Applications closed 2018/19
Applications for 2018/19 entry to this course have now closed.
BA (Hons) Fashion Design Technology: Womenswear teaches students how to respond creatively to a design brief within the womenswear market.
Students on BA (Hons) Fashion Design Technology: Womenswear build a strong work ethic on this course, to become highly motivated design practitioners.
This course is based at Curtain Road in Shoreditch. Find out about the local area, including Hoxton, Shoreditch and Dalston, in our local area guides on the Student Life pages.
Continuing our LCFBA18 season we turn our attention to Womenswear designers from this season. We spoke to students from BA (Hons) Fashion Design Technology Womenswear, BA (Hons) Fashion Design and […]
In 1953 two young designers were selected winners of the first International Woolmark Prize, the new award celebrated two men who they believed would go on to reshape the course […]
2017 has been an eventful year and one that saw LCF alumni making news headlines across the world, from JW Anderson winning at the Fashion Awards to working with Uniqlo, Nadia […]
Giorgio Armani partnered with the British Fashion Council (BFC) to launch a competition to find the brightest fashion talent that the UK has to offer. The winners were selected to create a […]
We talk to BA (Hons) Fashion Design Technology: Womenswear graduate Alexander Hammarström from Sweden for LCF BA17. In our latest Class of 2017 feature, we discuss his collection, moving to London and […]
Next up on LCF BA17 is BA (Hons) Fashion Design Technology: Womenswear graduate Anastasia Selivanova. We spoke to her to find out about her time at LCF and how her final collection is […]
Take a tour of LCF's world renowned fashion library, ideal for research and study.
Take a tour of Curtain Road's design, sewing and pattern-cutting facilities along with facilities at JPS and Lime Grove.
Explore our social spaces, for collaborative study and breaks, across our six sites in London.
BA (Hons) Fashion Design Technology: Womenswear will develop the core skills of researching, designing, pattern cutting and realisation of womenswear, including problem solving, to achieve the finished product.
As well as learning these skills you will gain an intellectual appreciation of fashion and its place in society through studying relevant academic units, and acquire the visual and verbal skills necessary to be a successful designer. The course considers market levels, from high street to designer, through a range of projects, many of which are in conjunction with specific labels or companies, or are for a particular sector of the market. The course takes advantage of its global positioning in one of the fashion capitals of the world, and you will have the opportunity to interact with the city’s thriving fashion, art, music and club cultures.
The short work placement will enable you to experience the reality of working within a particular company, together with the chance to make useful contacts for your future career. This wider involvement with industry and society is invaluable to your development as a designer, as is the opportunity to enter national and international design competitions and to take part in collaborations across the College on specific external projects. You will be encouraged through the course to develop your individual identity through your work, by a fusion of your design direction and the excellent craft skills and knowledge of technological developments that you have acquired. You will understand every aspect of a garment through both the creative detail in the design and the technical skills used in production. By the end of this course you will be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to respond creatively to a design brief within the womenswear market. Graduates are working in high level jobs in the industry, or working as designers with their own label, or pursuing their studies at postgraduate level.
The academic year for this course is divided into Block 1 and Block 2.
Block 1 is of 15 weeks’ duration from late September to February. In accordance with the University timetable, there will be a four week holiday in December.
Block 2 is also of 15 weeks’ duration from mid-February to the end of June with a four week holiday for Easter.
Students on this course might be invited to participate in study trips. This may involve, for example, visits to key areas of capital cities, factories, stores and museums. Attendance on these trips is not compulsory but recommended. Details regarding timings and costs will be issued closer to the relevant trips.
Introduction to Womenswear aims to introduce you to your course and its subject specialism as well as to effective learning and studentship at undergraduate level. It will orientate you to the practices and knowledge-base needed to understand your discipline, through concept development and research methods. You will develop skills for independent study, reflection and your own self development. This Unit has three core purposes: to introduce you to your discipline in the context of study at a Higher Education level. to introduce you to learning skills and the requirements of effective studentship at undergraduate level to orientate you within your course, the College and the University Emphasis is placed on the skills needed to locate, navigate and communicate information and ideas effectively and appropriately. You will be introduced to resources that support your studies. We will also discuss studentship, the importance of being an engaged and participatory member of the group and your own personal and professional development.
The Design and Realisation unit focuses on the importance of how research and creative concepts and its development are the basis for design ideas. This unit introduces you to a variety of approaches to research and their relevance and application to the design process and the realisation of ideas. The overall focus of this unit is on the importance of research and how it informs the design process and the 3D development of ideas. Visual communication and an exploration of techniques will be encouraged in this unit. You will be introduced to ways of recording your work in a stimulating, exciting and informative way, using a variety of communication methods and media. You will be asked to develop creative ideas that relate to and expand upon your visual references that will inform the final outcome. You will be introduced to core practical 3D skills through demonstration of basic pattern-cutting and manufacturing techniques. An induction to the Materials Library will help you to begin the process of fabric sourcing and identification. You will be encouraged to use resources in order to develop creative samples, which will further establish the link between your 2D thinking and the 3D progression of design.
Introduction to Cultural and Historical Studies introduces the Cultural and Historical Studies approach to fashion and related areas. The unit provides a broad overview of the subject and introduces key concepts and ways of thinking that will form the basis of subsequent study. It will also inform decisions regarding the Cultural and Historical Studies unit that is chosen for future study.
Transformative Futures aims to encourage a transformational approach to your practice and the wider fashion industry. The emphasis of the unit is on creative teamwork and your individual contribution to a collective output. Through teamwork you will explore materials, techniques and outcomes that challenge current practice in the fashion industry. You will work with diverse fabric types and investigate the differences, experience and experiment with the innate characteristics, handle and uses of these fabrics between structured and unstructured garments through a range of pattern cutting approaches. The emphasis will be on the creative application of materials and specialist techniques within a sustainable context to propose and realise new design ideas. This analysis will inform manufacturing techniques and finishes that will further explore the translation of ideas within the 2D and 3D design process. You will use IT programmes for the professional presentation and communication of both design and technical work.
Better Lives
London College of Fashion, UAL (LCF) is a leader in fashion design, media and business education. We have been nurturing creative talent for over a century, offering courses in all things fashion. We encourage students to examine the past and challenge the present. To have inventive, assertive ideas that challenge social and political agendas. We give students the skills, opportunities – and above all, the freedom – to put those ideas into practice. By leading the way in fashion design, business, and the media, we influence culture, economics and our society. This unit will provide you with a solid understanding of LCF’ core values and how they connect to your practice. As part of this unit you will explore diversity, social responsibility and sustainability, themes which you will then apply to a selected project. At this stage the emphasis is on how you apply your thinking across these important themes to your practice. Your thinking is more important than a finished piece of work at this point. Fashion can change lives. Through teaching, specialist research, and collaborative work, this unit will get you thinking differently. We want you to use fashion to examine the past, build a sustainable future and improve the way we live. That’s why we call this unit ‘Better Lives’.
You will be able to study a Cultural and Historical Studies unit of your choice that will broaden or deepen your learning of areas relating to your interests in your chosen field. You will have the opportunity to participate in lectures, seminars and workshops with students from other courses within your School, and will read relevant academic texts and complete a formal academic essay for assessment. Further information on the options available will be provided during Year 1 of your studies.
In the Professional Product Development unit you will be asked to design and realise garments for a client (specific or simulated). You will conduct research to fully understand the client profile and make appropriate decisions about size and fit. You will be asked to explore the principles and techniques of tailoring and outerwear garments and apply them creatively to a contemporary range of garments. You will expand on your skills of research, design development, fabric sourcing, pattern cutting and manufacture. You are also asked to present work in a professional way that is appropriate for your client.
The Work Experience unit will provide you with the opportunity to further develop your skills and apply them in a professional environment. You will experience real industry challenges and working practice and will be able to examine the way in which a professional team respond to different situations. The unit will increase your awareness of the industry and the opportunities for career progression. You will be expected to take an analytical and reflective approach to the work experience and will produce written and visual evidence of your knowledge, based on a minimum 10-week period in industry. LCF Careers will provide career guidance in order to prepare you for your work experience. You will be expected to engage and be proactive in securing your own work experience, relevant to your skills and career aspirations, this means applying directly to companies. You will also be expected to provide feedback on your experience both during and after your work placement. The College Placement Handbook will provide additional support for this Unit.
The Aesthetics and Identity unit aims to refine and consolidate techniques, methods and processes that have been learnt and encourages you to explore your personal aesthetic and how you may consider your place as a designer within the fashion industry. Through reflection and development, you will be evidencing your design identity and will investigate and produce a body of work that shows directional consideration of consumer, market and product. You will be required to investigate a personal response to the brief that will culminate in a range of products showing a deep understanding of research, analysis, design development, experimentation, manufacture and range planning. You will be required to develop your own unique style of communication using creative and technical drawing, as well as using IT packages for professional presentation. Your engagement with research methods and the development of a personal design philosophy will provide the foundation for your final year design proposal.
To begin you will do the Contextualising Your Practice unit which allows you to build on your historical and theoretical understanding of fashion through a research-led extended essay. You will identify a topic, related to your field of practice, that you will investigate through design-led research methods and significant cultural and critical theories. It is an opportunity for you to undertake a substantial piece of structured research that examines fashion practice in context and it will build on the critical debates and concerns raised through your course.
The Pre-Collection unit will inform and prepare you for the Main Collection. You will be expected to negotiate a project brief that will support the development of a thorough body of work that evidences investigation and innovation in both design and realisation. You will identify your proposed market level, customer, brand ethos and core philosophy as a designer and undertake a practical journey culminating in a body of work that shows innovative design and technical experimentation with fabric, process and potential garment solutions. You will be expected to engage in prototype testing that will be evidenced through 2D and 3D investigation and sampling, within both your design and technical portfolios. The focus on this project is using your skills to show extensive creative experimentation, whilst considering the practical aspects of problem-solving, through fabric and trims sourcing. Extensive investigation into appropriate use of finish, detailing and manufacture will be documented alongside silhouette/shape development. The completed outfits will form the basis of your collection for your Main Collection.
The Main Collection unit is the culmination of your undergraduate learning experience. Through the development of a final major project you will be further demonstrating your innovative approach and deeper engagement, analysis and conclusions drawn from your Pre-Collection unit. You should refine and execute your design, design development and realisations established in through a process of design synthesis. Through practical application you will be demonstrating your rigorous analysis in the exploration and development of your design ideas. This unit provides the opportunity to apply the findings established through your investigation of the challenges of your chosen brief. It evidences your ability to construct, direct and organise an overall professional outcome. This Main Collection is the vehicle by which you evaluate and reflect upon your own learning and skills in order to establish a potential career path. You will accompany your work with a career pack that will enable you to take up roles or pursue business objectives as soon as you graduate from London College of Fashion.
All students are advised to set up a profile on portfolio.arts.ac.uk, UAL’s new portfolio platform, which can be done at any point during your time at LCF and will last for up to 12 months after graduation. This platform is often used to source student work for promotional use on the website, social media and for print and can be a great way of getting your work seen. You may also be asked to have a portfolio profile for the selection process when it comes to degree shows.
Shee Fun Chan is the Course Leader. After graduating in BA Fashion and Textiles from Ravensbourne, she has worked a variety of roles in industry over the past 15 years including Accessory Design/Production and Showroom Sales for Ann-Sofie Back, with collections sold internationally in Opening Ceremony Korea, Ooga Booga NY and featured in publications including i-D, 10 and Vogue. After gaining a PG Cert in Innovative Pattern Cutting from Central Saint Martins she worked as a freelance pattern cutter for clients including Mulberry, Danielle Scutt and Antipodium. She is currently studying for her MA in Academic Practice at UAL, exploring Concepts in 3D Realisation.
Peter Cox started making his own clothes from the age of 10. His first job at the age of 16 was working for Eastex and Dereta, where he trained in all departments of the factory, ending as a stock cutter and lay planner. After 6 years he left to study menswear tailoring at Perivale Tailoring College, then went on to work for bespoke tailors GD Golding for 10 years, eventually becoming a master tailor. At this point he was keen to start his own business and so studied HND Womenswear Design and Clothing at the University of Hertfordshire. After working as a production tailor and pattern cutter for Marchpole \ Jasper Conran \ YSL for two Peter ran his own company aimed at making one-off garments, often for famous clients. He has worked with many big names (including Lee McQueen, John Galliano, and Stella McCartney) and has freelanced for a variety of clients including the V&A, Primark, and Long Tall Sally. Peter has worked for the UAL since 1995 and is currently working as a lecturer on BA Womenswear and is the International Student Coordinator for the School of Design and Technology.
Henderson McCue graduated from East Sydney TAFE Australia, and joined designer Gareth Pugh as his right hand man and Head Pattern Cutter between 2007 and 2010. Henderson was a key collaborator on a number of Pugh’s showpieces, side projects and clients’ projects such as Kylie Minogue, Lady GaGa and Daphne Guinness. By 2010, Henderson moved to Paris and became Head Womenswear Designer at luxury leather brand Jitrios. Since 2012, Henderson has been freelancing in the UK as a Creative Pattern Cutter and Creative Consultant for clients such as McQ, House of Holland, COS, Nasir Mazhar, PRPatterson and Ivy Park. He joined the BA Hons Womenswear Fashion Design Technology course as a lecturer in 3D Development and Realisation and continues to freelance.
Anne McCloy graduated with a First-class honours degree from Central Saint Martins BA (Hons) Fashion: Fashion Design Womenswear as well as the Colin Barnes Award for Illustration. Alongside her role as a Design Lecturer, Anne McCloy has a multi-disciplinary creative practice through which she conceives and curates exhibitions and events which have included Shirt Futures at The Shirt Factory Project with CSM at Derry City of Culture 2013 and Inside Outside Underground at Red Gallery Shoreditch showcasing music, art and illustration for Frieze London 2015. AKA Some Product, she has performed at the ICA, had poetry published in Beat magazine, music released on Mute and film showcased at Raindance film festival and Rockumentary Britannia. She continues her design work through her associated own label focusing on graphic streetwear, and fine art and music specific collaborations and commissions.
Lindsay Banks is a Design Tutor, and Year 1 lead Design Tutor, on the BA Fashion Design Technology Womenswear course. Previously working as a designer/pattern cutter for 15 years, for both women’s and menswear, Lindsay has designed casualwear clothing for high street retailers such as Topshop, Marks & Spencer, Zara- Denim, Debenhams. She has also designed performance outer garments for Mountain Equipment. She was Print Design Director for independent men’s swim brand Bluhe and has also worked at Lectra supporting designers using computer packages for design. Lindsay has worked in Further and Higher Education in various Course Leader roles since 2015, and is currently working freelance for sustainable brand ‘Phannatiq’ alongside her work at LCF.
Kathy McGee graduated from the BA Fashion Design Technology Womenswear course at LCF and went on to study MA Menswear at the prestigious Royal College of Art, graduating in 2015. She now teaches at RCA as a Visiting Lecturer on MA Fashion and through her personal professional practice explores ways in which digital technology can enhance an understanding of design realisation for the body. This work has resulted in projects such as Digitoile which explores a new approach to prototyping, garment construction and material usage.
Marilyn Rainey: 3D Realisation Lecturer
Jessica Saunders is the Programme Director for the Fashion Design Programme, which includes BA (Hons) Fashion Design Technology: Menswear, BA (Hons) Fashion Design Technology: Womenswear and BA (Hons) Fashion Jewellery.
Rob Phillips is the Creative Director for the School of Design and Technology. Trained in fashion womenswear, surface textiles: print, menswear and illustration Rob went on to become the Fashion Editor for International Textiles magazine and consultant for fashion brands. Rob's broad skill set of fashion design, process, graphics, presentation, typography, advertising and communication led to his appointment as Creative Director of Fashion Forecast magazine, where his progressive work promoting young fashion talent garnered him much acclaim from industry. Rob continues to nurture talent at LCF across all courses within the School, teaching holistically about fashion, developing the students’ full potential so they can make their unique contribution to the fashion industry. He furthers the work of the College through many routes, including industry projects, collaborations and competitions. He also curates and directs the School’s events including fashion shows, films, photoshoots, publications and exhibitions. Rob continues to contribute to industry as a fashion commentator (BBC, The Guardian, SHOWstudio and more) and as creative consultant for fashion brands.
We are committed to making university education an achievable option for a wider range of people and seek to recruit students from diverse socio-economic, cultural and educational backgrounds. We are committed to supporting all our students in achieving their potential both during and after their courses.
Applications for 2018/19 entry for this course are now closed. Applications for 2019/20 entry will open in Autumn 2018.
This section includes information on how to apply, course entry requirements, selection criteria, information about interviews and portfolio advice.
You must apply through Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), where you’ll need the following information:
Go to ‘Apply’ from the UCAS home page, where you will be able to register and create a password that gives you unique access as you complete your application form.
Contact us on:
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7514 7344
Or you can use this register your interest form
Please note that the equal consideration deadline is 15 January.
For full details on the application process, visit the Undergraduate application page.
Applications for 2018/19 entry for this course are now closed. Applications for 2019/20 entry will open in Autumn 2018.
This section includes information on how to apply, course entry requirements, selection criteria, information about interviews and portfolio advice.
International applicants may apply through one of three routes only:
Further information on applying via UCAS is provided on the Applying through UCAS page.
If applying through UCAS, you will need the following information:
For full details on the application process, visit the Undergraduate application page.
We continue to accept applications throughout the year, but please note that the equal consideration deadline is 15 January.
For full details on the application process, visit the Undergraduate application page or contact the UAL admissions team who can answer any specific questions that you may have regarding LCF's courses tailored for international students. This can include guidance for your portfolio, advice on the application process and fee advice. We offer a ‘drop-in’ facility for applicants who may be in London and wish to obtain further course and admissions information.
Entry to this course is highly competitive: applicants are expected to achieve, or already have, the course entry requirements detailed below.
The standard minimum entry requirements for this course are:
Exceptionally, applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered if the course team judges the application 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.
This course requires portfolio evidence.
All classes are conducted in English. If English is not your first language you will be asked to provide evidence of your English language ability when you enrol.
The level required by the University for this course is IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each skill. Please visit the UAL Language Requirements page. Read carefully and look at the relevant documents.
What we look for
The course team seeks to recruit students who can demonstrate:
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.
For this course you will be required to upload a mini portfolio. Further instructions will be sent by the course administrator after application submission. International students should contact the Admissions Office at lcf.international@arts.ac.uk to find out about the portfolio application process.
For this course your portfolio should show evidence of: drawing/presentation skills; contemporary fashion/cultural awareness; a level of research, exploration and experimentation; fabric and material selection/knowledge; construction/technical competence; ability to think/work in 3D; and visual communication skills.
Applicants will be expected to demonstrate the following at interview: a strong interest in fashion and visual imagery; an awareness of technology; a critical and analytical approach; a motivation to succeed on the course; and a motivation for working as a womenswear designer.
All application forms, personal statements and references are read and considered by the course team against the selection criteria listed in the Entry requirements and What we look for sections.
Depending on the quality of your application, you may be asked to submit a number of images of your work. If the course team wish to consider your application further, you will be invited to an interview where the course team will look at your portfolio and ask you questions to establish your suitability for the course. If you are successful at the interview stage you will be offered a place. Applicants are not guaranteed to be asked to upload work, nor are they guaranteed an interview.
Please note that if you are unable to attend the College may not be able to re-schedule.
If you applied through UCAS the result of your application will be communicated to you via UCAS through ucastrack. You will only receive further communication directly from the College if your application has been successful. This will be in the form of a full offer pack including details of accommodation, fees, and other important information.
Deferred entry is normally only allowed in exceptional circumstances. Please contact us before you submit your application if you are considering applying for deferred entry.
Applicants on some courses may be invited to attend an Interview. Further details will be sent to you with your interview letter, confirming location and date. International applicants should contact the Admission Office by emailing lcf.international@arts.ac.uk about portfolio requirements (if applicable), interview times and dates.
Please note: the information outlined is an indicative structure of the course. Whilst we will aim to deliver the course as described on this page, there may be situations where it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, for example because of regulatory requirements or operational efficiencies, before or after enrolment. If this occurs, we will communicate all major changes to all applicants and students who have either applied or enrolled on the course. Please note that due to staff research agreements or availability, not all of the optional modules listed may be available every year. In addition, the provision of course options which depend upon the availability of specialist teaching, or on a placement at another institution, cannot be guaranteed. Please check this element of the course with the course team before making a decision to apply.
We will update this webpage from time to time with new information as it becomes available. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please use the register your interest form above.
£9,250
This applies for the 2018/19 academic year.
Tuition fees for undergraduate degree courses have been set at £9,250 per year for full-time study. This applies from the 2017/18 academic year, subject to changes in the law. Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students, in line with an inflationary amount determined by government. Please visit our Undergraduate tuition fees page for more information.
£19,350
This applies for the 2018/19 academic year.
In addition to tuition fees you are very likely to incur additional costs such as travel expenses and the cost of materials. Please read the information on our additional costs page.
Find out about the accommodation options available and how much they will cost.
There are a number of scholarships and awards available to students on this course. Use our search tool to find out more information.
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:
Graduates who wish to continue their education at postgraduate level can progress to suitable courses within the College, the University or elsewhere.
Many graduates prefer to seek employment as soon as they have completed their undergraduate studies. Recent Womenswear graduates from this course are working in many companies across the industry including Max Mara, Celine, Hillier Bartley,Tom Ford, Alexander McQueen, Tesco, Arcadia, Debenhams, Jaeger, All Saints and Burberry. Other graduates have gone on to set up and operate their own labels, showing their collections independently, being selected for Fashion East, or producing guest collections for H&M.
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