Everything you need to know...
International/EU: £14,415 per year (£1,200 for placement year)
Course summary
- Learn through a variety of industry projects, seminars and placements.
- Develop creative thinking and practical design skills.
- Embed ethical and sustainable practices at every level.
If you don't meet the entry requirements for our BA (Hons) course, 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 is designed to build your confidence and help you take the creative risks needed to succeed in fashion design. You’ll work on projects that reinforce core industry skills such as illustration, CAD/CAM, garment manufacturing and more. You’ll reflect on your career direction as we challenge you to work ethically and to communicate your personal view of the world through your work.
Creative Industries Federation (CIF) membership
We are members of the Creative Industries Federation (CIF), which means our art and design students are members as well until they graduate. With 10,000 members in its network, the CIF 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
All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.
We give you the space to explore all aspects of fashion design, learning vital core skills and unleashing your own creative spirit. Through challenging projects and personal discovery, you create your own learning journey, experimenting with ideas and approaches as you find your unique voice. Throughout the course you work alongside the best in the industry, tackling live briefs and engaging with the wider fashion world as you develop your personal practice. In the first ‘induction’ module you’ll learn to work confidently and creatively with a wide range of different materials. In the second ‘project’ module you’ll be taught by tutors from the BA (Hons) course supported by foundation tutors.
You learn through a combination of in-person teaching, online methods, practical activities, work-based projects and independent study, including
- lectures and seminars
- group and individual tutorials
- demonstrations
- work review sessions
- live streamed teaching
- digital learning materials
- practical projects
- collaborative activities
- creative thinking workshops
- studio-based projects
- applied industry projects
- placements and internships
- study trips
- independent study
You’ll research your ideas and concepts in depth, and understand how your work connects to global audiences and evolving trends. Key skills such as fashion illustration, construction and manufacturing methods, and computer-aided design and manufacturing are at the heart of the course, along with the advanced techniques you need to transform two-dimensional ideas into 3D and 4D. You’ll also learn to source materials sustainably and ethically – crucial skills for building your future career.
We nurture your growth throughout the course, supporting your development as an exciting, culturally-connected and highly employable fashion designer.
- Module tutors support your project work, helping you explore your creativity.
- Our dedicated technical services team supports you in the studio, helping you get the most from our specialist machinery.
Take a look at the department's Instagram to see what innovations and creations our students have been working on. For content directly from our BA Fashion Design students, please visit the Sheffield Hallam Fashion Collective on Instagram.
Course leaders and tutors
Lee Harding
Course Leader in Fashion DesignI am an experienced senior educator and design practitioner with a strong interest in collaboration and interdisciplinary practices. Throughout my career I have garn … Read more
Applied learning
Work placements
You’ll have the opportunity to arrange work placements between your second and third years of the main degree. 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 Erasmus+ programme (until 2023) or the Turing Scheme.
Enterprise year
Brilliant business ideas can be developed between the second and third years of the main degree. There’s plenty of support to draw on, including the University’s business support network, the Hallam i-Lab business incubator, a start-up advisor, workshops and funding opportunities.
Real-world 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. Our students also often take part in high-profile events like the British Fashion Council and Graduate Fashion Week – superb opportunities to gain the industry’s attention.
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. Where mandatory trips are arranged, travel and accommodation are free. You can also enhance your studies with optional trips, though these incur additional costs. In the past we’ve organised study trips to Burberry’s HQ, exclusive talks from global companies such as Tommy Hilfiger, and visits to leading fashion, textile and design museums.
Competitions
We encourage you to enter national and international competitions such as those organised by the British Fashion Council and the RSA Student Design Awards. Our students are regular finalists and winners of international competitions, giving them the chance to showcase work online and at prestigious events such as Graduate Fashion Week – a golden opportunity to be seen by the industry.
Future careers
This course unlocks your fashion career, opening up a wide range of opportunities including further study and careers in
- womenswear design
- menswear design
- print design
- production management
- fashion illustration
- styling
- creative pattern cutting
- garment technology
- product development
Many of our graduates launch their own businesses, while others win roles with some of the fashion industry’s biggest names including Barbour, Adidas, H&M, Amanda Wakeley and Zara.
Within 15 months of completing the course, 100% of our graduates are either in work or engaged in further study (2017-18 Graduate Outcomes Survey).
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of online lessons and face-to-face teaching with 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 | Campus facilities | Keeping safe on Campus
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
Our open-plan studio and workshop is in a beautifully restored Victorian building in central Sheffield. Our space buzzes throughout the day, creating an exciting environment where you can pursue your personal study, engage and collaborate with tutors and students, and access state-of-the-art facilities including
- industry-standard computer hardware and software
- lock stitch and overlock machines
- coverstitch machines
- industrial steamers
- heavy duty press and Rollermatic
- binding, buttonhole and range of hardware
- ultrasonic welder
- hot air taping machine
- dress forms and mannequins
- flatbed cutter
- Optitex digital pattern cutting software
- digital print facilities
We also have an on-site store where you can borrow or buy core materials and equipment.
Learn 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.
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.
- 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 either the International Foundation Programme: Art, Design and Media or 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 be invited to attend a portfolio review, this is where you can showcase your relevant work and highlight any pieces you are particularly proud of.
In light of the updated advice from the Government about the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, we are not currently offering face to face portfolio reviews but are instead accepting portfolios through digital submission. Find out about what happens at a portfolio review and how you can prepare to produce a strong portfolio.
Please note the University will only admit students who are aged 18 at the point of enrolment.
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. You can also watch a video guide on how to apply.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.
You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.
Year 1
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Foundation Induction | Credits: 60 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Foundation Projects | Credits: 60 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Year 2
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Fashion Fundamental One: Formation | Credits: 60 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Fashion Fundamental Two: Concept Realisation | Credits: 60 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Year 3
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Exploration, Application And Realisation | Credits: 60 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Negotiated Fashion Projects | Credits: 60 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Year 4
| Module | Credits |
|---|---|
| Module: Placement Year | Credits: - |
Final year
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Graduation Project | Credits: 120 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fees for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2022/23 are regulated by the UK government and are yet to be confirmed. For an indication, our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2021/22 is £9,250 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.
† 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 2022/23 is £14,415 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.
Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
Additional course costs
This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
Additional costs for Art and design courses (PDF, 260.3KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
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Come to an open day
Find out more at our undergraduate open days. Book now for your place.
