
The White Show
At the British Fashion Council Fashion Awards, our first-year BA Fashion students presented their annual White Show
BA Fashion offers highly motivated students a nurturing environment which champions originality and innovation.
On this course, you will work in a dynamic atmosphere which has already spawned many of fashion’s brightest talents. It is part of the Fashion programme.
The next round of open days will take place from October to November 2020, please check back here by mid September 2020 to book online.
The AlOthman Scholarship
China Xintiandi Scholarship
Samsung Fashion Design Fund Award
Mead Scholarships and Fellowships
Yat Malmgren Bursary
The Fung Scholarships
Sally Woodward Awards
The Nina Stewart Award
MATCHESFASHION.COM Scholarship
Grand Prix LVMH Scholarships
BA Sarabande: The Lee Alexander McQueen Foundation Scholarship
Find out how to support fashion's global future at CSM [PDF 2mb]
At the British Fashion Council Fashion Awards, our first-year BA Fashion students presented their annual White Show
We talk to recent graduates exhibiting in Designing in Turbulent Times, currently on show at the Lethaby Gallery. First up, designers transforming waste.
Years in the making, Fashion Central Saint Martins documents and celebrates the College's contribution to the world of fashion
Vic Reeves and BBC4 came to Central Saint Martins to put six recent graduates through their Bauhaus paces
Find out more about our knit (constructed textiles) workshop
Find out more about our fashion workshops
Fashion is a fast-moving and diverse international industry. It has historical and social and significance, often underpinning our cultural values. BA Fashion at Central Saint Martins recognises this climate of diversity and cultural importance. Encouraging innovation and originality, the course will support your creative, practical and intellectual development. It will enable you to take advantage of the wide range of opportunities the industry can offer.
BA Fashion offers five pathways: Fashion Design Menswear; Fashion Design Womenswear; Fashion Print; Fashion Design with Knitwear; and Fashion Design with Marketing. Each pathway offers a unique combination of design, historical studies and theoretical studies led by tutors who are expert practitioners in their field. The Fashion Design with Marketing pathway is for designers who wish to also explore creative marketing activities operating alongside the international design industry. You will contextualise your creativity by researching and analysing the market sector you wish to compete in. Design and marketing shifts are always in the making. As such, there is a broad horizon in which creative graduates will play an important role. This may be as designers, marketing or brand specialists or fashion consultants.
The course creates a learning environment in which innovation is nurtured across five distinct but closely related pathways. Through this structure, we encourage versatile fashion specialists who can solve problems creatively. We aim to equip you with in-depth knowledge of your chosen field as well as a wider breadth of the industry. Alongside your specialism, you will learn about the social, economic and cultural factors which impact on the professional realm in which you will work.
The BA Fashion curriculum offers opportunities for interdisciplinary work and collaboration. This is formulated to provide a microcosm of the professional fashion design world. The nature of this work will give you valuable insight into your future role in the industry. The curriculum is also flexible and provides scope for professional networking. BA Fashion focuses on active learning through project-based enquiry. Collaborative projects may involve cross-pathway teams, as well as work with external professionals, sponsoring companies and organisations.
On the BA Fashion: Fashion Design with Marketing pathway, you will research and analyse the market you wish to compete in before beginning your creative process. You will then research, develop, design, style, photograph or film your work. You will learn to produce marketing strategies based on your customer profile and market sector to promote your work. You will develop a sensitivity to current promotional tools and investigate marketing trends.
You will learn the mechanisms and structures of the fashion industry – from inception to production and promotion. You will be encouraged to explore and experiment in your design work. Marketing knowledge is framed as a focus rather than a constraint. It will allow you to produce collections which are contemporary and innovative, and also demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the market they are created for.
This pathway benefits from collaborations with sponsors and teaching from visiting practitioners. This may include specialists in fashion design, forecasting, brand identification, new product development and public relations. The Fashion Design with Marketing pathway also acknowledges the importance of international communication. In this context, you will learn processes for communicating design information to international manufacturers and consumers.
Unit 1: Introduction to the Fashion Programme and to Studying at CSM
Unit 2: Research Creative Development and Technical Skills Part 1
Unit 3: Research Creative Development and Technical Skills Part 2
Unit 4: Cultural Histories and Theories (Fashion)
In Stage 1, you will improve your skills, understanding and approaches to learning. You will focus on the skills needed to communicate information effectively. You will be introduced to resources which support your studies. Units 2 and 3 will provide a foundation in the generation and development of design ideas. Through practical workshops, you will learn the unique aspects of the Fashion Design with Marketing pathway. You will also be introduced to other course pathways. In Unit 4, you will focus on a range of research methods used to analyse relevant objects, images, spaces and cultural practices.
Unit 5: Research Methods and Approaches (Fashion)
Unit 6: Further Development of Pathway Expertise Part 1
Unit 7: Further Development of Pathway Expertise Part 2
Unit 8: Positioning and Professional Preparation
Unit 5 offers a range of research methods and approaches which will support you in undertaking more self-directed study. This may include visual and material culture, social theory and media studies. In Units 6 and 7 you will explore the breadth of your subject, developing your individual talents. Learning includes studio and formal tutorial guidance, seminars, lectures, external projects and competitions, critiques, personal research, independent study and team projects. Unit 8 encourages you to consolidate the necessary skills to develop and articulate your own practice. You will further enhance your knowledge of industry with a focus on your future employability.
Unit 9: Degree Project Research and Development
Unit 10: Dissertation
Unit 11: Degree Project Resolution and Presentation
Stage 3 gives you the opportunity to manage your own learning. You will begin to define your individual creative identity as a designer. In addition, you will research and analyse the marketplace. By the end of Unit 9, you will have completed the initial research and design phase of your degree collection.
Your dissertation represents the culmination of your cultural studies work for your degree. It extends your research, analytical and communication skills. You will focus on a selected aspect of visual, textual, material, social, media or spatial culture. In some cases, students may wish to place greater emphasis on the dissertation. There is a route in place to accommodate this which you must make an application for. This will allow you to demonstrate a focused study of your chosen subject. In the final unit of the course, you will complete your degree collection and market presentation.
Between Stage 2 and Stage 3 of the course there is an option to take a year out and complete a Diploma in Professional Studies. This separate qualification (rated at 120 credits) involves researching, undertaking and reflecting on a 20-week (minimum) placement related to your professional interests and aspirations. The Diploma provides a valuable opportunity to make professional contacts and to develop your personal employability skills.
BA Fashion runs for 90 weeks in full-time mode. It is divided into three stages over three academic years. Each stage lasts 30 weeks.
You will be expected to commit 40 hours per week to study, which includes teaching time and independent study.
The course is credit-rated at 360 credits, with 120 credits at each stage (level).
On successfully completing the course, you will gain a Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA Hons degree).
Under the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications the stages for a BA are: Stage 1 (Level 4), Stage 2 (Level 5) and Stage 3 (Level 6). In order to progress to the next stage, all units of the preceding stage must normally be passed: 120 credits must be achieved in each stage. The classification of the award will be derived from the marks of units in Stages 2 and 3 or only Stage 3, using a dual algorithm.
If you are unable to continue on the course, a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) will normally be offered following the successful completion of Level 4 (or 120 credits), or a Diploma in Higher Education (DipHE) following the successful completion of Level 5 (or 240 credits).
Your primary means of learning will be through studio practice. This is supported and developed by:
BA Fashion Course Leader
Programme Director, Fashion
Cultural Studies Coordinator; Fashion Critical Studies Pathway Leader, MA Fashion Communication
Senior Lecturer, Fashion Design with Marketing Pathway Tutor: Rosemary Wallin
Senior Lecturer, Fashion Design Knitwear Pathway Tutor: Craig Lawrence
Senior Lecturer, Fashion Design Menswear Pathway Tutor: Thom Murphy
Senior Lecturer, Fashion Design Womenswear Pathway Tutor: Anna-Nicole Ziesche
Senior Lecturer, Garment Construction: Louis Loizou
Senior Lecturer, First Year Tutor: Sue Foulston
Senior Lecturer, First Year Tutor: Neil Smith
We are committed to making university education an achievable option for a wider range of people and to supporting all of our students in achieving their potential both during and after their courses.
We welcome applications from people with disabilities. If you have a disability (e.g. mobility difficulties, sensory impairments, medical or mental health conditions or Asperger’s syndrome) we strongly encourage you to contact us on disability@arts.ac.uk or +44 (0)20 7514 6156 so that we can plan the right support for you. All enquiries are treated confidentially. To find out more, visit our Disability & Dyslexia webpages.
The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:
One or a combination of the following accepted full Level 3 qualifications:
And three GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*–C).
Entry to this course will also be determined by assessment of your portfolio.
Exceptionally applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:
Or a combination of these factors.
Each application will be considered on its own merit but cannot guarantee an offer in each case.
IELTS score of 6.0 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking (please check our main English language requirements webpage).
We offer English Language Development for Overseas students. See how we can help you with your studies.
Learn MoreWe select applicants who can demonstrate current ability and potential to:
Work imaginatively and creatively in 2D and 3D visual and material media:
Demonstrate a range of skills and technical abilities:
Demonstrate relevant research skills:
Demonstrate cultural awareness and/or contextual framework of their work:
Articulate and communicate intentions clearly:
Demonstrate commitment and motivation in relation to the subject and the course:
BA Fashion is for the talented, self-motivated fashion enthusiast. Spirited, informed and mature enough to commit to a course that is demanding in its breadth and depth, you will thrive in the competitive atmosphere that has spawned many of fashion's brightest talents. In this fast-moving global industry it takes hard work, flexibility and passion to succeed.
For EU applicants concerned about Brexit, please see our dedicated page: Brexit Information for Students.
You should apply though Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) and you will need the following information:
University code: U65
UCAS Code: W237
We do not consider applications for Year 2 or 3 Entry for this course.
Central Saint Martins does not accept applications for deferred entry. You should therefore apply in the year you wish to study.
The deadline for applications is 15 January 2020.
There are three ways international students can apply to an undergraduate course at Central Saint Martins:
You can only apply to the same course once per year whether you are applying via UCAS, UAL representative or using the UAL online application system. Any duplicate applications will be withdrawn.
For further advice please visit the UAL International Application page
If you are applying via UCAS you will need the following information:
University code: U65
UCAS Code: W237
We do not consider applications for Year 2 or 3 Entry for this course.
Central Saint Martins does not accept applications for deferred entry. You should therefore apply in the year you wish to study.
The deadline for applications is 15 January 2019.
Whether you are applying online via UCAS or through a UAL representative or direct application you will need to complete an immigration history check to establish whether you are eligible to study at UAL. If you do not complete the check we will not be able to proceed with your application.
After you have successfully submitted your application, you will receive an email confirming we have successfully received your application and providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal. We will request any additional information from you, including inviting you to upload documents / portfolio / book an interview, through the portal. You should check your UAL Portal regularly for any important updates and requests.
We check your application to see if you meet the standard entry requirements for the course. If you do, you will be invited to submit a mini portfolio through UAL’s online portfolio review system.
The mini portfolio should be no more than 10 pages comprising of your best work showing your skills and thinking. You can create the pages in any layout (For example: presentation boards) but they should be uploaded as jpeg images. It should include:
Following the review of the mini portfolio we select a small number of applicants to move on to the next stage of the process. These applicants will be invited to a full portfolio review.
On the review day, we will first ask you to drop off your portfolio for review. After this we may conduct short individual interviews in order to clarify aspects of your application or your work.
If you are unable to attend in person, you can submit a full portfolio online and we may interview you by Skype.
Please note that we do not accept portfolios by post.
Your portfolio should demonstrate creative development, whether for a college project or in your personal work. By creative development, we mean ideas that have originated through your own experience and research and progressed towards potential visual and three-dimensional proposals. We are interested in seeing your ideas, visual research and experimentation and finished design solutions. It is important that the creative work you include reflects and demonstrates your thinking, initiative and personal commitment to a particular project, theme or idea.
Please remember:
You will receive the final outcome of your application through UCAS track.
£9,250 (2020/21).
Tuition fees for undergraduate degree courses have been set at £9,250 per year for full-time study. This applies from the 2018/19 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.
£22,920 (2020/21).
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.
BA Fashion graduates work across a very wide spectrum of careers in fashion.
While a few go on to become household names, the majority choose not to establish their own labels, working successfully and influentially as company designers, freelancers and consultants or as journalists, stylists, photographers, illustrators, editors and retailers.
Each year, a number of BA Fashion graduates go on to study at postgraduate level, many at Central Saint Martins.
Recent BA Fashion alumni activity demonstrates the breadth of student activity within the sector. Many of our graduates go on to work at major fashion labels around the world.
In London, these include Alexander McQueen, Ghost, Holland & Holland, Katharine Hamnett. In the UK, Burberry, Paul Smith, Hussein Chalayan. In Italy, Benetton, Etro, Alberta Feretti, Antonio Berardi, Prada, Versace. In Paris, Martin Margiela, Kenzo, Christian Lacroix, Martine Sitbon, Dior, Chloe, Louis Vuitton. In New York, Donna Karan, Style Council and in Japan, Comme des Garçons.
Some have set up their own labels. These include Boroaksu, Clements Ribeiro, Stella McCartney, Hussein Chalayan, Sinha-Stanic, Matthew Williamson.
Located at the heart of the London fashion industry, BA Fashion is able to link education and industry providing students with 'live' projects and professional feedback. The BA Fashion course has also developed an excellent relationship with the international fashion community, so that placements for its students are drawn from a wide and distinguished range of sources.
Student’s benefit enormously from studying in London. While there are other fashion courses on the outskirts of the capital, none can offer you the daily stimulation and advantages of being in the middle of an international cultural and fashion centre, surrounded by all levels of the retail market and sectors of the industry within which you will later find employment.
Current collaborations across the design pathways include work with L'Oreal Professional, Triumph, Liberty, Tie Rack, Paul Smith, Dior and Christian Dior Couture.