Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BA (Hons)
Fashion Design
Realise diverse style narratives, including through flagship modules in partnership with British luxury brand Burberry, on this industry-facing fashion course.
Course overview
-
N5W6 -
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
21 Sep 2026
*Main image taken by confirmed partner Burberry’s official photographer of Burberry Industry Panel Winner, Juliet Skaife.
Push your creative boundaries
Study a range of fashion design methods as you explore experimental and industry-standard approaches to pattern cutting and garment construction. We’ll encourage you to push the boundaries of your fashion thinking through fashion design practice, whilst being mindful of sustainable practice, diversity and inclusion.
As part of this course, you'll:
- Create designs in response to trends, market segmentations and technical innovations, as you explore fabric and form to achieve resolved 3D outcomes
- Work on high-profile industry-led briefs, live projects, and competitions to create a professional industry-ready fashion portfolio. This includes our flagship tailoring project and professional portfolio module, in partnership with British luxury brand, Burberry
- Develop a strong understanding of the cultural, ethical, and environmental concerns inherent in the fashion industry
- Understand ways to develop your 2D and 3D skills, and how to communicate concepts to your audience
- Enhance your learning and understanding of the fashion industry through our exceptional Visiting Lecturer programme
- Apply industry-recognised CAD (computer-aided design) techniques to your conceptual and technical designs, including Adobe Creative Suite and Clo3D
- Have the opportunity to work in the industry during the optional sandwich (placement) year
Your graduate collection
Enjoy an aspirational final year studying fashion design at university in our dedicated final year studio space. You'll have the opportunity to work alongside our MA Fashion Design students, as well as industry professionals from British luxury brand, Burberry. Together, you'll design and realise your graduate collection.
For more course updates, follow us on Instagram @leedsbeckettfashion.
Designated creative spaces
You’ll have your own studio space in our award-winning Broadcasting Place building, home to many of our creative courses. You'll collaborate with other innovative thinkers across subjects including fine art, graphic design, illustration, music, and film.
Challenge boundaries
Fashion is one of the world's biggest industries, but we believe it's about more than the commercial production and promotion of new collections. It's a reflection of society, identity, and culture, and can be a powerful protagonist for change. On this fashion design degree, you'll explore fashion beyond temporary consumer trends.
One project exploring sustainability beyond fast fashion is our collaboration with global charity Oxfam - the Oxfam x Leeds Beckett Fashion Second Hand September project. This live brief challenges you to transform donated, unsaleable clothing into innovative fashion outcomes, promoting circular economy principles and reducing textile waste. You’ll gain experience in sustainable design, garment reconstruction, content creation, and fashion communication while contributing to a project with clear social and environmental impact.
Fashion Alliance North
Fashion Alliance North brings together Northern universities and industry partners to strengthen fashion education, research, and graduate opportunities across the North of England. The collaboration supports emerging fashion talent, celebrates regional creative identity, and challenges London-centric assumptions around access and progression within the fashion industry. Alongside opportunities for students and graduates, it encourages collaborative research, knowledge exchange, and wider engagement with fashion’s cultural and economic impact across Northern regions.
Showcase your style
We're committed to providing a fashion design course that responds to your individual personality, interests, and creativity. You'll work on diverse briefs to build a portfolio of professional skills that will help open doors to an array of careers in fashion.
You could also impress the public and industry by exhibiting your work at the end of your final year, including through our in-house LSA Degree Show.
Guest lectures
We regularly host guest lectures and workshops on campus and with external organisations. The INSIDE/OUT lecture series features leading voices from art, architecture, design, fashion, film, music, performing arts, and beyond. You can explore previous talks through the Leeds Arts Research Centre site.
Why study the BA Fashion Design course at Leeds Beckett University?
- Learn from tutors with extensive professional experience and networks - including internationally renowned designer Professor Matty Bovan
- Opportunity to take a placement year - a year of paid employment in industry which will build your skills and experience
- Work on live projects with partners including Oxfam and Fashion Alliance North gaining hands-on experience in sustainable design, social impact, and real industry collaborations
- Study within one of the largest university arts communities in the north
- Leeds' thriving creative sector - including countless opportunities for graduates of our fashion design course, right on our doorstep
Explore videos and blogs
Student Work | Art & Design Explore student work from our Art & Design subject area. Curious about what you could create at Leeds School of Arts? Join us at one of our Leeds Beckett University Open Days to find out more.
BA (Hons) Fashion Design - staff and student views Take a look inside our Fashion Studio as staff and students share their experiences of what BA Fashion Design is all about.
Fashion at Leeds Beckett – RUN graduate fashion show Take a look behind the scenes of the 2023 RUN graduate fashion show.
RUN Don't Walk Photoshoot - an overview Hear from staff and students on our BA (Hons) Fashion Design course about the photoshoot they took part in at Trinity Leeds.
RUN Don't Walk Photoshoot - student experience Final year student Lori talks us through her collection at the RUN Fashion Photoshoot in Trinity Leeds.
RUN Don't Walk Photoshoot - student experience Final year BA (Hons) Fashion Design student Francesca talks us through her collection at the RUN Fashion Photoshoot in Trinity Leeds.
RUN Don't Walk Photoshoot - student experience Final year student Lottie talks us through her collection at the RUN Fashion Photoshoot in Trinity Leeds.
Fashion: In conversation with Matty Bovan and Lisa Stansbie Fashion designer Matty Bovan is interviewed by Professor Lisa Stansbie.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
104-112
points required
If you’re unsure how to work out your UCAS points we have a UCAS Tariff Calculator which will do it for you. All you need to do is enter your qualifications and let the UCAS Tariff Calculator do the maths.
We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
Entry requirements
104-112
points required
UCAS Tariff Points: 104-112 points required.
(Minimum 64-72 from two A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies.).
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
GCSEs
GCSE English Language at Grade 4 or above (Grade C for GCSEs taken before 2017) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma
Pass overall with a minimum of 104-112 UCAS tariff points.T Levels
Pass overall with a minimum of 104-112 UCAS tariff points, including a C or above on the core.Scottish Awards
104-112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 4 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade B or above.Irish Leaving Certificate
104-112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 subjects at higher level of which at least 3 must be grade H3 or above.International baccalaureate
104-112 UCAS tariff points or a score of 28 from the IB diploma. This should include a minimum of 3 Highers with 2 at grade H5 or abovePortfolio Required
All suitable candidates will be required to submit a portfolio, this should include artwork and photographs of art work and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the subject. Further guidance will be provided to applicants when they are asked to submit a portfolio.
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
How we assess your application
At Leeds Beckett we look for students who demonstrate a good knowledge, curiosity and passion for your chosen course and would benefit from the University’s learning environment.
We aim to give every student a fair chance to progress and succeed on their chosen course and we recognise that your grades may not always reflect your true potential. Therefore, when assessing your application, we will consider the following:
- Your completed qualifications (such as GCSEs, A Levels, and their equivalents).
- Your predicted grades in future examinations.
- Your personal statement.
Our offers
All our offers are made by trained professionals who are committed to making offers that are appropriate to each applicant, regardless of their background.* They have the discretion to vary the level of offer to ensure every student with the potential to succeed at Leeds Beckett receives an offer that is achievable for them. This could mean that you may receive an offer to study on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff.  Your offer will be based on our belief that you are capable of benefiting from, and successfully completing, your course. We believe that it is people who think differently, independently, people with ‘unlike-minds' that make big things happen.
*We operate a contextual admissions policy, which means we consider a range of additional factors when we assess a student’s application. Applicants who meet at least one of our contextual admissions criteria may be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff.
Our contextual admissions criteria are:
- Home postcode is in an area where few people go to University (POLAR4 quintile 1 or 2 area. This can be checked on the Office for Students website).
- Declared disability on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part-time applicants).
- Over the age of 21 on the 1st of September before the course starts.
- Declared as a care experienced on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part-time applicants).
Our place as an Anchor Institution
To further strengthen our position as a key provider of education and training for West Yorkshire we apply an Anchor Institution Policy in our admissions process. Students who apply to us from any of the five Local Authority areas in West Yorkshire (BD, HD, HX, LS, WF) may be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points.  
Our commitment to your creativity
We ask all successful applicants to attend an on campus session with Leeds School of Arts. Why? Because we want to invest in YOU! This is an opportunity to use our fantastic facilities, meet the academic staff who will teach you, and meet students you will study with. You will also take part in taster sessions, specific to your area of study, all of which will help strengthen your professional skills.
