Skip to main content
Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Fashion Contour

Female model in rose gold bodysuit.
Celine Marie Wenninger | BA (Hons) Fashion Contour | London College of Fashion | University of Arts London
College
London College of Fashion
UCAS code
W233
Start date
September 2024
Course length
3 years / 4 years (with placement year in industry)

BA (Hons) Fashion Contour embraces technology, innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial skills while preparing students for a career in design and production of lingerie, intimate apparel, underwear, swimwear and structured bodywear. The course encourages future thinking and ways of responding to challenges around environmental, cultural, and social ways of working using various creative attributes.

Why choose this course at London College of Fashion

  • Facilities:students are given access to specialist industry standard equipment and expert technical assistance.
  • Industry links: students have worked on a variety of different Industry projects with leading contour brands including Agent Provocateur, Luna Mae London, Coco de Mer, Beija London, as well as leading high street brands such as H&M, Urban Outfitters and M&S.
  • Sustainability: students are supported and encouraged to develop expertise in innovative material, social and ethical solutions, thereby gaining key graduate skills to shape the future of the industry.
  • Where graduates have gone onto work: graduates of this course have worked at Agent Provocateur, Bordelle, Iris Van Herpen, Luna Mae London, Elie Saab, Concepts Paris, Regina (China) Best Pacific (China), Derek Rose, Aura, Hunkermoller and Marks & Spencer. Some graduates have successfully started up their own brands, for example, Hérve by Céline, Lara Intimates, Elf Zhou and Swim by Alba.
  • Competition opportunities: students have the opportunity to take part in a variety of external competitions including The Link Award at Mare di Moda in Cannes, and London College of Fashion’s Student Enterprise Challenge.

Open days

There are currently no Open Days scheduled for this course, please check back at a later date.

Scholarships, bursaries and awards

Course overview

Introduction 

BA (Hons) Fashion Contour students learn specialised technical skills and terminology in the design, pattern cutting, materials and construction of lingerie, intimate apparel, Contour Fashion and swimwear. Through the creative process, students will explore and experiment with designing for possible futures, addressing the context of social, racial and environmental injustices. Students will also develop professional attributes, ability to research and critically analysis project briefs, visual communication, and business skills for a successful career in the fashion industry. 

What to expect 

  • The course focuses on building creative skills and technical abilities, from reviewing and understanding the Contour industry to looking at possible futures, as well as emerging innovative technologies and macro trends. 
  • Students will work on the communication and presentation of designs in 2D and 3D, as well as the development process utilising technical skills of pattern cutting and construction to enable them to take their ideas through to realisation.  
  • This course focuses on producing graduates who can make an innovative and visionary contribution to the Fashion Contour sector. Students will develop the creative, strategic and practical skills to succeed and contribute responsibly to the wider fashion industry.  

Work experience and opportunities 

Students in the second-year work on industry set project briefs. Recent projects have included a future bra for Triumph International, couture swimwear for Luna Mae London, a diffusion lingerie collection for Coco de Mer, sustainable material KBX ranges for Ann Summers and sustainable maternity swimwear for H&M. These provide opportunities to discuss and present ideas to industry partners as well as research and investigate the Brands values, the projects target consumer and market level provides insight into how different businesses work and adapt to the challenges within the industry. 

The opportunity to undertake an optional Diploma in Professional Studies between the second and final year of the course is available to all students. There are two choices for students to consider.

The Industry placement opportunity enhances the employability of students by offering valuable industry experience and contacts within the industry as well as earning an additional Diploma in Professional Studies qualification (DIPS).  Past placements have included: Agent Provocateur, Bordelle, Luna Mae London, Studio Pia, H&M, Tisja Damen, Iris Van Herpen, Preen.

The Enterprise year between the second year and final year of the course supports and focuses on the development of a business plan as well as earning an additional Enterprise Diploma in Professional Studies qualification (EDIPS). Students take part in creative enterprise activities to enable them to develop skills fundamental to successful start-up business development post-graduation. 

