Fashion Design (Marketing)

Overview

From high-end to high street, fashion encompasses a wide range of markets. This degree teaches you to understand the landscape and create designs that successfully attract target audiences.

You’ll learn how to conduct in-depth market research, analyse data and create innovative designs based on your findings – covering commercial and consumer needs. Examining a variety of fashion brands, you’ll also evaluate current marketing strategies and produce your own creative campaigns.

Alongside key marketing theories, you’ll explore digital and traditional techniques (from pop-up shops to influencer collaborations), examine changing trends and emerging markets, and engage with the ethical, cultural and environmental issues impacting the wider fashion industry.

You'll have opportunities to work on live projects with leading brands, and hear first-hand accounts from industry experts about how they got their big breaks and what their advice is for aspiring designers. Recent collaborations include:

Nicole Bischofer, Head of Womenswear at COS
Annabel Dowsing, Studio Director at Georgia Hardinge
Duncan Cui, Director at Kylin Pulu and Tom Tailor

Each December we host a fashion show, giving you the chance to present your design work on a runway, alongside a marketing campaign. In your final year, you’ll participate in our Graduate Fashion Show – showing your final collection and campaign to family, friends and industry experts.

Graduate as a fashion innovator who has the design skills and marketing know-how to succeed in this fast-paced industry. You'll leave Regent's with a professional portfolio that can be presented to future clients and employers.

Download Programme Specification

Why choose to study Fashion in London?

Model and designer on the catwalk at Regent's Graduate Fashion Show 2018

Highlights from Regent's Graduate Fashion Show 2018

Discover the inspiration behind students' 2021 collections

Structure

This is a three year, full time programme, or four years if you begin on the Integrated Design Foundation.

Module Title	Overview
Fashion Consumer	In this module you will study consumer behaviour, analysing its relationship to how consumers purchase fashion products and brands. You will focus on research into consumer attributes and the trends that inspire and influence the purchase of fashion products. You will develop an understanding of how cultural, social, personal and psychological characteristics of consumers affect their buyer behaviour. You will develop an understanding about how consumer attributes including demographics, social class, lifecycle, reference groups, lifestyles, values and attributes affect the development and marketing of international fashion products and brands. You will learn how market researchers effectively communicate their findings to others, through statistical, biographical and visual formats.
Fashion Design Process	This module teaches you the design process by working to a set brief and using a current exhibition as a primary source of inspiration. You will be introduced to research (primary and secondary), idea generation, design, design development and presentation of design outcomes. You will gain an understanding of how to apply a range of creative working processes; from inspiration, to design ideas, to product. You will learn how to work through the analysis and selection process that culminate in range planning and collection development.
Fashion History and Context	You will be introduced to fundamental developments in European fashion from the 18th Century to contemporary times. Social, political, technological as well as wider art/design history will be covered to place fashion in a context. Both historical knowledge and contextual understanding enhance your understanding and/or practice of contemporary fashion.
Global Perspectives	This is a University-wide common module, which facilitates interpersonal, intercultural and trans-disciplinary learning for all Year 1 students enrolled on Regent’s degree programmes. The module introduces a range of ideas and ways of thinking based around the University’s values, reflected in its learning outcomes. It encourages you to interact with the broader University community, both socially and academically, to cross the physical and intellectual borders of your degree programmes. Global Perspectives aims to increase self-awareness and prepares you for your subsequent studies by familiarising you with the resources available to meet your lifelong learning needs.
Intro to Fashion Marketing	In this module you will acquire knowledge of the role of marketing within the fashion industry. You will develop your knowledge of fashion and the fashion business, and your ability to stay in touch with developments at the forefront of this fast-moving industry. You will learn about key fashion marketing theories, tools and methodologies and you will apply these to projects about the contemporary fashion market. You will comprehensively explore the range of marketing activities that fashion companies engage in. You will complete projects where you will apply theory to practice in assignments that include developing a promotional campaign and associated visual, virtual and text-based work.
Pattern and Construction	This module is designed to equip you with the fundamental garment construction and technical skills which you will use throughout your degree programme. The module introduces you to the basic concepts of garment development and construction, moving from an initial design drawing through to the completed garment. You will be introduced to core terminology, sewing and cutting techniques which will enable you to design and draft two-dimensional blocks/patterns. You will then use these patterns, combined with a selection of fabrics to construct simple three-dimensional garments.

