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Fashion BA (Hons)

Why choose this course?

Our Fashion BA (Hons) degree has been awarded the Creative Skillset Tick (Fashion Design category), which recognises outstanding courses and their contribution to the creative industries. The course is ranked no 1 in London for Fashion in The Guardian University Guide league table 2020 and was one of  a handful of worldwide institutions to have been awarded four badges of excellence by the Business of Fashion (for Best Overall, Best in Global Influence, Best in Learning Experience and Best in Long-term Value).

The course focuses on evolution and radical change in design. You will explore how design is influenced by cultural, social, critical and historical studies.

You will develop your own signature style, experimenting across sketch work, 2D to 3D, knitwear and digital print in Kingston School of Art's workshops and dedicated fashion design studios. You will also have access to our working dress archive which includes pieces from 1750 to the present day, including the recently acquired Sibling knitwear archive. Our curator also works closely with Bath Fashion Museum.

Our strong industry links mean you will learn to apply creativity to the real-world and will be industry-ready on graduation.

Kingston alumni have gained senior positions in global fashion companies including Burberry, Calvin Klein, Paul Smith, All Saints, Alexander McQueen, Club Monaco, Margiela and Saint Laurent. Other graduates have achieved success with their own labels including Sophie Hulme, Joshua Kane, Charli Cohen and Amy Powney, Design Director for Mother of Pearl.

Apply for this course
Attendance UCAS code Year of entry
3 years full time W230 2020
4 years full time including sandwich year W231 2020
Location Kingston School of Art, Knights Park
Contact us
Book an Open Day
Order a prospectus
Download our 2019 Fashion Yearbook (PDF)

Reasons to choose Kingston

  • Kingston University is ranked top in London and 6th in the UK for Fashion (Guardian University Guide league tables 2020).
  • This course received more than 91 per cent overall student satisfaction (National Student Survey 2018).
  • It has been awarded the Creative Skillset Tick (Fashion Design category), which recognises outstanding courses and their contribution to the creative industries.
  • This is the only BA course from the UK invited to exhibit at the knitwear show Pitti Filati in Florence.

What you will study

You will study all aspects of the design process from research and design development to creating garments using cut and construction. Critical and historical studies will underpin and inspire your studio projects.

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Optional year

Final year

Year 1 introduces design process covering all the 2D aspects of fashion design, and design product covering all 3D aspects. You will explore knitted and printed textiles, fashion styling, photography, pattern cutting and draping to create shape. Our fashion illustration classes and workshops in Photoshop, Adobe, pattern cutting, knitting and sewing techniques are delivered to support studio classes.

Core modules

Design Process 1

30 credits

Design Process will complement FN4003 - Design Product 1. Throughout the delivery of Design Process 1, there will be an emphasis on challenging traditional methods and innovation through Research Design Development and Presentation, which is continually underpinned by drawing and the realisation of 2D sketchbook work in relation to initial 3D prototypes.

Design Product 1

30 credits

Design Product 1 will complement Design Process 1 in the realisation of a final toile and/ or knitted piece. Projects will focus on various aspects of the design resolution process leading to the making of a product using taught technical skills. Research will include studying the in-house dress archive to replicate and produce a contemporary piece.

Professional Practice 1

30 credits

This module complements Design Process 1 and Design Product 1 modules and introduces broader fashion skills such as textiles, imagery through photography fashion illustration and digital design skills. The module is made up of a number of projects which focus on historical research, contemporary design and social aspects. This module introduces students to professional world skills such as time management and presentation skills.

Design, Style and Image: Themes in Fashion History

30 credits

This module presents thematic approaches to the study of fashion as an historical subject through image-based lectures, screenings and study visits. Students will be introduced to the historical development of fashion and dress from the 1750s to the present day. Each session is intended to address particular ideas and practices that have shaped and constructed our contemporary understanding of fashion as both a productive profession and as a meaningful social and cultural activity.

In Year 2 you will participate in live, sponsored projects and international competitions. You will experience professional practice through a careers module, including talks by concept designers, retailers, stylists and recruitment agencies, plus CV writing workshops and role playing for interviews.

You will explore trend through concept design and work in teams on a sustainable design project that is exhibited in London.

Core modules

Design Process 2

30 credits

This module is split into different projects sponsored by different professional practitioners and industrial sponsors. Building on students' prior learning, students will continue to research and design to a given brief. The projects are two-dimensionally based and will be assessed by the submission of a portfolio including all development work and a final presentation suitable to show to external sponsors.

