Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: See fees section below
International/EU: £17,155 per year -
How long will I study?
4/5 Years
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Where will I study?
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What are the entry requirements?
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What is the UCAS code?
A010
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When do I start?
September 2025
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Placement year available?
Yes

Come to an open day
Visit us to learn more about our gold-rated teaching and why we were awarded the highest possible rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework.
Course summary
- Explore innovative technologies and sustainable fashion design systems for the future
- Investigate current global fashion systems and create individual design responses
- Build confidence in a creative community and engage with real-world experiences beyond the University
- Direct your own personal growth and future with a hybrid of traditional and virtual tools
- Create a unique portfolio, take part in live projects and showcase your designs at industry-recognised events
If you don't meet the entry requirements for our BA (Hons) Fashion Design, or you’d like extra preparation before starting degree-level study, we recommend you join the foundation year – which has been designed to encourage exploration and experimentation.
This course gives you the skills and design acumen to thrive in the exciting world of fashion. Through practical and applied projects, you’ll experience a diverse range of sectors, before specialising in your own vocation.
This course also allows you to specialise in and receive a different named award – BA Fashion Design (Digital) – which includes emerging fields such digital design and garment simulation for production.
Creative UK membership
We are members of Creative UK, which means our art and design students are also members until they graduate. With 10,000 members in its network, Creative UK represents, champions and supports the UK’s creative industries, advocating on the issues that matter the most to creative communities.

View our students' work
View our gallery of student work and learn more about the exciting projects they've been working on this year.
How you learn
Our courses are designed with key principles of engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing a supportive environment where you can thrive.
This foundation course brings together students across all our art and design courses as one creative community. You’ll work and learn together in a dedicated studio space and have access to our top-class facilities.
Based in our bespoke studios, workshops, and digital spaces, you’ll become part of a dynamic and collaborative learning community. Together, you’ll undertake creative adventures, explore possibilities, and challenge conventions.
You learn through:
- Studio practice
- Workshops and lectures
- Technical demonstrations
- Group and individual tutorials
- Creative reviews
- Live briefs
- Guest talks
- External visits and field trips
We take a holistic and person-centred approach to assessment to support your creative growth while respecting the diverse ways people learn.
Key themes
Your foundation year will help you get to grips with University life as you study alongside a creative community of Art and Design students. Expect to be hands-on in the studio, learning through doing as you explore the creative process with collaborative projects, workshops and field trips.
Find out more about your foundation year.
Skills such as fashion illustration, construction and manufacturing methods, digital design and manufacturing are at the centre of the course. You’ll also learn advanced techniques to transform two-dimensional ideas into 3D and 4D designs.
You’ll explore all aspects of fashion design, learning core skills in a wide range of product areas from luxury and ready-to-wear fashion to sportwear and digital design. You’ll build essential knowledge in design theory, research and fashion concepts.
You’ll learn how to champion environmental and social issues through design, supply chain management and manufacturing processes – and you’ll discover how your work connects to global audiences and evolving trends which encourage diverse perspectives.
At the end of the course, you’ll have the option to transfer to BA Digital Fashion Design. This lets you specialise in emerging fashion vocations, including digital design and manufacturing, avatar and games design, for augmented and virtual reality platforms.
Whichever final year route you choose, we’ll help you flourish as a confident, individual and eminent designer, fully equipped for the future world of fashion.
Course support
We’re a dedicated, qualified, and highly experienced teaching team, with world-leading research and recognised professional creative reputations, who take the time to get to know you.
Throughout your learning journey, you’ll experience a range of dedicated personal, academic and career development support, such as:
- Access to our Skills Centre with one-to-ones and online resources to help with planning and structuring your assignments
- Access to office and studio space, expert workshops, freelancing opportunities and a vast business network to tap into
- Industry-specific employability activities and careers support for up to five years after you graduate
The course develops strategies of attention, empathy, imagination, courage and resilience in the face of an uncertain future. Our course prioritises care as a critical activity – care for global human contexts and for the more-than-human world.
Course leaders and tutors
Applied learning
Your course has been designed to embrace real-world challenges and provide you with the practical skills and knowledge to be successful.
We do this by developing your expertise in collaboration with the professional creative and cultural sectors – with commercial and creative practitioners, commissioners, clients and arts organisations.
Work placements
You’ll have the opportunity to undertake a year-long work placement (25 weeks minimum) or multiple placements before your final year. This gives you valuable work experience to prepare you for your future career and allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV.
Previously, students have worked with Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Reiss and ASOS. You may also be able to work or study abroad with the possibility of funding through the Turing Scheme.
Live projects
You’ll work on live briefs set by commercial organisations, presenting you with real-world challenges and giving you invaluable insights into industry life.
Previously, students have worked with teams at Ted Baker, Amanda Wakeley, Adidas and Vivienne Westwood, with awards including cash prizes or industry work placements.
Field trips
Study trips within the UK and abroad take you out of the studio and immerse you in new environments, from workshops and conferences to galleries and special collections.
There’s also the option to enhance your studies further with our optional field trips. Previous trips have included a visit to Burberry’s HQ, exclusive talks from global companies such as Tommy Hilfiger, and trips to leading fashion, textile and design museums.
Students can also apply for funding through the Turing Scheme to support a study exchange.
Competitions and exhibitions
We support and encourage you to enter national and international competitions such as The Fashion Awards and the RSA Student Design Awards. Our students are regular finalists and winners of competitions, having an immediate and significant impact on their professional reputation.
Our students also often take part in high-profile events like the British Fashion Council and Graduate Fashion Week – superb opportunities to showcase your professional work and gain the industry’s attention.
At the end of your final year, you’ll have the opportunity to exhibit your work in our annual Future Now Festival of Creativity – to which we invite VIP guests, employers, businesses, influencers, friends and family, and the general public. The festival is widely attended and is hosted in the city centre. You’ll also be able to curate and exhibit your work on our online Gallery.
Future careers
This course prepares you for careers and future study in:
- Womenswear design
- Menswear design
- Category design
- Digital design
- Creative direction
- Creative pattern cutting
- Garment technology
- Product development
- Studio and production management
- Fashion illustration
- Styling
- Print design
- Academic research and teaching
- Fabric buying and development
Many of our graduates launch their own businesses, while others achieve roles with some of the fashion industry’s biggest brands, including:
- Adidas
- Burberry
- Boden
- H&M
- John Lewis
- Mackintosh
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour

Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreLearn more about your department
Art and Design facilities tour - fashion studios
Take a look around the fashion studios and shared workshops in the Department of Art & Design at Sheffield Hallam University.
Equipment and facilities
The ‘Studio’ is placed at the heart of the student journey, providing an incubator for collaboration, community and curiosity.
It’s a vibrant place where you can explore traditional crafts and experiment with progressive ways of making. Here you can engage with specialist tools and equipment, such as:
- Industry-standard computer hardware and software
- Lock stitch and overlock machines
- Cover stitch machines
- Industrial steamers
- Heavy-duty hand and roller press
- Binding, buttonhole, and range of hardware
- Digital and screen-printing facilities
- Ultrasonic welder and taping machine
- Dress forms and mannequins
- Digital pattern cutting technology, Optitex and CLO-3D
- And on-site store for borrowing and buying materials and equipment
You will also have access to a wide variety of facilities across the university campuses – including a 24-hour learning centre, Students’ Union, cafes and eateries, lecture theatres, exhibition spaces and more.
Media Gallery
Entry requirements
All students
UCAS points
- 80
This must include at least 32 points from at least one A level or equivalent BTEC National qualifications (to include a relevant subject, such as Art, Design and Technology, Textiles or Graphics). For example:
• CDD at A Level with a grade C in a relevant subject.
• MMP in BTEC Extended Diploma in a relevant subject.
• Pass overall from a T level qualification with C from core
• A combination of qualifications which must include an A level grade C or BTEC grade M in a relevant subject and may include AS levels, EPQ and general studies
• Access to HE Diploma from a QAA recognised Access to HE course. Normally we require 15 credits at level 2 and 45 at level 3. At least 15 level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate.
You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.
GCSE
• English Language or Literature at grade C or 4
We may also accept you, if you have limited qualifications but can show evidence of ability and a genuine commitment to studying Art and Design.
We treat the foundation year as part of the Art and Design degree programme. Offers made to students will be for four years of study (or five years of study including a placement). This is made up of the foundation year plus one of our Art and Design degrees.
If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider the Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
Portfolio review
If your application is successful, you will receive an email inviting you to submit a link to your portfolio.
The portfolio helps us understand whether we are able to offer you a place on the course you’ve applied for. Your UCAS statement and portfolio provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your creative experience, potential ability and enthusiasm for the course you’ve applied for. Visit our portfolio review guidance.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.
