Fashion Technology BA

How do design ideas become fashion products on the market? How can fashion be more sustainable? If you're interested in finding the answers to these questions then this could be the course for you.

This degree will allow you to develop an understanding of how to create the best product, from the cotton fields to the shop floor, and how to consider and overcome the many sustainability challenges.

You’ll gain a working knowledge of design materials, fabrics and dyes, including how and when to use them. You’ll also develop the ability to assess manufacturing processes and begin to plan supply chains.

You’ll learn about key issues in the design industry including sustainability and consumerism and will also gain an understanding of the history of design from the industrial revolution to the present day.

This course has been developed in consultation with business professionals within the fashion industry to ensure that you gain the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in this exciting role at the heart of the fashion industry. You’ll gain key career skills in product development, sustainability and market analysis as well as transferable skills such as research, problem-solving and report presentation skills.

Specialist facilities

The School of Design offers excellent facilities for developing your creative skills. We have dedicated practice studios, workshops and specialist facilities for painting, printmaking, sculpture and digital media. We have dedicated PC and Mac computer suites with up to date software for advancing your CAD skills.

The University is also home to the Yorkshire Fashion Archive which contains a huge variety of haute couture, fashion garments and everyday clothing bought and worn by Yorkshire locals throughout the 20th century – a great resource for your own research and design.Our campus also houses the M&S Company Archive which includes documents, advertising, photos, films, clothing and merchandise from throughout Marks & Spencer’s history. It’s a fascinating insight into how fashion and the marketplace have changed and continue to evolve.

In addition, the world class Brotherton Library holds a wide variety of manuscript, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections– valuable assets for your independent research. Our additional library resources are also excellent, and the University Library offers a comprehensive training programme to help you make the most of them.

From your first year, you’ll build your knowledge of how fashion products are developed, exploring topics such as technology, colour, sustainability and design. Core modules will explore how fibres are converted through numerous processes into a finished product and how your decisions at each of these processing steps impact the look, functionality and sustainability of your product. They will also introduce you to the concepts of supply chain and testing as well as consumer behaviour and global trends, and how they shape – and are shaped by – the fashion industry.

Year 2 allows you to build on this foundation, by taking part in group project work to gain a wide range of skills as you develop your understanding of fashion products, their complex manufacturing processes and how to drive a positive sustainability agenda. You’ll also study recent developments in fashion technology, the impact of innovation and retail management to get a real sense of how different aspects of the industry come together.

In your final year, you’ll demonstrate the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired when you focus on your own product development project. This gives you the opportunity to build the business case for a new fashion product, and then plan how this product is developed by considering the materials, dyes, fabrics and supply chain used to bring it to market – while thinking about sustainability at every stage. You’ll also study how global trends and technological innovation will shape the future of the fashion industry.

The Programme Leader for this course is Dr Lindsey Taylor.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

We use a variety of teaching and learning methods including lectures, seminars, industrial visits, practical sessions and tutorials plus one-to-one contact with tutors. However, we attach a lot of importance to independent study, since it allows you to develop your knowledge and skills such as research and analysis. You’ll also take part in project work throughout the degree, collaborating with students on the other programmes within the School.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB preferably including one science or mathematics related subject

If you haven't studied a science/mathematics A level we may also consider your application if you have a high grade in these subjects at GCSE level.

• Access to HE Diploma

  Pass: 60 credits including 45 at level 3, with grades specified for individual subjects.

• BTEC

  DDM in science.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  D3,M2,M2 including a science subject.

• International Baccalaureate

  34 overall (16 higher including 5 or 6 points in a science subject).

• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

  (Leaving Certificate): AABBBB including a science subject

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  AABBBB OR AAABB (B at advanced level) OR AABBB (BB at advanced level) including a science subject

• Other Qualifications

  Art Foundation course: We welcome Art Foundation course students. However, the qualification is not a requirement for entry and doesn’t usually count towards entry requirements, which are based on A-levels and equivalent qualifications. In exceptional cases, we may make you an offer conditional on achieving an Art Foundation qualification.

  
  

  If you’re taking the EPQ, we may make you an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. In this case that would be BBB, plus EPQ grade A.

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

Fees

UK/EU: See fees section below

International: £20,750 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
In November 2024 the UK Government announced that the tuition fee cap may rise to £9,535 from £9,250.

The tuition fee cap for some foundation years may also reduce to £5,760 from £9,250.

This would start from the academic year 2025/26. However, this is subject to final confirmation from the Government. Once available, we’ll publish the fees for the 2025/26 academic year and individual offer letters shall be updated via email and post.

The foundation year courses affected are:
·         Business Studies with Foundation Year BSc
·         Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year BA
·         Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education BA
·         Social Science (foundation year) BA

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 and 2025/26 are available on individual course pages.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
 

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Fashion Technology Clothworkers Excellence scholarship

We offer a number of scholarships of £7,500 for students studying our BA Fashion Technology course which are awarded as £2,500 for each of the 3 years of study. All Home/EU students who apply to the course will automatically be considered for this Excellence Scholarship and we will select students based on their academic experience as well as professional knowledge or experience which you have demostrated in your UCAS application.

This degree is designed to equip you with a wide range of skills that are highly desirable to employers in the fashion industry.

You’ll have an understanding of the design process and be able to translate a design into a workable production process using the right materials. You’ll be able to put all of this in the context of how the finished product will be marketed, purchased and used. As the fashion industry places increasing focus on sustainability, the course will equip you to meet these challenges head on.

This holistic knowledge of fashion technology, the supply chain and the industry will equip you to succeed in a range of different careers with clothing brands and retailers and their suppliers. These roles could include buying, product development, technology, retail and supply chain management among many others.

In addition, the understanding you’ll gain of operational issues, manufacturing processes and project management could open doors for you in a range of other sectors.

Careers support

The School of Design offers an excellent "Industry mentoring scheme" which is open to students studying on the BA Fashion Technology course. This is an opportunity to gain advice and guidance from a contact already working in the fashion industry, they will share with you their personal experience of working in the industry and will be able to provide invaluable advice on how to achieve your career ambitions. They can also support you with applying for jobs, preparing for job interviews and identifying the right career options for you.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

Work placements

Every Leeds student can spend a year working in industry after their second year of study. The industrial placement is great for your personal and professional development, and some students have even been offered permanent roles at their placement companies.

Read more about our Year in Industry in the School of Design.