top of page
Introduction
Why choose this course?
Key features
 Explore and specialise in digital and/or practical design creation.
 Create knit and weave samples and test fibres in our specialist labs.
 We are one of the country’s most sustainable fashion and textiles schools (Green Gown Awards, 2021) and one of the best fashion schools in the world for 2022 (CEOWORLD, 2022).
 Take part in our one-year UK or global placement schemes in businesses such as Ralph Lauren, Next, Reiss, Hunkemoller, Primark and N Brown.
 Take advantage of international opportunities through our DMU Global programme. This year students visited Porto.
 Study in the award-winning Vijay Patel Building, and explore our cutting-edge facilities including construction labs, print and mixed-media rooms, laser cut and 3D print.
 Benefit from Education 2030, where a simplified ‘block learning’ timetable means you will study one subject at a time and have more time to engage with your learning, receive faster feedback and enjoy a better study-life balance.
 This years’ graduates are working for companies such as Monsoon, Fashion UK and Next. Other students have buying roles at companies such as Reiss, Primark, Next, Urban Outfitters and George. One student has a key role in FACE and contributed to the WEB 3.0 Fashion Synthesis event (July 2023).
Overview
In this dynamic and ever-evolving field, you will have the opportunity to dive deep into the world of fashion, gaining a comprehensive understanding of trend analysis, design, retail management, and supply chain dynamics. You'll also have the chance to collaborate with industry professionals, visit fashion companies, and engage in real-world buying experiences that will prepare you for a successful career in this exciting field.
Our dedicated faculty team are committed to providing you with a supportive learning environment, ensuring that you have access to the resources and guidance needed to thrive academically and professionally. You will learn how to develop your design ability, create garments and communicate your design vision through pattern-making, sewing workshops and 3D digital design.
We know that it is often difficult to make the right choice of Degree programme, so we have structured the first year to offer your design specialism in one block with another three blocks taught alongside students from the Marketing, Merchandising and Fashion Business programme. This allows you the chance to change your mind, and with guidance, we will help you move to one of our other subjects.
Modules
First year
 Block 1: Fashion Consumer and Marketplace
 Block 2: Design and Development
 Block 3: Fashion Lifecycle
 Block 4: Sustainable Futures
Second year
 Block 1: Buying and Professional Practice
 Block 2: Design Innovation and Sustainable Futures
 Block 3: Fashion Buying Professional Practice
 Block 4: Fashion Design Practice
Third year
 Block 1 and 2: Sustainable Sourcing and Supply Management and Collaboration with Industry
 Block 3 and 4: Major Design Project OR Major Research Project
Entry Criteria
ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.
IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Entry criteria
Typical entry requirements
We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds.
 Art and Design Foundation or
 112 points from at least 2 A ‘levels
 BTEC Extended Diploma DMM
 International Baccalaureate: 26+ Points or
 T Levels Merit
Plus five GCSEs grades 9-4 including English Language or Literature at grade 4 or above.
 Pass Access with 30 Level 3 credits at Merit and GCSE English (Language or Literature) at grade 4 or above
We will normally require students to have had a break from full time education before undertaking the Access course.
 We also accept the BTEC First Diploma plus two GCSEs including English Language or Literature at grade 4 or above
English language requirements
If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band (or equivalent) when you start the course is essential.
English language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.
Interview and Portfolio
Interview required: Yes
Portfolio required: Yes
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
Teaching and assessments
Structure
This includes design studio practice, formal lectures, group seminars, tutorials, lab work and practical workshops. There are regular tutorials and reviews which allow you to reflect and develop your work ready for your final presentation at the end of the year.
Contact hours
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, group work and self-directed study. Assessment is through coursework (presentations, phase-tests, essays and reports) Your precise timetable will depend on the optional modules you choose to take, however, in your first year you will normally attend around 15 hours of timetabled taught sessions (lectures and tutorials) each week, and we expect you to undertake at least 25 further hours of independent study to complete project work and research.
Awards and memberships
Ranked as one of the best fashion schools in the world for 2022 (CEOWORLD, 2022) and in the top 10 in the UK for 'career after 15 months' (The Guardian University Guide 2022), our innovative and widely-respected courses help prepare students for fulfilling futures in this fast-paced industry.
Green Gown Award
The School of Fashion and Textiles won the Next Generation Learning and Skills Award in the Green Gowns Awards 2021 and received global recognition in the International Green Gown Awards 2022. These awards are the gold standard for sustainability in universities around the world and this puts DMU at the forefront of sustainable fashion and textiles education in the UK. Sustainability is at the heart of our curriculum and teaching, empowering our students to be agents of change within the industry.
UK Fashion and Textiles Association
We are members of the UK Fashion and Textile Association which ensures our teaching stays up to date with the latest developments in the sector and provides valuable industry links that enhance our courses.
Career Opportunities
Placements
This course gives you the option to enhance and build your professional skills to progress within your chosen career through a placement. Our dedicated team offers a range of careers resources and opportunities so you can start planning your future.
We have excellent links with the fashion industry, ensuring you work on industry relevant projects and client briefs to gain more experience and build your external reputation before you graduate. This invaluable experience can enrich student capabilities and their final-year projects. Students have gone to big brands including Boohoo, ASOS, Urban Outfitters, Hunkemöller, George at Asda, Ralph Lauren and Timberland.
DMU Global
Our innovative international experience programme DMU Global aims to enrich studies, broaden cultural horizons and develop key skills valued by employers.
Through DMU Global, we offer an exciting mix of overseas, on-campus and online international experiences, including the opportunity to study or work abroad for up to a year.
Students on this course have recently been on DMU Global trips to European cities as well as Hong Kong and New York, where they have visited company headquarters such as Burberry, Coach, Rituals, O'Neill and Calvin Klein.
Graduate careers
Our graduates go on to a variety of areas within fashion buying - recent employers include Pretty Little Thing, Next, Marks & Spencer, Piarossini, Boden, F&F at Tesco and O'Neill.
Charlotte Purnell graduated with a first-class honours degree and now works as a Junior Garment Technician in the snow department with leading lifestyle brand O’Neill, in Amsterdam.
bottom of page