In addition, you'll need to choose one elective module from the list below, subject to availability:

Module Title	Overview
English for Academic Purposes	These modules are aimed at students who want to improve their academic English or perfect their professional English skills.
Fashion Drawing	This module introduces you to drawing the fashion figure and garments for communication and illustration of fashion design. You will learn to draw the body considering proportions, head, hands and feet as well as representing movement. You will be introduced to drawing materials and methods including drawing from a model, representing fabrics and drape, drawing garment details, technical drawing, the use of CAD in fashion drawing as well as basic presentation skills.
Regent’s Connect (language elective)	Regent’s Connect is a portfolio of language, cultural and cross-cultural elective modules available to the student community at Regent’s University London. Connect Modules are designed to broaden your education, enhance your CV and give you those extra attributes employers are often looking for. You will gain valuable life skills such as the ability to communicate across cultural and linguistic boundaries, you will develop resilience and self-awareness. In an increasingly interconnected world, knowledge of a foreign language can facilitate transactions and provide skills which are crucial for success in a multicultural environment. Cultural sensitivity and intelligence will enable you to have more rewarding social interaction with people who have a different identity from your own and increase your global career prospects.
The Fashion Industry	In this module, you will be introduced to the structure and workings of the fashion industry, focusing on marketing and communications in particular. You will learn how different organisations work together to ensure a seamless and effective transition from concept to collection to customer. You will become familiar with the roles and responsibilities of individuals and teams within these organisations in order to more fully understand how fashion is effectively communicated and marketed. You will be expected to undertake your own fact-finding and research to discover which areas of this vast and dynamic industry appeals to you.

Module Title	Overview
Design Studio 1	This module will enable you to explore and generate design concepts through research, idea generation, design experimentation, toile development, and interpretation of a project brief. It will give you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills through the use of fabric, colour, texture, silhouette, shape, and garment construction techniques. You will design a full collection of contemporary clothing and then select, construct, photograph, and style an outfit.
Design Studio 2	You will build, expand on, and apply technical, theoretical, and design skills and knowledge gained from Design Studio 1. This module will enable you to explore and generate design concepts through focused research, design experimentation, toile development, and interpretation of a project brief. It will give you the opportunity to further demonstrate your skills through the use of fabric, colour, texture, silhouette, shape, and garment construction techniques. You will design a full collection of clothing and then select, construct and style a minimum of two outfits.
Fashion Illustration and CAD	You will continue to develop your drawing of the fashion figure and further your ability to communicate movement, fabrics, textures and construction in order to develop your perception and visual interpretation of garments and how they relate to the human form. This will involve drawing from the model and garments, experimental approaches with the use of mixed media and colour through to the use of CAD and digital illustration.
Fashion Marketing and Communication in Practice	This module gives you the opportunity to study the planning and strategy development process in relation to fashion marketing, promotion and communication. The module takes you from initial concept, research and analysis, through concept development to the creation of an integrated marketing and communications plan. You will learn about the theories and activities involved in marketing management and you will develop both your critical research and analysis skills, and your ability to engage in creative development.
Fashion Theory and Research	This module will explore some of the main issues surrounding fashion in contemporary society. You will be introduced to concepts and theories to help you critically think about and investigate the social/economic/political and cultural position and relevance of fashion.

In addition, you'll need to choose one or two elective modules from the list below, subject to availability:

Module Title	Overview
Accessories
Fashion Entrepreneurship	This module is designed specifically for those students who are interested in engaging in their own entrepreneurial enterprise in fashion upon graduation. It will help you define both the spirit and practicalities of entrepreneurship, and offers the opportunity to implement what is learned in this module in greater detail in the Major Project modules in your final year. It will equip you with the information required for you to consider starting your own unique enterprise, either individually or collaboratively.
Fashion Photography	This module enables you to develop an understanding of photography in different areas of fashion such as; advertising, film, catwalk, and editorial. You will learn about roles and responsibilities of a fashion photographer. You will study photography as a visual language of contemporary fashion.
Fashion Publishing and Media Relations	In this module you will learn how the fashion media and public relations (PR) operate in the fast-moving world of fashion. You will explore the world of fashion publishing, the role that the media plays in communicating fashion, and the interrelationship between two of the most important sectors in the industry. You will learn to analyse and identify audiences, how to create personality through media platforms and how to communicate and manage image through PR activities.
Fashion Show Production and Events Management	This module introduces you to the history, theory and practice of fashion show production and about how to plan and manage a fashion event. You will be introduced to the different roles and responsibilities involved in creating a successful fashion show or fashion event. You will develop an understanding of the tradition of catwalk shows and events exploring the role of shows and events within contemporary fashion and you will examine the social, ethical and environmental issues relating to these promotional activities. You will learn the practice of fashion show production and event management through tutor-led presentations and guest talks and by working in teams to plan a professional event.
Fashion Styling	In this module you will study how trends arise by considering market and consumer intelligence as well as aesthetic, economic, social and cultural influences. You will explore how emerging trends are used to inspire and influence in relation to the fashion industry. You will conduct research and work on trend predictions. You will learn to assess markets, identify emerging trends and create directional trend materials. These materials will then act as inspiration for you to conduct your own styled fashion shoot that is reflective of these trends in practice. You will use mediums such as CAD, photography and illustration to work creatively to enhance your project work.
Industry Placement	This module will give you the opportunity to experience what it is like to work in your chosen industry, while developing your employability and increasing your graduate career prospects. It will provide you with a deeper understanding of your subject and allow you to acquire greater knowledge of the industry. It will enable you to explore and experience its practices, develop your intellectual and practical knowledge and skills directly in relation to the industry, apply some of what you have learned on your programme and reflect upon your career aspirations.
Regent’s Connect (language elective)	Regent’s Connect is a portfolio of language, cultural and cross-cultural elective modules available to the student community at Regent’s University London. Connect Modules are designed to broaden your education, enhance your CV and give you those extra attributes employers are often looking for. You will gain valuable life skills such as the ability to communicate across cultural and linguistic boundaries, you will develop resilience and self-awareness. In an increasingly interconnected world, knowledge of a foreign language can facilitate transactions and provide skills which are crucial for success in a multicultural environment. Cultural sensitivity and intelligence will enable you to have more rewarding social interaction with people who have a different identity from your own and increase your global career prospects.

Module Title	Overview
Pre-Collections – Research and Development	The module allows you to fully explore and develop innovative ideas, methods and processes through experimentation. Your work will be self-initiated, enabling you to demonstrate the skills you have already acquired and outlining areas for further learning and development. Your research will involve exploration and design development through the creation of inspirational two-dimensional and three-dimensional work, which considers fabrics, textile development, garment structure and silhouette/shape development.
Dissertation	In the dissertation you will explore a subject of your own choosing and negotiated with your tutor, who will guide your selection. The subject will be fashion related and may be something you have touched upon earlier in your studies which you want to explore in depth. It will be a subject that relates in some way to the final work you wish to produce for your Collection or Final Major Project module. The dissertation module is concerned with choosing a topic, setting the parameters of the research, and gathering research material – both primary and secondary. Then you will move on to write the dissertation in full.
Final Major Project and Portfolio	The Final Major Project is a tariff based final project, which will consist of at least four catwalk/show ready outfits/looks plus additional marketing or promotional outcomes to meet the minimum tariff requirement. You will continue to develop and demonstrate professionalism through your time-management, planning, and the progress of your collection. Your outfits should be fully accessorised and styled before assessment. Only garments that are fully complete and that demonstrate work at honours level will be considered for the Graduate Fashion Show. You will also develop an industry ready Fashion Design Portfolio (or for application to MA or further study). You will analyse your skills, strengths and weaknesses in order to develop a portfolio of work that is suitable to show as you pursue the next stage of your career. It will contain a visual representation of your personal design philosophy, with your developed signature style shown throughout. You will also create a professional CV that draws on all of your relevant skills and experience up to this point. The portfolio will be presented at a mock interview.

How to apply

Applying to study at Regent's University London is quick and easy. We have put together some helpful information to guide you through the process. We accept direct applications and there is no application fee.

Not received your results yet?

That's fine, you can still apply even without your exam results. We can issue a conditional offer without your results. You just need be clear in your application which qualifications you are currently studying for.

There's still time to submit an application. Get in touch, we'd love to hear from you.

Step 1 Apply

You can apply in the following ways:

Apply online
Apply through UCAS (The Regent’s UCAS code is R18)

If you have not uploaded the relevant supporting documents during the online application process, you should ensure that we have the below supporting documents as soon as you have completed your application. These can be sent to the Regent’s Admissions Department via email to [email protected].

Copies of academic transcripts and certificates from all previous studies (i.e. secondary school and/or university certificates)
One academic letter of recommendation
A 300-500 word personal statement outlining the reasons for applying to your chosen programme, how you feel you will benefit from the programme of study, what contributions you will make to the University and how this will help your future career aspirations.
A copy of your passport photograph (ID) page
If you are not a native English speaker, proof of your English proficiency

Credit Transfer

If you’ve already studied part of a degree course elsewhere, you may be able apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and join the programme at an advanced entry point. If you’d like to request entry part-way through a programme, make sure you state this clearly in your statement of purpose and provide us with the transcripts and module descriptions for the relevant study.

Step 2 Receive a response to your application

You can expect to receive a decision on your application within 10 working days of receipt of your completed application and supporting documents.

We will assess whether you meet our entry requirements and will notify you of the decision via email. UCAS applicants will also receive official notification via the UCAS system.

For some of our programmes, the selection process may include an interview or audition. Interviews/auditions can take the form of a one-to-one interview, group interview or portfolio review which may be conducted by telephone or as a Skype call. Arrangements of these are made between the Admissions Department and the applicant.

Step 3 Accepting your offer

If you wish to accept the offer you must pay the advance tuition fee deposit (non-refundable) to confirm your place.

Please see here for information on how to pay.

Step 4 After you have accepted your place

Closer to the start of the term, the Admissions Team will send information regarding the registration process. This will include information on completing your online enrolment prior to your arrival as well as a checklist of documents you will need to bring with you to fully register onto the programme.

Information for international students

If you are an overseas student requiring visa sponsorship to study in the UK, our team will be in touch with information on applying for your student visa and the documents you will need. More information can be found on our visas and immigration page.

Scholarships and funding

There are a wide variety of funding and scholarship opportunities to help you finance your studies.

For further information, please visit our scholarships and funding page.

Fees

Tuition fees

Annual fee: £18,500

Non-refundable advance deposits

Home/EU students: £1,000

Non-EU students deposit: £4,000

What do fees include?

Fees cover the cost of all tuition and access to the University’s IT infrastructure and library learning resources. Fees are presented for the first level of study which equates to two terms.

What other costs should I budget for?

You will need to budget additional funds for accommodation and living expenses, travel, and any additional trips, visits, activities or courses (such as Summer programmes) that you choose to participate in outside of the tuition offered as part of the programme. You will also need to budget for materials that you will use for garment construction during the programme.

The library holds a limited number of copies of core text books and where possible in e-format. You will be encouraged to purchase your own text books and will need to budget approximately £80-£100 per year, depending on your programme of study.

When are fees paid?

