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Fashion Design with Textiles BA(Hons)

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Start Dates

21 September 2026

Duration

3 years full-time 4 years inc. placement year

UCAS Tariff

120


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About this course

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

  • Combine fashion design and textiles, developing a distinctive creative style through garments and material exploration.
  • Access professional studios and textile workshops, including CAD, print, and construction facilities with expert support.
  • Build a professional fashion and textile portfolio, through creative projects, competitions, and optional placements.

Accreditation and Professional Links

Recognised connections to give you an extra edge when you graduate. Read More

Fashion Design with Textiles at Huddersfield combines creativity, technical skill, and industry understanding to prepare you for a career within contemporary fashion and textile design. The course places strong emphasis on fashion design practice, while allowing you to specialise in textiles, giving you the freedom to develop a distinctive creative approach across garments, materials, and surface design.

Throughout the course, you will develop your skills as a fashion designer through hands-on, studio-based learning. You will explore garment design for womenswear, menswear, or gender-neutral collections, working through the full design process from research and concept development to pattern cutting, garment construction, and final presentation. Alongside garment design, you will create your own textiles through surface decoration, fabric manipulation, embroidery embellishment and textile printing. This allows you to experiment with materials and techniques while developing a strong understanding of how textiles enhance and inform fashion design.

The course encourages you to develop your own design identity and creative direction, producing a professional portfolio that showcases both fashion and textile skills. You will also explore issues such as sustainability and ethical practice, helping you understand the role of responsible design within the modern fashion industry.

Teaching is delivered by experienced staff, supported by specialist technicians, in our state-of-the-art Barbara Hepworth Building. You will have access to professional fashion studios, pattern cutting workshops, CAD facilities, and textile printing and construction equipment, giving you the space and support needed to experiment and realise your ideas to a professional standard.

Live projects, competitions, and optional placements provide valuable industry experience and opportunities to build professional networks. By the end of the course, you will graduate with strong technical skills, industry awareness, and a creative portfolio, ready for a career in fashion design, textiles, or related creative industries.

Career opportunities after the course *

Visual Merchandiser

Designer

Seamstress

Production Assistant

Merchandiser

*Lightcast

Who can apply?

Entry Requirements

BBB-BCC at A Level or equivalent.
120-104 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications.
Merit at T Level.
DMM-MMM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.
Merit in UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma.
Merit in RSL Level 3 Extended Diploma.
Pass in Diploma Foundation Studies in Art and Design combined with A Level or BTEC qualifications, to total an equivalent of 120-104 UCAS tariff points.
Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above.
120-104 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications.


If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

If you do not have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry to this degree you may be able to apply to our Art, Design and Architecture Foundation Pathway Degree.

What will you learn?

Course Details

This module is designed to build your core knowledge in materials and processes used in a wide range of both bespoke and industrial applications. You will have the opportunity to explore how materials for the fashion, costume and fashion marketing industries continually evolve through technological developments and innovation.

In Design and Realisation you will develop a portfolio of work which explores design concepts, visual media, shape, proportion, colour and fabric selection, supported by two-dimensional and three-dimensional construction processes, to create unique fashion clothing.

This module introduces the theory underpinning how textiles and its associated industries are responding to sustainability targets and concerns. Students will develop knowledge, understanding and critical thinking whilst exploring key principles of sustainability such as environmental and social impact, sustainable practices related to manufacturing, recycling/reuse of materials, and circular business models.

This module will introduce you to a range of creative and technical skills and specialist equipment to underpin the foundations of fashion design. During practical workshop sessions you will explore visual research and design approaches, fashion drawing and illustration techniques, material, and colour selection, alongside an introduction to pattern cutting and clothing manufacture processes.

Students will be able to apply fundamental design application skills using the Textile workshops through the specialism areas of print, knit, weave or embroidery. The syllabus is designed to develop the ability to conceptualise and produce textiles samples for a specific end use, with an emphasis on aesthetic and technical excellence.

Throughout this module you will expand on previously acquired pattern cutting skills and gain an introduction to creative cutting techniques. Studio-based workshops will provide an understanding of how three-dimensional stand-work can inform fashion design through the process of experimental garment construction work on the stand with appropriate integrated textiles. The module content is made up of two distinct elements - design and manufacture; however, these elements are assessed holistically as one, cohesive body of work.

