BA (Hons) Fashion Design

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 65.
• Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

The University of Derby offers various scholarships and funding opportunities to support international students financially. These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden of studying abroad and make higher education more accessible for students from diverse backgrounds.

Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: The University of Derby offers the prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for international students. This scholarship provides up to £2,000 for students enrolling in undergraduate or postgraduate programs. It is awarded based on academic merit and achievements, recognizing outstanding students who demonstrate potential in their field of study.

International Student Scholarship: The International Student Scholarship is designed to assist new international students with their tuition fees. This scholarship offers up to £2,000 for students from specific countries or regions and is awarded to students who meet the academic requirements and demonstrate contributing to the international community at the University of Derby.

Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general scholarships, the University of Derby offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions. These scholarships aim to support students from countries such as India, China, Nigeria, and many more. The value of these scholarships varies, but they often range from £1,000 to £3,000, depending on the country and the student's academic background.

Alumni Loyalty Discount: The University of Derby offers a special alumni discount for students who have previously studied at the university. International students who have completed a degree or program at Derby and return for further study are eligible for this discount, which helps to reduce the overall cost of their education.

Early Bird Discount: International students who apply early may be eligible for the Early Bird Discount, which provides a reduction in tuition fees for students who accept an offer of admission before a specified deadline. This discount is intended to encourage timely applications and assist students with their planning.

External Scholarships: In addition to internal scholarships, international students are encouraged to explore external scholarship opportunities. The University of Derby provides guidance and resources to help students identify and apply for scholarships offered by government bodies, organizations, and private foundations in their home countries or internationally.

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Fashion Design program at the University of Derby have access to numerous career opportunities across a wide range of sectors in the fashion industry. The diverse curriculum prepares students for both creative and technical roles, empowering them to pursue successful careers in fashion design, innovation, and management.

Fashion Designer: Fashion designers are responsible for creating original clothing, accessories, and footwear. They sketch designs, select fabrics, and work on garment construction, ultimately producing items that reflect current trends or their unique style. Graduates with a strong foundation in both design and technical skills are well-suited to work for established fashion houses, launch their own labels, or freelance.

Textile Designer: Textile designers specialize in creating patterns, colors, and textures for fabrics used in clothing, interiors, and other design projects. This role involves using both handcraft techniques and digital tools to create innovative textiles. Graduates of the fashion design program, with a focus on fabric manipulation and pattern making, can excel in this area.

Fashion Illustrator: Fashion illustrators create visual representations of fashion concepts through drawings, sketches, and digital art. Their work is essential for visualizing fashion collections, which helps in presenting ideas to clients, marketing teams, and consumers. This role requires creativity and technical proficiency in drawing and digital design tools.

Fashion Technologist: Fashion technologists play a key role in the production process, ensuring garments are manufactured to high-quality standards. They work with designers to interpret their designs and oversee the technical aspects of garment production, including fitting, materials, and manufacturing processes. Fashion technologists are highly valued in fashion houses, clothing manufacturers, and retail brands.

Sustainable Fashion Consultant: With sustainability becoming a focal point in the fashion industry, fashion design graduates can pursue careers as sustainability consultants. In this role, they work with brands to reduce environmental impact, recommend sustainable materials, and promote ethical fashion practices. Their expertise in sustainable design principles positions them to influence fashion’s ecological footprint.

Fashion Entrepreneur: For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, the fashion design program provides the knowledge and skills necessary to start and manage a fashion business. Graduates can launch their own fashion brand, create online retail platforms, or run boutiques. A solid understanding of both the creative and business sides of fashion is crucial for success in this field.

Pattern Cutter: Pattern cutters work with fashion designers to create the blueprints or templates that will be used to manufacture garments. This technical role involves translating designs into patterns, ensuring that they fit well and can be produced in different sizes. Pattern cutters play an essential role in the production process, bridging the gap between design and manufacturing.

Fashion Buyer: Fashion buyers are responsible for selecting the clothing and accessories that will be sold in stores. They must be aware of consumer trends, select designs that align with the brand, and negotiate with manufacturers and suppliers. Fashion buyers typically work for retail chains, boutiques, or e-commerce platforms, ensuring that their selections meet customer demand.

Costume Designer: For those interested in film, television, or theater, costume designers create the outfits worn by actors, ensuring that the garments reflect the character’s personality and fit the production’s theme. Graduates with an interest in performance art and historical fashion can pursue careers in costume design, working with production teams on various entertainment projects.

Fashion Marketing Manager: Fashion marketing managers develop strategies to promote fashion brands and products. They work on brand positioning, advertising campaigns, social media outreach, and influencer partnerships to attract consumers. Fashion design graduates with an interest in marketing and communication can transition into this role, where understanding design aesthetics is key.