Fashion Design BA(Hons)
Work in a supportive environment where together, we’ll nurture your growth towards becoming a future facing designer.
Key details
| Location | Penryn Campus |
| Course Duration | 3 years |
| Attendance | Full-time |
| UCAS code | W232 |
| Contact | 01326 254350 |
Introduction
You’ll hone your creative edge, design unique and imaginative collections, and develop your knowledge of what fashion could be through your curiosity and ability to innovate.
You will:
- Work on live projects with leading brands like Fred Perry, Seasalt and New York based Ryan Roche.
- Be at the forefront of the industry with access to resources from traditional sewing machines to ultrasonic welding machines.
- Learn to use the latest 3D design technology, including CLO 3D.
- Take part in an intensive two-week multidisciplinary project, where you’ll learn essential work skills, as well as developing your practice.
- Have your third year portfolio showcased as part of the static show at Graduate Fashion Week in London.
What our students do
Fashion Duo Featured in Vogue
Fashion students Fadzai Kadzatsa and Angela Farrell have been featured in Vogue Italia's online gallery PhotoVogue.
What our graduates do
Our graduates have gone on to work with names like Calvin Klein, Margaret Howell, Victoria Beckham, Acne Studios, Burberry, Iris van Herpen, palmer//harding, Jigsaw, Whistles, H&M and Adidas.
In 2018 the course was presented with the British Fashion Council’s Outstanding Portfolio Award for our graduate portfolio presentations.
Course details
What you'll learn
Reflecting professional life from day one, you’ll practically and thoroughly learn technical and creative design skills - helping you stand out in the industry as you create original and inspiring collections. You’ll gain a working knowledge of core fashion design skills like research, analysis, translation, drawing, pattern cutting and construction, as well as innovation skills like risk-taking and experimenting with new technologies like clo3D and ultrasonic construction techniques.
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You’ll develop your practice in our professionally-equipped fashion studios. Supported by the academic and technical course team, you’ll learn essential skills like creating concepts and 2D and 3D design. You’ll also learn technical skills like pattern cutting and garment construction. And by studying the theories surrounding fashion and writing, you’ll explore cultural, historical and ethical issues.
Modules
Research
Cut and Construct
Discovery
Themes in Culture
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With more focus on professional practice, you’ll start shaping your identity as a fashion designer, and develop a confident personal perspective. Live and simulated industry briefs will apply your skills to areas like brand and market awareness, sustainability, and presenting your ideas. You’ll be introduced to digital and screen printing, machine knitting, advanced cutting techniques, tailoring and advanced CAD/digital design solutions. You can also choose to take on a self-directed industrial placement during the summer break. Students have undertaken work experience with brands like Maison Margiela, Dior, Christopher Kane, Mary Katrantzou, JW Anderson and palmer//harding.
Modules
Fashion Thinking
Fashion Industry Practice
Innovation
Theories of Culture
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You’ll develop a graduate collection by intensively researching, developing and exploring 2D and 3D concepts. Alongside this you’ll produce your dissertation, portfolio and look book to help launch your career. There’ll also be opportunities to promote yourself and take part in the Graduate Fashion Week exhibition in London.
Modules
Collection Research
Pre-Collection
Dissertation
Collection
Professional Strategies
The modules above are those being studied by our students, or proposed new ones. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes. If a certain module is important to you, please discuss it with the Course Leader.
How you'll learn
Working with our team of highly experienced academic and technical teams, you’ll collaborate with colleagues from different courses, take on live projects with brands like Ryan Roche in New York, and develop your own practice to an industry standard. Regular learning comes through tutorials - both one-to-one and in groups, lectures, seminars, workshops and technical demonstrations. You’ll also have the chance to study abroad for a term through our Erasmus+ and Study Abroad partnerships.
How you'll spend your time
Year | Timetabled teaching and learning activity | Guided independent study | Placements |
1 | 22% | 78% | 0% |
2 | 19% | 81% | 0% |
3 | 15% | 85% | 0% |
How you'll be assessed
Year | Written exams | Practical exams | Coursework |
1 | 0% | 0% | 100% |
2 | 0% | 0% | 100% |
3 | 0% | 0% | 100% |
Assessment methods
- Continuous assessment of visual, verbal and written assignments.