Professional Practice 2

30 credits

The aim of this module is to enable you to build on prior knowledge to assess yourself in relation to the profession of fashion design. It is expected that you will be developing a body of work as evidence of your achievements through group work, interview techniques and CV writing. You will begin to plan your professional portfolio as preparation for Professional Practice 3 module in Level 6.

Design Product 2

30 credits

This module is split into projects and covers the three-dimensional aspect of industrially sponsored projects. The designs in the two-dimensional portfolio within Design Process 2 will inform the realisation of a prototype (toile) garment or finalised outfit. The garments will either be completed in calico or in appropriate fabric depending on the project brief. The project may include knitwear as a final three-dimensional piece and be produced in the appropriate yarns.

Critical Issues in Fashion: Research and Practice

30 credits

This module builds on the historical and thematic content introduced at Level 4 and emphasises the theorisation of contemporary fashion practice. A series of lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, screenings and visits informs and supports your own emerging research interests and the development of independent visual and academic research skills that cross history/theory and design practise. Lectures and seminars will deepen critical and theoretical engagement with contemporary issues in fashion. Seminar tasks and assessments are carefully designed to foreground projects that support the location of fashion as a discipline. Research methodologies are introduced though case studies and practical activities that reflect the issues explored through the module's contemporary content.

At the end of Year 2, you will have the opportunity to take a year out to undertake study abroad and gain work experience overseas.

Our Study Abroad or Erasmus programmes are located in Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris, Milan ,Hong Kong, New York, Seoul Paris and Toronto. We have a dedicated placement officer within the fashion department to support the placement programme.

Students on the Sandwich year will receive a Certificate of Industrial Experience for satisfactory completion of the required placement module.

The final year is about creating your own collection and portfolio and entering the British Fashion Council competitions including Mulberry, Burberry, Pringle and Chloe. All students show at the degree fashion show in Kingston and selected students show at the London press show and exhibit at Graduate Fashion Week in London. Kingston Fashion Show hosts a sponsored Pre show Reception is sponsored by Fenwick Brooks Brothers, Dewhirst, Overbury and Bentalls who host the pre-show reception for press and industry contacts.

 

Core modules

Design Process 3

30 credits

This module is a combination of a preparation for the Final Major Project in the form of a pre-collection project folder and the choice of a selected external competition.

Final Major Project

60 credits

This module covers all 2D and 3D aspects relating to the development of the final collection and exit portfolio. It is the 'capstone' project, which is the culmination of your learning over the three years. The module will cover the three main stages of designing for fashion, research, design development and presentation. As a designer you will be supported by a design tutor and a pattern cutting tutor to realise the main body of work, this will reflect industry practice and enable you to engage with a team collaborating to create original work.

The 2D Project Folder will contain collection development, promotional package and a technical folder. Collection development within this module will support the three-dimensional outcome of a capsule collection. Through discussion with the teaching team and with formative feedback you will decide the focus of your major project (Final Project Folder), which will be either 2D or 3D focused.

Dissertation: Research and Reflection

30 credits

Building on the links between research and practice embedded at Level 5, the Critical and Historical Studies (CHS) Dissertation: Research and Reflection module focuses on in-depth research, critical enquiry and reflection on questions and critical issues emerging in students' own practice, and pertinent to the practice of their own discipline.

Over the module, students will initiate and develop an individual research topic; identify and evaluate appropriate archives, bodies of critical literature, visual/material sources and research methods; manage their study time; engage with and respond to tutorial dialogue and peer feedback, and apply critical and analytical skills to produce a 6,000 word written Dissertation, supported by a series of lectures, seminars and tutorials.

Following the submission of the Dissertation, and to support the realisation of studio capstone projects, students will be assisted with the conception and development of an individual Statement that enables self-reflection and locates students within the contemporary contexts of their discipline. Consolidating the research, reflexive and critical skills acquired throughout students' programme of study, the Statement engages and applies learning undertaken within CHS modules to studio practice, supporting students' self-presentation at Degree Show, in future post-graduate study, and/or professional practice in a variety of Art and Design contexts.

The information above reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. Updates may be made on an annual basis and revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year. The regulations governing this course are available on our website. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, this may not be offered.

Entry requirements

128 tariff points

Typical offer

128 UCAS points from Level 3 qualifications, including Art & Design subjects (i.e. A Levels, BTEC Diploma, Access Diploma, IB Diploma, etc).  In addition, the preferred entry route is to first take a Foundation Diploma in Art & Design or recognised equivalent.

Additional requirements

Entry onto this course will first require submission of a digital portfolio as part of the application process. Details are available on the course page on the University's website. A short list of selected applicants are invited for an interview.

UK-based applicants will be required to attend an in-person group interview with their physical portfolio. Further details about the interview will be sent with emailed interview invitations.

Applicants based outside of the UK will first be required to submit a digital portfolio. Selected applicants will then be scheduled for a skype interview.

International

All non-UK applicants must meet our English Language requirements. For this course it is Academic IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no element below 5.5

Teaching and assessment

Guided independent study

When not attending timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.

Academic support

Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.

Dedicated personal tutor

When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and who will show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University.

Your workload

Time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity

  • Year 1: 41%
  • Year 2: 32%
  • Year 3: 26%

Contact hours may vary depending on your modules.

Type of teaching and learning

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 1
  • Scheduled teaching
  • Guided independent study
Year 2
  • Scheduled teaching
  • Guided independent study
Year 3
  • Scheduled teaching
  • Guided independent study

How you will be assessed

Assessment typically comprises exams (eg test or exam), practical (eg presentations, performance) and coursework (eg essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios and dissertation). The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course is as follows, though depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose:

Type of assessment

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 1
  • Coursework
Year 2
  • Coursework
Year 3
  • Coursework

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Your timetable

Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9.00am and 6.00pm. For undergraduate students Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.

Class sizes

To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally attracts 1,300 applicants for 104 places so is highly selective. Year group sizes start around 100 but are taught in the studio in groups of 13 - 26 for pattern cutting classes and workshops. These include individual and group tutorials of 6 - 10 students within the studio and seminar room. Lectures for the whole year group are delivered weekly alongside smaller seminar groups and tutorials. However this can vary by module and academic year.

Course fees and funding

2019/20 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK or EU), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2019/20 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category  Amount
Home (UK and EU students) £9,250*
Overseas Year 1 (2019/20): £15,300
Year 2 (2020/21): £15,600
Year 3 (2021/22): £15,900
Islands (Channel Islands and Isle of Man) To be confirmed by the Island Authorities

* These fees are annual and may increase in line with inflation each year subject to the results of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).

Eligible UK and EU students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Text books

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to, or be required to, buy your own copy of key textbooks.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residences.

Free WIFI is available on each of the campuses.

Printing

In the majority of cases coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees.

Travel

Travel costs are not included but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses and halls of residence.

For this course you will be 

  • involved in processes of making, as means of exploration, experimentation, and understanding your practice, by using a diverse range of media and materials
  • required to purchase your own copy of books, for required reading
  • required to produce physical artefacts for assessment 
  • able to participate in optional study visits and/or field trips

However, over and above this you may incur extra costs associated with your studies, which you will need to plan for. 

In order to help you budget, the information below indicates what activities and materials are not covered by your tuition fees 

  • personal laptops and other personal devices 
  • personal copies of books 
  • optional study visits and field trips (and any associated visa costs)
  • printing costs
  • your own chosen materials and equipment
  • costs of participating at external events, exhibitions, performances etc.

The costs vary every year and with every student, according to the intentions for the type of work they wish to make. Attainment at assessment is not dependent upon the costs of materials chosen.

Note for EU students: UK withdrawal from the European Union

EU students starting a programme in the 2019/20 academic year will be charged the same fees as those who began in 2018/19 (subject to any annual increase in accordance with the applicable terms and conditions and the Kingston University fees schedule).

They will also be able to access the same financial support for the duration of their course as students who began in 2018/19, even if their degree concludes after the UK's exit from the EU.

No assurances have yet been made regarding 2020/21 and beyond. Updates will be published here as soon as they become available.

2020/21 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK or EU), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2020/21 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK and EU students) £9,250*
International Year 1 (2020/21): £15,600
Year 2 (2021/22): £15,900
Year 3 (2022/23): £16,200

* These fees are annual and may increase in line with inflation each year subject to the results of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).
Eligible UK and EU students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

Facilities

You'll use our studio spaces and facilities to experiment and explore new ways to push the boundaries of projects and open discourse across disciplines. As a Fashion student, you'll have access to our working dress archive, the Benenden Fashion Archive, which features pieces dating from 1750 to present day.

Collaborative and multi-disciplinary teamwork is actively encouraged between students, across faculty courses, international institutions and with industry.

Throughout the course, you'll be encouraged to explore and develop expertise in current design approaches, techniques, media, and application including branding, editorial, interactive design, packaging and 3D design, advertising, information design, digital moving image, sustainable and experiential design.

 

Facilities at Kingston School of Art

After you graduate

Our graduates are renowned for their understanding of the design process and strong creative style in the fashion industry.

Our students have been offered jobs prior to graduation by recruitment agents during our final show and exhibition.

Our students are placed as designers at: Alexander McQueen, All Saints, ASOS, Boden, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Chanel, COS, Dior, Givenchy, H&M, Hobbs, Hugo Boss, Jack Wills, John Lewis, John Smedley, Kilgour, Markus Lupfer, Matches, Mulberry, Net-a-Porter, Orla Kiely, Reiss Menswear, Religion, Stella McCartney, Tom Ford, Tommy Hilfiger, Topshop & Topman, Urban Outfitters and Zara.

Our graduates have also set up successful own labels, including: John Richmond, Basso & Brooke, Felipe Oliveira Baptista (now design director of Lacoste), Joshua Kane, Charli Cohen and award-winner Sophie Hulme.

Renowned alumni include: Glenda Bailey, editor of Harper's Bazaar US, and alumna Caryn Franklin MBE who has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University.

After you graduate
Oliver Proudlock photographed at the Royal Wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank, Summer 2018. Proudlock wears a complete bespoke outfit created by Joshua Kane

What our students and graduates say

For me, Kingston School of Art was the best platform to flourish in.

As a non-UK mature student I knew I'd need all the support I could get whilst working in a highly demanding environment, and Kngston was the perfect place for that.

The help and guidance I got from my tutors and technicians across all departments was priceless and they played a big part in my success.

Be creative, push for greatness, work hard and most importantly, trust your gut!

Oren Cohen - Fashion BA (Hons) 2018, BFC Graduate Placement at Too Good

Students here really matter and they have a strong voice. 

The course is the perfect combination of technology and free creativity that really teaches you how to become a fashion designer. 

Kingston means free thinking, creativity and professionalism.

Emanuele Bianco, 1st year Fashion BA (Hons) student

Through my internships at Zara head office in Spain, Givenchy in Paris and on the sponsored trip to Shanghai, I have gained an all-round and immensely valuable experience within the fashion industry.

These have all prepared me for my forthcoming Erasmus study semester at ENSAD University in Paris.

Leanne Kim, Inditex/Zara scholarship winner, 2nd year Fashion BA (Hons) student

Winning the Tommy Hilfiger Scholarship during my second year at Kingston opened up both my creative world and professional world simultaneously.

Working at the helm of a global design brand on both the womenswear and menswear design teams, I was fully immersed into a world of runway fashion.

Sophia Magee, Tommy Hilfiger scholarship winner, 2nd year Fashion BA (Hons) student

It was an honour to intern for Ralph Lauren and to conclude the internship with presenting my work to Mr Lauren himself!

A company I initially thought I'd struggle to connect with, proved to have more parallels to my own home than I could have anticipated.

Faultless employees, countless opportunities and incredible experiences - it was nothing less than a dream internship.

Ella Barrow, Ralph Lauren scholarship winner, 2nd year Fashion BA (Hons) student

My experience at Kingston School of Art was great.

I had incredible tutors who really guided and supported me throughout the three years, especially during my final collection.

Skills that I learnt during the course were very transferable within the industry, as I was draping, cutting and sewing at Richard Quinn.

Latifa Neyazi - Fashion BA (Hons) 2018

Links with business and industry

Second year students participate in sponsored projects that have previously lead to paid internships abroad including at Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Zara.

During the sandwich year, students have previously interned at Chanel, Givenchy, Saint Laurent, Kenzo, Ann Demeulemeester, Alexander McQueen, Victoria Beckham, JW Anderson and Acne Studios.

End of Year Fashion Show

This video showcase our undergraduate Fashion students' work at the End of Year Show.

Key information set

The scrolling banner(s) below display some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).

Banner image: Work by Rose Sparks. Photographer Victor Yuan.

Undergraduate study
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