This module aims to develop a transferable set of skills applicable to a wide range of employment positions within the fashion industry. Professional Development Planning (PDP) is embedded within the module, with a focus on you identifying academic and professional goals and developing the skills and knowledge necessary to fulfil them. The module will allow you to contextualise your future role and identity within the fashion, textiles or costume industry and you will be supported in developing skills and knowledge for you to substantiate this in practice.

This module will further develop your theoretical understanding and critical engagement with sustainability, as contextualised within your specialism (textiles, fashion, costume, marketing). Building on your foundation knowledge and maintaining a clear focus on the practical aspects of sustainability, you will work within the context of global consumers, audiences, manufacturers, retailers, marketers and other collaborative organisations and individuals in textiles and its associated industries. This module aims to specifically generate a multifaceted understanding and appreciation of the theoretical, socio-political, economic, ethical, and environmental dimensions of textile, fashion, costume & marketing practices. The module encourages debate surrounding sustainability, ethics and resources, alongside appropriate primary methods of research and investigation. Lectures, seminars, and collaborative workshops will explore a relevant range of theories that stimulate discussion, develop your capacity for independent enquiry, creative concept development and to enable you to identify and assess implications for your own practice. You will demonstrate your knowledge and understanding though reflective responses that will prepare you for honours level study.

This dedicated contemporary tailoring module provides the opportunity to consolidate previously acquired pattern cutting skills, and introduces a variety of specialist tailoring. Throughout the module, you will develop further previously acquired pattern cutting, manufacturing and fashion design knowledge to an intermediate level and develop specialist skills in fashion design for tailoring. You will be encouraged to develop a balance between creative and commercial requirements in pursuing sophisticated contemporary design solutions, and attention will be paid to appropriate use of fabric. The module content is made up of two distinct elements - design and manufacture; however, these elements are assessed holistically as one, cohesive body of work.

This module will enable you to apply advanced design application skills using the Textile workshops. The syllabus is designed to develop your ability to design and produce textiles samples for ‘the body’, with an emphasis on aesthetic innovation.

You will normally spend a total of 48 weeks (36 weeks minimum) between the end of year two and the beginning of your final year in a managed work experience. You will be encouraged to obtain a placement activity relevant to your area of specialism, however a wide range of placements will be regarded as suitable. The placement will be monitored and you will be assessed on completion.

This module will re-emphasise the importance of in-depth research and design development, and its relationship with forward-thinking fashion design thinking and practice. Through this module, you will identify and develop a theme/subject/issue relevant to your specialist pathway within fashion design, the context and parameters of which will be self-directed, supported by ongoing dialogue with your tutors.

You will channel your creative and intellectual skills to realise innovative, original and highly professional proposition(s) appropriate to your specialism. You may decide to work in a collaboratively and/or interdisciplinarily, with other students, or with industry. Your finalised artefacts will act as a group of coherent summative statements.

This module complements your major project through the production of an in-depth written report. You will extend and apply your knowledge of fashion design, costume and production, textile design, textile crafts, or surface design by demonstrating a critical analysis and evaluation of topic of contemporary relevance, and significant to your practice by reflecting appropriate theoretical, technical, and professional issues.

The module reflects theoretical, technical, and professional issues appropriate to your practice and is specifically designed to unfold throughout the final year The module is intended to be a critical and diagnostic tool with which to examine your work. It is made up of a series of outputs and will help you to determine and contextualise the direction of your practice-based modules. The process of reflection, research and critical analysis is vital to the module. It will help you to identify connections between concept, method, realisation, and mediation of your portfolio. It will allow you to demonstrate the depth of your knowledge and insight into your practice, enabling you to make informed decisions/judgements related to your practical outputs.

Teaching and Assessment

Discover what to expect from your tutor contact time, assessment methods, and feedback process.

Global Professional Award

At Huddersfield, you’ll study the award-winning Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* — so you’re ready for the career you want, whatever subject you choose.

Interested in a placement?

Placements

The course offers an optional one-year (36 weeks minimum) work placement after the second year, in the UK or abroad. This will give you the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience, insight into your chosen career and open up your graduate employment prospects.

Our Placement Unit and academic staff have excellent industry links and can support you in applying for and finding your placement(s), as well as during your placement year.

Students on the course have previously taken up placement opportunities with companies including: LK Bennett - London; Matthew Williamson - London; Vivienne Westwood - London; Stella McCartney - London; Boohoo - Manchester; Me and Thee - Huddersfield; Jo-Y-Jo - Manchester; Christy Group - Barnsley; Temperley - London; Oasis Stores- London; Emilia Wickstead - London , Faustine Steinmetz - London; Christopher Kane – Paris and Eliaz Bridal Fashion - Bulgaria.

