Two people wearing student fashion designs by Tassia Murray

Fashion Design BA (Hons)

Develop your creative ideas and shape fashion's present and future on our Fashion Design degree course. Deliver authentic, imaginative work that pushes the boundaries of what fashion design means now and in the future.

University of Portsmouth Connected Degree - 3 year course with 4th year placement

 

Key information

UCAS code:

W231

Typical offer:

112-120 UCAS points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent

See full entry requirements
Study mode and duration
Start date

Showing content for section Overview

Overview

Bring your creative ideas to life using industry-level facilities on our multi-award-winning BA (Hons) Fashion Design degree course.

You’ll grow into a confident, knowledgeable fashion professional via our teaching approach—combining fashion and textile design and encouraging innovation, self-awareness, and critical thinking. Your unique strengths are recognised and valued in all you do on this course. You'll develop communication, leadership, and collaboration skills through creative exchange and enterprise projects, and build a deep knowledge of traditional and digital making skills using industry-leading CLO3D. Vital sustainable and ethical design principles and innovative research methods underpin your learning and creativity.

At Portsmouth, you’ll be able to deliver authentic, imaginative work that pushes the boundaries of what fashion and textile design means now and in the future.

Course highlights

  • Master traditional and modern fashion design methods, including drawing techniques, pattern-cutting using CLO3D, animation, fashion illustration, silkscreen, embroidery, and constructed textiles—as well as growing your own biomaterials
  • Further your creativity, research, practice, and environmental specialism by taking part in our sustainable fashion research project PO1
  • Bolster your entrepreneurship by setting up your own label or fashion and textile company as part of your studies
  • Gain valuable industry experience by taking an optional placement, either with a company or as self-employed
  • Enhance your collaboration and team-working skills by working with other students on other courses in the Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries
  • Get insight into the fashion industry by attending guest lectures by visiting international professionals—previous visitors include Julian Roberts, Niccolo Casas and Shingo Sato
  • Impress potential employers by exhibiting your work at the University’s annual graduate shows and Graduate Fashion Week showcases in London

Top 30

for student satisfaction

(Times Higher Education, 2024)

What you can do on this BA (Hons) Fashion and Textile Design degree course

The ultimate aim of this course is to develop really well-rounded, ambitious, highly skilled and highly creative fashion and textile designers, ready to make an impact on the industry.

I've learnt to pattern cut, I've learnt to drape, I've learnt to print, I've learn how to use the 3D printer, and the fabric printing.

I never would have had the opportunity to do that without being here.

Everything seems more attainable now with all the skills that I have and especially with the placement year.

I've got a lot more confidence in making clothes and obviously without this course it seems impossible to be able to make your own collection.

The best thing about studying Fashion and Textiles at the University of Portsmouth is the sense of creative community that we have here, the way that the staff and students work together.

Contact information

Admissions

+44 (0) 23 9284 5566

Contact Admissions

Clearing is open

This course is available through Clearing.

How to apply for accommodation

We have a variety of accommodation options, including studios, en-suites, catered, self-catered and private rental options. See how our housing team can help you find a place to call home.

Find out more

Clearing FAQs

To work out your UCAS points, use our UCAS Calculator to work out how many UCAS points you have.

The tariff calculator will allow you to see what grades you need to get into your preferred course at Portsmouth.

You can apply through Clearing if:

  • You don't meet the conditions of your offer for your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses
  • Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university 
  • You don't hold any offers
  • You've accepted an offer but changed your mind about the course you want to do
  • You're applying for the first time after 30 June 2024 

Find out more on UCAS

After we make you an offer we'll send you a confirmation email. This email will let you know what you need to do next and it will tell you what you need to provide us. In some instances we may ask you to send us copies of certificates or you may need to send us a portfolio. 

If you've previously applied through UCAS you'll need to use your UCAS Hub to accept our offer by adding us as your Clearing choice. 

