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Foundation Year in Fashion

Learn about the course below
Code
See how to apply
Start
October 2023
EU/International induction: September 2023
Duration
1 year
+ 3 years full-time
Attendance
Full-time
Fees
£9,250 (UK) *
£15,100 (EU/INT) *
Course leader
Matt Ryalls
The Foundation Year in Fashion is offered as an entry route to a fashion degree for students who don't yet meet the entry requirements for degree-level study.


Why study the Foundation Year in Fashion at Middlesex University?

Gain essential technical skills while we prepare you for a stimulating career in the fashion industry, whether you want to be a designer, maker, stylist, or photographer. As well as technique, we will equip you with the confidence and independence you need to engage with the fashion world and move forward in your fashion education with us at Middlesex.


You will enrol on a four-year course which includes the one-year foundation year. The number of students who progress to degree study is very high. The Foundation Year in Fashion will be taught in a blended approach, including online learning and in our excellent studios and facilities at our Hendon campus by the same lecturing staff who teach on our degree courses. You are taught in small group seminars and workshops.


The Foundation Year is for you if:

  • you do not have the right qualifications for a full degree
  • you feel you are not yet ready for degree-level study
  • you have limited or no technical experience, and wish to gain confidence in technical areas of study
  • you are returning to study and feel you need some help to get up to speed with the demands of learning before embarking on a degree


How to apply

If you are interested in studying the Foundation Year in Fashion, you must apply to one of our four-year degree courses. Please have a look at the how to apply tab in entry requirements for further information. Successful completion of the foundation year guarantees entry onto your chosen degree.

We offer the following courses:

Course title UCAS code
BA Fashion Design with Foundation Year W23R
BA Fashion Textiles and Design with Foundation Year W2T4
BA Fashion Communication and Styling with Foundation Year W23V

Course Highlights

  • Gain essential technical skills while we prepare you for a stimulating career in the fashion industry
  • Build the confidence and independence you need to engage with the fashion world and move forward in your fashion education
  • Benefit from a blended approach learning including a combination of online learning and access to our excellent studios and facilities at our Hendon campus
  • Learn from expert tutors that cover extensive knowledge and experience

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What will you study on the Foundation Year in Fashion?

The first year of the course is an intensive experience which will enhance your creative and communication skills as they apply to the broad and exciting world of the fashion industry.

Your learning will focus on making and learning specialist techniques; developing a creative portfolio, and developing skills in fashion-specific research and writing. At the end of your first year, you will have developed a strong portfolio that will showcase your skills and reflect your future professional direction.

Modules

  • Core modules

    • Principles of Fashion (30 credits) - Compulsory​

      This module aims to facilitate a range of specialist technical skills used in order to make clothes and to create fashion imaging. You will also be creating an online learning journal. You will be introduced to fashion resources such as blogs and WebPages, and develop your ability to navigate, retrieve and manage information. You will also be introduced to Middlesex University’s excellent library resources, which includes special collections and the MoDA museum.

    • Fashion Skills (30 credits) - Compulsory​

      This module aims to develop the skills to develop meaningful fashion content that references contemporary fashion and builds towards your self-identity as a creative in fashion. The module introduces the specialist skills associated with the construction of clothing, i.e. pattern cutting, draping on the stand, garment construction, embellishment and finishes, along with the use of appropriate technical skills involved in professional fashion imaging. You will be introduced to the digital tools associated with the construction of clothing using specific industry software. The understanding of these processes is essential for further study and employability.

    • Fashion: Creative London (30 credits) - Compulsory​

      This module aims to give you an insight into the resources and cultural reference points that inform London’s fashion and creative industries. You will also be provided with the opportunity to develop confidence and competence in acquiring and using academic English language skills within the specific context of the creative and cultural industries. The module will also provide you with fundamental academic research skills.

    • Portfolio (30 credits) - Compulsory​

      This module aims to synthesise and advance all previous experience and the honing of specialist skills and research that will inform and support the designing and presentation of your final Fashion Portfolio.  Your fashion portfolio will showcase your originality and professionalism, and will be the final presentation of your extensive and varied creative work.  The development of your portfolio will support and define a proposed area of further study and industry employment.

See the course specification for more information about typical course content outside of the coronavirus outbreak:

Optional modules are usually available at levels 5 and 6, although optional modules are not offered on every course. Where optional modules are available, you will be asked to make your choice during the previous academic year. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, or there are staffing changes which affect the teaching, it may not be offered. If an optional module will not run, we will advise you after the module selection period when numbers are confirmed, or at the earliest time that the programme team make the decision not to run the module, and help you choose an alternative module.

  1. Standard entry requirements
  2. International (inc. EU)
  3. How to apply
  1. UK
  2. EU / International
  3. Additional costs

Matt Ryalls
Programme leader

Matt studied Fashion Design at Central St. Martins and has worked as a stylist and Fashion Editor for Arena, Dazed & Confused, Exit, Nylon, POPand The Face magazines. In addition he has collaborated with numerous designers on runway presentations internationally. Matt publishes various ‘zines that explore themes of identity, sexuality and gender that he exhibits internationally.

  • Faye Wong

    Foundation Year in Fashion BA

    I was able to progress onto the BA Fashion Design after my foundation year. The skills I've developed have focused on the different ways of layout for my portfolio as well as sewing techniques such as for different seams and pockets. The thing I enjoyed most was the space we had in our studio and the fashion tutors were very helpful throughout the whole course. And what I've most enjoyed about studying at Middlesex would be the overall environment because even though it is a place of study, it still makes me feel comfortable to be around.


We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.

Other courses

Fashion Textiles and Design BA Honours

Start: October 2023, EU/International induction: September 2023

Duration: 3 years full-time

Code: W2T3

Fashion Design BA Honours

Start: September 2023, EU/International induction: September 2023

Duration: 3 years full-time

Code: WFH0

Fashion Communication and Styling BA Honours

Start: October 2023, EU/International induction: September 2023

Duration: 3 years full-time

Code: WF30

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