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Student work by Michael Rixon for LaceyAyles. 5 models stand in a row in front of a black curtain, wearing outfits of white and lilac lace with layers, cutouts, and padding to exaggerate shape

Fashion BA (Hons)

Let your creativity take flight as you learn the essential creative design and practical skills of the global fashion industry.

Key information

How to Apply
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This future-oriented course equips graduates with adaptable skills to navigate a changing industry and prioritise ethical responsibility and inclusive design, combining creative thinking and technical skills. Our BA (Hons) Fashion emphasises visual research, conceptual thinking, material exploration, commercial awareness and professional communication within a supportive fashion community.

Our course will encourage you to explore concept development, pattern cutting, 3D digital rendering, tailoring and professional garment construction supported by technical skills and couture levels of craftsmanship. Guest lectures, seminars and workshops with acclaimed practitioners, stylists and academics will give you insight into how the industry works.

You will have access to studio space, specialist fashion design resources and well-equipped workshops run by on-site technical staff. Our Fashion studios and workshops are the right setting to develop your ideas and perfect essential skills such as drawing, digital design and professional presentation. We will help you to develop a professional portfolio to showcase your design identity and profile the quality of your manufactured garments to employers.

Accreditation and memberships

Our course benefits from close industry links and is a member of the  British Fashion Colleges Council  and the Graduate Fashion Foundation.

  • Founded in 1993 to create an interface between education and industry, the BFC Colleges Council membership programme represents the leading fashion departments in universities throughout the UK and connects the extensive network of experienced course leaders with the fashion and wider creative industries together in support of arts and fashion education.

  • Graduate Fashion Foundation is a charitable organisation and an essential part of the fashion industry. It is the springboard for new talent and a bridge between education and employment.

Why study with us

Course details

Integrated Foundation Year (optional)

Integrated Foundation Year

Our Integrated Foundation Year is designed to equip students with the necessary skills, knowledge and confidence to thrive in their chosen degree subject. The course provides a comprehensive introduction to various disciplines, blending critical thinking and creative problem-solving with practical hands-on experience. This year serves as a bridge to undergraduate studies, allowing students to explore their interests within a supportive and inspiring environment, while familiarising themselves with the campus, workshops, and tutors.

Find out more about our Integrated Foundation Year.

Learning and teaching

This course is taught through a mixture of learning and teaching methods including:

Assessment

Assessment for this course is entirely coursework-based, meaning there are no exams. Your progress will be evaluated through the projects and assignments you complete for each unit. Throughout the year, you’ll receive ongoing feedback to help you refine your work and develop your skills. To support your learning and ensure you achieve the course outcomes, we use a variety of assessment methods, including:

  • Finished pieces of work
  • Presentations
  • Written work
  • Your research
  • A reflective journal

Find out more about Assessment at Norwich

Some of the people you’ll be working with

Our facilities

Look around our city-centre campus, and you will find studios, media labs, and creative spaces in 13 buildings that sit among the cafés, bars, independent galleries and shops of Norwich’s cultural quarter.

Here to help you succeed

The UK’s creative sector is thriving, contributing £111.7 billion annually to the economy and offering over 2 million jobs.

Employability and career development are integral to every unit of our courses, ensuring students are well-prepared for the industry. Our students go on to secure exciting roles, launch successful businesses, and make a lasting impact in many sectors worldwide.

From day one, you’ll also get specialist career advice from our Business and Employability Team to help support you as you plan your career.

Typical career paths

During the final year of the course, through practical and theoretical research, development, and outcomes, you’ll identify a personal strategy that sets you up for career success.

Our students gain industry recognition through success in competitions with British Fashion Council, Graduate Fashion Week, Anne Tyrrell Student Design Award, Golden Shears and the international Arts of Fashion awards.

Graduates have secured diverse fashion, design and manufacturing-related roles at H&M, Ted Baker, Victoria Beckham, Marks & Spencer, Outfit Arcadia Group, Blakely and Yarmouth Oilskins. Others have progressed to post graduate research, in areas such as bio-material research and creative health for art therapy. Some graduates secure education roles in school and post-16 providers while others establish their own businesses.

  • Freelance Designer
  • In-House Designer
  • Bespoke Tailor
  • Creative Pattern Cutter
  • Buyer
  • Design Consultant
  • Fashion Illustrator
  • Garment Technologist
  • Visual Merchandiser
  • Fashion Stylist

Other graduates have progressed to postgraduate research, in areas such as bio-material research and creative health for art therapy. Some graduates secure education roles in school and post-16 providers while others establish their own businesses.

92% of our graduates are in employment or further education within six months of graduating”

Graduate Outcomes 2021

Entry requirements

Norwich University of the Arts welcomes applicants of all ages from all backgrounds.

If the qualification that you are studying is not shown, do not worry as we are able to accept other pre-entry qualifications as well as combinations of different qualifications.

Please do contact our Student Recruitment Team if you have any queries.

A/AS Levels (GCE)

GCE A/AS Levels 3 A-level qualifications at grades BCC (104 UCAS Tariff points) or above. Where candidates are not taking 3 A-levels, Norwich University of the Arts will consider combinations of A-level/AS-level and other Level 3 qualifications.

BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF or RQF)

Distinction, Merit, Merit in an art, design or media related subject

BTEC Diploma (QCF or RQF)

Distinction*, Distinction* in an art, design or media related subject

T Levels

A T Level in any subject with overall grade A* to C (Pass)

UAL Extended Diploma

Merit

UAL Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

Pass

UAL Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

Pass

Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

Pass

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Art and Design)

Pass

International Baccalaureate Diploma

A minimum of 26 points

Portfolio Advice and Guidance

Portfolios should show examples of your work — both finished and work in progress — that demonstrate your interests and skills. Your portfolio should be made up of work that reflects your creativity, personal interests and influences, as well as demonstrating your technical skills and ability. It doesn’t have to be perfect as we can assess your potential from your work in progress.

Your portfolio should be relevant to this course, but you can include a wide range of work that shows your creativity, technical competence and understanding of storytelling.

Get more advice on presentation formats, layouts and when to submit your portfolio in the application process.

Two individuals are working at a cluttered table covered with fabric, clothing, and accessories. One person wears a tie-dye hoodie and headphones, examining a piece of clothing, while the other in a white t-shirt looks at a document. A window is visible in the background, hinting at the need for some clearing.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year

  • BA course (three year): £9,535 per year
  • Integrated Foundation Year (optional): £9,535 per year
  • Level 5 Diploma Year (optional): £9,535 year

The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you’re classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status.

Fees for subsequent years

Tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation, subject to government regulations. The inflation rate used is expected to be the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage payments (RPIX). We would confirm this in advance to you of each academic year. 

Find our more about fees and funding

Funding your study

Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.

Additional Costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert employability team, access to workshops and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.

How to apply

All applications for undergraduate courses will need to be made via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

You’ll need our university UCAS code (N39) as well as your course code which you’ll find on your course page.

When you register with UCAS you will need include your previous and current qualifications information, personal statement, and reference.

Once we receive your application form through UCAS, we will email confirmation that we have received it and will give you access and instructions for logging into the applicant portal. Our decision will be communicated via UCAS.

Applying for an undergraduate degree

Student work

Undergraduate open days

Get a taste of life at Norwich, learn more about our courses, our campus and meet the creators and makers you’ll be learning from.

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