(Full time) 2022 start
Sustainable Fashion BA
Overview
Explore the cultural, social, business, technological and consumer factors that shape how the fashion industry can have a sustainable future. By developing your understanding of the dynamic and interconnectedness of the industry and practical perspectives of sustainability you can contribute to this future.
During the course you’ll explore the complex nature of fashion and develop your understanding of sustainability issues that are associated with this vast global business that has significant impacts on the environment, on workers and on consumers.
This course will encourage you to consider the interconnectedness of sustainability, business and technology, and the changing nature of consumption and consumer behaviour for fashion. As sustainable fashion is also of growing importance with governments, NGOs and the media, you’ll study the role of these organisations in the changing of the fashion agenda. Ultimately you’ll develop your skills to be able to investigate sustainable solutions for fashion that meet the needs of the planet, as well as the industry and its customers.
By using a multidisciplinary approach to learning, this course will support your exploration of many different facets of sustainability and fashion, and with our strong connections with industry, the use of real life case studies will form a major part of your learning journey. You’ll have opportunities to engage with many of the current national and international issues associated with the fashion industry and to explore the solutions to these issues.
With our unique approach to teaching and through the exploration of the complex nature of sustainable fashion, upon graduation you’ll be equipped to choose from a diverse range of career paths and roles within the fashion industry including: retailing, manufacturing, product development, and Corporate Social Responsibility, as well as having a firm foundation for further study at postgraduate level. With the expertise you gain from this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge to build a career that contributes to the shaping of the future of the industry.
Specialist facilities and support
Take a virtual tour of our facilities.
The School of Design offers excellent facilities and technical support for developing your creative skills. We have dedicated practice studios, workshops and specialist facilities: 3D Art & Design Studio; 2D Art & Design studios; Fashion Design studios; Knit and Weave studio; Graphic and Visual Communication studio; Photography and Film studio; Digital print studio; Laser cut studio; traditional printing studio; Design workshop; 3D workshop with 3D printing; computer clusters.
The School also provides a range of other support to enhance the student experience and prepare students for the workplace: essential learning materials; essential studio and workshop materials; dedicated software (Adobe CC; PointCarre, Solid Works, Cinema 4D, Lectra, etc); cameras and video recorder on loan; free entry to Inside/Out lecture series; compulsory field trips part of assessment; part of curriculum subscriptions (eg LSN, Special journals and periodicals); costs of Degree Show (infrastructure, course catalogue and exhibition set-up); external promotion (eg New Designer, AD&D, Graduate Fashion Week); Yorkshire Fashion Archive and Membership to the ASBCI (Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing students); and Visiting Speakers, who are well known figures from industry or other institutions around the world.
Course content
The structure of the course is designed to develop your understanding of the complex and often challenging aspects of sustainability from multiple perspectives. As you progress through the course, you’ll explore the theory of sustainability, its application to fashion, and the interactions between culture, business, technology and the consumer. You’ll be able to critically assess solutions and opportunities for sustainable fashion in the future.
At Level 1 you’ll be offered modules that provide the foundations for understanding sustainability, our current culture of consumption, the fashion industry and the environmental and social impacts of fashion products throughout their lifecycle.
Level 2 will build on this foundation by exploring the existing opportunities to minimise the environmental and social impacts of fashion across the product’s lifecycle. The use of real life case studies and new research will be used to illustrate solutions for sustainability within a business and consumer framework.
In Level 3, as your creative and critical analysis skills are developed, you’ll use your knowledge and skills to consider what the future for sustainable fashion may look like. You’ll be challenged to recognise the complexity of sustainable fashion by considering the roles of technology, business, consumers and culture for the solutions you develop.
At each level of the course, you’ll have the opportunity to complement the core teaching with optional modules of your choice. The School of Design also offers all our students the opportunity to take part in the Study Abroad scheme or our very successful placement year (Year in Industry) between Level 2 and Level 3; for many students the placement year is a great opportunity to experience the reality of fashion and sustainability.
