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Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Cordwainers Footwear and Accessories

Picture of tools in the Footwear and Accessories workshop at East Bank, London College of Fashion
Picture of tools in the Footwear and Accessories workshop at East Bank, London College of Fashion | BA (Hons) Cordwainers Footwear and Accessories | London College of Fashion | UAL
College
London College of Fashion UCAS code
W706 Start date
September 2026 Course length
3 years

Shape the next generation of fashion products through innovative, responsible and industry-ready practice, in the globally significant sector of footwear, bags and accessories.

Course summary

Applications closed 2026/27 

We are no longer accepting applications for 2026/27 entry to this course.

Visit the Courses with places available page for a full list of UAL courses that are open for application.

Why choose this course at London College of Fashion

  • Innovative design solutions: Develop expertise in creating footwear, bags and accessories, whilst considering traditional and technical craft and ethical and sustainable practices.
  • Cordwainers: Connect with The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers, a livery company in the City of London, providing support, masterclasses, industry insights and more.
  • Year in industry: Choose to take an optional placement year between second and third year, applying the skills learned on our course in a professional environment.
  • Industry standard facilities: Access state-of-the-art workshops, studios and tools for crafting high-quality goods, ensuring practical, hands-on learning that covers a range of products.
  • Product based thinking: Combine footwear and accessory design, allowing you to learn across disciplines and specialise, with a mix of conceptual development, studio-based making and critical theory.

Upcoming Open Days and Virtual Events

Discovery Webinar: Studying at LCF | Thursday 25 June

Undergraduate Open Day | Saturday 4 July

Can't make the Open Day? Join us every Wednesday for a College Tour.

Check your eligibility for UAL’s Travel Bursary.

Global experiences

This course offers the opportunity to study abroad short-term over the summer break (subject to meeting requirements). Going abroad as part of your degree is an exciting experience that broadens your horizons and helps you build a global network.

Scholarships, bursaries and awards

Use our scholarship search to discover if you are eligible for any scholarships, bursaries or awards.

Course overview

BA (Hons) Cordwainers Footwear and Accessories is a future-facing design and making course for students who want to challenge conventions in materials and processes and product development, and to shape the next generation of fashion products. Responding to significant shifts in the global fashion industry, the course foregrounds material innovation, sustainability, circular thinking and contemporary product specialism. By bringing heritage craft into dialogue with emerging digital technologies, it supports experimentation across analogue and digital methods and encourages expansive approaches to footwear and accessories design.

The course is structured in three stages. In the first two years, you build a strong foundation in craft, materials, process and design development through studio practice, making, critical enquiry and industry-facing projects. This grounding enables you in the final year to define a more individual direction, combining, extending and synthesising your skills through self-directed practice, professional positioning and advanced project development. Collaboration, critical thinking and entrepreneurial awareness are embedded throughout.

Project outcomes may include fashion footwear, accessories, material innovations, sample ranges, components, or hybrid product propositions. Outcomes may be physical, digital or a combination of both and will respond to contemporary concerns such as climate crisis, circularity, social justice and material scarcity. Whether you produce a single product, a modular system, a small collection or an exploratory manufacturing proposition, your work will reflect your own creative voice and direction. 

The course is delivered through LCF’s campus-based design studios, footwear and accessories workshops, traditional 3D facilities and advanced digital manufacturing spaces, including CAD/CAM, 3D printing, scanning, digital prototyping, AR and VR tools, wearable technology and related digital workflows. Supported by industry partnerships and live briefs, the course will help you build a strong portfolio and graduate with the confidence, agility and specialist skills needed to thrive in an evolving global market. 

Studying in London is central to the course experience. From our East Bank campus in Stratford, you are within reach of global brands, design studios, archives, museums, trade events, retailers and cultural organisations that shape the fashion product sector. These connections support field trips, live projects, networking and direct engagement with the city’s footwear and accessories industries.

What to expect  

  • Specialist craft and digital skills: You will develop handmaking, workshop and digital design skills through work with diverse materials, components and processes, moving from foundational techniques towards more advanced technical capability.  
  • Design development from 2D to 3D: You will learn to generate, test and communicate your ideas through drawing, deconstruction, sampling, prototyping and iterative development. 
  • Critical and contextual enquiry: Through practical and written work you will engage with cultural, historical and contemporary debates, including climate, racial and social justice, and apply these to your design practice. 
  • Circular and future-facing thinking: You will investigate sustainability, circular design, material innovation and digital craft, using these to inform responsible and imaginative product development. 
  • Industry engagement and London opportunities: You will work on live or simulated briefs, hear from visiting speakers, and benefit from access to London-based brands, events, archives and specialist resources. 
  • Collaboration and professional confidence: Through peer critique, presentations, workshops and group activity you will build the collaborative, reflective and professional skills needed for employment, enterprise or further study. 

Industry experience and opportunities 

Throughout the course, you will have access to valuable industry engagement designed to build real-world knowledge and professional confidence. You will experience masterclasses, guest lectures, field trips, and hands-on workshops led by specialist artisans, designers and industry professionals from across the fashion product sector. In Year 2, you will take part in industry-set challenges and live briefs, working directly with established brands to respond to real design problems. Previous collaborators have included Vivienne Westwood, Salomon, Russell & Bromley, Lineapelle, Bill Amberg, Inditex, and MCM, offering perspectives across luxury, performance, and commercial markets. Studying in London also gives you access to exhibitions, archives, trade events and professional networks that support your learning beyond the studio.

Between years 2 and 3 you will have the option to take either a Diploma in Professional Studies: Industry, or a Diploma in Professional Studies: Enterprise. With tutor support, the industry route enables you to undertake a placement with a brand or company in London or elsewhere in the world, while the enterprise route allows you to develop a business idea from proposal to minimal viable product (MVP). Both routes provide valuable professional experience and an additional qualification on successful completion. 

Mode of study  

BA (Hons) Cordwainers Footwear and Accessories run for 90 weeks in full-time mode. It is divided into three stages over three academic years. Each stage lasts 30 weeks. 

Contact us

Register your interest to receive information and updates about studying at UAL.

Contact us to make an enquiry.

Course units

Year 1 

Introduction to Cordwainers Footwear and Accessories (20 credits)  

The unit introduces you to your course, its subject context and effective studentship at undergraduate level. It supports your transition into higher education and develops the foundations for independent and collaborative learning, research, reflection and communication.

Interrogating Design and Craft Skills (40 credits) 

This unit introduces core skills for footwear and accessories through practical workshops in craft, observational drawing, anatomy, ergonomics, materials and deconstruction. It helps you build confidence in making, analysis and design development through experimentation.

Design and Innovation (40 credits) 

In this unit you develop an informed and creative response to a real-world problem. Through research, drawing and making, you explore how design can address globally significant social, cultural or environmental issues, while strengthening your hand and digital communication skills.

Fashion Cultures and Histories (20 credits) (College-wide unit)  

This unit introduces critical analysis of fashion as a social, cultural, political and economic phenomenon. It supports your engagement with key debates, including climate, racial and social justice, and helps you to define your own research interests.

Year 2 

Critical Issues in Fashion Research (20 credits) (College-wide unit) 

This unit deepens your understanding of the historical, cultural, social, political and economic contexts that shape fashion. Through a themed Research Project, you develop research, writing and critical thinking in relation to an issue connected to your field of practice.  

Circular Design (40 credits) 

This unit examines and critiques the contribution of the footwear and accessories industry on the climate crisis, introduces circular design principles. You explore durability, repair, reuse, disassembly, recyclability, material innovation and system-level thinking in relation to sustainable product development.

Digital Craft (20 credits)  

This unit explores how digital technologies can work alongside traditional making skills and heritage craft processes. Through speculative design, digital modelling, scanning and fabrication, you investigate how digital methods can extend and challenge established approaches to making.

Industry Futures (40 credits) 

In this unit you will consolidate your understanding of professional practice through live or simulated industry briefs. You apply brand, market and consumer research to develop a considered design response and strengthen your teamwork, presentation and professional decision-making skills.

Year 3 

Contextualising Practice (20 credits) 

The unit develops your historical and theoretical understanding of fashion through an extended, research-led essay. It builds your ability to investigate a topic related to your field of practice and to communicate complex ideas in academic and professional contexts. 

Project Development (40 credits)  

This unit establishes the direction for your Final Major Project through contextual, material, market and practice-based research. You define and test an individual project proposition, develop design direction and technical planning, and position your final year work in relation to your values, audience and future aspirations.

Final Major Project (60 credits) 

You complete the course with a self-directed Final Major Project that consolidates your creative, technical and professional learning. Through advanced development, making, refinement and presentation, you realise a coherent body of work that reflects your design identity and future direction. 

Optional Diploma Year 

Diploma in Professional Studies: Industry (Optional)

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.

Diploma in Professional Studies: Enterprise (Optional)

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.

Diploma in Creative Computing (Optional)

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 course, you’ll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Cordwainers Footwear and Accessories (with Creative Computing).

Diploma in Storytelling (Optional)

Between years 2 and 3, you can undertake the year-long Diploma in Storytelling. Enhance your creative voice and discover how to engage audiences and enact change through compelling storytelling - a skill that's in demand across a range of creative industries. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate course, you’ll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Cordwainers Footwear and Accessories (with Storytelling).

Learning and teaching methods

The following teaching and learning methods are employed to support the integrated achievement of the course outcomes. We will be delivering the majority of sessions face-to-face with a small number of learning activities, such as personal tutorials or large group lectures offered online:

  • Critiques (from tutors, peers and industry)
  • Demonstrations
  • Field trips
  • Group and individual projects
  • Lectures
  • Peer group presentations
  • Practical workshops
  • Reflection and self‐evaluation
  • Self‐directed study
  • Seminars
  • Supervised studio access
  • Tutorials
  • Visiting speakers

Assessment methods

The following assessment methods are employed to support the integrated aims of the course outcomes:

  • Design and development files
  • Digital portfolios
  • Oral and visual presentations
  • Prototype development and realisation
  • Reflective statements
  • Written assignments & rationales

UAL Showcase

Explore work by our recent students on UAL Showcase

  • 4OLK
    4OLK, Filip Szewera, 2025 BA (Hons) Cordwainers Fashion Bags and Accessories, London College of Fashion, UAL

    Filip Szewera

  • SHADOW by MONTARA
    SHADOW by MONTARA, Man Man Ng, 2025 BA (Hons) Cordwainers Fashion Bags and Accessories, London College of Fashion, UAL

    Man Man Ng

  • PH03NIX
    PH03NIX, Kristy Roche-Winson, 2025 BA (Hons) Cordwainers Footwear, London College of Fashion, UAL

    Kristy Roche-Winson

  • London Made Me (Do It)
    London Made Me (Do It), Joe Lewis, 2025 BA (Hons) Cordwainers Footwear, London College of Fashion, UAL

    Joe Lewis

Facilities

Stories

  • A woman holding a boot and smiling towards the camera with two people in the distant background and another person writing with a pen.
    Student presentations. Image courtesy of Chelsea Pineda.

    Cordwainers students collaborate with sportswear brand Salomon

    Second-year BA (Hons) Cordwainers: Footwear and BA (Hons) Cordwainers: Bags and Accessories students get insight into the industry by creating innovative products for the urban environment.

  • Students standing against a wall in a classroom and pointing to a logo above sticked to the wall.
    Final student presentations. Image courtesy of Caroline Yang.

    BA (Hons) Cordwainers Footwear x Russell & Bromley

    As part of their Year 2 studies, BA (Hons) Cordwainers Footwear students at London College of Fashion (LCF), UAL, were challenged by British footwear institution Russell & Bromley to reimagine what it means to design shoes that are truly ‘Built to Last’.

Staff

Course team

Georgina Goodman

Kathrin Lodes

Daphne Bikker

Selina Cheong

Fflur Owen

Eting Liu

Programme Director

Dai Rees

Fees and funding

Home fee

£9,790 per year

This fee is correct for entry in September 2026  and is subject to change for entry in September 2027.

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

£30,890 per year

This fee is correct for entry in September 2026 and is subject to change for entry in September 2027.

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.

Additional costs

You may need to cover additional costs which are not included in your tuition fees, such as materials and equipment specific to your course. For a list of general digital equipment you may need (and how you can borrow equipment), visit our Study costs page.

Accommodation

Find out about accommodation options and how much they will cost, and other living expenses you'll need to consider.

Scholarships, bursaries and awards

Find out more about bursaries, loans and scholarships.

If you’re based in the UK and plan to visit UAL for an Open Event, check if you’re eligible for our UAL Travel Bursary. This covers the costs of mainland train or airline travel to visit UAL.

How to pay

Find out how you can pay your tuition fees.

Scholarship search

Or view all

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 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 

Selection criteria

Offers will be made on the following selection criteria: 

  • A current awareness of fashion material developments, new designers and fashion trends for footwear and/ or accessories 
  • 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 

Information for disabled applicants

UAL is committed to achieving inclusion and equality for disabled students. This includes students who have:

     
  • Dyslexia or another Specific Learning Difference
  • A sensory impairment
  • A physical impairment
  • A long-term health or mental health condition
  • Autism
  • Another long-term condition which has an impact on your day-to-day life

Our Disability Service arranges adjustments and support for disabled applicants and students.

Read our Disability and dyslexia: applying for a course and joining UAL information.

Apply now

Applications closed 2026/27 

We are no longer accepting applications for 2026/27 entry to this course.

Applications for 2027/28 entry will open in Autumn 2026.

Apply now

Applications closed 2026/27 

We are no longer accepting applications for 2026/27 entry to this course.

Applications for 2027/28 entry will open in Autumn 2026.

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

The total character limit is 4,000 characters or less.

When creating your personal statement on the UCAS website, you will need to answer these 3 questions:

  • Why do you want to study this course or subject?
  • How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
  • What else have you done to prepare outside of education and why are these experiences useful?

To find out more about what to put in your personal statement, visit the UCAS advice page. For more information and support with applying to our courses, read our undergraduate application advice.

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
  • feature work that best showcases your technical and practical skills
  • include research to demonstrate your understanding and exploration of the social and cultural contexts behind contemporary fashion
  • include work in progress as well as finished pieces to demonstrate your ability to experiment and develop ideas from initial concepts to final outcomes
  • be organised into a clear order to ensure your ideas are presented effectively.

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.

Careers

Your future employability is central to all our courses and as a student with us you’ll have access to a wealth of resources to prepare you for your future career in the fashion industry. Graduate Futures is our dedicated employability team who will work with you throughout your time with us to get you ready for employment. There are also a variety of opportunities on the course to enhance your employability.

Industry engagement

This course brings together two existing courses with a long history of engagement with the industry and this will continue with this new course in 2026.

Throughout the course you will have opportunities to contextualise your practice with a range of industry collaborations. Recently, our footwear students worked with Russell & Bromley on a project focused on designing shoes that are ‘built to last’. The project involved visits to the Head Office, masterclasses, a midway crit and more, all simulating the experience in real-world design settings. Our accessories students worked with sportswear brand Salomon on an industry project to create a mini collection of six accessories, one of which would be made into a fully realised prototype. Salomon worked closely with the students throughout the project and awarded prizes and internship opportunities to the winning students.

On our course you will learn from academics with experience in the industry themselves, hear from guest speakers and benefit from our connections with the industry in numerous ways.

Potential careers

As a graduate, you will have developed the skills necessary to build a career as a fashion accessories or footwear designer. You will develop traditional skills and craftsmanship whilst also engaging with technology like 3D printing and laser cutting to ensure you’re ready for the future of the industry. You will also develop your critical and creative thinking, teamwork and independent working, building your confidence and preparing you to succeed in your career.

London College of Fashion

Contact

Telephone

+44 (0)20 7514 7400

Address

105 Carpenter's Road
London

E20 2AR