You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
Module Aim:
This module aims to further your disciplinary knowledge and experience. Through a series of workshops and the development of a creative project, you will build on the basic practical skills you acquired in the Foundation Skills & Methods.
You will further develop your independent approach and confidence whilst employing practical skills in the production of creative project outcomes.
You will be encouraged to consider the wider influences of history, environment, society and culture on Art and Design disciplines as well as your own practice.
Indicative Content:
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Projects are set by staff but grounded in self-directed study and research; these form the basis of your practice work.
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Practical skills will be delivered in seminars and workshops. Workshop activities will compliment your practice.
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You will take part in peer review and crit sessions. During these crit sessions you will discuss your work and that of others. Complimenting the group crit sessions there will be a number of tutorials where you receive feedback, advice and guidance on the development of your practice at a more individual level.
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Projects are supported by your tutors while at the same time this module encourages increased independence and self-directed study and research.
This module introduces you to Art & Design practices alongside the core skills and techniques needed to develop your portfolio. The module promotes an experimental, risk-taking and creative outlook on project work to build your confidence about learning in Higher Education whilst introducing you to study resources and support available at university.
Project based learning encourages you to build your practical skills. At the same time you will learn skills in research, creativity and reflective thinking. You will begin to understand your strengths and identify areas to develop relevant to your continued study and professional awareness.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
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Creative core skills: studio practice, observational drawing, effective sketching, technical/perspective drawing, print, photography, laser cutting, sewing, collage, digital image capture & manipulation.
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Group projects: to open your curiosity and develop your ability to experiment and take risks, whilst fostering strong working relationships with your peers.
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Creative methodologies: generating ideas: mind maps, (responding to creative research techniques).
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A range of study skills: to support your practice such as planning and managing your time, effective writing & communication, and understanding the value of constructive criticism, working independently and in groups.
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Using the Learning Centre, your SHU email account and the virtual learning environment (Blackboard).
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How to access the range of student support services offered by the university.
Year 2
Compulsory modules
This is the level 4 work experience module and will enable you to work on an Applied Project.
Module Aim:
This module will build on skills and knowledge gained in Fashion Practice: Research & Design Principles, while developing your understanding of fashion markets and the impact of ethical and commercial environment of the time.
You will benefit from work experience through an applied project with practicing designers, industry and other external stakeholders.
You will adopt a research-oriented experimental and questioning approach to the construction of a new fashion narrative, exploring alternate modes of design thinking and conceptual thinking.
You will be introduced to a digital toolkit that will develop a knowledge and understanding of CAD systems to enhance your creative process. The toolkit can be applied within any real-world context to curate and communicate final design outputs and respond to ‘live’ industry components.
Indicative content:
Typical content may include:
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Compiling, primary, and secondary research to inform design decision making and developing conceptual thinking.
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Engagement with external resources, galleries, exhibits and archives.
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Exploration of wider textile and material uses across multiple fashion products.
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Using lateral thinking and taking risks to solving creative design and production problems, through exposure to alternative cutting techniques.
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Producing prototypes (toiles/technical samples)
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Demonstrate accountability between ‘slow fashion’ vs ‘fast fashion’ systems and balance your own thinking and practice
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Developing theoretical and contextual understanding, demonstrating critical thinking and analysis on contemporary cultural issues surrounding art and design.
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Develop digital skills using CAD to aid design thinking and production.
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Participation with an applied project that will develop your knowledge of current industry practices and audience needs.
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Managing workloads and meeting deadlines.
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Produce an industry standard portfolio appropriate to year of study.
Module Aim:
This module will introduce you to the core skills needed to support the development of a fashion outcome, forming key principles of your creative practice.
You will cultivate research-oriented skills and techniques to establish design narratives and concepts that will enable critical and divergent thinking. You will use a range of visual communication techniques that will aid design responses and help form your future design identity.
Engagement with the fashion studio to develop industry-led practices and technical competencies appropriate to clothing design and production.
Indicative content:
Typical content may include:
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Building, primary, and secondary research to inform design decisions (Colour, textiles, Silhouette).
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Fabric, fibres and uses.
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The observation, investigation, and analysis of information
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Developing practical skills in pattern adaption and garment construction, presenting design proposals in 2D and 3D forms.
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Developing effective project management and organisation skills
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Reflect on your own history, identity and aesthetic in the pursuit to generate design solutions.
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Imbedding sustainable and responsible design methodology within practice
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Adopting an experimental approach to the investigation of visual communication techniques, including template drawing, observational drawing, and technical flats.
