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London College of Fashion

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BA (Hons) Bespoke Tailoring

College
LCF
Start date
September 2021
Course length
3 years
UCAS code
W230
Apply View open days

As the only course of its kind in Europe, BA (Hons) Bespoke Tailoring is uniquely placed to enable students to develop a high-calibre toolbox of skills in traditional and future bespoke tailoring techniques. Students will learn creative design development, academic thinking and the professional practice expertise required for a career on Savile Row, within a fashion brand or for working as an independent trader.

Why choose this course at London College of Fashion

  • Facilities: learn how to tailor traditional fully-bespoke hand-crafted garments using industry-standard resources and expert technical assistance.
  • Workshops: design development workshops will allow you to explore bespoke pattern drafting and tailoring techniques in using creative 2D and 3D applications and to build your knowledge of how to define and use a client to inform your work.
  • Digital focus: enhance your technical understanding of future artisan processes and garment manufacture using digital pattern cutting, digital 3D programs and the Adobe suite.
  • Industry links: engage with top-tier Industry partners on Savile Row and in the world of fashion by participating in live briefs and internship opportunities. Previous partners have included, H Huntsman & Son, Scabal and Hardy Aimes.
  • Where graduates have gone on to work: graduates of this course have worked for tailors H Huntsman & Sons, Timothy Everest, John Pearse, Norton & Sons and Henry Poole & Co, with fashion companies Burberry and Aquascutum, and with film, television and theatrical costumiers.

Location

This course is based at Mare Street in Hackney. Find out about the local area, including London Fields, Bethnal Green and Hackney Central 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 2023. This is part of a new development for London, prioritising culture, education and innovation, known as East Bank. Some students studying this course from September 2021 may start their studies in Lime Grove and transfer to LCF’s new site in East London to complete them. Please see LCF’s move to the Olympic Park for more information about the College’s relocation.

Student and graduate work

  • Female model in tailored jacket, winking into camera
  • Female model in tailoring, leaning on stalls

Portfolio gallery

  • Gallery Template
    fast-paced lifestyle and pressure
  • Gallery Template
    NEW NORMAL
  • Gallery Template
    protective suit
  • Gallery Template
    Colour Theory
  • Gallery Template
    Portfolio
  • Gallery Template
    Future Artisans 2019
  • Gallery Template
    The Hive
  • Gallery Template
    'DOUBLE TAKE'

Weaving the Future: Tailors of tomorrow - Emily Latham

Weaving the Future: Tailors of tomorrow - James Eardley

Latest news from this course

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) Bespoke Tailoring focuses on equipping you with the technical craft knowledge, processes and skills to tailor bespoke garments. In addition to being the only undergraduate course in Europe where you are taught traditional full-bespoke hand craft tailoring and pattern-drafting skills, you will also explore bespoke techniques through creative applications and professional client briefs. Students will be prepared to use digital technologies to define future artisanal practices in Bespoke Tailoring for the 21st century.  

What to expect 

  • Access to modern, industry-standard work rooms and technical resources.  

  • Trouser and jacket step by step bespoke workshops taught by industry experts using traditional hand techniques and processes.     

  • Workshops on how to understand and define clients. 

  • Introduction and development of digital pattern cutting and 3D rendering processes along with production tailoring techniques and Adobe creative suite programs Illustrator, Indesign and Photoshop. 

  • Application of tailoring techniques in creative 2D and 3D ways in design development workshops to define your understanding of bespoke tailoring. 

  • Develop a bespoke collection in Year 3 based on a client and theme of your choosing.  

Work experience and opportunities 

Students are given great exposure to industry, including masterclasses from tailors and industry practitioners. The opportunity to undertake an optional industry placement year between the second and final year of the course enhances the employability of students by offering valuable experience and contacts within the industry as well as earning an additional Diploma in Professional Studies qualification. Previous placements have included H Huntsman & Sons in both Savile Row and New York, Burberry, Alexander McQueen, Reiss, Thom Sweeny, Henry Pool, Norton & Sons, E Tautz, and Holly Robbins Bespoke. The course has strong links with Savile Row, which students will be able to access through live briefs with different tailoring houses.  

Mode of study 

BA (Hons) Bespoke Tailoring runs for 90 weeks in full time mode. It is divided into 3 stages over 3 academic years. Each stage lasts 30 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 Bespoke Tailoring (20 credits)
  • Tailoring Techniques (20 credits)
  • Research, Design and Tailoring (20 credits)
  • Fashion Cultures and Histories(20 credits)
  • Cutting and Fitting (20 credits)
  • Better Lives (20 credits)

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

  • Critical Issues in Fashion Research (20 credits)
  • Future Artisans (40 credits)
  • Industry Project (40 credits)
  • Industry Experience (20 credits)

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

  • Concept Development (40 credits)
  • Contextualising Your Practice (20 credits)
  • Major Project Realisation (60 credits)

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 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.