Opportunities are also available to take part in a variety of internal UAL competitions such as the SET (Student Enterprise Team) Challenge, as well as external competitions including The International Link Award at Mare Di Moda in Cannes, ITS competition, ASBCI Student Innovation Award, and Mercedes Benz International rising stars show.  

Being part of the world’s largest creative enterprise network, connecting UAL students and alumni, that recognises the opportunities to drive UAL’s social purpose of inclusivity, anti-racism, and climate justice values.

Mode of study 

BA (Hons) Fashion Contour runs for 90 weeks in full time mode. It is divided into 3 stages over 3 academic years. Each stage lasts 30 weeks.

Climate, Social and Racial Justice

The course is committed to embedding UAL’s Principles for Climate, Social and Racial Justice. 

Course units

Stage 1

In Stage 1 you are required to complete 120 credits at level 4 in order to progress to Stage 2.

  • Introduction to Fashion Contour; 20 credits
  • FC Creative Technologies; 40 credits
  • Fashion Cultures and Histories; 20 credits
  • FC Product Development; 40 credits

Stage 2

In Stage 2 you are required to complete 120 credits at level 5 to progress to Stage 3.

  • FC Professional Project; 40 credits
  • Critical Issues in Fashion Research; 20 credits
  • FC Industry Project; 40 credits
  • FC Future Technologies; 20 credits

Optional Diploma Year

Industry DIPS

This optional diploma can be taken between years 2 and 3. With support from your tutors, you’ll undertake an industry placement for a minimum of 100 days/20 weeks. As well as developing industry skills, you’ll gain an additional qualification upon successful completion.

Enterprise DIPS

This optional diploma can be taken between years 2 and 3. With support from your tutors, you’ll undertake an enterprise placement year where you will explore a business idea from proposal to minimal viable product (MVP). As well as developing enterprise skills, you’ll gain an additional qualification upon successful completion.

CCI Creative Computing

Between years 2 and 3, you can undertake the year-long Diploma in Creative Computing. This will develop your skills in creative computing alongside your degree. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate degree, you’ll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Fashion Contour (with Creative Computing).

CCI Apple Diploma 

Between years 2 and 3, you can undertake the year-long Diploma in Apple Development. This will give you an opportunity to become an accredited apple developer alongside your degree. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate degree, you’ll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Fashion Contour (with Apple Development).

Stage 3

In Stage 3 you are required to complete 120 credits at level 6.

  • FC Concept Development; 40 credits
  • Contextualising Practice; 20 credits
  • FC Product Realisation; 60 credits

A 20-credit unit is approximately equivalent to 200 hours of learning time, which includes a mixture of taught time, independent study and assessment. 

All students are entitled to a tutorial package that comprises:

  • one induction tutorial (group or one to one);
  • one tutorial per Block for the duration for their course of study at LCF;
  • group tutorials as required.

Learning and teaching methods

The following blended teaching and learning methods are employed to support the integrated achievement of the course outcomes. There will be a combination of physical and virtual online delivery:

  • Lectures.
  • Seminars.
  • Critiques.
  • Group presentations.
  • Studio-based workshops.
  • Open access work.
  • Demonstrations.
  • Self-directed study.

Graduate Showcase

Explore work by our recent students on the UAL Showcase

Student and graduate work

BA (Hons) Fashion Contour

Graduate work 2023

BA (Hons) Fashion Contour

Graduate work 2022

BA (Hons) Fashion Contour

Graduate work from the LCF summer series 2021

  • BA-Fashion-Contour_Amelia-Stephenson-2.PNG
    BA Fashion Contour_Amelia Stephenson
  • BA-Fashion-Contour_Faith-Rowan-Leeves-and-Cindy-Liberman.PNG
    BA Fashion Contour_Faith Rowan Leeves & Cindy Liberman
  • BA-Fashion-Contour_Ruth-Schechner-2.PNG
    BA Fashion Contour_Dill Schechner Katz
  • BA-Fashion-Contour_Renata-Kuit-3.PNG
    BA Fashion Contour_Renata Kuit

Latest news from this course

  • LCF Class of 2023 - BA (Hons) Fashion Contour salon show. Photography by Eilwen Jones.