Mature Applicants
Our university welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. All students will be considered through the contextual admissions policy described above. If you do not meet the requirements through the contextual admissions policy, we may still be able to make you an offer if you have recent relevant work experience through our 'Recognition of Prior Learning' policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and any relevant work experience in your application so that we can consider you under both schemes where applicable. All applicants should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade 4 in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
International baccalaureate
104-112 UCAS tariff points or a score of 28 from the IB diploma. This should include a minimum of 3 Highers with 2 at grade H5 or abovePortfolio Required
All suitable candidates will be required to submit a portfolio, this should include artwork and photographs of art work and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the subject. Further guidance will be provided to applicants when they are asked to submit a portfolio.
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Additional entry requirements:
Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Modules, teaching and learning
There are no traditional exams on this course.
What you'll learn
This module will introduce you to two-dimensional and three-dimensional pattern making and garment construction. You'll learn how to manipulate a basic block, incorporating skills such as dart manipulation, adding volume, and changing the silhouette. We'll also explore pattern drafting fundamentals such as tracing off, and the use of notches and drill holes. In the first half of the module you'll learn technical construction skills through practical sessions and technical demonstrations. The second half of the module will focus on the development of your individual design into a resolved garment using pattern cutting, toiling, and industry standard construction techniques. Within the remit of the brief, you'll be able to adopt a personal, thematic, or experimental approach to the design process which should also consider diversity and inclusion. Studying this module will enable you to develop your responsible design thinking through a brief which specifies upcycling in the cut and construction of an original design.
This module is based purely on visual communication and will encourage your individual creative development. You'll explore a range of hand and digital drawing processes for the communication of silhouette, mood, fabric, colour and technical detail to become familiar with using methods of communication for fashion design projects. We'll also examine the relationship of colour, and colour palettes, including how to formulate a colour story and apply it in a fashion design context. Fabric types, fabric characteristics and their impact in fashion collections will be explored, for example silhouette, structure, season, mood, ethics, and technology. You'll develop your understanding of surface treatments such as print, and fabric manipulation techniques. This module will emphasise your experimentation and exploration, and will focus on how creative practices are combined with technical knowledge to develop and communicate innovative design ideas evocative of a specific mood or trend.
Study the history of fashion design and fashion marketing. We'll explore key moments in fashion history through a series of accessible themes, such as culture, politics, class, gender, sexuality, and ethnicity. Your lectures will focus on developments within the modern fashion industry from the 19th century to the present but also refer to early modern, medieval, and even ancient antecedents to the clothes we wear today. You'll understand key designers within the social context of representation, manufacture, and consumption, and the influence of historic dress on contemporary brands. Although the fashion industry is undeniably Western-centric, we'll also focus on non-Western histories of dress. Overall, you'll become familiar with a broad range of historic source material which might inspire your future studio work. In addition to lectures, you'll learn through a series of seminars, stimulating conversations, tutorials, independent research, and critical writing tasks. You'll be assessed via a portfolio of writing tasks.
Build on your knowledge of the fundamental process for fashion design, pattern cutting, and garment construction. You'll analyse and interpret ideas through research, design and development, and articulate your findings through the pattern cutting and construction of a garment, or garments. You'll learn technical skills through practical sessions and technical demonstrations before focusing on the development of your individual design concepts. We'll guide you in using pattern cutting, toiling, and industry standard construction techniques to resolve your ideas into a garment, or garments. You could adopt a personal, thematic, or experimental approach to the design process, which should also consider the embedding of diversity and inclusion, and sustainable design thinking.
What you'll learn
Gain an understanding of the tailoring industry by focusing on the technical design and garment realisation of a tailored jacket or coat. You'll analyse historical and contemporary trends in tailoring, and sample a basic tailored jacket. This will enable you to develop the tools to design, communicate, and manufacture your own tailored piece with a supporting technical pack. We'll concentrate on global markets ranging from niche to commercial and consider sustainable methods of production. You'll learn through lectures, technical demonstrations, individual and group tutorials, and critiques. This module will support you to to develop a professional self-promotional social media profile. You'll develop your curation techniques in presenting process and technique to an external audience.
This module will introduce fashion theory and build on the knowledge you gained in the Contextual Studies 1 module in your first year. New ways of thinking about style, trends, gender, technology, globalization, ethics, sustainability, faith, and culture, have transformed the fashion industry over the last few decades. Today’s industry professionals must be aware of current debates within fashion, while also being effective researchers, critical analysts, and excellent communicators. This module will equip you with these skills, as well as different theoretical lenses to interpret the diverse fashion practices you'll encounter in a globalized industry. Through informative lectures and seminars, stimulating conversations, independent research, and critical writing, you'll develop an intellectual understanding of contemporary fashion. As well as becoming a more effective fashion writer, this module will also enhance your future employability through developing your critical thinking skills, which will deepen your understanding of studio practice.