The fashion industry is extremely competitive, so I knew doing a placement, which i did at Matalan, would help me gain real industry experience and ultimately help me get a job after I graduate.

- Amarah Hussain
Fashion Design and Textiles BA(Hons)

Where could this lead you?

Your Career

This course aims to help you develop the skills needed to go on to work in design, styling, merchandising, buying, selection, management, marketing and promotion, fashion journalism, product development and manufacturing. Some companies our graduates have gone on to work for include Bonmarche, Burberry, Christy's by design, IJP Design and Visage.**

Recent placements include Alexander McQueen, Mary Katrantzou, Faustine Steinmetz, Private White VC, Vivienne Westwood, Stella McCartney, LK Bennett, Matthew Williamson, Preen, Boohoo, and Christopher Kane (Paris).

Competitions and live briefs, along with an exciting schedule of visiting speakers from industry, will give you the opportunity to be inspired, and truly engage with this diverse industry.
Source: **GEMS

83-90%
Percent of graduates from these subject areas were in work or further study 15 months after graduation

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 22/23, UK Domiciled

I had so many amazing opportunities including designing for HRH Princess Beatrice. I learnt a staggering amount and have grown so much as a designer which gave me the confidence to go on to open my own company. I have also shown my work at London Fashion Week.

- Celine Constantinides
Fashion Design and Textiles BA(Hons) graduate. Now freelance and bespoke designer at Celine Zara Design

How much will it cost?

Fees and Finance

£9,790 per year

This information is for Home students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

From January 2027 the UK government is launching a new student funding system for people starting university education. Read more about the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/study/fees/

£17,600 per year

This information is for international students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/

Home

The tuition fee for a placement year is £1000. If you go on work experience or work placement, you will need to fund your own travel and/or accommodation costs to and from the placement.  Please be aware that if your placement is outside of the UK, you will still be responsible for your travel and living expenses and may need to consider issues like health care and insurance costs.

International

The tuition fee for a placement year is £3,300. If you go on work experience or work placement, you will need to fund your own travel and/or accommodation costs to and from the placement.  Please be aware that if your placement is outside of the UK, you will still be responsible for your travel and living expenses and may need to consider issues like health care and insurance costs.

Materials:
Basic materials will be provided during the first and second years of the course, including pattern paper, thread and calico fabric. You’ll need to supply some of your own materials, including sewing equipment, art materials and printing. The costs may vary based on the materials you choose. During your first and second years we endeavour to gain fabric sponsorship for all first and second year projects. If no fabric sponsorship can be gained the maximum cost will be approximately £100 per student in Year 1 and £200 per student in Year 2. In the final year you’ll need to supply the materials you require to produce your major collection. There is no limit on the amount you may wish to spend, however as a guide, costs in recent years have ranged from £200 to £1500 per student for this project.

Scholarships and Bursaries

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Tuition Fee Loans

Find out more about tuition fee loans available to eligible undergraduate students.

What’s included in your fee?

We want you to understand exactly what your fees will cover and what additional costs you may need to budget for when you decide to become a student with us.

If you have any questions about Fees and Finance, please email the Student Finance Team.

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Why Hud

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Careers support

We know you’re coming to university to study on your chosen subject, meet new people and broaden your horizons. However, we also help you to focus on life after you have graduated to ensure that your hard work pays off and you achieve your ambition.

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Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you’ll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you’ll soon discover that you’re never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey.

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Teaching Excellence

Great teaching is engaging and inspiring — it helps you reach your full potential and prepares you for the future. We don’t just teach well — we excel — and we have the awards and recognition to prove it.

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Inspiring Academics

Our researchers carry out world-leading work that makes a real difference to people’s lives. Staff within the Department of Design and Architecture may teach you on this course.

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Research Excellence

You’ll be taught by staff who want to support your learning and share the latest knowledge and research.

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Accommodation

Looking for student accommodation? Huddersfield has you covered. HudLets has a variety of accommodation types to choose from, no matter what your preference. HudLets is the University’s approved accommodation service, run by Huddersfield Students’ Union.

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Further Study

If you want to continue your learning beyond your undergraduate degree, there is a range of financial support available for postgraduate study, including discounts for Huddersfield graduates.

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