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Formulate appropriate responses, responding to social, cultural, environmental, historical, and economic issues.
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Insight to industry cycles, markets and calendars that effect the position of the designer.
Year 3
Compulsory modules
This is the level 5 work experience module and will enable you to work on an enhanced Applied Project.
Module Aim:
This module challenges you to respond to an enhanced applied project brief. You will work within set parameters and restrictions to develop deeper understanding of advanced industrial practices.
Using a research-led approach you will build your knowledge and understanding of consumer and commercial factors in developing appropriate designs and high-quality outcomes.
Through a series of lectures, workshops, and seminars you will be introduced to key factors affecting designers working practices.
You will gain advanced competence and knowledge in a specialist area of fashion design, building confidence and expertise using an appropriate range of materials and techniques. Critical reflection on your skills and abilities will be encouraged to analyse and direct independent learning and development within the context of your own continuing professional practice.
This module also includes preparation for sandwich placement success including the Applied Diploma.
Indicative Content:
This module will consist of one, or more project briefs asking the students to respond appropriately to the requirements and expectations of a live external brief, either for a competition(s) or client(s). Typical content may include:
- Specialist design research for alternative markets i.e., menswear luxury outerwear
- Participate in an enhanced applied project, negotiating a series of client focused outputs.
- Consideration of audience, niche groups, individual users, semantics, and market levels
- Indepth product analysis, understanding design language, historical, and cultural context.
- Advanced handling of material and its uses
- Field research and advanced product awareness related to the brief
- Advanced pattern cutting methods and production techniques
- Research and concept development, driven by user needs.
- Creative design development through the analysis and synthesis of ideas and knowledge
- Professional design communication and presentation
- Careers Readiness Programme (Continuing Professional Development)
Module Aim:
This module explores new digital design technology as a vehicle to aid the design process. You will be encouraged to work collaboratively with peers to push the boundaries of new digital fashion design systems, using research-led approaches to further explore virtual environments to create concepts that are highly imaginative and innovative.
Responding to a professionally focused brief you will be challenged to work within parameters and restrictions to develop a deeper understanding of industrial practices. You will gain experience creating and producing work to be showcased in a digital or virtual world arena.
At the end of the module, you will present a digital portfolio demonstrating skills that reflect your future career and final year route.
Indicative Content
This module will typically include:
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Research, development, visual presentation, and the production of a virtual communication package using emerging technologies for product visualisation
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Knowledge of carbon zero strategies in the development of fashion product
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Development of innovation strategies and future trend predictions
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Reflect on contemporary of making.
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Responding appropriately to the requirements and expectations of a professionally focused brief
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Working collaboratively with teams and co-creators
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Produce an interview ready portfolio and supporting self-promotional material
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Creation of a written proposal in preparation for your chosen direction at level 6 study.
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SWOT analysis, milestone mapping, intellectual property rights and career planning
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Consumer factors affecting digital design, critical paths / workflows and the importance of quality and appropriateness of outcomes
Module Aim:
This project-based module will facilitate you to collaborate with others to tackle sustainable development challenges creatively. With the support of academics and external stakeholders, you will develop your collaborative, creative, communication, and presentation skills. Through multi-disciplinary project work, you will develop an informed and imaginative response to local and global sustainable development challenges.
Learning will be blended and delivered through teaching, workshops, doing, and independent study individually and in groups.
Indicative content:
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Study and consideration of Sustainable Development
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Exploration and utilisation of collaborative skills
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Exploration and utilisation of design thinking and creative thinking tools
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Project management
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Creative research methods
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Understanding audiences
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Communication and presentation skills
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Working with others, building relationship including with external stakeholders
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Critical thinking and reflection
Elective modules
This module is for undergraduate students to study abroad in their second year, Semester 2 (only for courses that offer this option). With this module, you can spend a semester at one of the University’s approved partner institutions worldwide – from Europe to the Americas, Asia Australia or Canada.
Study Abroad plays an important role in the University's commitment to an engaging, challenging, and thriving learning culture. It offers opportunities to experience other academic cultures and foster intellectual maturity while enhancing co-curricular skills and students' long-term employability.
Study abroad for credit is permitted on existing university-approved courses only. Students are awarded credits and grades at the partner institution, which are converted into Sheffield Hallam credits and grades on return and included in the Sheffield Hallam degree classification.
