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London College of Fashion

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BA (Hons) Fashion Sportswear

College
LCF
Start date
September 2020
Course length
3 years / 4 years (with placement year in industry)
UCAS code
W232
Apply View open days

This course is now closed for international applications for entry in September 2020. Home EU applications remain open.

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

Why choose this course at London College of Fashion

    • Where graduates have gone on to work: recent graduates now work as designers for technical and lifestyle sports brands including ByBorre, Nike, Soar, Rapha, Some Ideas, Adidas, Puma and DKNY.
    • Industry links: students have the opportunity to undertake live projects set by industry. Previous collaborators have included Canterbury rugby and Rapha cycling.
    • Facilities: students will have access to industry standard facilities to use throughout their studies.

Location

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.

London College of Fashion is planning to move to a new single campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in 2022. This is part of a new development for London prioritising culture, education and innovation, known as East Bank. Students studying this course will begin their studies at Curtain Road and are likely to be transferred to LCF’s new site in East London, to complete their studies there, from September 2022. Please see ‘4Fashion: LCF’s move to the Olympic Park’ for more information about the College’s relocation.

Student and graduate work

  • Male model in hooded coat, crouching on the ground.
  • Male model in skiing googles with white sports jacket on
    Work by Anna Vasileva
  • Model in skiing jacket and mask
    Work by Anna Vasileva
  • Closeup of sports jacket fabric next to a picture of a male model wearing a sports jacket
    Work by Anna Vasileva
  • Model wearing blue jacket and khaki trousers
    Work by Haochi Ma
  • Model with arms out wearing multicoloured sportswear
    Work by Haochi Ma
  • Model wearing tracksuit bottoms
    Work by Haochi Ma

LCFBA17 Teaser Film

LCF BA (Hons) Fashion Sportswear - meet the students

Latest news from this course

Backstage at the LCFBA19 Show

Backstage always remains as that mysterious space, where models, designers, stylists and hair and makeup artists rush around, preparing all the final details before taking on the catwalk...

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Facilities

Library, John Princes Street
Library, John Princes Street Photography by: Ideal Insight

LCF library and archives

Take a tour of LCF's world renowned fashion library, ideal for research and study.

Machine Room, Curtain Road
Machine Room, Curtain Road Photography by: Ideal Insight

Design and pattern cutting facilities

Take a tour of Curtain Road's design, sewing and pattern-cutting facilities along with facilities at JPS and Lime Grove.

Canteen, Mare Street
Canteen, Mare Street Photography by: Ideal Insight

LCF's social spaces

Explore our social spaces, for collaborative study and breaks, across our six sites in London.

Course overview

Introduction 

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

What to expect 

  • Students can benefit from industry links through live projects. Recent projects have included collaborations with Rapha, Adidas, Puma, Sergio Tacchini, Musto and Some Ideas.  

  • Students will learn to create 3D outcomes and prototypes of their design concepts. 

  • The course is delivered with employment in the relevant industry in mind. You will study a range of units that will equip you with relevant professional, communication and business skills. Students will learn to present their ideas through portfolio creation, written reports and presentations to specialist audiences such as industry partners 

Work experience and opportunities 

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

Mode of study 

BA (Hons) Fashion Sportswear runs for 90 weeks in full time mode. It is divided into 3 stages over 3 academic years. Each stage lasts 31 weeks.

Course units

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

  • Introduction to Fashion Sportswear; 20 credits
  • Product Technology, Creative Techniques; 40 credits
  • Fashion Cultures and Histories; 20 credits
  • Creative Product Development; 20 credits
  • Better Lives; 20 credits

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

  • Cultural and Historical Studies Option; 20 credits
  • Professional Practice Initiation, 40 credits
  • Fashion Sportswear Industry Project, 40 credits
  • Fashion Sportswear Future Technologies; 20 credits

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

  • Contextualising Your Practice; 20 credits
  • Concept Development; 40 credits
  • Product Design and Realisation; 60 credits

On successful completion of Stage 2 students are offered the option of a professional placement leading to an extra qualification; the Diploma in Professional Studies.

The Diploma in Professional Studies carries 120 credits, and constitutes an independent award. Credits achieved on the Diploma are not part of the final degree award.

This diploma is achieved through the optional 30-week industrial placement. It allows students the opportunity to experience the atmosphere, pace and discipline of working in the industry, through total involvement in the day-to-day activities of a company. It will build on the knowledge gathered through course work to practically demonstrate the roles and functions, and operations typical of the fashion industry and the student’s chosen specialism.

A 20-credit unit is approximately equivalent to 200 hours of learning time, which includes a mixture of taught time, independent study and assessment.

All students are entitled to a tutorial package that comprises:

  • one induction tutorial (group or one to one);
  • one tutorial per term for the duration for their course of study at LCF;
  • group tutorials as required;
  • an appropriate level of confidentiality.

 

Learning and teaching methods

 The following teaching and learning methods are employed to support the integrated achievement of the course outcomes:

  • Academic skills, design thinking for textiles and other workshops
  • Brainstorming sessions
  • Briefings, tutorials and feedback
  • Collaborative group project work
  • Lectures and seminars
  • Library and workshop inductions
  • Museum, gallery and other visits
  • Online learning
  • Presentations
  • Research methods
  • Studio teaching

Assessment methods

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

  • Blogs
     
  • Essays, reports and ​dissertation
     
  • Final show examination
     
  • Mid-year reviews
     
  • Peer assessment
     
  • Portfolio of work
     
  • Presentation
     
  • Student self-evaluation
     
  • Tutorials

Staff

Thomas Elliott is Course Leader of BA (Hons) Fashion Sportswear course and a design director working across film, digital product and fashion. He is a graduate from the MA Communications Design at CSM where his focus was on the genealogy of subcultures and the semiotics of the clothes they wore. He runs a creative agency with clients ranging from Harvey Nichols, British Fashion Council, FarFetch, Levi’s, ShowStudios, Superga and Goodhood. He co-founded and designed contemporary/streetwear label stocked by 25 international department stores and boutiques.

Claudine Rousseau is the former the Programme Director at LCF and Now Head of Atelier at Rapha, who returns as visiting lecturer. She has worked in the fashion industry for over twenty years, initially as a womenswear designer overseas and then as a design interpreter, both for an innovative design consultancy and as a freelancer. Brands she has worked with include PUMA, Hussein Chalayan, Adidas, Levi’s, Nike ACG. Claudine currently collaborates on projects with Rapha Cycling and Christopher Raeburn. Her research interests encompass how clothing can enhance performance, both professionally and recreationally, from both physiological and psychological perspectives.

Jess Williamson graduated from Massey University in New Zealand, she moved to London and has worked for a variety of brands including Christopher Raeburn, Martine Rose, Faustine Steinmetz, House of Holland, John Lewis and Ashley Williams. For the past 4 years Jess has been a senior technician postion at menswear brand Cottweiler, working on their seasonal collections and also special projects for Reebok, Skepta, FKA Twigs and Kelela. She has recently introduced the 3D software to her practise and teaching.

How to apply

Opportunities for all

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.

Entry requirements

The standard minimum entry requirements for this course are:

One or a combination of the following accepted full level 3 qualifications.

  • Two A Level Passes at Grade C or above (preferred subjects include English, Maths, Art, Design, Textiles and Science);
  • Pass at Foundation Diploma in Art and Design;
  • Merit, Pass, Pass at BTEC Extended Diploma (preferred subjects Art & Design);
  • Pass at UAL Extended Diploma;
  • Access Diploma or 64 new UCAS tariff points from the Access to HE Diploma;
  • 64 new UCAS tariff points (equivalent to 160 old 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;
  • and Three GCSE passes at grade A*-C or grade 9-4.

Entry to this course will also be determined by assessment of your portfolio.

APEL (Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning)

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:

  • Related academic or work experience
  • The quality of the personal statement
  • A strong academic or other professional reference
  • OR a combination of these factors

Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

English Language Requirements

IELTS level 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Please check our main English Language Requirements 

Selection criteria

The course team seeks to recruit students who can demonstrate:

  • A current awareness of fashion sportswear in terms of material developments, new designers and fashion trends
  • A potential to achieve a high standard of technical manufacture
  • An ability to record and develop design ideas through 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

Making your application

This section includes all the information you need on how to apply and how your application is considered, and what happens next.

You should apply though UCAS – Universities and Colleges Admissions Service – and you will need the following information:

University code:          U65

UCAS Code:                 W232

London College of Fashion does not accept applications for deferred entry. You should therefore apply in the year you wish to study.

External Student Transfer Policy

If you are currently studying at another institution and if you have successfully completed 120 credits (year 1) or 240 credits (years 1 and 2) in the equivalent units/modules on a degree course and wish to continue your studies at London College of Fashion, you can apply to transfer to year 2 or year 3 respectively. The Admissions Tutor will consider applicants for entry to year 2 and 3 on a case by case basis, subject to places being available on the course. You must apply through UCAS and indicate POE 2 for entry to year 2 or POE 3 for entry to year 3 on your application. Further information can be found in our UAL External Student Transfer Policy.

Application deadline

We recommend you apply by 15th January for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

What happens next

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 Selection Criteria sections.

If you have achieved or expect to achieve the standard entry requirements we will invite you to submit a mini portfolio which should include a number of images of your work. For this course your portfolio should show evidence of: ability to present ideas through visual communication; a level of research, experimentation and development; technical and practical abilities; and effective presentation techniques. The mini portfolio is assessed by Academic Reviewers who will select applicants to attend an interview.  Please note that not all applicants are invited to attend interview.

