collageThere are many fashion schools in UK offering international students full-time, part-time and sandwich courses. Fashion design is an industry that’s flourishing, with the global industry worth ÂŁ144 billion. Big fashion labels are looking to recruit candidates that have a passion for style. These big brands are always looking for interns, staff members and their management teams. Below are some of the top fashion schools in UK to help you get started on your journey!
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Are you interested in studying fashion 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.
Learn more about some of the best fashion schools in the UK below and, if you want to begin your application to study fashion at a UK university, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London or Manchester today.
What is the Best Fashion School in London?
The UK is home to some of the top fashion schools in the world. So what is the best fashion university in the UK? Central Saint Martins, De Montfort University, Kingston University, The London College of Fashion, and the University of Salford all have an excellent global reputation and fantastic resources for fashion students.
Several other universities across the UK have highly regarded fashion programmes. But which one of these fashion universities is the right choice for you? And which other universities should you consider if you want to study fashion?
FASHION is a multi-billion dollar international industry, so it’s not surprising that students travel across the world for the opportunity to study it. However, while most will think of Paris, Milan and New York when they think of the fashion capitals of the world, there are also many innovative, prestigious and dynamic fashion schools in the UK – and not all of them in London. Whether you are looking for quality teaching, affordability, career links, work placements, a great location or all of the above, there are plenty of reasons why a top UK fashion school could be the ideal fit for an international student.
What Do You Learn In Fashion School
The best fashion university for somebody else might not necessarily be a good choice. Some things to consider when you’re narrowing down your shortlist include:
Available fashion courses – Do you want to embark on a general fashion design course or do you want to specialise in an area such as costume design or knitwear? Do you want to focus on the business of fashion rather than creative skills? Make sure that the course you choose is a good fit for you as well as the university itself.
Industry links – When you’re embarking on a career in the fashion industry, getting your foot in the door with industry connections can be a huge advantage. In particular, look for universities that offer an industry placement with fashion brands or companies that you would like to work with in the future.
Resources – Different universities offer vastly different resources to their fashion design students. Make sure to check out the campus, the school’s fashion archives, available technology, and other resources.
fashion design courses in uk for international students
The Business of Fashion ranks the top undergraduate fashion programmes around the world based on their global influence, student learning experience, and long-term value.
This year, the top fashion universities in the UK according to BoF include:
1. Central Saint Martins
The BA Fashion Design programme at Central Saint Martins is one of the most exclusive fashion courses in the world, with an acceptance rate of just 6%.
The school has also turned out some of the UK’s most famous fashion designers including Alexander McQueen, Christopher Kane, and Stella McCartney. Over half of the designers showing at London Fashion Week are Central Saint Martins graduates.
Saint Martins is known for nurturing creativity and free thinkers, and at the same time has unparalleled industry links. But the intensity of the school isn’t the right environment for everyone.
Fashion courses on offer: fashion design with knitwear, fashion design with marketing, menswear, womenswear, fashion print, fashion history, fashion journalism, fashion communication and promotion.
arts.ac.uk/colleges/central-saint-martins
2. De Montfort University
De Montfort University in Leicester offers a highly regarded portfolio of fashion courses, all with a focus on manufacturing.
Resources are excellent, with all fashion and design courses housed in a new building with flexible workspaces and studios.
De Montfort fashion students have the opportunity to undertake a placement at luxury fashion house Givenchy and other big brands and independent designers.
Fashion courses on offer: contour fashion, fashion buying, fashion marketing, fashion merchandising, fashion management, fashion communication and styling, textile design, footwear design.
dmu.ac.uk
3. Kingston University
South West London’s Kingston University gets high marks for its great all-round learning experience and quality of tuition.
Undergraduates undertake internships in some of the top fashion houses all over the world including New York, Paris, Berlin, and Milan. Previous students have interned for Ralph Lauren and gained scholarships from Tommy Hilfiger and Zara.
Fashion courses on offer: fashion, creative practice
kingston.ac.u
4. London College of Fashion
The London College of Fashion is part of the University of Arts London and is a key player is the London creative scene.
The college has significant research facilities and prioritises innovation and industry partnerships through its fashion programmes.
LCF also has global links and students can undertake a range of study abroad programmes and internships.
5. University of Salford
The University of Salford, just outside of Manchester, is known for its strong links with industry and practical course programmes across the board.
University of Arts London (UAL)
You’d be hard pressed to find a better fashion school in the UK than the University of the Arts London – it is the largest specialist art university in Europe, containing six prestigious colleges including Central St Martins and the London College of Fashion. UAL is a school renowned for producing creative genius, with famous graduates including Jimmy Choo and Jon Galliano. Not only that, but UAL offers a mind boggling number of fashion-related courses, with degrees on fashion communication, fashion journalism, fashion photography, textiles, retail management and even hair and makeup.
Located in the third best student city in the world, London is also the ideal location for international students, with a thoroughly multi-cultural atmosphere and a large overseas student community: UAL’s student body represents 110 countries.
Manchester Metropolitan University
Located in a city historically intertwined with the clothing trade, Manchester Metropolitan University’s (MMU) multi-million pound Department of Apparel is renowned for employability and industry links. The university’s courses encompass all aspects of fashion production and offer students the opportunity to work on uniquelive projects, study trips, and placements so that international students can experience the world of fashion design for themselves. This gives students at MMU an opportunity to make links for potential employers around the UK and around the world.
Students also have access to state-of-the-art resources, including a 3D body scanner, sew-free bonding equipment and digital pattern cutting software, in addition to receiving plenty of studio time and tuition from staff who have actually worked in the fashion industry.
Previous students from the Department of Apparel have become fashion designers, merchandisers, buyers, technologists and product developers. And, of course, students at MMU come from all over the world, including China, Malaysia, United States and India.
WInchester School of Art
The Winchester School of Art is part of the University of Southampton, and is one of the UK’sleading art and design schools. Employability is one of Winchester’s hallmarks, with previous students gaining internships at famous companies like Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen, and 95% of the school’s students are employed or engaged in further study within 6 months of graduating. Students at Winchester can also study more than just fashion design; the school offers courses in Fashion Management and Branding as well, allowing students to explore both the creative and the business aspects of the industry using the school’s modern facilities.
Leeds College of Art
As one of the few independent at colleges in the country, Leeds College of Art offers a tailor-made creative community in which artists and designers can thrive. The college’s dynamic degree programmes encourage students to explore their individuality as a fashion designer, and their focus on industry collaborations and live projects gives their students unique opportunities. Louis Vuitton, Urban Outfitters, Harvey Nichols and Dior have all worked upon collaborations and workshops with the college, and there are frequent competitions and work experience placements to be had. You can read more about the college’s work with Louis Vuitton here.
Leeds College of Art is also award-winning; it is the highest ranked independent art college in the Guardian University League Tables 2014 for specialist institutions, and in 2014 also won the What Uni Student Choice Award for the UK University with the Best Facilities. It’s easy to see why – while studying, students have access to digital and screen printing equipment, laser cutting, as well as ceramics and other specialist resources that give their projects that much-needed competitive edge.
While the college’s study body is smaller than at a large university, it is also home to students from 46 EU countries and 25 non-EU countries, making it an excellent choice for international students.
De Montfort University
Situated in the city of Leicester, De Montfort University is one of the most popular universities in the UK for Art and Design, and has been offering courses in this field since 1870. The Which? University Guide has named DMU as one of the most creative universities in the UK for two years running.
Students from DMU have won many high-profile competitions and awards, including Young British Designer of the Year in 2010, the Triumph Inspiration Award in 2012, New Designer of the Year and the MODA Footwear Award in 2013. DMU’s excellence in Contour Fashion and Footwear Design is also recognised internationally; graduates and students have designed shoes for The Duchess of Cambridge and clothes for Lady Gaga, Kate Moss and Beyoncé. See what DMU students have to say about their experiences here.
As for international students, there are around 1,500 international students studying at DMU, each one with access to the university’s tailored International Student Support Service. The service looks after international students from their first day to graduation, running an airport pick-up scheme, monthly trips around the UK, and an International Welcome Week to help student settle in with free social activities and information sessions. Even more impressive is DMU’s 155 quality international partnerships that provide work placement opportunities around the world to its students.
top fashion universities uk 2021
| Rank | University | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Loughborough University | Loughborough, England |
| 2 | University of Central Lancashire | Preston, England |
| 3 | Kingston University | Kingston-upon-Thames, England |
| 4 | London Metropolitan University | London, England |
Cheapest Fashion Schools in UK
The fashion world is a rapidly growing and ever-evolving global industry. It offers an exciting and promising career for those who have a flair for creativity and originality and are passionate about breaking stereotypes, redefining beauty, and being a catalyst for positive change.
While a career in fashion seems to be a glamorous one, it may come as a surprise for many to find out that studying fashion does not need to be expensive. In fact, there is a good deal of universities and fashion schools around the world that offer high-quality fashion education and training without paying for tuition.
1. Aalto University
- Free Tuition Fee Link
- Free to: EU/EEA citizens, Ph.D. students, and students who take the course in Finnish or Swedish
In the field of art and design, Aalto University is ranked among the top universities in Finland and the world. The Department of Design of the Aalto School of Arts, Design, and Architecture offers several bachelor’s and master’s programs in design including fashion, textile, and clothing design. It also works with other departments in offering a doctoral program for fashion design for international students.
Aalto University is also a free fashion school offering no tuition fees. Fashion design programs at Aalto University encourage students to take explorative, experimental, and creative approaches in the process of finding their own artistic style and identity that would distinguish them from other designers and artists. Sustainability and social impact are also emphasized in the school to empower students to become creative professionals who can contribute to making the world a better place.
Aalto University offers free tuition for international students from countries that are members of the European Union, European Economic Area, and Switzerland. Ph.D. students are also not required to pay for tuition fees, as well as those who opt to study in Finnish or Swedish, given that they meet the language requirements set by the university.
2. Weissensee Art Academy Berlin
- Free Tuition Fee Link
- Free to: all students
https://6a53d91a086d7b677121a1c2cef3176b.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.htmlEstablished in 1946 in Berlin, Germany, the Weissensee Art Academy Berlin offers interdisciplinary programs in different areas of art and design which include bachelor’s and master’s programs in fashion design. For the first year, all students take interdisciplinary, basic, and foundational courses before taking specialized courses in their chosen fields.
Students of the academy get to work in 19 workshops and studios that are fully equipped with industry-quality tools and technologies needed in designing different forms of textiles, costumes, and clothing. They also participate in several seminars, international competitions, and other practical activities that would prepare them and help develop skills that are essential in different areas of the fashion industry. The academy also has several collaborations with different organizations in conducting numerous projects and innovative research on a wide range of areas surrounding the fashion design industry.
https://6a53d91a086d7b677121a1c2cef3176b.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.htmlThe Weissensee Art Academy Berlin offers free education to all students. Students are only charged a semester fee which covers their registration, student union membership, social contribution, and ticket for public transport.Search Programs for International Students
3. Oslo National Academy of the Arts
- Free Tuition Fee Link
- Free to: all students
The Oslo National Academy of the Arts is among the free fashion schools that have no tuition fees. It was established in 1996 through the unification of five independent colleges for the visual and performing arts which now make up the academy’s faculties. Among the study programs offered by the Department of Design are bachelor’s and master’s programs in clothing and costume design.
Classes in clothing and costume design at the Oslo National Academy of the Arts are characterized by smaller groups to foster independent learning and critical thinking among students. Programs are designed to train creative professionals who not only possess broad knowledge and strong industry skills but are also willing to use their acquired learnings to contribute to society.
The Oslo National Academy of the Arts offers tuition-free education for all students. Students will be charged a semester fee which would go to the Student Welfare Organization of Oslo and Akershus. Due to the high cost of living in Norway, international students from certain non-EU member states are also required to secure a deposit to show their financial capability to live and study in the country.
4. University of Ljubljana
- Free Tuition Fee Link
- Free to: EU citizens
The University of Ljubljana in Slovenia is one of the most well-known universities in the country and consistently appears in multiple global university rankings each year. The university’s Academy of Fine Art and Design offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fashion design.
Fashion design programs at the University of Ljubljana aim to guide students throughout the creative process, from conceptualizing ideas to equipping them with strong technical knowledge and skills on the techniques and tools to translate these ideas into works of art. Students work in small groups and are encouraged to be experimental in their study of fashion.
The University of Ljubljana offers tuition-free education to international students from EU countries as well as Iceland, Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and countries that have bilateral agreements with the Republic of Slovenia.
5. Stockholm University
- Free Tuition Fee Link
- Free to: EU/EEA citizens
Stockholm University is one of the top-rated universities in Europe and the world. It has a global reputation for providing world-class education and outstanding research in different areas of the natural sciences, law, humanities, and social sciences.Find Open Programs for International Students
The university also offers a master’s program in fashion studies that provides a deep understanding of the evolution of fashion. Students learn all about the theories, methods, and history of fashion as a culture and as a discipline. They are also directly involved in conducting intensive fashion research to prepare them for further studies or careers in fashion design, marketing, analysis, and other relevant fields.
Stockholm University is a free fashion school with no tuition fees for students from EU member states and Switzerland.
Best Fashion Schools in England
FASHION is a multi-billion dollar international industry, so it’s not surprising that students travel across the world for the opportunity to study it. However, while most will think of Paris, Milan and New York when they think of the fashion capitals of the world, there are also many innovative, prestigious and dynamic fashion schools in the UK – and not all of them in London. Whether you are looking for quality teaching, affordability, career links, work placements, a great location or all of the above, there are plenty of reasons why a top UK fashion school could be the ideal fit for an international student.
University of Arts London (UAL)
You’d be hard pressed to find a better fashion school in the UK than the University of the Arts London – it is the largest specialist art university in Europe, containing six prestigious colleges including Central St Martins and the London College of Fashion. UAL is a school renowned for producing creative genius, with famous graduates including Jimmy Choo and Jon Galliano. Not only that, but UAL offers a mind boggling number of fashion-related courses, with degrees on fashion communication, fashion journalism, fashion photography, textiles, retail management and even hair and makeup.
Located in the third best student city in the world, London is also the ideal location for international students, with a thoroughly multi-cultural atmosphere and a large overseas student community: UAL’s student body represents 110 countries.
Manchester Metropolitan University
Located in a city historically intertwined with the clothing trade, Manchester Metropolitan University’s (MMU) multi-million pound Department of Apparel is renowned for employability and industry links. The university’s courses encompass all aspects of fashion production and offer students the opportunity to work on uniquelive projects, study trips, and placements so that international students can experience the world of fashion design for themselves. This gives students at MMU an opportunity to make links for potential employers around the UK and around the world.
Students also have access to state-of-the-art resources, including a 3D body scanner, sew-free bonding equipment and digital pattern cutting software, in addition to receiving plenty of studio time and tuition from staff who have actually worked in the fashion industry.
Previous students from the Department of Apparel have become fashion designers, merchandisers, buyers, technologists and product developers. And, of course, students at MMU come from all over the world, including China, Malaysia, United States and India.
WInchester School of Art
The Winchester School of Art is part of the University of Southampton, and is one of the UK’sleading art and design schools. Employability is one of Winchester’s hallmarks, with previous students gaining internships at famous companies like Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen, and 95% of the school’s students are employed or engaged in further study within 6 months of graduating. Students at Winchester can also study more than just fashion design; the school offers courses in Fashion Management and Branding as well, allowing students to explore both the creative and the business aspects of the industry using the school’s modern facilities.
With over 500 international students studying here, it also has a multi-cultural feel, with more overseas postgraduate students than Brits and an International Student Society to support students and organise events. Furthermore, Winchester is only one hour away from London by train – so students can visit the UK’s fashion design capital for inspiration.
Read more about opportunities for international students at the Winchester School of Art.
Leeds College of Art
As one of the few independent at colleges in the country, Leeds College of Art offers a tailor-made creative community in which artists and designers can thrive. The college’s dynamic degree programmes encourage students to explore their individuality as a fashion designer, and their focus on industry collaborations and live projects gives their students unique opportunities. Louis Vuitton, Urban Outfitters, Harvey Nichols and Dior have all worked upon collaborations and workshops with the college, and there are frequent competitions and work experience placements to be had. You can read more about the college’s work with Louis Vuitton here.
Leeds College of Art is also award-winning; it is the highest ranked independent art college in the Guardian University League Tables 2014 for specialist institutions, and in 2014 also won the What Uni Student Choice Award for the UK University with the Best Facilities. It’s easy to see why – while studying, students have access to digital and screen printing equipment, laser cutting, as well as ceramics and other specialist resources that give their projects that much-needed competitive edge.
While the college’s study body is smaller than at a large university, it is also home to students from 46 EU countries and 25 non-EU countries, making it an excellent choice for international students.
De Montfort University
Situated in the city of Leicester, De Montfort University is one of the most popular universities in the UK for Art and Design, and has been offering courses in this field since 1870. The Which? University Guide has named DMU as one of the most creative universities in the UK for two years running.
Students from DMU have won many high-profile competitions and awards, including Young British Designer of the Year in 2010, the Triumph Inspiration Award in 2012, New Designer of the Year and the MODA Footwear Award in 2013. DMU’s excellence in Contour Fashion and Footwear Design is also recognised internationally; graduates and students have designed shoes for The Duchess of Cambridge and clothes for Lady Gaga, Kate Moss and Beyoncé. See what DMU students have to say about their experiences here.
As for international students, there are around 1,500 international students studying at DMU, each one with access to the university’s tailored International Student Support Service. The service looks after international students from their first day to graduation, running an airport pick-up scheme, monthly trips around the UK, and an International Welcome Week to help student settle in with free social activities and information sessions. Even more impressive is DMU’s 155 quality international partnerships that provide work placement opportunities around the world to its students.
collage