Fashion Design

Fashion design is a creative and technical discipline concerned with the conception, development, and making of clothing and accessories. It demands both artistic vision and a thorough understanding of garment construction, textiles, and the production processes through which designs are realised. Contemporary fashion design also requires engagement with the industry's social and environmental responsibilities, as sustainable and ethical design has moved from a niche concern to a central professional requirement.

The most effective fashion designers combine creative innovation with technical competence, critical awareness, and a deep understanding of the culture and commerce of the industry.

At the University of Portsmouth, this full-time, three-year degree develops your creative and technical skills within a teaching approach that combines fashion and textile design, encouraging innovation, self-awareness, and critical thinking. You will build deep knowledge of both traditional and digital making skills, including industry-leading 3D fashion design software, alongside the communication, leadership, and collaboration skills that professional fashion practice demands. Vital sustainable and ethical design principles and innovative research methods are woven throughout your learning.

The programme includes a sandwich year, a year abroad, and a work placement, giving you substantial professional and international experience that significantly enriches your creative development and your graduate profile. The typical entry tariff is 120 UCAS points.

Fashion design graduates move into roles as fashion designers, pattern cutters, garment technologists, textile designers, fashion buyers, stylists, and creative directors, working for fashion brands, design studios, manufacturers, retailers, and as independent designers and freelancers. The combination of creative skill, technical knowledge, and sustainability awareness makes graduates attractive to employers across the industry. The sandwich year and work placement experience is especially important in a sector where portfolio and professional connections matter enormously.

Postgraduate study in fashion design, sustainability in fashion, or fashion management is available for those who wish to develop further.