We’ve developed this course to align with the needs of industry to produce skilled, knowledgeable graduates. Upon completion of this degree the skills and knowledge you have gained will mean you have employment opportunities across the industry, both in the UK and internationally.
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
We use different assessment methods to help you gain a wide range of skills, including exams, essays, reports, business plans and project work among others.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: ABB
GCSE: 5/6 A-C (or 4+) including English.
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Access to HE Diploma
Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. An interview and a piece of written work may be required.
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BTEC
DDM
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Cambridge Pre-U
M1, M1, M2
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International Baccalaureate
34 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, including a 4 in English.
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Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
BB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers OR B in Advanced Highers and AAABB in Highers OR AABBBB in Highers.
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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 Schools 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.
Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBC at A Level and pass Access to Leeds.
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.
Read our guidance about applying.
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: See fees section below
International: £22,000 (per year)
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 UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.
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.
Additional cost information
<p>There are additional costs of study that students need to cover. We estimate that these additional costs could be as described below, but this amount may vary depending on how you decide to respond to university briefs and the range of materials and techniques you decide to adopt.</p><p><strong>Equipment and material costs</strong></p><p>Students need to cover the cost of printing their work during the course, including specialist print workshop costs. Students also need to cover costs of copying and supplying their own basic materials (eg pens, pencils, cutting tools, paper, ruler, etc.) and more course specific materials (eg sketchbooks, specialist papers, specialist fabrics, sculpting materials, specialist tools, etc.), as well as print portfolios.</p><p>The approximate cost of these items in recent years has been:</p><p>• Level 1 – £100 - £170<br />• Level 2 – £100 - £150<br />• Level 3 – £200 - £600</p><p><strong>Computers and digital equipment</strong></p><p>To ensure you can make the most of your studies at Leeds, you’ll need to make sure your laptop <a href="http://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/design-undergraduate/doc/computer-system-requirements">meets the system requirements for your course</a>.</p><p>Depending on your circumstances you can benefit from a <a href="https://ses.leeds.ac.uk/info/22168/student_support-related_policies/1244/laptop_loans_for_students">laptop loan</a> or further support from our <a href="https://students.leeds.ac.uk/info/10231/university_financial_assistance_fund">Financial Assistance Fund</a>.</p><p>Our course requires the development of work using Adobe Creative and other relevant software. We also use a blended learning model where you’ll need to access course materials and video conference using a computer or mobile device (eg laptop, tablet, smartphone). Costs for a laptop will vary depending on the exact specification. You should expect to pay between £500 - £2,500. You might also consider buying an external drive to back-up your work on a regular basis, which may incur another additional £50 - £150. Alternatively you can choose to store your work using cloud storage or your personal M:Drive, provided by the University.</p><p>If you’re buying a new laptop for your studies, then we recommend that you wait until you’re registered as a student so that you take advantage of discounts given to university students (eg Apple, Adobe Creative, etc.). Delaying purchasing also allows you to find out from your programme leader what you need and what you do not need. In case you cannot afford a laptop, you may be eligible for further support from our <a href="https://students.leeds.ac.uk/info/10231/university_financial_assistance_fund">Financial Assistance Fund</a>.</p><p>You’ll also have access to further digital equipment in our studios and using our loan scheme. But, you may decide to purchase your own equipment (from Year 1 or as your studies progress) which will result in additional costs. Examples are: Drawing tablet (£50 - £500); Digital camera (£200 - £1500); etc.</p>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.
Career opportunities
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
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 and work placements
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.
A Year in Industry is not only a fantastic opportunity to gain experience of working in your chosen industry or field of expertise before you graduate, but it is also a chance for you to put the knowledge and skills you have gained during the first two years of your degree into practice. You can spend a year immersing yourself with one organisation or try a multitude of placements to explore different organisations and career paths.
Whilst on placement you could be in a fast-paced creative agency, or a high end fashion design company, an international retailer, a product manufacturer or an art practitioner developing their latest exhibition. Whatever option you decide to do you’ll be expanding your skillset, creating your professional network and developing your professionalism all of which will help you to secure graduate employment in the future.
Read more about our Year in Industry in the School of Design.