Contemporary Fashion Design (with Foundation Year)
 Contemporary Fashion Design (Major).jpg)
UCAS Code: Combined honours only - please see Combinations tab|Duration: 4 years|Full Time|Creative Campus
UCAS Campus Code: L46
Work placement opportunities|International students can apply
About the course
Contemporary Fashion Design is a dynamic practice-based course that explores a breadth of current themes and issues from inclusivity to adaptable fashion. Centred around the exciting possibilities of adorning the body and exploring materials, you will learn about the fundamentals of designing and understanding the role that fashion plays in the wider society.
Working with external partners within Liverpool's Fabric District and wider communities, the programme provides an environment that enables rich interdisciplinary approaches exploring how fashion and regenerative practices can improve and enhance people's lives and address the challenges of our times.
The course focuses on ‘expanded fashion concepts’, the wider disciplines which surround and support the industry such as brand awareness, styling, image making and promotion. These areas offer an opportunity to specialise and produce a bespoke portfolio which are linked to career opportunities and industry expectations.
During your studies you will be taught by established practitioners and have access to a vast range of equipment, workshops and studio spaces here at the Creative Campus. As a combined honours Degree, this programme offers an exciting opportunity to combine your fashion practice with other subjects, which will influence your individual approach to fashion and can be tailored to individual interests.
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Course structure
Teaching on this degree includes lectures, practical seminars, technical masterclasses and weekly group tutorials.
In addition to formal teaching, you are expected to spend a number of hours each week studying independently: researching and practising your technical skills.
Access to studios and facilities outside of taught contact time is provided to enhance individual and flexible independent study.
Assessment and feedback
Throughout your three years of study, you will have informal and formal assessments where you will be given written and verbal feedback on your work.
Formal assessments are normally held at the end of each academic year and you are required to complete a series of assessment tasks. These typically include a portfolio of creative work, accompanied by contextual documentation. In your final year, you are also required to complete a research project/dissertation.
You will have the opportunity to discuss your work during regular one-to-one tutorials.
Curriculum overview
During year one, students will build an introductory understanding of contemporary fashion design. Quick paced thematic projects take students through a series of styling, drawing, and material workshops to explore varied approaches.
During year two, students will further develop their fashion practice skills through a live project harnessing our partnership links within the vibrant city of Liverpool. This project is supported by a series of professional development workshops.
The final year of the programme enables students to define their professional fashion practice and personal approaches, selecting a specific project area. The culmination of an independent project will result in an end of year fashion showcase of outcomes.
Foundation Year
The Foundation Year is a great opportunity if you have the ability and enthusiasm to study for a degree, but do not yet have the qualifications required to enter directly onto our degree programmes. A significant part of the Foundation Year focuses upon core skills such as academic writing at HE level, becoming an independent learner, structuring academic work, critical thinking, time management and note taking.
Successful completion of the Foundation Year will enable you to progress into the first year (Level C) of your chosen honours degree. Further details can be found here.
Year One
Contemporary Fashion: Fundamentals
Working within the studio, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of expanded fashion concepts through exploring a range of making skills, relevant machinery and processes. The diagnostic year will focus on textiles for fashion, fashion accessories and image making and styling. The emphasis will be on experimentation and learning the basics through material-led investigation.
Tutorial
The weekly student-led tutorial will provide time to come together as a group to share practice, develop study skills and connect to the wider university network.
Design Development and Fashion Illustration
In this element, you will be developing core design and illustration skills which underpin your practical work. The sessions will focus on areas including image making, fashion photography and digital explorations.
Visual Culture
The Visual Culture lectures will introduce contemporary themes, artists and designers within the field. Each lecture will highlight research materials and theoretical approaches, which will shape and direct your practice.
Year Two
Contemporary Fashion: Directions
In year two, you will be focused on working on a live brief with one of our Liverpool partners. Projects initiated by the programme will have an emphasis on sustainable and ethical practices and community engagement. Collaborations with local organisations, communities and practitioners will enable new experiences and directions for practice.
Professional Development
This element will focus on core professional skills which will support your practice and direction within the industry. These sessions support your live project work, focusing on team-work, project planning, communication and presentation. In the final semester, you will also identify an appropriate work experience placement.
Tutorial
The weekly student-led tutorial will provide time to come together as a group to share practice, develop study skills and connect to the wider university network.
Visual Culture
The Visual Culture lectures will continue to highlight a series of contemporary work, supported by external visits. Each lecture will highlight research materials and theoretical approaches, which will shape and direct your practice.
Year Three
Contemporary Fashion: Futures
The final major project at year three, enables you to define your fashion practice and personal approaches. A series of masterclasses and guidance throughout the year will support you in the realisation of a fashion focused collection of work. Your practice-based research could take a variety of forms that might include concept or garment design, styling, print and accessories. You will have the opportunity to exhibit your work within the Cornerstone Gallery at the Creative Campus. Year three also provides the opportunity to bring together your combined subjects as a possible source of inspiration and output.
Professional Development
In this final year, your professional development research will enable you to clarify and define your personal ambitions. You will experience a broad range of workshops, including careers mapping, online presence, advanced digital application and professional engagement tools.
Tutorial
The weekly student-led tutorial will provide time to come together as a group to share practice, engage in group critiques and develop study skills and connect to the wider university network.
Visual Culture
The Visual Culture lectures will continue to highlight a series of contemporary work, supported by external visits. Each session will highlight research materials and theoretical approaches, which will shape and direct your practice.
Entry requirements
There may be some flexibility for mature students offering non-tariff qualifications and students meeting particular widening participation criteria.
Careers
The Contemporary Fashion Design programme equips learners with a wide range of practical skills and theoretical knowledge. Alongside the development of a personal creative design practice (with a bespoke portfolio of professionally documented outcomes), students will acquire proficiency in the entrepreneurial skills necessary for establishing a sustainable career within the industry. Students will be well placed to shape the future of the fashion industry offering alternative solutions to challenges which surround the industry.
Careers might include: working within the creative and design industries, fashion studio, marketing, image making and styling, teaching practice, community practitioner and research. The course will also provide a good foundation for further study at postgraduate level.
Enhancement opportunities
Work Placement Opportunities
All students will be encouraged to uptake work-placements with an appropriate company/design studio.
SALA
The Service and Leadership Award (SALA) is offered as an extra-curricular programme involving service-based experiences, development of leadership potential and equipping you for a career in a rapidly changing world. It enhances your degree, it is something which is complimentary but different and which has a distinct ‘value-added’ component. Find out more on our Service and Leadership Award page.
Study Abroad
As part of your degree, you can choose to spend either a semester or a full year of study at one of our partner universities as part of our Study Abroad programme. Find out more on our Study Abroad page.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are £9,535* for full-time undergraduate courses.
If you are a student from the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands, your tuition fees will also be £9,535*.
The University reserves the right to increase Home and EU Undergraduate and PGCE tuition fees in line with any inflationary or other increase authorised by the Secretary of State for future years of study.
*subject to Council approval.
Scholarships
We have a range of scholarships to help with the cost of your studies. Visit our scholarships page to find out more.
International tuition fees
The International Tuition fees for 2025/26 are £14,500.
Visit our International fees page for more information.
Course combinations
This course is also available with Foundation Year as a Combined Honours degree with the following subjects: