Bachelor of Arts (Hons)
FASHION DESIGN (TOP-UP)
BNU course reflects the realities of working as a professional in industry. Everything you do on the course is working towards you getting your first job in the sector. If you have completed a foundation-level degree, HND, or equivalent qualifications in a relevant Art and Design subject, you can choose to top-up your studies to gain a full bachelor’s degree.
With a focus on craftsmanship and innovation, we will equip you with a broad and practise-based knowledge of fashion design, experimentation, pattern cutting and construction to enable you to create your individual collections. If you want to make your mark on the fashion industry, start with this course.
Why study this subject?
Do you have an eye for Fashion Design? Want to turn your creative ideas into complete clothing lines? Discover the skills you need to break into this fast-paced industry.
With the right teaching and learning opportunities, it’s possible to turn your passion into a rewarding and successful career. From designers, product developers, garment technologists to buyers, merchandisers and marketing teams.
Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?
A top-up degree is the equivalent of the final year of an undergraduate degree, and offers a chance to deepen your knowledge, skills and understanding of your subject, while also getting an internationally-recognised qualification.
With a history of delivery expert craft, art and design education for more than 130 years, Buckinghamshire New University is the perfect place to start your creative career.
BNU will make sure that you have all the skills you need to start a career in fashion. With their focus on craftsmanship and skills, you graduate with a robust understanding of the sector.
They are only 30 minutes by train into London, one of the world’s fashion capitals and well known for spawning innovation and talent.
BNU experienced and specialist team of lecturers are experienced designers, current industry practitioners and researchers.
With their strong links with the fashion industry, you’ll get direct access to guest lectures and can benefit from live project briefs, master classes, and plenty of networking opportunities.
Throughout your course you will have the opportunity to take part in international competitions, including British Fashion Council reviews, exhibitions and the BNU Summer Show.
As well as working on your own briefs, you’ll be able to work on industry-based projects with international companies and attend specialist workshops. All their students are invited to events with guest speakers covering a range of areas from fashion design, production, trend prediction, visual merchandising and brand consultancy. As a member of the British Fashion Council and WGSN our students are supported by industry links to reach their potential.
They are proud of the many achievements of our students and staff. Our fashion and textiles programmes are ranked number one in London and the South East and fifth best in the UK.
What facilities can you use?
BNU has spent a lot of love and care making the their professional workshop the perfect creative space and one of the best-equipped workshops in the country.
You'll be working on industry standard equipment, learning latest techniques and future focused methods of fashion craftsmanship. You will master materials, both through traditional methods and using digital software.
You’ll have the opportunity to work on industry standard equipment, learning key techniques and methods. You will master materials, both through traditional methods and using digital software.
They also have specialist technicians on site to support and share their knowledge with you, when and if you need it.
What will you study?
On BNU's BA (Hons) in Fashion Design Top-up programme, you’ll explore the many twists and turns of fashion, as well as how to research and develop ideas to produce exciting and innovative fashion. The course cultivates new ways of making and thinking.
To achieve the full BA (Hons) in Fashion Design you will need to complete a major project, a contextual report as well as undertake a Professional Practice module.
The major project and contextual report will allow you to investigate a topic important to you within fashion design. You will cover the whole research process, undertaking empirical investigation and analysis. You will be allocated a dissertation supervisor, who will offer support and advice.
The Professional Practice module gives you the opportunity to undertake work-based learning or answer live industry briefs, gaining the practical and transferable skills you need for your career in the creative industries.
How will you be taught and assessed?
You’ll get to enjoy a friendly, supportive and stimulating learning environment. This enables you to focus on perfecting your specialism, while developing your creativity and confidence.
You will benefit from close-knit tutor groups, studio-based lectures, masterclasses, demonstrations and live projects. You’ll also enjoy guest lectures and visits to agencies as well as put on shows and exhibitions. You’ll also have regular access to workshops to support the design process.
What are your career prospects?
Throughout your time with Buckinghamshier New University They’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. They will help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good leaders. BNU also help you find employment after graduation.
BNU's BA (Hons) Fashion Design (Top-up) course will help prepare you for a range of career possibilities, such as:
- Fashion designer
- Pattern cutter
- Garment technologist
- Product developer
- Entrepreneur
- Fashion buyer
- Visual merchandiser
- Retail management
- Public relations, press and the media
- Events and production organisation
- Fashion styling.
You may also wish to stay on at Buckinghamshire New University and study our full-time or part-time postgraduate courses.
My name is Kavisha Prince Anthony, and I always had a dream of studying abroad. Thankfully, that dream came to life since I applied to the Study Advisor. I was able to receive my visa within four days. I also had some visa refusals in the past; I had about six UK visa refusals in the past, but thankfully, it was not an issue since the Study Advisor was able to make things work this time. I highly recommend Study Advisor for your dreams of going abroad, whether it be the UK or any other European country there is.