The UK is home to some of the top fashion schools in the world. So what is the best fashion university in the UK? Central Saint Martins, De Montfort University, Kingston University, The London College of Fashion, and the University of Salford all have an excellent global reputation and fantastic resources for fashion students.
Several other universities across the UK have highly regarded fashion programmes. But which one of these fashion universities is the right choice for you? And which other universities should you consider if you want to study fashion?
What to Look for in a Fashion School
The best fashion university for somebody else might not necessarily be a good choice. Some things to consider when you’re narrowing down your shortlist include:
Available fashion courses – Do you want to embark on a general fashion design course or do you want to specialise in an area such as costume design or knitwear? Do you want to focus on the business of fashion rather than creative skills? Make sure that the course you choose is a good fit for you as well as the university itself.
Location – Many fashion students head to London as the UK’s industry and creative hub and, of course, home of London fashion week. But you might prefer to choose a fashion school closer to home or a city with a lower cost of living.
Industry links – When you’re embarking on a career in the fashion industry, getting your foot in the door with industry connections can be a huge advantage. In particular, look for universities that offer an industry placement with fashion brands or companies that you would like to work with in the future.
Resources – Different universities offer vastly different resources to their fashion design students. Make sure to check out the campus, the school’s fashion archives, available technology, and other resources.
Global reputation – some fashion schools are head and shoulders above the rest in terms of alumni and reputation. This can give you a head start when applying for jobs or starting your own label at a later date.
The Best Fashion Universities in the UK
The Business of Fashion ranks the top undergraduate fashion programmes around the world based on their global influence, student learning experience, and long-term value.
This year, the top fashion universities in the UK according to BoF include:
1. Central Saint Martins
The BA Fashion Design programme at Central Saint Martins is one of the most exclusive fashion courses in the world, with an acceptance rate of just 6%.
The school has also turned out some of the UK’s most famous fashion designers including Alexander McQueen, Christopher Kane, and Stella McCartney. Over half of the designers showing at London Fashion Week are Central Saint Martins graduates.
Saint Martins is known for nurturing creativity and free thinkers, and at the same time has unparalleled industry links. But the intensity of the school isn’t the right environment for everyone.
Fashion courses on offer: fashion design with knitwear, fashion design with marketing, menswear, womenswear, fashion print, fashion history, fashion journalism, fashion communication and promotion.
arts.ac.uk/colleges/central-saint-martins
2. De Montfort University
De Montfort University in Leicester offers a highly regarded portfolio of fashion courses, all with a focus on manufacturing.
Resources are excellent, with all fashion and design courses housed in a new building with flexible workspaces and studios.
De Montfort fashion students have the opportunity to undertake a placement at luxury fashion house Givenchy and other big brands and independent designers.
Fashion courses on offer: contour fashion, fashion buying, fashion marketing, fashion merchandising, fashion management, fashion communication and styling, textile design, footwear design.
3. Kingston University
South West London’s Kingston University gets high marks for its great all-round learning experience and quality of tuition.
Undergraduates undertake internships in some of the top fashion houses all over the world including New York, Paris, Berlin, and Milan. Previous students have interned for Ralph Lauren and gained scholarships from Tommy Hilfiger and Zara.
Fashion courses on offer: fashion, creative practice
4. London College of Fashion
The London College of Fashion is part of the University of Arts London and is a key player is the London creative scene.
The college has significant research facilities and prioritises innovation and industry partnerships through its fashion programmes.
LCF also has global links and students can undertake a range of study abroad programmes and internships.
Fashion courses on offer: fashion design and development, 3D effects, bespoke tailoring, fashion bags and accessories, footwear, costume, creative direction for fashion, fashion buying, fashion contour, womenswear, menswear, fashion imaging and illustration, fashion jewellery, fashion journalism, fashion marketing, fashion media, pattern cutting, fashion photography, sportswear, fashion PR, fashion styling, textiles, fashion merchandising, fashion management, psychology of fashion
arts.ac.uk/colleges/london-college-of-fashion
5. University of Salford
The University of Salford, just outside of Manchester, is known for its strong links with industry and practical course programmes across the board.
The studio-based fashion programme focuses on hands-on teaching and students learn to use a range of technologies including laser cutting, 3D printing, and metal work.
Every student undergoes a 6-month work placement with brands including Vera Wang and Alexander McQueen. There’s also the opportunity to travel to China for fabric and work sourcing directly with industry suppliers.
Fashion courses on offer: fashion design, fashion business and promotion, fashion styling
Other Recommended Universities for Studying Fashion
The Guardian university league tables for fashion and textiles 2020 ranks the following UK fashion schools in their top 10 alongside our top five. These rankings are based on student satisfaction, student ratios, money spent on each student, and career prospects:
1. Trinity Saint David
2. Edinburgh
3. Staffordshire
4. Loughborough
5. Bucks New Uni
6. Central Lancashire
7. Nottingham Trent
8. Dundee
