Skip to main content
Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Fashion Sportswear

Five black male cyclists wearing orange hoodies.
BA (Hons) Fashion Sportswear | Student work by Jonas Sackey | London College of Fashion | University of Arts London
College
London College of Fashion
UCAS code
W232
Start date
September 2024
Course length
3 years / 4 years (with placement year in industry)

BA (Hons) Fashion Sportswear asks students to redefine how sportswear is perceived and teaches creative, strategic and practical skills. This unique fashion sportswear degree focuses on clothing for specialist activities and sports lifestyle. Students on this course will be encouraged to adopt a broad approach to this constantly evolving part of the fashion industry.

Why choose this course at London College of Fashion

    • Where graduates have gone on to work: recent graduates now work as designers for technical and lifestyle sports brands including ByBorre, Nike, Soar, Rapha, Some Ideas, Adidas, Puma and DKNY.
    • Industry links: students have the opportunity to undertake live projects set by industry. Previous collaborators have included Canterbury rugby and Rapha cycling.
    • Purpose: Students enrich their design work by engaging with themes of sustainability, diversity, inclusivity and social equality and by examining case studies of the most ethically minded brands.
    • Facilities: students will have access to industry standard facilities to use throughout their studies.

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 Sportswear teaches how to design and produce activewear and sportswear, from functional to fashion-focused. You will consider how sport, science, new technologies, fashion trends and cultural contexts influence fashion retail. 

What to expect 

  • Students can benefit from industry links through live projects. Recent projects have included collaborations with Rapha, Adidas, Puma, Musto, Helly Hansen and O’Neill.  
  • Students will learn to research, design and create prototypes and finished outcomes of their design concepts. 
  • The course is delivered with employment in the relevant industry in mind. You will study a range of units that will equip you with relevant professional, communication and business skills. Students will have opportunities to present their ideas through portfolio creation, written reports and presentations to a variety of audiences.

Work experience and opportunities 

Alongside live projects, students also have the opportunity to undertake an optional industry placement year between the second and final year of the course which will enhance the employability of students by offering valuable experience and contacts within the industry as well as earning an additional Diploma in Professional Studies qualification. 

Mode of study 

BA (Hons) Fashion Sportswear runs for 90 weeks in full time mode. It is divided into 3 stages over 3 academic years. Each stage lasts 31 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 Sportswear; 20 credits
  • FS Creative Technologies; 40 credits
  • Fashion Cultures and Histories; 20 credits
  • FS Product Development; 40 credits

Stage 2

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

  • Critical Issues in Fashion Research; 20 credits
  • FS Professional Project; 40 credits
  • FS Industry Project; 40 credits
  • FS 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 Sportswear (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 Sportswear (with Apple Development).

Stage 3

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

  • Contextualising Practice; 20 credits
  • FS Concept Development; 40 credits
  • FS 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 term for the duration for their course of study at LCF;
  • group tutorials as required;
  • an appropriate level of confidentiality. 

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.
  • Visiting speakers. 
  • Field trips.
  • Experimentation. 
  • Demonstrations.
  • Self‐directed study.
  • A process of enquiry and exploration using multiple research resources and tools, to deepen understanding of a subject, task or field.

Graduate Showcase

Explore work by our recent students on the UAL Showcase

Student and graduate work

  • 2021-05-23_Every-Moment-121.jpg
    BA (Hons) Sportswear | Student work by Caroline Schär | London College of Fashion | 2021
  • B24954B3-7B82-429F-A3B5-70C5E10B859C.JPG
    BA (Hons) Sportswear | Student work by Emma Lam | London College of Fashion | 2021
  • Jake-Baker-Cliff-BlindAid-Jacket.jpg
    BA (Hons) Sportswear | Student work by Jake Baker-Cliff | London College of Fashion | 2021
  • Olivia-Baron-.png
    BA (Hons) Sportswear | Student work by Olivia Baron | London College of Fashion | 2021
  • JONAS-SACKEY1.jpg
    BA (Hons) Sportswear | Student work by Jonas Sackey | London College of Fashion | 2021
  • Araba-Dennis.png
    BA (Hons) Sportswear | Student work by Araba Dennis | London College of Fashion | 2021
  • ELAM-Line-Up-JPEG.001.jpeg
    BA (Hons) Sportswear | Student work by Emma Lam | London College of Fashion | 2021
  • F45C8351-BE9A-40F3-8B08-C7B833A8D18E.JPG
    BA (Hons) Sportswear | Student work by Emma Lam | London College of Fashion | 2021
  • 2021-05-23_Every-Moment-115.jpg
    BA (Hons) Sportswear | Student work by Caroline Schär | London College of Fashion | 2021
  • JONAS-SACKEY-2.jpg
    BA (Hons) Sportswear | Student work by Jonas Sackey | London College of Fashion | 2021

BA (Hons) Fashion Sportswear

Class of 2022

BA (Hons) Fashion Sportswear

Graduate work from the LCF summer series 2021

LCF BA (Hons) Fashion Sportswear - meet the students

Latest news from this course

Staff

Jess Williamson

Jess Williamson is the Course Leader of BA (Hons) Fashion Sportswear course. Previously the technical lecturer on the course and at Middlesex University teaching pattern cutting and construction skills. Originally from New Zealand, she has been living in London for over a decade, mainly working for concept-led fashion sportswear brand Cottweiler, including their Reebok collaborations. She has also worked freelance for a variety of London-based brands including Christopher Raeburn, Martine Rose, Faustine Steinmetz and Ashley Williams. She focuses on fostering industry connections and collaborative opportunities for students and encourages them to explore different technologies including Clo in their practice.

Mikha  Mekler

At the heart of Mikha’s professional practice is “how sustainable can I make this?” and with experience of running sample rooms prior to graduating from the London College of Fashion with an MA in Design Management for the Fashion Industry, Mikha is currently overseeing the production process at Christopher Raeburn as well as teaching on MA Innovative Fashion Production. Her current global sourcing and knowledge of a range of manufacturing is invaluable, and special areas of interest include sportswear and technical fabrics.

Lindsey Riley

Lindsey is the 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.

Alasdair Leighton-Crawford

Alasdair Leighton-Crawford is a former professional rower, London-based trained tailor and sportswear designer and maker. He is a technical product developer working for brands such as McLaren Racing, Crewroom and Paramo. He uses software such as Clo3d and Blender to pattern cut and render designs digitally.

Ismini Krassismenou

Ismini Krassismenou is a performance sportswear designer, currently the head of adult apparel design and development at OuterStuff, a brand that develops collections for the NBA, NFL and US Olympic Committee. When teaching on Fashion Sportswear she specialises in Adobe Illustrator, spec drawings and technical specification packs.

Georgina Hunt

Georgina Hunt is a sportswear designer who worked under ex-Nike Creative Director Phil Dickinson at his conceptual sportswear studio for 4 years. Now freelancing in the industry, Georgina specialises in concept design within the sportswear and streetwear market with a reputation for bringing energy, collaboration and a fusion between sportswear and streetwear into her client work. Working with brands such as Palace Skateboards, Richard James, Fila and Footlocker, Georgina introduces new ways which inject cultural points of the past and youth cultures of today into product design.

Kiran Gobin

Kiran Gobin joined the UAL community in 2021 as a Lecturer for BA Fashion Sportswear from his post as Senior Lecturer Fashion, Manchester School of Art. As alumni of LCF studying FDT Womenswear (2009 undergrad) & Creative Pattern cutting (2012 postgrad) he has twinned his academic career and industry practice in tandem. Upon graduating, Kiran embarked upon a 10-year career as Head of Atelier and business shareholder for the cult and much revered London brand Martine Rose. Alongside this, he has designed and developed catwalk collections for Charlotte Olympia, Emilio De La Morena, LAAIN, Rapha Cycling and Le Col Cycling.

Collaborative working and the importance of world/outsider art & design practices gives understanding to the positioning of his work, and future outputs aims to move this discourse on this forward. This interest has seen him travel to Central Asia to lead community projects with SPINNA and USAid for the empowerment of female artisans in the region. As a practicing creative and educator, his excitement lies in cultural and historical symbolism. He believes strongly in lifting the veil between classroom and the professional studio, whilst upholding the rigour of design education in inclusive and diverse environments. Kiran is the author of the 2nd edition of ‘Construction for Fashion Design’ (Bloomsbury, 2017) and is also a member of FACE (Fashion Academics Creating Equality). He is also a mentor for London based LGBTQ+ youth charity, MOSAIC.

Eddy Harber

Eddy Harber studied fashion design and completed a master's degree in industrial design. He worked with Italian manufacturer, Dainese S.p.A., to design protective leathers for motorcycle riders. His designs were so well received he was recruited by the British and American military to create wearable computers for the infantry and subsequently, body armour and load carriage systems.

During a lecture tour about industrial design at Cornell University, Harber was approached by Nike and offered a position as a senior designer on their Apparel Innovation team.

Nicknamed by friends, "the architect of speed," Harber's Swift Suit for Nike was revolutionary. The impact the Swift Suit had (and continues to have) on professional athletic performance was significant. "The Swift Suit was a game changer", he says. "It was the first time Nike apparel became equipment and had a measurable effect on performance, especially in speed skating."

For over 18 years, Harber continued working for Nike to create garments that alter what is possible for professional athletes. Harber's work has been extensively published and exhibited internationally.

Karen Colhoun

Karen Colhoun is the Specialist Technician on the BA (Hons) Fashion Sportswear course. She joined LCF in 2022 from the University for the Creative Arts, Rochester, where Karen was the technician for Fashion Design BA (Hons) course for 7 years. She graduated from Nottingham Trent University and worked in theatre and within the garment construction industry for 12 years.

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 (preferred subjects 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 Sportswear 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 drawing and other forms of visual and written communication
  • 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:

W232

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:

W232

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
  • showcase your technical and practical skills
  • include examples of fashion clothing for specialist activities and sports lifestyle
  • illustrate your knowledge of different fabrics and materials
  • 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
  • demonstrate your ability to effectively present ideas in a visual context.

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

Many graduates prefer to seek employment as soon as they have completed their undergraduate studies. Recent graduates have gone on to work as designers for technical sports brands and lifestyle sportswear brands- ByBorre, Nike, Soar, Rapha, Some Ideas, Adidas, Puma, Altura technical bikewear, Crewroom specialist rowing brand, Korda specialist angling brand, Aitor Throup, Fila, DKNY to name a few. Graduate careers could include: Sportswear Designer, Product Developer, Art Director or Fabric Developer.