Fees are payable in the following instalments:

An initial non-refundable advance deposit paid when you accept your offer of a place
The advance deposit is allocated against the first term’s fees
Tuition fees (including fees for subsequent terms) are due two weeks in advance of classes commencing

Calculating annual fee increases

The University sets tuition fees on an annual basis in line with the University's financial year which runs from 1 August to 31 July
The fees quoted here are for one academic year of study commencing in September
Fees for subsequent years of study are subject to fee inflation
The University aims to keep annual fee increases in line with the University’s cost inflation. The expectation is that this will be no greater than UK consumer price inflation (CPI) plus 3%. There are occasionally variations to this dictated by the costs of running specific programmes or facilities required for our programmes
All fee increases are subject to approval of the Trustee Board thus ensuring that affordability for our students remains a primary concern in any decisions regarding fee increases

Study Period Abroad (SPA)

Some programmes at Regent’s University London offer an optional or mandatory Study Period Abroad, for one or two semesters. No SPA can be undertaken in the United States.

A student who wishes to attend an “ineligible” school, which includes any school in the USA, will forfeit all funding from that semester going forward and all current loans will become due with immediate effect. For any questions regarding these terms and conditions, please email the US Loans Advisor at [email protected]. For questions regarding what an “eligible” or “deferment only” school is, please email the IPO office, [email protected] or [email protected] before applying for a programme with an SPA module.

Teaching and assessment

As a small university, we centre our teaching around your individual goals – identifying the skills and support you need to thrive. Small, interactive classes ensure you’ll have a high level of contact with tutors, enabling you to develop your individual strengths and interests.

Teaching staff

You'll learn from academic staff who live and breathe fashion and design, offering new insights into the latest trends and the chance to apply your learning practically.

They include designers, illustrators, stylists, buyers, PRs, communications professionals, photographers and architects who continue to work in this diverse and flourishing sector alongside teaching. Their knowledge and experiences ensure your classes are shaped by current industry practices and reflect the changing agendas of the fashion and design industry. You'll also benefit from guest speakers, such as:

Michael Ward, Managing Director at Harrods
Andrew Maag, Former CEO at dunhill
Angela Gilbey, Sourcing Development Manager at New Look
Nicole Bischofer, Head of Womenswear at COS
Ellie-Grace Frost, Designer at Louis Vuitton
Howard Mutti-Mewse, Global Communications Manager at Nespresso

You’ll also be assigned a personal tutor who’ll help you to build a bespoke programme that reflects your passions and future career.

Practical learning

You'll engage in exciting learning experiences that encourage collaboration and self-expression – from group work and studio practice to guest lectures, industry masterclasses and site visits:

Design and promote collections
Track and forecast new trends
Build your personal portfolio
Collaborate on shows and shoots
Project manage campus events
Explore museums and archives
Join industry placements
Connect and expand your network

You’ll also work on live projects commissioned and evaluated by real companies – gaining a deeper understanding of the industry and building valuable connections. Previous student collaborations include:

COS
Georgia Hardinge
Kylin Pulu
New Look
Tom Tailor

On campus, you'll be able to access our collaborative workspaces and industry-standard resources, including:

Professional design studios
Sewing and pressing workrooms
Fabric library and workshop
Wood/model-making workshop
Photography and TV studios
Mac and PC labs with industry software
AutoCAD lab with plotter
Digital fabrication lab
Laser cutter and 3D printers

As well as spending time in our studio spaces, you'll take field trips to some of London’s best-known museums, galleries and fashion archives.

Events & opportunities

Studying in the city gives you the chance to get involved with a wide variety of campaigns, shoots, collaborations and events (from London Fashion Week to the Dezeen Design Festival) and you’ll be encouraged to regularly visit exhibitions, enter competitions and join internships – developing new relationships and gaining first-hand experience.

Regent’s hosts annual Fashion and Interior Design showcases on campus each year – an exciting opportunity for you to showcase your final projects and collections to friends, family and industry contacts. Both events are designed and built by second year students, teaching practical project management skills, and use professional models and creative directors.

Contact hours and expected workload

There are 200 learning hours per 20 credit module.

Academic Calendar

Methods of assessment

This course focuses entirely on coursework, with no exams. Instead, your skills and knowledge will be assessed through practical work, presentations, projects, group work, portfolios, pitches, peer assessments, reports and sketchbooks – as well as essays, reflective writing, written analyses, reports and research.

