors will help and support you, in creating a portfolio of work to progress onto the BA (Hons) Fashion Design here at the University of Salford. You will be integrated slowly into the degree course with opportunities to meet tutors from the BA and by using our shared collaborative facilities within our vibrant New Adelphi building.

This programme prepares you to study on the three-year University undergraduate programme, meaning the duration of your degree is four years in total. The Foundation Year is not a standalone qualification.

Following the Foundation Year, you would progress onto BA (Hons) Fashion Design:

Our course reflects contemporary practice in the fashion industry, with individual creativity as its core. You are encouraged to explore your individual talents through the application of the professional design process, from original concept to final product. Our course has been designed to give you the essential skills needed to succeed in this fast paced, dynamic industry both in the UK and Internationally.

The course aspires to create flexible, resourceful and creative fashion practitioners with well-developed transferable and interpersonal skills. Through a range of inspiring modules, you will become multi-skilled, independent and professional in an environment where personal talent and individual development are nurtured.

You will also have the opportunity to undertake a work placement module in your second year, with past students doing placements at brands such as Alexander McQueen, Adam Lippes, Christopher Kane, Henri Lloyd, Jonathan Saunders, Karl Lagerfeld, Markus Lupfer, Selfridges & Co, Anna Sui, Vera Wang and Viktor & Rolf.

Foundation year

Digital Media Applications

This module helps you to become more familiar and confident with technology. As well as learning creative software and photography skills, it will allow you to explore a creative subject of your choice and give you essential time management and research skills.

Creative Methods

This module will enable you to examine the creative and professional practice of others as a way of reflecting on your own practice. You’ll create a range of outcomes to help you build a dedicated portfolio as well as learning about major influences in art and design.

Creative Risk Taking

This module is all about challenging your creative thought and highlighting the importance of creative risk taking. The briefs allow you to produce a range of outcomes that underpin all of the main art and design disciplines as well as giving you the flexibility to interpret the brief to your area of interest.

Creative Practice Major Project

This module is designed to allow you to bring together all your prior learning from the previous modules. It gives you the opportunity to propose and create your own brief based on a theme, topic, or issue that you are passionate about. Within this module you’ll be supported by tutors who will guide you in creating a meaningful body of work that demonstrates confidence in your chosen area. Your work will be exhibited in the Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology's end of year Degree Show.

Introduction to the Creative Industries

This module allows you to explore the creative industries and its career opportunities. You’ll learn about a range of subjects including responsible design and future trends within your chosen area of art and design. It will allow you to build on the technical skills that you gained in the first semester to produce a creative publication.

Year one

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: Industry Practice Part 2

In semester two, this module also features a mentoring experience where you are partnered with final year students according to your interest in either design or styling. You will work closely with them as they develop their final major project. The final year students will complete an evaluation form that assesses the experience with you, and at the same time you will maintain and submit a visual/written journal/blog as part of your experience and overall project work.

Year two

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.

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.

Industry Practice: Fashion Design

The purpose of this module is to place fashion design practice; particularly pattern cutting and production techniques, within a business context. An understanding of marketing and business issues will give you direction in the design, sampling and production of a collection. Enhanced and improved pattern cutting/production skills enable you to design more effectively and creatively in order to meet the needs of different markets.

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 Capsule Collection

'Capsule' is produced within the fashion industry to communicate the essence of a much larger or complete fashion collection. You will gain experience in producing an edited or abridged collection of garments that captures and communicates the key themes and influences representative of your design direction. Throughout this module you will be entering a more personal journey and initiating your personal direction in preparation for your final year.

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.

Year three

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.

Design Development

You will develop an understanding of creative cutting, explore the full potential of the creative design interpretation and consider 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.

Independent Research Project

The emphasis in this module is on independent research, exploration and investigation. You will participate in a mixture of one-to-one and small group tutorials throughout the module. These tutorials will be supported by lectures, seminars and library skills sessions. In addition the VLE will act as a space for you to actively engage with and participate in research, study skills and interpretation of teaching material. Formative feedback, appropriate to the project - for example, rehearsal, draft reading and critique of visual work, will also inform the development of your work. You will be guided to select the most appropriate topic and assessment method. Briefings for this module take place at the end of the previous year in order to help you to develop an initial proposal that will best match one of the project options available.

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.

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.

What will I be doing?

70%

Coursework

10%

Presentations

20%

Dissertation

Visual and academic research may take several forms according to specific briefs, your objectives and your personal approach to the subject. Drawing, photography, visual and written notebooks are encouraged as a fundamental means of gathering, analysing, storing, retrieving and using visual information effectively.

This is generally seen as an opportunity for autonomy, although there is tutor guidance and support. You will also learn how to use the internet appropriately, and how to use library resources including archives and databases in order to obtain the required information from specialist sources.

Projects vary in the amount of time you will be in contact with staff. Workshop or studio projects tend to require additional staff support and guidance while design and styling projects require tutorials and more one-to-one discussions, especially in your final year where research and personal reflection, as part of the learning outcome, become more imperative.

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 Student 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 foundation year 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.

Employment and stats

What about after uni?

Graduates entering the fashion industry work across a diverse range of careers – as designers, stylists, pattern cutters, buyers, visual merchandisers, illustrators and retailers. Many have set up their own labels. Recent graduates have found employment with companies such as Adidas, John Lewis, Levi's, Max Mara, New Balance, Puma, River Island, Topshop, Warehouse, Peter Pilotto, H&M, Superdry, Roland Mouret and many more.

A taste of what you could become

A Fashion designer

A Visual merchandiser

A Buyer

An Illustrator

and more...

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 will 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 speakers are a valuable asset to the course and help us to maintain our contemporary outlook. Recent guests have included the H&M design team; the director of Crane TV; Lee Lapthorne, creative director of Doll & On-Off; and London-based designer Justin Oh. These guest speakers were invited as part of a lecture series, workshop or live project.

Requirements

What you need to know

This course isn’t suitable for international students. If you are an international student and interested in studying a foundation year, please visit our International Foundation Year course page.

By applying to this Foundation Year you are applying to a four-year programme - the shared Foundation Year, followed by a three-year art, design or media degree here at University of Salford. The Foundation Year is not a standalone qualification. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

For your application, you’ll need to submit a personal statement and meet our entry requirements. This is a written piece (up to 4,000 characters) of your academic, professional/life experience and future goals. 

As part of the selection process, you may be invited to submit an online portfolio of your work. You may then be invited for an interview with our tutors. If you are called for interview we will send you further guidance well in advance.

Standard entry requirements

GCSE

English Language at grade C/level 4 or above (or equivalent). 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.

A Levels

64 tariff points from A-levels (or equivalent) to include an Arts & Design qualification preferred 

T Levels

Pass: D or E in core subject. 

 

UCAS tariff points

64 tariff points from A-levels (or equivalent) to include an Art and Design qualification preferred 

BTEC National Diploma

MPP including Art & Design

Scottish Highers

64 points including Art & Design

Irish Leaving Certificate

64 points including Art & Design

International Baccalaureate

24 points including Art & Design 

European Baccalaureate

Pass Diploma with 60% overall (relevant subject)

Access to HE

Pass Level 3 Access to HE Diploma with 64 points (relevant subject)

Alternative entry requirements

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?

Type of study Year Fees
Full-time home 2025/26 £8,505.00 for Foundation Year and £9,535.00 for subsequent years.

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. 

Foundation Year students will not need to pay until they go into their first year. 

  • 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.

Apply now

All Set? Let's Apply?

Enrolment dates

September 2025

September 2026

UCAS information

Course ID W228

Institution S03

85%of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well.

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