If you're having issues, please contact us on +44 (0)23 9284 8090 or admissions@port.ac.uk

Once you've accepted your Clearing course offer, we'll be in touch with details of available accommodation in the area. This will include our latest hall availability and support to find local rented accommodation via portsmouthstudentpad.co.uk

See our accommodation page for more information. 

No, it's not too late and you should make your application for student finance as soon as possible. You don't have to wait for your results. You can make your application now and just amend it when you know where you're going to be.

If you've already applied for your student loan, you'll need to log into your account and update details about your new course/university. If you haven't applied for your student loan yet, don't panic. Apply today – it only takes 30 minutes.

Find out more in our Student finance for Clearing guide

If you're an EU or international student and you need a visa to study here, you need to start the process quickly as visas can take some time to come through. Get in touch with our visa support team if you have a question or problem.

See more on visa advice.

If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office or call our International Clearing Hotline on +44(0)23 9284 8785.

Entry requirements

BA (Hons) Fashion Design

Typical offers

  • A levels - BBB-BBC
  • UCAS points - 112-120 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
  • T-levels - Merit
  • BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
  • International Baccalaureate - 25

You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs - see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.

Selection process

All applicants will be asked to provide a digital portfolio of work.

For more information on how to put together a portfolio, read our BA (Hons) Fashion Design portfolio guide.

English language requirements

  • English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.

See alternative English language qualifications

We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.

If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

We look at more than just your grades

While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.

Explore more about how we make your offer

Your facilities

CCI Facilities; June 2019

Print Workshops

Use our screen printing and screen coating rooms for your graphic materials, artwork, and fabric printing, with a host of traditional and digital equipment.

CCI Facilities; June 2019

Sewing Workshop

Learn to use industrial flatbed sewing machines and other specialist equipment in our sewing workshop.

Screen printing in the fabric workshop

Fabric Workshop

Create, design, and work with textiles and fashion in our Fabric Workshop.

BA (Hons) Fashion and Textile Design Graduate Showreel 2023

We proudly present the BA (Hons) Fashion and Textile Design graduates of 2023.

Our graduate showreel was presented at Graduate Fashion Week. The film—utilising Unreal Engine—was developed with the Centre for Creative and Immersive eXtended Reality (CCIXR) and fuses 360 video, photogrammetry, and smart stage technology to produce an imaginary world to lose yourself in.

Various clips of models, in outfits tailored by Fashion and Textile Design students, posing in front of different virtual screens. Chilled electronic music plays in background.

[UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH 

BA (HONS) FASHION & TEXTILE DESIGN

UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH DESIGNERS

Ijeoma Janet Anyim
Amy Barnes 
Erin Black 
Shayla Sakora 
Sarah Davis 
Felicia Dobreva 
Sophie Lauren Edwards 
Hannah Fisk 
Isobel Jobbins 
Naomi Kirk 
Jess Knowles 
Jocelyn Lucky 
Natalia Morawska 
Tassia Murray 
Lucie Poole-Walsh 
Ellie Powell 
Emelia Rees 
Danielle Saavedra 
Bethany Trott 
Megan Wild 
Sophie Ann Wilson

MODELS

Profile Models @profilemodels 
Kia Larilahti 
Sophia Spark 
Jessie Roberts 
Rosie Okotcha 
Michelle Majoni @micha6ll 
Bradley Ball @bradbebrad 
Reece Donnison @reece.jay 
Cianna-Rai Littlefair-Parker @ciannarai 
Beth Strickland @bethjstrickland 
Menghan Chen @himissyoghurt  
Shayla Sakora @shayla.sakora

MAKE-UP ARTISTS

Ruby Harvey @ruby_harvey_designs 
Calum Kay @calum.k.mua 
Imogen Hackett @imogen.darcie 

SEBASTIAN PROFESSIONAL CULT TEAM

Emily Nelson – @emilynelson_hoc 
Darren Smith – @darren0496 
Jenni Stewart – @jenniestewart_wonderland  
Leah Udall – @hairbyleah 
Alexandra Wood – @alexandrahair_x 

FRANCESCO GROUP TEAM

Nina Khosravi 
Molly Constanza 
Cleo Johnson 
Lauren Clarke 
Naomi Francis 
Amy Sultan 
Mel Clements 

Dom Capel @domcapel 
Director 
Lara Johnson Lifestyle Ltd 
Seven Over Eight Productions Ltd 
Rich Windle @palefountain 
@wellahairuki 
@sebastian_cultteamuki 
@sebastianpro_official 

PRODUCTION

Rachel Homewood 
Victoria Jowett 
Noorin Khamisani 
Julian Roberts 
Susan Noble 
Alex Counsell 
Sam Birmingham 
Clifford Phillips 
Dr Penny Chalk 
Harry Salter 
Elis Talvet 
Adrianna Stuzyna 

IN COLLABORATION WITH

[University of Portsmouth Centre for Creative and Immersive XR – Logo]

[Professional Sebastian – Logo]

[Instagram icon – UoPFashionTextiles]

[Facebook icon – UoPFashionTextiles]

[YouTube icon – UoP BA (Hons) Fashion and Textile Design]

UCAS W231
port.ac.uk]

Careers and opportunities

Our collaborative and project-orientated course will give you the skills to become highly employable.

Graduate areas

Our graduates have worked across design, marketing, communications and commerce in areas such as:

  • fashion, textile or accessories design
  • trend prediction
  • buying
  • visual merchandising
  • teaching or lecturing
  • journalism or writing

Graduate destinations

Our graduates have worked with some of the biggest names in fashion and major retailers, including:

  • Ralph Lauren
  • Hugo Boss
  • Matthew Williamson
  • River Island
  • Fat Face
  • Marks and Spencer

Alumni profile: Lauren Chivers, Fashion Designer

Find out about Lauren's life and success after University

Lauren Chivers graduated in 2018 with a Fashion and Textile degree from the University of Portsmouth. She's now a self-employed fashion designer.

Find out what Lauren's role entails and how she’s applying the skills she learnt during her time at Portsmouth.

I'm Lauren Chivers and I'm a self-employed fashion designer.

I studied on the Fashion and Textile Course at the University of Portsmouth.

The career highlight so far for me is starting my own business as it's something that I never thought I'd have been able to do.

My passion for fashion and textiles first started in primary school when I joined a crosstitch club.

What piqued my interest in sewing was being hands on, creative and actually producing something.

I really liked being able to take something home to show my mum and my nan.

If I could sum up my time at the University of Portsmouth in one word, it would be exciting because there was endless opportunities.

I got to experience so many different things, meet so many different people and see so many different aspects of the industry.

The main opportunities I took whilst I was at university was the placement year.

During my placement year, I started off going to a designer called Holly Fulton in East London.

We'd go out sourcing fabrics, doing some pattern cutting.

Anything and everything that they needed help with, which then led to me going to Paul Smith.

My experience is that London and Paris Fashion Week were probably the highlight of my placement year because I'd seen the work and the progress of the collection, so it was really good seeing it as an end result and everyone's relief and celebrations afterwards for all the hard work that had gone into it.

I think my experience overall helped me realise what I wanted to do in the future.

Definitely more of an attainable career choice now.

Sustainability as a whole is becoming such a big thing everywhere, but especially in the fashion industry.

So part of me for starting my own business was using everything that I have.

If you have a bit of fabric making a dress from it, then using what's left over to turn into accessories and smaller items that match so that nothing's going to waste or very little is going to waste.

The future for me, I'm going to London College of Fashion to study on the MA fashion futures course, which is all about sustainability in the fashion industry.

It could either lead me into a role in the industry that helps make other brands more sustainable, or even in the future, teaching other people about sustainability in the fashion industry.

Ongoing careers support

Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience. You can also venture into freelancing, or set up and run your own business with help from the University Startup Team.

Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.

Entrepreneurs in Residence

If you're interested in setting up your own business while you study, you can get support on this course from the Entrepreneurs in Residence programme. Our Entrepreneurs in Residence are experienced business professionals who work with us to deliver group workshops and 1-to-1 drop-in clinics to help you plan and market your business idea.