Rich Mix Interview week

If you are selected for interview, these will take place at the Rich Mix Arts venue in Shoreditch from February 17th to 21st 2020. Please see here for a map of the location; nearest stations are Liverpool Street (Central, Circle, Metropolitan, Hammersmith and City and TFL Rail), Shoreditch High Street (Overground) and Bethnal Green (Central). Local buses also serve the venue – please see the Richmix website for further details.

Should you be unable to attend your interview, you must notify us as soon as you can. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to reschedule so you should make every effort to attend the scheduled interview.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

If you applied through UCAS the result of your application will be communicated to you via UCAS through UCAS Track. 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.

This course is now closed for international applications for entry in September 2020. Home EU applications remain open.

How we assess your application

Your application form is reviewed when you apply to the University. If you have achieved or expect to achieve the standard entry requirements you will be invited to submit a portfolio of no more than 45 images. Your portfolio is assessed by our academic team who will select applicants to attend an interview. Please note that not all applicants are invited to attend interview. When you have attended your interview we will advise you of your outcome.

There are three ways international students can apply to an undergraduate course at London College of Fashion:

If you choose to apply though UCAS – Universities and Colleges Admissions Service – you will need the following information:

University code:          U65

UCAS Code:                 W232

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 application will be withdrawn.

For further advice on how to apply please visit the UAL International Application page.

London College of Fashion does not accept applications for deferred entry. You should therefore apply in the year you wish to study.

External Student Transfer Policy

If you are currently studying at another institution and if you have successfully completed 120 credits (year 1) or 240 credits (years 1 and 2) in the equivalent units/modules on a degree course and wish to continue your studies at London College of Fashion, you can apply to transfer to year 2 or year 3 respectively. The Admissions Tutor will consider applicants for entry to year 2 and 3 on a case by case basis, subject to places being available on the course. You must apply through UCAS and indicate POE 2 for entry to year 2 or POE 3 for entry to year 3 on your application. Further information can be found in our UAL External Student Transfer Policy.

Application deadline

We recommend you apply by 15th January for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

What happens next

Immigration History Check

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 identify whether you are eligible to study at UAL. Do be aware, if you do not complete the Immigration History Check we will not be able to proceed with your application.

Initial application check

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 Selection Criteria sections.

Depending on the quality of your application, you may be asked to submit a number of images of your work. For this course your portfolio should show evidence of: ability to present ideas through visual communication; a level of research, experimentation and development; technical and practical abilities; and effective presentation techniques.

If the academic team wish to consider your application further, you will be invited to attend an interview either in person or via telephone where an international academic will look at your portfolio and ask questions to establish your suitability for the course. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate the following at interview: an awareness of contemporary fashion and culture; an understanding of research, design, design development and product realisation; a motivation for working in the fashion sportswear industry; and a motivation to succeed on 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.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

If you applied through UCAS the result of your application will be communicated to you via UCAS through UCAS Track. If you have applied directly or through an agent, we will notify you through the UAL portal. 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.


After you apply

After you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal. We’ll use this Portal to contact you to request any additional information, including inviting you to upload documents or book an interview, so please check it regularly.

Once we’ve reviewed and assessed your application, we’ll contact you via UCAS Track or the UAL Portal to let you know whether your application has been successful

Potential changes to course structure

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.

Webpage updates

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.

Fees & Funding

Home / EU fee

£9,250

This applies for the 2020/21 academic year.

Tuition fees for undergraduate degree courses have been set at £9,250 per year for full-time study, 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.

International fee

£22,920

This applies for the 2020/21 academic year.

Additional costs

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.

Charges may be made for special clothing or equipment which students may need in order to participate in certain activities which form part of the course but which they retain. However, where such clothing or equipment is necessary for the student’s health or safety a charge may only be made for clothing and equipment which the student retains if the student also has the option of borrowing the clothing or equipment free of charge.

Accommodation

Find out about the accommodation options available and how much they will cost.

Scholarships and awards

There are a number of scholarships and awards available to students on this course. Use our search tool to find out more information.

Scholarship search

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Careers and alumni

All of our undergraduate courses offer career development, so that you become a creative thinker, making effective contributions to your relevant sector of the fashion industry.

LCF offers students the opportunity to develop Personal and Professional Development (PPD) skills while studying through:
  • An on-course work experience or placement year. Please note, this is not available on every course; please see the Course Details section for information about work placement opportunities.
  • Access to to speaker programmes and events featuring alumni and industry.
  • Access to careers activities, such as CV clinics and one-to-one advice sessions.
  • Access to a graduate careers service
  • Access to a live jobsboard for all years.
  • Advice on setting up your own brand or company.
Graduates who wish to continue their education at postgraduate level can progress to suitable courses within the College, the University or elsewhere.

Career paths

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

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Contact

  • Telephone: +44 (0)207 514 7400

Address

  • 20 John Prince's Street
  • London
  • W1G 0BJ

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