- Final-year dissertation and two final-year exhibitions.
Staff
On top of working for iconic designers like Alexander McQueen, our tutors and support staff provide detailed knowledge in areas like styling subculture, business entrepreneurship, ethics, sustainability, and running their own labels.
Some members of staff only teach on specific modules, and your course might not feature every member shown here.
John Boddy
John studied fashion design, specialising in womenswear, at Central Saint Martins College of...
Claire Barker-Phillips
Claire studied Textiles at Buckinghamshire before undertaking a Masters degree at the Royal...
Sarah Braddock-Clarke
Sarah E.Braddock Clarke studied Textile Design at Winchester School of Art, University of...
Camilla Dixon
After graduating from Central St Martins with a first class hons degree in Fashion Design in...
Geertje Dreijerink
In 2005 I graduated from ArtEZ Institute of the Arts’ BA Fashion Design in Arnhem, the...
Chihoko Jones
I went to Bunka Technical College in Tokyo for my degree in Fashion Studies. I joined fashion...
Jo Julian
I grew up near Helston in Cornwall and after leaving school spent 30 years working in the...
Freya Moses
I work as a senior technician within the Fashion & Textiles Institute. I specialise in...
Julie Ripley
Julie Ripley studied history of modern art, design and film at Northumbria University, where she...
Dr Kate Strasdin
I joined Falmouth University in 2009 as an associate lecturer teaching histories and theories to...
Jill Weeks
Jill Weeks is the senior technician for garment construction on the Performance Sportswear...
Facilities
- Cutting tables.
- Fitting stands.
- Industrial flatbed machines.
- Digital design solutions like clo3D, Gerber and Adobe.
- Digital and traditional printing equipment.
- Laser cutting equipment.
- Silicon taping equipment.
- Ultrasonic construction machines.
- Industrial overlockers.
- Blind-stitching machines.
- Knitting machines.
- Publication/portfolio production facilities.
- Online access to WGSN and LS:N Global.
How to apply
Entry requirements
104 - 120 UCAS points, primarily from Level 3 qualifications like A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma or a Foundation Diploma.
Check how many points your qualifications are worth
We’ll also consider you based on your individual merit and potential. So get in touch if:
- You’re predicted points below our requirements
- You’re thinking about transferring from another institution
- You have other qualifications or professional experience
Language requirements
GCSE English Language Grade 4 (C), or equivalent.
We also accept qualifications equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.0 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.
If you need a Tier 4 student visa to study in the UK, you’ll need to take an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT).
Apply via UCAS
Enter these codes at UCAS Apply and Track
- University code F33
- Course code W232
Deadlines
UK/EU applications: 15 January
Late applications will be considered if there are places available.
International fee payers can apply after the deadline. But we recommend applying as early as possible, to make time for visa and travel arrangements.
Next steps
You’ll need to submit an online portfolio to be considered, and if you receive an offer you’ll be invited to a post-offer visit day. Once you’ve applied, you’ll receive a Falmouth Applicant Portal login, where you’ll find more details about these requirements.
What we're looking for
We want someone who:
- Is interested in contemporary fashion.
- Has problem solving and development skills.
- Shows an understanding of design context.
- Is interested in developing 3D communication skills.
- Has analytical and communication skills.
- Can draw or illustrate and document development.
- Shows original and critical thinking, and visual research skills.
Fees, costs & funding
Tuition fees 2019-20
£9,250 - full-time UK/EU
£15,000 - full-time international
Typical course costs
£200-£400 - Recurring annual costs
£100-£400 - One-off costs for the course duration (compulsory trips, final portfolios or shows, etc)
£1,350 - Optional study visits and placements for the course duration
If you need to bring equipment or materials with you, these will be outlined in your Welcome Letter.
The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs
Funding
For information about funding available, please visit our undergraduate funding page