Placement year (optional)

You can do an optional work placement to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry. Placements are also a great way to build upon your existing skills and knowledge for your final-year studies, and can make you attractive to employers after you graduate.

You can work with a company, or go self-employed and start up your own business with other fellow students or by yourself.

Whatever you decide, you'll get support from our Creative Careers team.

A woman with blue hair standing in front of artwork

Creative Careers

Our in-faculty Creative Careers team has extensive recruitment experience and knows the creative sector well, making it easier for students to find placements within the creative industries.

They can guide you through every step of the application process, including:

  • Searching for the ideal job through their database of vacancies
  • Giving tips on how to write an interesting CV that will catch employers' attention, no matter the role
  • Organising mock interviews, so you can hone your technique and familiarise yourself with the recruitment environment
  • Writing your startup business proposal – if you're going down the self-employment route

The team will continue to give you support throughout your placement year.

Learn more about the Creative Careers team

Placement destinations 

Previous students have completed work placements at designers such as:

  • Paul Smith
  • Mary Katrantzou
  • Peter Pilotto
Woman sitting cross legged smiling at camera

The favourite part of my course is being able to focus on what you are passionate about and show that in your work. Our course doesn't have a set style that you have to follow like some other universities do, so you can really express yourself as much as you want!

Sanna Karajalainen, BA (Hons) Fashion and Textile Design graduate

Modules

Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.

In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 20 credits and 1 module worth 40 credits.

What you'll study

Core modules

You'll get to work directly with various fabrics, getting to know their characteristics and technical aspects. We'll teach you how to sketch fashion figures and detail your designs. In our studio projects, you'll enhance your skills in pattern drafting, making garments, and designing textiles. You'll also delve into the history and modern methods of fashion through research. Learn how to set objectives, organise your tasks, and meet deadlines, honing your professional skills.

By the end of the module, you'll have a strong foundation in the technical, creative, and research aspects needed to shine in the fashion and textiles industry.

You'll explore drawing as a research method, you'll conceptualise, sample and refine techniques aligned to your vision. Understanding historical and cultural contexts, you'll follow professional design processes to create coordinated designs.

You'll learn to communicate ideas effectively while gaining essential abilities to craft innovative work.

You’ll explore professional software to learn digital printing, pattern illustration, and image manipulation techniques. We’ll help you improve your portfolio, guiding you to design a forward-thinking digital collection. Work with others to share your modern ideas about the global influences on fashion’s future.

After completing this module, you’ll be equipped to refresh old ways of designing with a mix of digital and traditional methods, addressing what today’s customers want. Be a part of setting the trend in digital fashion and textiles.

By analysing innovations and designer case studies, you’ll gain critical insights into the evolution and disruption happening in the world of fashion.

You’ll develop an online platform demonstrating your learning while strengthening your design abilities. With enriched context on roles, processes and creative opportunities, this module enables you to locate personal growth areas within this dynamic sector.

Core modules

You’ll analyse global supply chain alongside circular economy principles and you’ll be equipped to devise recommendations advancing sustainability - whether production transparency or material innovation. Through persuasive writing geared to shifting consumer behaviours, the module enables you to mobilise insight for positive impact - preparing for advocacy or editorial roles aligned with industry progress.

You will independently generate ideas aligning with market needs, learning key business aspects like branding and distribution. Collaborating on briefs, you can unite creative vision with commercial viability. By utilising relevant design techniques from rapid prototyping to digital rendering, experimental concepts become testable products. This module provides an invaluable springboard to start-up success.

In a student team, you’ll start and manage your own small business, developing your commercial know-how. Conduct market research to find out what your potential customers need, and then create products just for them.

You’ll not only design and produce these items but also learn to promote, market, and sell them. This process will show you how to turn creative ideas into successful business ventures.

Working together in this way mirrors the real business world, giving you valuable skills for your future career.

