BA (Hons) Fashion Design

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs at the University of Chester are required to have completed their secondary education with a minimum overall percentage of 65% or above.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum score of 6.0 overall, with no individual band score below 5.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum score of 80 on the Internet-based Test (iBT), with no section below 17.
• PTE Academic: A minimum score of 61 overall, with no communicative skills score below 59.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

The University of Chester offers various scholarships and financial support options to international students. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, support students with financial needs, and promote diversity and inclusivity. 

International Excellence Scholarship: The International Excellence Scholarship is available to international undergraduate and postgraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance. The scholarship provides a tuition fee reduction of up to £2,000 for the first year of study. The selection is based on academic achievement and personal statement.

Chevening Scholarships: The University of Chester is a participating institution in the prestigious Chevening Scholarship program. Chevening Scholarships are awarded by the UK government to outstanding individuals with leadership potential from around the world. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other allowances for a one-year master's degree.

Commonwealth Scholarships: The university participates in the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), offering scholarships to students from Commonwealth countries. These scholarships cover full tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs for selected master's degree programs.

Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships: The Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships are open to international students applying for a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate degree at the University of Chester. The scholarships provide a tuition fee reduction of £2,000 for the first year of study. Students are automatically considered for this scholarship based on their application.

Country-Specific Scholarships: The University of Chester offers country-specific scholarships to students from selected countries. These scholarships may vary in terms of eligibility criteria, funding amount, and application process. They are designed to attract talented students from specific regions and support their educational journey at the university.

Alumni Discount: The University of Chester offers an Alumni Discount to international students who have previously completed a degree at the university and wish to pursue further studies. This discount provides a reduction in tuition fees for eligible students.

It's important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary each year.

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Fashion Design program from the University of Chester are well-prepared to pursue diverse and rewarding careers in the fashion industry. This program equips students with a combination of creative design skills, technical expertise, and industry knowledge, opening up exciting opportunities across various sectors of the fashion and textile industry.  

1. Fashion Designer: Many graduates pursue careers as fashion designers, creating original clothing, footwear, or accessory designs for fashion brands, haute couture houses, or their own labels. Fashion designers are responsible for conceptualizing designs, creating sketches, selecting fabrics, and overseeing the production process.

2. Apparel Patternmaker: Graduates with strong technical skills in pattern cutting and garment construction can work as apparel patternmakers. They develop detailed patterns based on fashion designs, ensuring that garments fit well and adhere to design specifications.

3. Textile Designer: Some graduates specialize in textile design, creating patterns and textures for fabrics used in fashion and interior design. Textile designers work with dyes, prints, and surface embellishments to develop unique and marketable textiles for clothing, home furnishings, and accessories.

4. Fashion Buyer or Merchandiser: Graduates interested in the business side of fashion can pursue roles as fashion buyers or merchandisers. They analyze market trends, source fashion products from manufacturers or designers, negotiate contracts, and manage inventory for retail stores or fashion companies.

5. Fashion Stylist: Graduates may work as fashion stylists, responsible for curating and coordinating outfits for fashion shoots, runway shows, or celebrity appearances. Fashion stylists collaborate with photographers, models, and art directors to create visually compelling fashion presentations.

6. Fashion Illustrator: Graduates with strong drawing and illustration skills can work as fashion illustrators, creating visual representations of fashion designs for publications, advertising campaigns, or fashion portfolios.

7. Costume Designer: Some graduates specialize in costume design for film, television, theater, or live performances. They research historical periods, interpret scripts, and create costumes that enhance characters and narratives.

8. Fashion Entrepreneur: Graduates with an entrepreneurial spirit may start their own fashion labels or design businesses. They develop business plans, establish brand identities, and oversee all aspects of production, marketing, and distribution.

9. Fashion Educator or Consultant: Experienced graduates may pursue careers in fashion education or consultancy, sharing their expertise with aspiring designers or advising fashion companies on design trends, market positioning, or sustainability practices.

10. Specialized Roles: Graduates can explore specialized roles within the fashion industry, such as sustainable fashion designer, knitwear designer, lingerie designer, accessory designer, or fashion journalist.