Fashion Design with Foundation Year

You'll have excellent placement opportunities at companies such as Asos, Alexander McQueen, Puma, Temperley, Aitor Throup, and more.

You'll have the opportunity to exhibit your final collection and your portfolios at the graduate fashion show at Derby Theatre. Students are given the opportunity to participate in competitions too. Recent successes from our BA (Hons) Fashion Design degree include Olivia Noble winning the David Nieper Scholarship Award 2019, Freya Whittaker, winner of the Fashanne Design Award 2018, Sarah Woodward was Midlands Emerging Designer winner 2015 and Nicole Wells won St Andrews Young Designer in 2015. We also successfully collaborate with industry to enhance the curriculum with cutting edge learning environments.

In year one you’ll be introduced to the fundamentals of fashion design practice for the ready-to-wear market. In year two there is a greater emphasis on the commercial world. Independent study, throughout year three, provides a unique opportunity for you to advance your thinking and practice, through a self-managed process of risk taking, experimentation and resolution. Contextual Studies and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) runs consistently through all years, aimed at giving you a positive advantage within the fashion industries. As you develop your profile as a creative individual, you’ll experiment with ideas and techniques, working with increased independence.

You will study at our Chandos Pole Street building, a purpose built learning environment where you will have access to new specialist Fashion and Textiles facilities. These include light and airy studio spaces as well as industry-standard equipment and design facilities. 

We encourage all second years to take a work placement in industry, which will also give you an additional qualification - the Diploma in Professional Practice. Placements are sometimes hard work but give you fantastic experience and are deeply rewarding. We have previously had students placed at a wide variety of companies including, Marks & Spencer, Temperley London, Erdem, Mother of Pearl, Preen, Aitor Throup, Tommy Hilfiger and Roksanda, amongst others.

Students applying from one of the University of Derby's Partner Schools or Colleges are guaranteed a place or interview, if students meet the minimum entry criteria for their chosen course and apply by the January deadline date.