Examine industry-informed research methods that are used to explore, shape and compliment the design process. These include understanding of brand ethos and identity, customer and market, and trend analysis. We'll focus on developing your employability throughout the module as you expand your knowledge of the global fashion market and create a portfolio tailored for professional presentation. You'll be encouraged to place significant emphasis on your self-discovery as a designer, and you'll define your unique identity and positioning within the fashion industry in preparation for a placement year and/or your future career.
Explore fashion design through creative cut. You'll produce research, design development work, patterns, toiles, and final garments to a design brief. The focus will be on your creative exploration to support the development of your own fashion design identity. You'll create concepts that encompass a range of methodologies from trend, brand, and customer analysis, to self-directed thematic and concept driven ideas. You could produce research in diverse formats including film, photography, drawing, technical media, materials sourcing, and manipulation, as well as conventional and non-conventional pattern making and garment construction. Your design development will extend into range planning, evidencing awareness of colour and fabric application and balance. You'll build on the pattern making, garment construction and tailoring skills you acquired in your previous modules.
What you'll learn
Express your immediate career direction in fashion by producing a final comprehensive body of work. We'll explore an extensive fashion design methodology, from research to executing final garments. You'll articulate in-depth research and establish visual and conceptual interpretations that inform your individual concepts and design development. You'll need to demonstrate advanced project specific technical skills in pattern cutting and garment construction through the process of toiling and fabrication of final garments, and through a technical pack. You'll also establish the market, trends, customers, ethos, and identity of the collection, and take a professional approach to product visualisation for the intended target audience. You could choose to adopt thematic, concept, or process driven approaches to the production of garments, or a combination of a range of research methodologies.
Build on the knowledge you gained in your previous contextual studies modules. This module will encourage you to draw on your studies to date to identify and independently manage a research project which complements your practice as an emerging designer. You'll set your own research questions and determine your own practice-based or desk-based research methodologies. We'll encourage you to reflect on how new ways of thinking about style, trends, gender, technology, globalization, ethics, sustainability, faith, and culture have transformed the fashion industry. You'll also develop a creative, critical, and professional position within these contexts. You'll work on expressing your personal voice and positions, evidenced through an illustrated portfolio of work which. Your portfolio may include an extended essay, a series of critical fashion articles, annotated bibliographies, a video essay or fashion film, critical reflection on studio practice, or critical analyses of relevant fashion designers or brands. You'll gain skills in project management, research methods, professionalism, and communication which will enhance your future employability.
This module will enable you to curate and refine your targeted graduate portfolio. You'll develop the tools needed to professionally present your design work in a portfolio format to industry standard. You'll practise working at industry pace to develop a commercial portfolio to showcase your work and identify the target client/consumer demographic for your projects. This will enable you to highlight your individual design strengths, demonstrate your essential skills, both creatively and technically, and provide context for your design process. Your submitted portfolio will align with your chosen industry sector, and aesthetically align with your chosen career path. The portfolio will be your passport into the fashion industry and will include a physical full edit and a digital mini-portfolio that can be easily forwarded to potential employers. You'll also submit a digitally produced visual and textual positioning report to contextualise your work in relation to other designers, brands, and fashion labels. You'll position yourself, and your work, for a defined segmentation of the global fashion industry. You'll also produce an employability skills audit to identify your individual skillset.
This course offers the opportunity to take a ‘placement’ year – a year of paid employment in industry which will build your skills and experience. This is usually taken between the second and third year of your degree and will extend the length of your course by an additional year.
Students who choose the placement route find it helps with both their studies and getting a job after graduation. It can build your confidence, contacts, and of course your CV. Leeds Beckett advertise lots of placement opportunities and provide support in helping you find the right placement for you.
Fees and funding
£9,790
UK
The annual tuition fee for students entering in the 2026/27 academic year is anticipated to be £9790 (the maximum annual tuition fee cap announced by the UK Government, which is subject to parliamentary approval).
For each subsequent year of study, the University may charge up to the maximum annual tuition fee cap set by the UK Government, which may increase in line with any uplift determined by the UK Government by law or government policy (such increases are expected to be linked to inflation).
Placement Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee, which is yet to be confirmed.
£16,840
International 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £16840.
Placement Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £2526.Fees and funding
£9,790
For students entering in 2026
The annual tuition fee for students entering in the 2026/27 academic year is anticipated to be £9790 (the maximum annual tuition fee cap announced by the UK Government, which is subject to parliamentary approval).
For each subsequent year of study, the University may charge up to the maximum annual tuition fee cap set by the UK Government, which may increase in line with any uplift determined by the UK Government by law or government policy (such increases are expected to be linked to inflation).
Placement Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee, which is yet to be confirmed.Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Studio equipment and facilities, including the latest machinery and cutting tables.
- Free entry to Inside/Out lecture series.
- We aim to provide fabric to you through industry sponsorship and donations. We also provide/subsidise the cost of in-house materials, such as calico and consumables.
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Drawing kit (£50-60)
- Sewing kit (£30)
- Printing (£20-50)
- Portfolio (£30)
- Year 1 fabrics (£30)
- Year 2 fabrics (£50)
- Year 3 fabrics (£200-500)
Optional Costs
- Educational visits. Cost will vary depending on location and may be subsidised. Costs could include travel, accommodation and subsistence.
- Placement costs will vary, and you'll need to pay for any additional travel. You'll also need to provide any additional checks, such as DBS check.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£16,840
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £16840.
Placement Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £2526.Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Studio equipment and facilities, including the latest machinery and cutting tables.
- Free entry to Inside/Out lecture series.
- We aim to provide fabric to you through industry sponsorship and donations. We also provide/subsidise the cost of in-house materials, such as calico and consumables.
Essential Costs
- Drawing kit (£50-60)
- Sewing kit (£30)
- Printing (£20-50)
- Portfolio (£30)
- Year 1 fabrics (£30)
- Year 2 fabrics (£50)
- Year 3 fabrics (£200-500)
Optional Costs
- Educational visits. Cost will vary depending on location and may be subsidised. Costs could include travel, accommodation and subsistence.
- Placement costs will vary, and you'll need to pay for any additional travel. You'll also need to provide any additional checks, such as DBS check.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Scholarships and bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that an education at Leeds Beckett University is open to all. If you're thinking of joining us for undergraduate study, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship or bursary to help with the cost of university. To find out if you are be eligible visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
We also offer a range of non-repayable scholarships for international students. To find out if you may be eligible visit our scholarships for international students page and select your home country from the drop-down list.
Career prospects
There’s a lot to consider when choosing your fashion design course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Career Prospects
This fashion course focuses on design, pattern cutting, and garment construction. You’ll graduate with highly developed commercial and conceptual skills as a fashion designer. As well as forging a career as a designer, a number of other exciting careers will be open to you in the fashion industry. You could become a fashion buyer, journalist, marketer or PR manager. You could further your studies with one of our postgraduate fashion degrees, like our MA Fashion course at Leeds School of Arts.
Some of the roles our fashion design graduates have secured in the fashion industry include:
- Fashion designer
- Fashion buyer
- Self-employed designer/maker
- Garment technologist
Sam Hudson-Miles
Course Director / Leeds School of Arts
A fashion academic and PhD student. MA in Fashion Design from Central Saint Martin's (1994). Director of eponymous label and CMT facility (1996-2000). Career as a fashion educator, teaching on, leading, and designing new undergraduate fashion design programmes (2000-present).
Our Graduate Promise
We have a dedicated team of people who will support you with all aspects of your career planning, from day one until 18 months after you graduate.
Getting you career ready is an integral part of your university life and this is embedded throughout your lectures and seminars. Outside of your course there is a wide range of support available to help you achieve your career goals, including:
- Getting ready to apply for jobs
- Working on your CV
- Interview skills and assessment centres
- Connecting with employers and organisations
We’re ranked in the Top 10 universities in the UK for job prospects
(Student Crowd, 2025 - the only awards based entirely on student reviews).
Find out why...
Student life
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Explore Leeds Beckett
Step inside our immersive 360° virtual tour and discover cutting-edge facilities, dynamic learning spaces, and everything our campus has to offer.
Why Leeds?
With great music venues, culture, shopping, and parks - we've got it all. Leeds city centre has been named one of the Best Places to Live in the UK*.
*The Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide, 2026
Thinking of staying at home for your studies?
It’s a great option for lots of our local students
Still thinking about your uni choices? Discover Uni has official information to help you decide. They provide statistics for courses taken from national surveys and data collected from universities about their students.