Please check and refer to the webpage How study abroad works. You must submit a Learning Agreement outlining the modules you will be taking at the partner institution. The Learning Agreement will be signed off by your academic tutor to ensure that the Learning broadly covers the Learning Outcomes set out in your course curriculum during your study abroad.
Year 4
Compulsory modules
Module aim:
The aim of this module is to enhance students’ professional development through the completion of and reflection on meaningful work placement(s).
A work placement will provide students with opportunities to experience the realities of professional employment and experience how their course can be applied within their chosen industry setting. The placement will:
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Allow student to apply the skills, theories and behaviours relevant and in addition to their course
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Enable students to enhance their interpersonal skills in demand by graduate employers – communication, problem solving, creativity, resilience, team work etc.
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Grow their student network and relationship building skills.
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Provide student with insights into the industry and sector in which their placement occurs
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Help student make informed graduate careers choices.
Indicative Content:
In this module students undertake a sandwich placement (min 24 weeks / min 21 hours per week) which is integrated, assessed and aligned to their studies.
Their personal Placement Academic Supervisor (PAS) will be their key point of contact during their placement and will encourage and support students to reflect on their experience, learning and contribution to the organisation they work for.
To demonstrate gains in professional development, students will be required to share their progress, learning and achievements with their Placement Academic Supervisor and reflect on these for the summative piece of work.
Final year
Compulsory modules
Module Aim:
This module will bring together the extensive research findings and knowledge gained from ‘Independent Fashion Project: Research & Design Ideation’ that will lead to conducive outcomes, related to the specific route and captured within a Graduate Portfolio.
This module will seek to validate your position as a fashion design practitioner, demonstrating accountability and integrity through the building of a significant and highly considered body of work.
Your work will communicate a range of practical fashion skills, knowledge, creativity and technical abilities, that will articulate and be able to showcase your design signature, becoming the vehicle towards life beyond university.
Indicative Content
Typical content may include:
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Self-directed project management and implementation of negotiated tasks.
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Work collaboratively to resolve complex design problems with co-creators, academics, technicians
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Applying critical judgement to the ethical implications of individual research and practice
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Engagement with specialist machinery, equipment, software in the pursuit to meet industry standards of work
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Experimentation with visual communication methods
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Produce appropriate means of presentation and layout techniques responsive to market research
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Engagement with external opportunities, competitions, industry briefs
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Facilitate and documentation of work in progress, to fully reflect on learning and knowledge gained.
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Engagement with industry practitioners, co-creators, and mentors for critical feedback.
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Curate project outcomes within a variety of marketing assets ready for further study or employment.
This is the level 6 work experience module and will enable you to work on a Consultancy, Employer Led Scholarly Research project.
Module Aim:
In this module you will establish a self-directed project outline that should relate closely to future graduate aspirations and particular final year route. It will consolidate the skills and knowledge you have acquired throughout your studies, enabling you to draw upon past learning experience.
Throughout the module you will be encouraged to appreciate the value of creative risk taking to produce a cohesive body of work. Using extensive research-based enquiry you will provide a framework for your work that contextualises individual thinking in real-world problems. You will work autonomously in the attempt to manage and resolve an appropriate range of outcomes.
Through consultancy and collaboration with employers, co-creators and mentors this will give your project proposal agency and aim to generate high quality outcomes that contribute to the discipline area.
Indicative Content
This will typically include:
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Plan and manage individual projects, generating a clear critical path across final year
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Creative development through the analysis and synthesis of ideas and knowledge.
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Inquire beyond the university, through external visits to archives, conferences, museums, and industry.
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Market research and analysis applicable to set global audiences and users
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Establish design methodologies and approaches suitable for product requirements.
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Focused product development in workshops, studios and computer labs that will drive extensive range of 2D/3D sampling and prototypes
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Generate detailed industry standards technical packs
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Collaboration with peers, clients, and audiences, to gain critical feedback.
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Creative experimentation with 2D/3D materials and textiles related to contemporary practice
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Documentation of personal design proposals and creative outcomes.
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Experimentation with visual communication methods appropriate to project requirements
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Engagement with industry practitioners to offer mentorship and knowledge exchange to enhance personal growth into employment.
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Budget management, seeking sponsorship and funding where available
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Continual career readiness, reflecting on skills gained and harnessing project outcomes to serve future progression.
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students on full-time undergraduate degree courses in 2025/26 is £9,535 per year (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year). These fees are regulated by the UK government and therefore subject to change in future years.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £17,155 per year (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year)

Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Sheffield Creative Industries Institute (PDF, 268.6KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.