    LCF Class of 2023: Salon show highlights

    We're taking a look at the LCF Class of 2023 BA (Hons) Bespoke Tailoring and BA (Hons) Fashion Contour salon shows at east London's, Protein Studios.

  • Meet BA (Hons) Fashion Contour Student Layla

    Considering a pre-degree course here at London College of Fashion? Hear from current student Layla to learn how the International Preparation for Fashion course prepared her for life on BA (Hons) Fashion Contour.

  • Meet BA (Hons) Fashion Contour student Freya

    Want to know what its like to be a student on the BA (Hons) Fashion Contour course? Hear from Freya Radnedge who tells us all about her first year on the course.

  • Beibei Zhou BA (Hons) Fashion Contour graduate

    Join LCF’s Contour Community

    What do you really know about fashion contour? At LCF, we are one of the only universities in the world that offer a direct pathway into this growing industry through our specialist course, so let us tell you more...

Staff

Nicola Johnson is the Course Leader for BA (Hons) Fashion Contour. She graduated with BA (Hons) in Fashion from Nottingham Trent University, moving from RTW womenswear into contour early on in her career. She has worked extensively in the contour industry for a number of UK and international companies, with global connections within the industry. Her roles have included creating, presenting and implementing innovative strategies, designing and developing new global product launches. As Design Director, Nicola has experience of budget management, planning detailed critical paths and large team management. Nicola has guest-lectured previously and sat on expert panels, connecting education and industry.

Linda Wing is the year one Tutor and also Course Technical tutor, working with year one and final year. With an extensive varied career in the Contour industry, Linda has been a key member of the Contour teaching team since the launch of the course. An LCF graduate, Linda has worked within the UK contour, nightwear and swimwear industries creating products from initial designs, and continues to work part-time in the industry as a freelance designer and technician.

Angela Kinnings graduated from Northumbria University with a BA (Hons) in Fashion Design and later was awarded an MA in the History and Culture of Fashion from the London College of Fashion. Angela has extensive professional practice within the UK and International fashion industry as a womenswear and contour designer. Working as head of major retailers design teams launching successful new in house designer brands. Later as Head of Design for Agent Provocateur, Angela led the in-house design teams in creating the iconic lingerie, lounge, swimwear, accessories and ready to wear ranges for the AP Collections. She is currently researching in to the theoretical and cultural impact of contemporary and historical contour design.

Jasbinder Jhumat is a Lecturer in Contour Product Design, Development and Realisation. Primarily focusing on Year 2/Level 5 advancing their technical creative skills and pastoral care.  After working for Courtaulds Lingerie, the largest UK supplier of Lingerie as a specialised contour product developer for nearly 30 years, Jas has a wealth of knowledge and experience to support all years to develop their understanding of the contour product.

Jas has demonstrated a commendable commitment to community engagement through her involvement in various impactful projects.  Notably, she has worked with the Marylebone Project, a supported hostel dedicated to homeless women, empowering women by imparting valuable skills that enhance their employment and educational prospects.

More recently, Jas has worked on a community art project in east London "Traces: Stories of Migration”, exploring migration through textile crafts. In collaboration with Making for Change at the London College of Fashion, participants shared personal migration stories, creating 'story-cloths' to weave diverse cultural experiences into the fabric of the East End.

Jas is currently enrolled in an MA Academic Practice in Art, Design, and Communication program, where her research revolves around inclusive education models, teaching approaches, student relationships, and the unique challenges within university life.  Her goal is to create learning environments that accommodate the needs of all students, regardless of their background or abilities.

Amelia Firth–Waugh is a Lecturer in Contour Product Design, Development and Realisation working primarily as the year 1 Design Tutor. As a graduate of BA Fashion Contour 2015, Amelia is well placed to understand the challenges and expectations of the course, and to provide pastoral support to students. Amelia has a keen interest in sustainable design, and this is evident in her academic and industrial practice.

Amelia combines her role as Design Tutor with an active career in industry, focusing on the luxury intimates & couture womenswear sector. Amelia has a strong background in both sustainable and couture design and development, working as a designer for brands including Luna Mae London and Nudea.

Lindsey Riley is Programme Director for the Product Programme and also Learning & Teaching coordinator, focusing on cross-school collaborations. Lindsey has a first-class honours degree in Fashion Design and is currently taking MA Academic Practice. Lindsey spent over thirty years in the fashion trend forecasting industry specialising in footwear and leather trends. As Fashion Director and co. owner of trend consultancy Insight ltd. she travelled extensively, researching, guest speaking and working on special projects with a worldwide list of clients. As a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Glovers she co-organises the National Glove Design Competition.

Carlotta Ghigi is a Technical Design Lecturer to second and final year Contour students. She graduated in BA(Hons) Contour Fashion with a First Class Degree and later obtained a Master of Arts degree in Design Innovation, both from De Montfort University. Since her graduation Carlotta has been working extensively in the lingerie industry in creative and technical roles for major players in the UK and international markets. Driven by a passion for fit and performance, Carlotta's focus is on helping the students understand the technicalities of contour garments and realize their own design into producing fully functional innovative and creative products.

Jade Gellard is a specialist contour technician, and graduate of LCF BA fashion contour. She continues to work freelance with luxury and high street brands as a garment and pattern technologist away from LCF.  She is an advocate for Pattern making software and works on product from conception, through development and grading, to delivery. Jade is experienced with factory liaison and encourages students to think about construction, finishes and quality standards.

Fees and funding

Home fee

£9,250 per year

This fee is correct for entry in autumn 2024 and is subject to change for entry in autumn 2025.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students.

Home fees are currently charged to UK nationals and UK residents who meet the rules. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£28,570 per year

This fee is correct for entry in autumn 2024 and is subject to change for entry in autumn 2025.

Tuition fees for international students may increase by up to 5% in each future year of your course.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

Scholarship search

Entry requirements

The standard minimum entry requirements for this course are:

One or a combination of the following accepted full level 3 qualifications.

  • 112 UCAS tariff points from two or more A Levels (preferred subjects include English, Maths, Art, Design, Textiles and Science);
  • Distinction at Foundation Diploma in Art and Design;
  • Distinction, Merit, Merit at BTEC Extended Diploma Art & Design;
  • Merit at UAL Extended Diploma;
  • Access Diploma or 112 new UCAS tariff points from the Access to HE Diploma;
  • 112 new UCAS tariff points from a combination of the above qualifications or an equivalent full Level 3 qualification;
  • or equivalent EU or non-EU qualifications such as International Baccalaureate Diploma at 25 points minimum;
  • and three GCSE passes at grade A*-C or grade 9-4.

Entry to this course will also be determined by assessment of your portfolio.

APEL (Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning)

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:

  • Related academic or work experience
  • The quality of the personal statement
  • A strong academic or other professional reference
  • OR a combination of these factors

Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

English Language Requirements

IELTS level 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Please check our main English Language Requirements

Selection criteria

The course team seeks to recruit students who can demonstrate:

  • A current awareness of Fashion Contour in terms of material developments, new designers and fashion trends
  • A potential to achieve a high standard of technical manufacture
  • An ability to record and develop design ideas through the vehicle of drawing
  • The ability to work as a member of a team
  • The ability to work independently to develop your own knowledge and skills acquired on the course

Apply now

Application deadline

31 January 2024 at 18:00 (UK time)

If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Apply to UAL

Home students can apply to this course through UCAS with the following codes:

University code:

U65

UCAS code:

W233

Start your application

Apply now

Application deadline

31 January 2024 at 18:00 (UK time)

If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Apply to UAL

International students can apply to this course through UCAS with the following codes:

University code:

U65

UCAS code:

W233

Start your application
or

Apply with a UAL Representative

Based across the world, our local UAL representatives can support you with your application from your home country. Check to see if there is a representative available in your country currently.

Find your representative

How to apply

Follow this step-by-step guide to apply for this course

Step 1: Initial application

You will need to submit an initial application including your personal statement.

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement should be maximum 4,000 characters and cover the following:

  • Why have you chosen this course? What excites you about the subject?
  • How does your previous or current study relate to the course?
  • Have you got any work experience that might help you?
  • Have any life experiences influenced your decision to apply for this course?
  • What skills do you have that make you perfect for this course?
  • What plans and ambitions do you have for your future career?

Visit the UCAS advice page and our personal statement advice page for more support.

Step 2: Digital portfolio

We will review your initial application. If you have met the standard entry requirements, we will ask you to submit a digital portfolio.

You’ll need to submit this via PebblePad, our online portfolio tool.

Digital portfolio advice

Your portfolio should consist of recent work that reflects your creative strengths.

It should:

  • be maximum 30 pages
  • include work that best showcases your technical and practical skills
  • feature designs that explore lingerie, intimate apparel, underwear, swimwear and structured bodywear
  • demonstrate your ability to present ideas through visual communication
  • include work in progress to illustrate how you experiment and develop ideas from initial concepts to final outcomes
  • include research to highlight your knowledge and awareness of the cultural contexts behind the contemporary fashion industry.

For more support, see our Portfolio advice and PebblePad advice.

Step 3: Interview

You may be invited to an interview following our review of your application. All interviews are held online and last 15 to 20 minutes.

For top tips, see our Interview advice.

You also need to know

Communicating with you

Once you have submitted your initial application, we will email you with your login details for our Applicant portal.

Requests for supplementary documents like qualifications and English language tests will be made through the applicant portal. You can also use it to ask questions regarding your application. Visit our After you apply page for more information.

Visas and immigration history check

All non-UK nationals must complete an immigration history check. Your application may be considered by our course teams before this check takes place. This means that we may request your portfolio and/or video task before we identify any issues arising from your immigration history check. Sometimes your history may mean that we are not able to continue considering your application. Visit our Immigration and visas advice page for more information.

External student transfer policy

UAL accepts transfers from other institutions on a case-by-case basis. Read our Student transfer policy for more information.

Alternative offers

If your application is really strong, but we believe your strengths and skillset are better suited to a different course, we may make you an alternative offer. This means you will be offered a place on a different course or at a different UAL College.

Deferring your place

You must apply in the year that you intend to start your course. If you are made an offer and your circumstances change, you can submit a deferral request to defer your place by 1 academic year. You must have met your conditions by 31 August 2024. If you need an English language test in order to meet the entry requirements, the test must be valid on the deferred start date of your course. If not, you will need to reapply. Requests are granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contextual Admissions

This course is part of the Contextual Admissions scheme.

This scheme helps us better understand your personal circumstances so that we can assess your application fairly and in context. This ensures that your individual merit and creative potential can shine through, no matter what opportunities and experiences you have received.

Careers

All of our undergraduate courses offer career development, so that you become a creative thinker, making effective contributions to your relevant sector of the fashion industry.

LCF offers students the opportunity to develop Personal and Professional Development (PPD) skills while studying through:

  • An on-course work experience or placement year. Please note, this is not available on every course; please see the Course Details section for information about work placement opportunities.
  • Access to to speaker programmes and events featuring alumni and industry.
  • Access to careers activities, such as CV clinics and one-to-one advice sessions.
  • Access to a graduate careers service
  • Access to a live jobsboard for all years.
  • Advice on setting up your own brand or company.

Graduates who wish to continue their education at postgraduate level can progress to suitable courses within the College, the University or elsewhere.

Career paths

Students from the course have gone on to have jobs and careers in design roles, trend prediction, product development and technical roles, as well as buying, fashion editorial press and events. Graduates have gone on to work for companies such as Agent Provocateur, Bordelle, Aura, Debenhams, Reckless Wolf, Playful Promises, Edge of Beyond, Bodas, Love Magazine, Regina (Hong Kong) Best Pacific (China) Hunkermoller (Netherlands) Iris Van Herpen (Amsterdam), Bra N things (Australia) Stretchline (Sri Lanka). Students also go on to start their own business such as Lara Intimates, Voiment, Elf Zhou, Lily Rouse.