Students with disabilities

We welcome and support students with a wide range of disabilities and health concerns. This includes learning difficulties, visual and hearing impairments, mental health difficulties, autism spectrum conditions, mobility difficulties, and temporary or chronic health conditions.

We ask that you speak with Student Registry and our Disability team as early as you can, to enable us to support you. Find out more about our disability support and contact us.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

A Regent’s education provides you with a high level of personal attention, and this begins from the moment you apply to study with us. We want to understand who you are and what your skills and interests may be – we are interested in your potential, as well as your prior achievements. We review each application comprehensively and on its individual merit, considering all of your skills, interests and attributes.

Minimum entry requirements for Level 4 students

One of the following qualifications:

Two GCE A-levels at grade A-C
International Baccalaureate Diploma
US High School Diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.5 PLUS one of the following:
- Two AP tests with an average grade of 3
- Two SAT II (Subject Tests) with a minimum score of 500 in each section
- SAT I (Reasoning Tests) with a minimum score of 1650 (550 in each section)
- ACT with a composite score of 23 (20 in each section)
- Dual Enrolment and College credits (1st Year) - 20 credits with a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Equivalent qualifications as deemed acceptable by the University

We receive applications each year from over 170 countries and are happy to assess all international qualifications.

If you do not meet these requirements, you may be eligible to join our Integrated Design Foundation programme. Successful completion of the foundation year enables you to progress directly onto your chosen Fashion & Design degree programme.

Portfolio review

After the submission of your application you will be asked to present your design work, which may include; garments, 3D experimentation, sketch books, digital images etc. We are keen to see your design process and not just the final outcome. This will allow us to assess your design experience and capabilities. We would like to see at least three different projects, showing a design response to your in-depth and individual research.

Your portfolio is to include an edited body of work with examples of your research, development of your ideas and finished pieces.

Your sketchbook pages can also demonstrate how you research, generate and develop ideas.

Read our guidance for preparing your portfolio.

English Language requirements

English is our language of instruction and we require proof of your English proficiency.

You can demonstrate your English proficiency with:

IELTS: Overall score of 6.0 with no score below 5.5 in any of the four components
PTE Academic: Overall score of 58, with 51 or above in each individual component
TOEFL IBT: Overall score 80. (We do not accept TOEFL from applicants requiring a Student Visa, as this qualification is no longer accepted by the UK Visas and Immigration Department, UKVI)
A-level/GCSE/IGCSE English: Grade C / 4 or above (for IGCSE certificates, please provide the Supplementary Certifying Statement with the breakdown of component grades)
International Baccalaureate: Grade 4 or above in English at Higher or Standard Level

This list is not exhaustive. We will review the English qualifications you submit as part of your application and be in contact if we require anything further.

For applicants who wish to improve their English language proficiency, please see our English language courses.

Regent's English Proficiency Test (REPT)

We provide an online English diagnostic test known as the Regent’s English Proficiency Test (REPT). This test must be booked in advance. To find out more information and to book a test, please visit the REPT page. The REPT test is currently free of charge.

English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

As a Regent’s student you will take an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) module in your first semester in order to support the development of your academic work in English.

Please note that students who achieve an IELTS 6.5, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component, or an equivalent result, are exempt from taking the EAP module and have an additional academic module.

Please note this module is no longer running effective from September 2021.

Students entering with Recognition of Prior Learning

If you are joining your programme at an advanced entry point, we require IELTS 6.5 with a minimum 6.0 in Reading and Writing, with no score below 5.5 in any other components.

Careers

You'll participate in a wide range of industry-focused events, activities and collaborations while you're at Regent's – providing inspiration and opportunities for you to network and forge professional relationships with industry experts.

You'll graduate as a highly creative designer, with your own professional portfolio, ready to join an international fashion brand or launch your own label.

Regent's graduates (including American designer, and host of Project Runway, Christian Siriano and Juliette Bougartchev, founder of luxury label Degrave) have gone on to work internationally as designers, creative directors, pattern cutters, buyers and visual merchandisers – working with luxury brands such as: