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Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Cordwainers Footwear

Embellished, colourful boots on a black background.
Zia Lee | BA Cordwainers Footwear | 2021 | Photographer: Xinming Lia | London College of Fashion | University of Arts London
College
London College of Fashion UCAS code
J445 Start date
Course length
3 years / 4 years (with placement year in industry)

Develop the range of creative and practical skills needed for contemporary design practices, enabling your imaginative designs to become physical, functional and prized pieces.

Course summary

Applications suspended 2025/26

We are not recruiting for this course for entry in 2025/26. Discover more courses at UAL.

BA (Hons) Cordwainers Footwear

Recruitment to this course is suspended while we design an improved curriculum offer.

You may wish to apply to the BA (Hons) Fashion Bags and Accessories course which also sits within the craft programme.

Placed within London’s rich, cultural and fashion scene, and with access to impressive facilities, the latest technology, digital software and skills passed directly from the Cordwainers, this course produces uniquely impressive shoe makers and designers. Students will leave with industry experience and the confidence to present distinct design ideas.

Welcome to an endlessly inspiring and creatively addictive discipline, where you can be a big voice in a small community. This course celebrates an impressive alumni list, each valued for their ability to bring remarkable design to life through the precision of technical skill. Graduates work for names such as Nicholas Kirkwood, Kurt Geiger, Jimmy Choo and Malone Souliers.

With a Cordwainer in almost every major design company, this is your time to find your unique place in the footwear industry.

Why choose this course at London College of Fashion

  • Career preparation: excellent vocational preparation for a career in innovative footwear design.
  • Facilities: unrivalled access to specialist facilities appropriate to the industry.
  • Sustainability: supports students to learn and develop new more sustainable practices, working at the forefront of changes within the industry.
  • Cordwainers and Leathersellers support: the Cordwainers and Leathersellers livery companies support the Cordwainers courses through prizes, scholarships and industrial visits.
  • Where graduates have gone on to work: recent Footwear graduates have gone on to work for Nicholas Kirkwood, Kurt Geiger, Jimmy Choo and Malone Souliers.

Scholarships, bursaries and awards

Course overview

Introduction

BA (Hons) Cordwainers Footwear is delivered with employment in the footwear industry in mind.  Taught by a notable team of Industry professionals, you will study a range of units that will equip you with the relevant creative and practical skills needed for contemporary design practices, but also prepare you with excellent communication, professional and business skills.

What to expect

  • This course focuses on producing graduates who are encouraged to make an innovative and visionary contribution to footwear product development within the global fashion industry.  
  • You will be exposed to debates and forward thinking around topics relevant to design in today’s world such as, Climate and Social justice and technology.
  • you may undertake live projects set by industry, including presentations to and from the companies involved.  
  • The Cordwainers and Leathersellers livery companies support the Cordwainers courses through prizes, scholarships and industrial visits. 

Work experience and opportunities

There is an 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 (DIPS) qualification. 

Mode of study

BA (Hons) Cordwainers Footwear 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. 

Contact us

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

Contact us to make an enquiry.

Course units

Stage 1

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

  • Introduction to Footwear (20 credits)
  • Footwear Design and Technologies (40 credits)
  • Footwear Skills Consolidation (40 credits)
  • Fashion Cultures and Histories (20 credits)

Stage 2

In Stage 2 students are required to complete 120 credits of which a minimum of 100 must be at level 5.

  • Circular Footwear Design (40 credits)
  • Critical Issues in Fashion Research (20 credits)
  • Future Footwear (20 credits)
  • Industry Skills for Footwear (40 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) Cordwainers Footwear (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) Cordwainers Footwear (with Apple Development).

Stage 3

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

  • Final Major Project - Concept (40 credits)
  • Contextualising Practice (20 credits)
  • Final Major Project - Realisation (60 credits)

All students are entitled to a tutorial package that consists of:

  • 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.

Programme specification

Download course specification (PDF File 548.6 KB)

Information for offer holders

Download information for offer holders ( )

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

  • Lectures. 
  • Seminars. 
  • Tutorials. 
  • Group and individual projects.
  • Critiques. (Both Tutor and Peer led)
  • Peer group presentations.
  • Practical workshops. 
  • Demonstrations. 
  • Open access Supervised studio access.
  • Visiting speakers.
  • Field trips. 
  • Self‐directed study.
  • Reflection and self‐evaluation.

Assessment methods

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

  • Sketchbooks. 
  • Technical files.
  • Footwear Development Records 
  • 2D & 3D Experimentation
  • Portfolios.
  • Final Prototype development and realisation. 
  • Written assignments/rationales. 
  • Live industrial projects. 
  • Self‐evaluation. 
  • Peer feedback. 
  • Reflective journals.
  • Case studies. 
  • Presentations.

Showcasing at LCF

There are a range of showcasing opportunities students can take part in whilst studying at LCF. End year showcasing at London College of Fashion, UAL, is one of the moments students can celebrate graduating from their courses. However, degree shows are not part of the learning outcomes in a course curriculum and are therefore not guaranteed as part of studying with us. Students must register by a deadline to take part, and we are not able to show all student work so submitting students will have their work curated.

Graduate Showcase

Explore work by our recent students on the UAL Showcase

Follow BA Cordwainers Footwear on Instagram

lcf_cordwainers_footwear

Student and graduate work

  • Victoria-Andre.jpg
  • Victoria-Andre2.jpg
  • Samantha-Mills.jpg
  • White boots against white background
    Work by Caroline Klemp,
  • Red block heel shoes with buckle
    Work by Olivia Wallis,
  • Woven mule
    Work by Amber Capewell,
  • Mauve perspex heel boot
    Work by Doyeon Ji,
  • Mauve boot with plant in the background
    Work by Victoria Andre,
  • Ruche green mule with wooden heel
    Work by Victoria Andre,
  • Yellow and blue tie sandal with stiletto heel
    Work by Samantha Mills,

BA (Hons) Cordwainers Footwear course video

BA (Hons) Cordwainers Footwear

Graduate work from the LCF summer series 2021

Latest news from this course

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Facilities at LCF

Staff

Georgina Goodman is course leader and works across all year groups and is passionate about nurturing each student’s unique talent, she believes that every student is an individual with the potential to contribute meaningfully to the future of footwear. Georgina is an alumni of the BA Footwear Cordwainer’s course at LCF, graduating with a first-class degree, she went on to complete her MA in Footwear Design at the Royal College of Art, where she studied under Manolo Blahnik and earned his coveted award. Georgina went on to launch her brand and opened a boutique in Mayfair, offering a bespoke couture service, and seasonal collections, her Bond Street shop soon became a ‘must visit’ destination for discerning clients and style icons such as Kate Moss, Thandie Newton and Lady Gaga, which led to her being twice nominated ‘Accessory Designer of the Year’ by the British Fashion Council, and in turn to design collaborations and consultancies with labels such as Alexander McQueen, Tommy Hilfiger, Erdem, Luella Bartley and Casadei. Her unstinting creativity and desire to explore her chosen craft through the prism of other art forms has led to shared projects with artists and filmmakers. Her footwear creations and artefacts have been exhibited internationally, including: The Brooklyn Museum, The Met Museum and part of the permanent collection at the V&A. Georgina is a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers, and a Freeman of the City of London.

“My philosophy has always been straightforward; be consistent, be clear, be who

you really are and most importantly; be in Love. This philosophy I endeavour to express through everything I do, most especially my teaching practise”.

Daphne Bikker is a Lecturer on the course, working across multiple year groups, with a focus on final year conceptual and creative development. She is a skilled maker, and visionary footwear designer. She studied her BA Product Design at the Academy of Art and Design in Arnhem while learning the craft of traditional shoe making. After successfully completing her degree, Daphne moved to London to study for her MA in Footwear Design at the London College of Fashion. Soon after receiving a distinction for her MA collection, she worked in China as designer for United Nude. Her work embraced modern technology such as 3D printing and unconventional materials such as carbon fiber. While at United Nude Daphne collaborated with artist, architects, fashion designers and performers. After 5 years of building the range and managing the design team in China, Daphne moved back to London and set up her eponymous formal men's shoe brand combining traditional shoe making with contemporary techniques.

Dai Rees is programme director for the design and craft courses. He is an artist, designer, curator and academic. He launched his eponymous fashion label in the Nineties, showing collections at London Fashion Week and selling to some of the most famous boutiques in the world. His work is held in major public and private collections including at the V&A in London and the MET in New York.

Fees and funding

Home fee

£9,535 per year

This fee is correct for entry in autumn 2025 and may increase for entry in autumn 2026.

Please note that this fee is subject to the passing of secondary legislation approving a fee cap of £9,535. In the event this is not passed your tuition fee would be £9,250.

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

£29,990 per year

This fee is correct for entry in autumn 2025 and is subject to change for entry in autumn 2026.

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. Typical approximate costs for this course include: ​

  • Laptop or desktop computer recommended
  • Shoemakers toolkit: £100
  • Basic drawing materials: £50
  • Adobe Creative Cloud: £42 per year
  • Sketchbooks: £5-£20 each
  • Safety goggles or glasses: £5 each

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

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 for footwear 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

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

Application deadline

29 January 2025 at 6pm (UK time)

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

Apply now

Application deadline

29 January 2025 at 6pm (UK time)

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

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
  • 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.

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. If your course requires a portfolio and/or video task, we may request these 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 2025. 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. Graduates have gained roles at a number of notable companies including: Kurt Geiger, Jimmy Choo, Malone Souliers, Inditex, Nicholas Kirkwood, Adele Clarke, Georgina Goodman, Topshop, Bloch International, Clarks Shoes, Stella McCartney, Sophia Webster and Dune.

Graduate Futures

Graduate Futures provides a comprehensive career management service supporting our students to become informed and self-reliant individuals able to plan and manage their own careers.

LCF alumni

Many of our alumni are now impressive, leading industry figures.

Alumni

London College of Fashion

Contact

Telephone

+44 (0)20 7514 7400

Address

105 Carpenter's Road
London

E20 2AR