By the end of the module, you’ll learn to use your creativity in business while being an effective team member. You’ll get hands-on experience as you research, plan, and launch a fashion or textile brand of your own.

You’ll tackle actual industry projects, using a professional approach to meet client needs. This lets you steer your learning towards your own career aims.

You’ll develop skills that employers look for, like understanding trends, coming up with ideas, communicating well, and working as a team. Your evaluations will mirror what’s expected in the workplace, getting you ready to dive into work after you graduate.

With advice from industry experts, you’ll learn about the real world outside your classroom.

You’ll build a portfolio and networks, which will help you start your fashion career with confidence.

Leading your own collection and supporting peers, you will demonstrate resourcefulness from ideation to distribution. Utilising professional design processes, your creative concepts become testable prototypes aligned with commercial objectives. The experience promises to enrich technical abilities while sharpening creative direction - equipping you to navigate the opportunities and realities of industry practice.

Optional modules

You’ll experience a new culture by exploring art, design, or performance at an international partner university. This adventure adds a global angle to your learning and helps you develop skills for jobs all over the world.

You’ll work by yourself, think deeply about what you’re learning, and see how it connects to your degree. When you return, you’ll have broadened your creative outlook and job opportunities.

Choosing this module lets you explore diverse approaches and build international connections.

Join a team of creative students and do a project together. Try new things and see how they can help you.

You’ll also grasp how to use your skills with others. Sometimes you’ll be a leader, sometimes a helper. Talk about your ideas and learn from them. You’ll make something to show what you learned and share it with others.

This module helps you gain new skills and understand other fields. You’ll be a smart and creative person, ready to solve real-world problems.

Pick a topic related to materials or processes that catches your interest. Then, use different research methods and sources to thoughtfully choose the right materials.

By experimenting, you’ll find new and inventive ways to change and use these materials.

You’ll become better at finding inspiration, making prototypes in stages, and creating new fashion and textile designs.

This module encourages you to take creative risks, break new ground, and turn everyday things into something amazing.

You’ll choose learning tasks that add up to 60 hours, like internships, volunteering, research, or remote study that match your career plans. Workshops will help you make meaningful goals and think about what you’ve accomplished. Through this, you’ll grow the knowledge, skills, and qualities you need to thrive in the workplace.

By looking at your growth through active participation and reading, you’ll become a perceptive, eager job-seeker who stands out.

As a team, you will embark on a journey of entrepreneurship, starting with ideation and ending with the launch of your product or service. You will analyse complex factors influencing a successful launch, conduct thorough research to assess feasibility and gain valuable insights into marketing, manufacturing, and sales strategies.

Working together on pitch presentations, you will discover your strengths as an entrepreneur or team member. This module provides transferable skills essential to thrive in creative industries, whether you plan to launch your own company or seek employment with top organisations. You will develop the mindset and abilities to spot opportunities and act on them, which will benefit your career.

Core modules

You will put in a lot of hard work, including toiling (making trial versions), sampling, and experimenting with new techniques to improve and refine your designs. Through self-directed learning and collaboration with others, you will learn advanced techniques to develop your initial ideas into a finished toile (a preliminary version of a garment).

You will then evaluate your designs carefully and make changes as needed to ensure that they are of a professional standard and reflect your unique artistic style.

This module is designed to help you develop your focus, specialised knowledge, and self-management skills, which are essential for success in the fashion and textiles industry.

Your portfolio will showcase your skills and ambitions, displaying your designs in various ways, from basic sketches to professional-looking images.

By the end of the course, your portfolio will reflect your unique creative style, both in terms of its contents and presentation. With our guidance, you will learn how to effectively communicate your knowledge and enthusiasm, and find opportunities that suit your abilities.

This module aims to teach you how to present your best work and yourself in an impressive way, regardless of the options available to you after graduation.

The first step will be to develop a significant and relevant theme that aligns with the current social and cultural trends worldwide. You will conduct extensive research, including visual and written sources, to develop a unique creative direction.

