The Top 10 Fashion Schools in the UK

Are you interested in studying at one of the best fashion universities in the UK? Fashion degrees at UK universities are highly creative and designed to equip you with the skills you will need to work within the many facets of the fashion and textile design industry. You will have the opportunity to develop your creative identity via a curriculum that can offer you the choice of becoming a specialist or generalist within fashion and textiles as you progress through the course. 

• Subject guide: Fashion

If you want to begin applying to study fashion at a UK university, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London today.

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The 10 Best Fashion Schools in the UK

Learn more about some of the best UK fashion design universities (Guardian University Guide 2024) below.

1. Loughborough University

Loughborough University is one of the world’s leading centres for art and design, with its fashion programmes ranked the best in the UK by the 2024 Guardian University Guide. The Fashion Design and Technology BA (Hons) with students benefitting from state-of-the-art equipment to investigate textiles and garment manufacturing processes.

Each year, Loughborough welcomes many students who study leading courses in art and design, business and economics, engineering, media and communication, entrepreneurship, and sports business.

• Suggested course: BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Technology
• Entry requirements: Full International Baccalaureate Diploma with at least three subjects studied at Higher Level.
• International fee: £23,000

2. Kingston University

The Fashion BA (Hons) course at Kingston University covers various areas associated with fashion, design, and textiles. Students are introduced to the cultural and historical aspects of design to better understand design methodology. Generally, fashion courses at Kingston cover all aspects of the design process – from research and design development to creating garments using cut and construction. Every student across all levels will engage in professional practice related to their studio work.

• Suggested course: Fashion BA (Hons)
• Entry requirements: UCAS tariff points: 128-144. Level 3 qualifications in Art and Design subjects (A-levels, BTEC Diploma, Access Diploma, IB Diploma, etc.).
• International fee: £19,200

3. University of Wales Trinity Saint David

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David offers a Graphic Design (BA) course that provides a comprehensive education in graphic design, fostering technical proficiency and ethical awareness. The programme aligns with industry standards and employs cutting-edge technologies, resulting in employable graduates. The course forges strong connections with business and industry through practical projects, internships, expert visits, and educational outings. Graduates of this programme enjoy a stellar industry reputation and secure high employment rates, working with renowned companies such as Apple, Google, and Nike in design studios, publishing houses, and freelance positions.

• Suggested course: Graphic Design (BA)
• Entry requirements: 120 UCAS tariff points. International Baccalaureate score of 32.
• International fee: £13,500

4. University of the Arts London

The MA Fashion programme at the University of the Arts London, Central Saint Martins, is renowned for preparing students for successful careers in fashion. It promotes an entrepreneurial culture and is a hub for emerging design talent. The programme emphasises inclusivity, transformative experiences, and sustainable practices. It encourages students to engage in meaningful dialogue, research, and exploration in their chosen fashion specialisations. Collaborations with peers, tutors, and external partners foster the exchange of knowledge and envisioning a more sustainable and just fashion future. 

• Suggested course: MA Fashion
• Entry requirements: A first or upper-second-class honours degree in Fashion Design, Knitwear or Printed Textiles with a strong fashion bias
• International fee: £25,630 for year 1; £15,380 for year 2

5. Staffordshire University

Staffordshire University offers a BA Fashion course that equips students with a comprehensive skill set for a dynamic fashion industry. The programme covers various aspects, including fashion business, design, communication, and technical practices. Students can specialise in their chosen area while gaining practical skills in pattern cutting and computer-aided design. Sustainability, ethics, and diversity are integrated throughout the curriculum. With placements, live projects, and a focus on industry engagement, graduates are well-prepared for fashion careers.

• Suggested course: BA Fashion
• Entry requirements: 112-120 UCAS Tariff points GCE A-levels - grades BBC or equivalent. Access to HE Diploma - pass Access with at least 80 UCAS tariff points.

6. University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is a leading global provider of undergraduate and postgraduate fashion education, offering short courses, study abroad courses and integrated masters. Edinburgh fashion students enjoy excellent relationships with various household-name fashion brands, and students work with these companies year after year.

• Suggested course: BA Fashion
• Entry requirements: SQA Highers: ABBB by the end of S5 or AABB/ABBBB by the end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6—a Levels: ABB. IB, you must earn 34 points with 655 at HL.
• International fee: £34,800

7. Coventry University

Coventry University offers a BA (Hons) in Fashion with a collaborative first year that exposes students to various fashion-related disciplines. The programme emphasises hands-on, creative work with theoretical elements integrated throughout. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and are encouraged to explore traditional and digital techniques. The course is internationally focused, promoting global collaboration and industry readiness, emphasising diverse perspectives and references in the curriculum. Graduates develop innovative and industry-relevant skills for the fashion sector.

• Suggested course: Fashion BA (Hons)
• Entry requirements: UCAS points 112. A level- BBC. GCSE- 5 GCSEs at grade 4 / C or above to include English BTEC- DMM. IB Diploma- 29 points
• International fee: £19,850

8. University of South Wales

The University of South Wales offers a BA (Hons) Fashion Design programme that gives students a comprehensive understanding of the fashion industry. The curriculum encourages creative thinking, sustainability, and commercial success, and students develop their unique creative vision. The degree focuses on preparing students for future careers with a learning environment that reflects industry standards. USW promotes inclusivity and aims to challenge and improve the fashion industry, producing graduates who use fashion to address real-world issues like disability, politics, and environmental concerns.

• Suggested course: BA (Hons) Fashion Design
• Entry requirements: CCC to include a relevant art and design subject (equivalent to 96 UCAS tariff points).
• International fee: £14,950

9. Bucks New University

The BA (Hons) Fashion Design course at the Bucks New University has an outstanding reputation for teaching and developing highly talented and original graduates. Each class has its dedicated studio equipped with individual design spaces—many fashion design students at Bucks New University also complete placements and internships with leading fashion companies.

• Suggested course: BA (Hons) Fashion Design
• Entry requirements: A typical offer will require a UCAS tariff score of: 88 - 112 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year). A minimum of two full A-levels.
• International fee: £15,000

10. Manchester Metropolitan University

Manchester Metropolitan University's BA (Hons) Fashion programme is renowned for producing creative and versatile fashion graduates. The curriculum emphasises contemporary fashion design, encouraging creativity and experimentation and pushing the boundaries of conventional design practices. Students engage in arts-based studio practices, conducting in-depth research and experimentation to develop original fashion outcomes focusing on contemporary craftsmanship. The programme also offers opportunities to specialise in textiles such as knit, print, or embroidery.

• Suggested course: BA (Hons) Fashion
• Entry requirements: IB Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum overall score of 26 or minimum 104 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects.

Study Fashion in the UK

If you want to apply to the best fashion universities in the world, arrange your free consultation with SI-UK London today to have all your questions about the best fashion colleges in the world answered.