Fashion Designing Courses in UK: Top Universities, Eligibility & More

Looking to pursue a career in fashion designing in the UK? The country’s rich fashion culture offers an exciting blend of creativity and industry expertise. With a focus on design, aesthetics, and clothing construction, fashion courses in the UK allow you to hone your skills while gaining practical experience.

UK fashion schools not only teach design but also cover marketing, business aspects, and fashion technology, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the industry. You'll have opportunities to work with renowned fashion houses and learn from experts.

Explore top UK universities offering fashion design programs, understand eligibility criteria, and discover how you can begin your journey into the world of fashion. For further details on studying in the UK, check out our Cost of Living in UK guide.

Why Study Fashion Designing Courses in UK

Thinking about studying fashion abroad in the UK? Here’s why it’s a great idea:

Top Universities: 

The UK has some of the best fashion schools in the world. Central Saint Martins, for example, is ranked among the top fashion schools globally. The London College of Fashion is another prestigious institution known for its state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive programs.

Learn from the Best: 

The UK is home to many of the world's top fashion professionals. Studying here means you get to learn from experienced designers and industry leaders, enhancing your knowledge and skills.

Exciting Fashion Scene: 

London is one of the four major fashion capitals of the world, alongside New York, Paris, and Milan. Events like London Fashion Week attract designers, models, and fashion enthusiasts from all over the globe.

All-Round Education: 

UK fashion design programs cover everything you need to know. You’ll learn about design, aesthetics, commercial aspects, and marketing. For instance, the University of the Arts London offers courses that integrate business and design.

Practical Experience: 

UK schools focus on hands-on learning. At institutions like the Royal College of Art, students participate in internships, workshops, and real-world projects. This practical experience is crucial for building your portfolio and gaining industry-relevant skills.

High Job Prospects: 

The UK fashion industry employs over 1.3 million and contributes 58.5 billion to the UK economy. A degree from a top fashion university in the UK is highly respected, opening doors to job opportunities worldwide. Graduates from UK fashion schools often find positions in leading fashion houses, such as Burberry and Alexander McQueen.

Fashion Designing in UK: List of Popular Universities 

Every year, the educational institutions in the UK rank high amongst their competitors in global rankings. Here are the details about some of the top fashion universities in UK:

University	Campus Location	QS World Rankings 2025	Average Annual Tuition Fee	Courses Offered
Loughborough University	Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK  Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London	224	GBP 23,000	Undergraduate Courses Fashion Design and Technology BA (Hons) Textile Design BA (Hons)
Kingston University	Penrhyn Road, Surrey Kingston Hill, Surrey Kingston School of Art, Knights Park, Surrey Kingston School of Art, River House, Surrey Roehampton Vale, London	601-610	2023/24: GBP 16,500 2024/25: GBP 16,800 2025/26: GBP 17,100	Undergraduate Courses Fashion BA (Hons) Fashion Promotion and Communications BA (Hons)  Postgraduate Courses Fashion MA Sustainable Fashion: Business and Practices  Short Courses Sustainable Fashion: Upcycling and Repair
University of Central Lancashire	Preston, Burnley, and Westlakes	951-1000	GBP 16,500-16,900	Undergraduate Courses Art, Design & Media - Entry Programme Fashion Design BA (Hons)  Art & Design (Foundation Entry) Fashion Promotion & Marketing BA (Hons) Textile Design BA (Hons)  Postgraduate Courses Fashion Design MA Fashion & Lifestyle Promotion MA Surface Pattern & Textiles MA
London Metropolitan University	Holloway, Aldgate, and Shoreditch	1001-1200	GBP 19,000	Undergraduate Courses Fashion - BA (Hons) Fashion (including foundation year) - BA (Hons) Fashion (Top-Up) - BA (Hons) Fashion Textiles - BA (Hons)  Fashion Textiles (including foundation year) - BA (Hons)

Fashion designing courses in UK: Eligibility Requirements

If you're considering fashion designing in the UK, here are the key eligibility requirements you need to know:

1. You can apply even if your previous studies were in a different field.
2. Some universities require you to take an admission exam to assess your skills and knowledge.
3. Most institutions will ask for a portfolio that showcases your creative work and demonstrates your potential in fashion design.
4. Generally, you need an IELTS score of 6.0, with no band lower than 5.5. This can vary, so check the specific requirements for each university.
5. Each university may have unique requirements. Always double-check the prerequisites on the university’s official website before applying.

Meeting these eligibility requirements will help you prepare a strong application for a fashion designing course in the UK.

Application Procedure 

Applying to fashion designing colleges in the UK is a structured process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help with the study abroad process:

Prepare Your Application

1. Complete the application form thoroughly through the university website. You can also use platforms like the UCAS (Universities and College Admissions Service) interface.
2. Provide certified copies of your academic transcripts and educational certificates.
3. Include your IELTS or other English language test scores if available.
4. Submit copies of your passport pages or identity card with your personal details.
5. If you have any work experience in the field, include reports or certificates as supporting documents.
6. Make sure all copies of original documents are certified. A certified copy is signed and dated by the organization that issued the original document or a Public Notary, confirming that they have seen the original.

Application Deadline

Students must keep in mind the deadlines for the most highly sought-after courses in the UK.Here are the important dates for some of the top universities:

Following are several deadlines for admission to fashion designing courses in UK:

University	Application Deadline	Start Date
Loughborough University	30 August 2024	30 September 2024
Kingston University	Applications will close when the course is full	September 2024
University of Central Lancashire	15 July 2024	September 2024
London Metropolitan University	1 August 2024	September 2024

Source: University official website

Important Note: Submit your applications when the entry window opens to secure your spot in these highly sought-after courses.

Scholarships to Study Fashion Designing Courses in UK

Planning to study fashion abroad in UK can be financially demanding. However, several scholarships are available to help students manage the costs. Here are some notable scholarships you can apply for:

Scholarship Name	Benefits/Amount	Beneficiaries (Eligibility)	Key Highlights
Chevening Scholarships	Tuition fees, living expenses, return flights, and allowances	International students from Chevening-eligible countries	Strong leadership background required
Commonwealth Scholarships	Tuition fees, airfare, living expenses, and travel allowances	Students from Commonwealth countries with strong academic records	Supports postgraduate studies
British Council GREAT Scholarships	Up to £10,000 towards tuition fees	Students from select countries with academic excellence	Partnership with UK universities
Loughborough University International Scholarships	Up to 25% of tuition fees	International students with excellent academic records	Varies by course and program
Kingston University International Scholarships	Up to £5,000	International students with strong academic records and a personal statement	March to May application period
University of the Arts London (UAL) Scholarships	Full tuition fees and a contribution towards living costs	Students from low-income backgrounds with a strong portfolio	October to January application period
The Felix Scholarship	Tuition fees, living expenses, and airfare	Students from India and developing countries with financial need and academic excellence	October to January application period

Fashion Designing Courses in UK: Career Prospects 

After completing the course, a candidate has several work opportunities. They may even opt to pursue a master's in fashion design in UK. Following graduation, graduates can take on the following roles with annual pay:

Job Profile	Salary/Remuneration
Fashion Designer	GBP 29,147
Textile Designer	GBP 25122
Retail Merchandiser	GBP 28,392
Visual Merchandiser	GBP 22,208

Source: Payscale

The United Kingdom (UK) can open up multiple avenues in the fashion industry for individuals who are passionate about pursuing fashion designing courses in the UK. This article has covered almost all aspects of the top fashion management courses and their eligibility criteria for admissions. Hope this article is of immense help to you in gaining insights into the fashion industry and schools offering fashion courses.