The module will explore the history, society, economy, and ethics of the fashion and textiles industry. You will use critical thinking and reflection to incorporate your idea into current trends and more significant concepts. This will help you establish a strong, culturally rich foundation for your designs.

By the end of this module, you will have the confidence to pursue your interests and perspectives backed by thorough research. This will enable you to showcase your vision as a new designer.

Submitting technical specifications and statements, you'll apply self-direction to meet deadlines. Articulating your vision across visual, verbal and written forms, you'll create engaging pieces that do justice to your designs.

This experience allows you to compellingly communicate creative work within industry standards.

You will refine and complete your designs by creating trial versions, testing different options, and carefully evaluating the results.

You'll create a preliminary collection by using appropriate materials and techniques, including technical details. This will showcase your creativity and skills in project management, collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking.

During this module, you will learn independently, set your own goals, manage your work, and meet deadlines, even if changes need to be made.

This is your chance to combine your passion, resourcefulness, and industry knowledge to elevate your work to a professional level. By doing so, you will stand out in the field.

Optional modules

With the guidance of your tutors, you get to select a theme for an extensive research project, commonly known as a dissertation. Your project will showcase your in-depth research and analysis, which will be based on both original and secondary sources.

You will meticulously examine your sources, conduct your own research, and learn the best practices for writing a compelling academic paper. This dissertation project will enhance your ability to formulate research questions, consolidate information, make persuasive arguments, and present your ideas clearly.

Once you complete the project, you will have conducted an in-depth and thorough study. It will demonstrate your profound understanding and interest in a particular aspect of visual culture.

Critically analysing cultural artefacts and debates to formulate a response, you'll engage theory, historical contexts and academic conventions. You'll carry out practice-based research through prototyping and visual studies.

This will culminate in a scholarly body of work and a reflective portfolio that will showcase research mastery and creative thinking.

Complete relevant tasks demonstrating your specialized skills and independence. Gain global perspective, reflect deeply on personal growth, and build valued transferable abilities for professional life after university. Return home with experiences that inspire your practice and understanding of art’s global connectivity.

During this module, you'll spend 6 months working on your own business venture, then 3 months gaining industry experience. This opportunity allows you to apply what you've learned in a practical setting while exploring different career options. You'll also have the chance to develop professional relationships and expand your network.

Assess your personal strengths and weaknesses to set goals for the future. Throughout the module, you'll demonstrate increasing independence while still valuing the support of others. Gain a broader understanding of the world through real-world experiences and insights. Additionally, you'll earn valuable credits for your CV and enhance your skill set.

By the end of this module, you'll graduate with the practical experience that employers are seeking.

This experience lets you learn firsthand how to set up and run a small business. You’ll absorb professional practices and business situations that matter to your entrepreneurial goals. Make important connections while working independently within set rules. Think deeply about your strengths, weaknesses, criteria for success, and future plans.

This opportunity is useful for your career. It lets you use what you’ve learnt in your degree in the real world and helps you understand your capabilities.

After finishing this placement and the related assessments, you’ll get more credits for your sandwich degree. This practical experience is a valuable step in developing an entrepreneurial way of thinking.

You’ll spend 24–48 weeks at a chosen company, learning from professionals and helping out with actual projects. Gain confidence, knowledge, and skills by taking on more responsibility with gradually less help. As you progress, you’ll make professional connections and think about how you’re doing. Take in what you learn about how industries and businesses work.

This placement is an ideal chance to grow in your career. By using what you’ve learnt in a workplace, you’ll understand more about your own strengths, what you need to work on, and your plans after you graduate.

After this placement and the related assessments, you’ll get extra credits for your sandwich degree. This practical experience is a valuable part of your education.

Evaluating international contexts, you'll critically relate on-site activities to your disciplinary knowledge, gaining global insights. Working independently overseas, you'll complete relevant assignments, refining skills transferable to future creative studies and practice.

Upon returning, thoughtful reflection will reveal your personal growth as you process new worldviews and cross-cultural competencies. This invaluable opportunity provides a chance to broaden your creative knowledge while developing adaptability as a global citizen.

Changes to course content

We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.

Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.

How you're assessed

You’ll be assessed through:

  • research and developmental work
  • industry set briefs/live competitions
  • fashion and/or textile collections
  • digital designs and design boards
  • making and construction skills
  • group work
  • written essays or reports

You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.

You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.

Teaching

Teaching methods on this course include:

  • lectures
  • workshops
  • seminars
  • studio practice

There's an emphasis on developing your design and creative skills, challenging your creativity and encouraging participation in shaping the future of the fashion and textiles industry.

You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.

For more about the teaching activities for specific modules, see the module list above.

Teaching staff profiles

These are some of the expert staff who’ll teach you on this degree course.

Rachel Homewood Portrait

Mrs Rachel Homewood

Programme Lead (Art and Design)

Rachel.Homewood@port.ac.uk

School of Architecture, Art and Design

Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries

Read more
Elaine Marie Igoe Portrait

Dr Elaine Igoe

Senior Lecturer

Elaine.Igoe@port.ac.uk

School of Architecture, Art and Design

Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries

PhD Supervisor

Read more
Lara Mendonca Guterres Torres Portrait

Dr Lara Mendonca Guterres Torres

Senior Lecturer

lara.torres@port.ac.uk

School of Architecture, Art and Design

Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries

PhD Supervisor

Read more

How you'll spend your time

One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.

We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies.  As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.

Term dates

The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.

See term dates

Supporting you

The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:

Types of support

Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.

You'll have regular contact with your personal tutor in learning activities or scheduled meetings. You can also make an appointment with them if you need extra support.

In addition to the support you get from your personal tutor, you’ll also have access to a Faculty student support advisor. They can give you confidential, impartial advice on anything to do with your studies and personal wellbeing and refer you to specialist support services.

You'll have help from a team of faculty academic skills tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.

They can help with:

  • improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
  • delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
  • understanding and using assignment feedback
  • managing your time and workload
  • revision and exam techniques

If you need support with software and equipment or you want to learn additional skills (including skills not covered on your course), our creative skills tutors provide free workshops, activities and one-on-one tutorials. Skills you can learn include life drawing, film camera operation and video production.

Computing support staff are always available to give technical support in the Faculty's computer suites during normal working hours. There's also some support available from 5.00pm to midnight at busy times of the year.

During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.

Support is available for skills including:

  • University study
  • Getting into the right study mindset
  • Note-taking and note-making skills
  • Referencing
  • Presentation skills
  • Time management, planning, and goal setting
  • Critical thinking
  • Avoiding plagiarism

If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.

Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.

You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.

If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.

They'll help you to

  • discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
  • liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
  • access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
  • liaise with external services

Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.

The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.

If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.

Course costs and funding

Tuition fees

  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU students – £9,250 a year, including our Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
  • International students – £17,200 a year (subject to annual increase)

You won't pay any extra tuition fees to another university for taking part in a study/work abroad activity if you choose to do it for the whole academic year. During a year abroad you'll only have to pay a reduced fee to the University of Portsmouth.

Funding your studies

Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.

Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.

Tuition fees terms and conditions

Additional course costs

These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.

Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.

You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.

You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.

We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.

If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.

You'll need to pay extra printing costs of around £100–£600 on portfolio work.

Material and production costs are around £100–£500 a year.

Any study trips are optional and you will be expected to pay full cost. Optional study trips abroad will cost in the region of £200–£800. UK trips, where offered, will be £50–£150.

If you take a placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for that year are as follows:

  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £1,385 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU students – £1,385 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
  • International students – £2,875  a year (subject to annual increase)

Apply

Ready to apply?

To start this course in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:

  • the UCAS course code – W231
  • our institution code – P80

 Apply now through UCAS

 

If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.

You can also sign up to an Open Day to:

  • Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
  • Speak with lecturers and chat with our students 
  • Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join

If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.

Applying from outside the UK

As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things. 

You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.

Find out what additional information you need in our international students section

If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Admissions terms and conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.