Fashion Design

Fashion Design at Falmouth University offers an innovative and dynamic curriculum that combines creative practice, theoretical understanding, and industry engagement to prepare students for a successful career in the fashion industry. This program encourages students to explore their individual design voice while developing essential skills in illustration, pattern cutting, sewing, and sustainable practices. Through a combination of lectures, workshops, and live project work, students gain hands-on experience working with a variety of materials and techniques, positioning them to push boundaries and redefine contemporary fashion. The course emphasizes sustainability, ethics, and responsible design, reflecting the evolving priorities of the global fashion industry. Collaboration with industry partners, internships, and exhibitions provide invaluable real-world exposure, enabling students to build professional networks and understand market demands. The program’s state-of-the-art facilities, including design studios, pattern cutting rooms, and digital labs, support a diverse range of creative exploration. Graduates from the Fashion Design course at Falmouth are equipped with both the artistic vision and practical knowledge required to innovate within the fashion sector, whether in haute couture, ready-to-wear, or emerging fashion ventures. The course fosters a vibrant community of creative individuals, encouraging experimentation, critical thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit. With a strong emphasis on personal development and industry relevance, students are supported throughout their journey to become future leaders in fashion design, capable of making meaningful contributions to the industry and society at large.

Fashion at Falmouth reflects industry from the very outset. You’ll be working alongside colleagues at the Fashion & Textiles Institute in an authentic studio setup, exactly as you would after graduation.

During the degree you’ll engage in essential skills training that spans drawing, concept development, research, fashion illustration, fabric technology, pattern cutting, construction, as well as design thinking, market research and business modelling. It is an intensive and practical course, which encourages professional identity and prepares you for the workplace.

Year 1

The 1st year sees you work alongside the BA(Hons) Performance Sportswear Design students in our professionally equipped fashion studios. You’ll be supported by the course team to develop fundamental skills in fashion design, which include concept, design, cut and construction.

Lectures in the theories surrounding fashion and writing will offer the chance to explore the industrial, professional and global contexts of the field.

• Unpicking Preconceived Perceptions - Fashion and clothing codes
• Critical and Analytical Thinking
• Core Skills - Pattern cutting and construction
• Drawing, Research, Concept Development and CAD
• 2D to 3D processes
• Fabrics and Materials
• Use of Colour

Year 2

In your 2nd year you'll start shaping your identity as a fashion designer with an increased focus on professional practice. Live and simulated industry briefs focus on brand, market awareness and designing real clothes for real people. You'll also be introduced to embellishment, hand and machine knit, and Adobe Illustrator and InDesign for a fashion context.

There are opportunities in the 2nd year to take self-funded study trips to a global fashion capital like New York or Barcelona, complete an industry placement and be supported to develop an impactful fashion CV. All students also have the opportunity to study abroad for a term through our Erasmus+ and Study Abroad partnerships.

• Knit, Print, Advanced Pattern Cutting
• Brand/Market Awareness
• Live Industry Design Project
• Contemporary Business Modelling
• Development of Innovation and Progressive Thinking

Year 3

Your final year focuses on professional design practice, your dissertation and the production of your final project, showcased using a progressive industry standard format. You'll also create your professional portfolio, ready to launch your fashion career on graduation.

• Deep Exploration of Collection-specific Research
• Development of 2 Pre-collections
• Production of 6 Outfit Capsule Collection
• Self-branding Assignment
• Production of Graduate Portfolio & Exit materials

Requirements

• The UCAS Tariff is changing. A typical offer will be between 104 and 120 UCAS points for entry to undergraduate courses, primarily from Level 3 equivalent qualifications such as A levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma or a Foundation Diploma. You can check how many points your qualifications are worth using the UCAS Tariff Calculator
• Due to the creative nature of our courses, you will be considered on your own individual merit and potential to succeed. We encourage you to get in touch if you are predicted points below this range, thinking about transferring from another institution, or if you have other qualifications or professional experience as we may be able to consider you.
• You must have a minimum of Grade 4 (or C) or above in GCSE English Language, or equivalent, for entry to our undergraduate courses.
• If English is not your first language, we accept a range of recognised language qualifications that are equivalent to the IELTS Academic minimum score of 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. If you require a Tier 4 student visa to study in the UK, you must take an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) to fulfil government visa requirements. 

Scholarships

Scholarships for International Students

Through the award of scholarships we aim to support academic enrichment by encouraging diversity and excellence at Falmouth. In 2016 Falmouth University awarded £70,000 worth of international scholarships.

International Scholarships for 2017 will be announced on this page in November 2016. 

Parental Contribution

For students whose household income is over £25,000 and are therefore receiving less than the maximum support from Student Finance, it is expected that they will also receive some support from parents or partners with whom they usually permanently reside. It is a good idea to chat this through when planning your finances before coming to University.

Part-time work

Some students work part time in jobs at local bars, hotels and restaurants, usually paid at the minimum wage. We recommend that you do no more than 15 hours part-time work each week during term time to ensure that you are able to concentrate on your studies. Some students find work with chain stores at home before coming to University and then ask for a transfer to branches in Falmouth at the start of term. There is also work available over the summer months if you choose to stay in the area. Please visit the Creative Futures page for further details.

University Bursaries and Other Awards

Falmouth University offers a programme of bursary support to students who are assessed by Student Finance as having a qualifying income, and others with specific needs. Different arrangements are in place for different cohorts - please see the information opposite that relates to you as either a 'Pre-2016 Starter' or 'New Entrant in September 2016'.

Fashion Design at Falmouth University is a comprehensive undergraduate program that prepares students to become innovative and confident designers in the dynamic world of fashion. The course combines creative exploration with practical skills, enabling students to develop their unique design identity while understanding the commercial aspects of the industry. Throughout the program, students engage with a variety of disciplines, including conceptual thinking, technical drawing, pattern cutting, garment construction, and textile manipulation. The curriculum emphasizes both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary digital technologies, such as CAD and 3D prototyping, ensuring graduates are equipped with skills relevant to modern fashion design environments.

Students benefit from a diverse learning environment, collaborating with industry professionals through workshops, live briefs, and internships, which helps them build valuable contacts and gain real-world experience. The program also encourages sustainability and ethical practices in fashion, preparing students to contribute responsibly to the industry. The facilities include state-of-the-art studios, sewing workshops, and computer labs, providing a supportive space for experimentation and innovation. Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to develop a strong conceptual foundation, fostering creativity that aligns with current and future trends in fashion.

Falmouth’s Fashion Design course emphasizes a personalized approach, with opportunities for students to specialize in areas such as Womenswear, Menswear, or Accessories, depending on their interests and career aspirations. The program culminates in a final collection and a showcase, which are often attended by industry professionals and potential employers. Graduates from the course have gone on to successful careers worldwide, working as designers, trend forecasters, illustrators, and in other creative roles within the fashion industry. The program’s strong industry links, combined with its focus on sustainability and innovation, make it an excellent choice for students aiming to make a significant impact in the fashion world.