Learning and teaching methods

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

 

  • Lectures. 
  • Seminars. 
  • Group and individual tutorials. 
  • Critiques. 
  • Individual and live projects. 
  • Peer group presentations. 
  • Studio based workshops. 
  • Open access work. 
  • Visiting speakers. 
  • Field trips.
  • Demonstrations. 
  • Self‐directed study. 
  • Reflection and self‐evaluation.

Assessment methods

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

 

Formative Assessment is designed to support and improve learning, and concentrates on giving useful feedback to help students improve their work, rather than on giving a grade. In some cases, students may receive an ‘indicative’ grade for formative assessment to help to understand their level of performance, but it will not count towards the unit grade or classification. There may be a number of formative assessment points throughout the course.

 

Summative Assessment is designed to formally assess work for each unit. Students will be given a grade and this will be included in the calculation of their end of year result and, in the final stage of the course, in the calculation of the degree classification. Students are expected to pass all summative assessments to progress through the course and receive an award.

 

The following assessment methods are employed to assess the achievement of learning outcomes in an
integrated approach:

 

  • Research record. 
  • Technical record of processes and techniques. 
  • Portfolio presentation including 2D.
  • 138and 3D design development. 
  • Toile development and 3D realisation.
  • Materials sourcing and selection. 
  • Written reports.
  • Lecture and seminar notes. 
  • Live industry projects. 
  • 2D and 3D responses to a client brief.
  • Reflective records. 
  • Self‐evaluation.
  • Presentations to specialist audiences.

 

 

 

 

Staff

Tom Crisp is the Course Leader for Bespoke Tailoring. After Graduating from Ravensbourne with a 1stClass Honours degree and winning Graduate Menswear Designer of the Year at Graduate Fashion week, Tom progressed on to the MA Menswear Course at the Royal College of Art. While there, he won competitions with Umbro, IFF and the London 2012 Olympic Games to design the bespoke medal ceremony outfits and is to date the only menswear-focused recipient on the full BFC MA Scholarship award. After graduating from the RCA, Tom presented collections at London Collection; Mens while working on a freelance project for Givenchy. Tom moved on to work in menswear design roles for Allsaints and Viktor & Rolf as well as a menswear editor role while being a visiting lecturer at LCF. Tom comes to LCF from Norwich University of the Arts where he spent three years as a lecturer on BA (Hons) Fashion. Tom finds developments in the emerging fashion technology ecosystem exciting and has a particular interest in 3D structural shapes and Japanese handcraft techniques.

Daniel Poulson is a design tutor and teaches the 2D design on this course.He is a talented womenswear designer and tailor. Having trained at Kingston University, Daniel went on to design for the Max Mara Group before launching his own collection, 'Daniel Blake', which he presented over ten seasons at London Fashion Week. Renowned for his impeccable cutting in luxurious fabrication, Daniel's innovative British made tailoring is uniquely crafted to flatter the body. Daniel presents bi-annual collections in London and Paris which are 'Made to Order'. In addition to private views Daniel continues to consult for a number of international fashion businesses, advising on branding and product direction.

Magdalena Handwerker is the sample room tutor and teaches bespoke tailoring on this course. She graduated from London College of Fashion with a diploma in Pattern Technology and degree in BA (Hons) Bespoke Tailoring. She has worked in the bespoke tailoring industry as a pattern cutter for several years, and she has worked with individual clients while creating bespoke garments to their individual specification. She is a determined craft practitioner who believes that in the age of the impersonal approach to the customer and clothing production, it is extremely important to have the ability to create a high quality garment made with passion, care and impeccable attention to detail of a craftsman along with contemporary and creative thinking.

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;
  • 64 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:

  • Evidence of creative, cultural and tailoring interests
  • A potential to achieve a high standard of technical/fine tailoring
  • An ability to think three-dimensionally
  • An enquiring and analytical approach
  • An ability to communicate visually, verbally and through the written word
  • The ability to work independently and as a member of a team

Making your application

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

University code:          U65

UCAS Code:                 W230

Deferring your place

This course allows offer holders to defer. If you have an offer of a place, but you would like to defer starting for a year, please contact our Admissions Service as soon as possible via your UAL Portal. Make sure you check our Admissions Policy before requesting a deferral.

If you are an EU offer holder, it is important to consider that, from 2021-22, you may be charged International fees, which are higher. Read our Coronavirus guidance for prospective students for details.

Transfers

If you are currently studying somewhere else on a course in an equivalent subject area and would like to transfer to this course, you can transfer to:

  • Year 2 - if you’ve completed 120 credits in Year 1.
  • Year 3 - if you’ve completely 240 credits in Years 1 and 2.

Apply via UCAS and choose Year 2 or 3 for your POE (Point of Entry)

Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and Year 1/Year 2 unit transcripts.

Please be ready to provide an official document (translated into English) from your current university, explaining the learning outcomes of the units you have completed.

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 portfolio via PebblePad, our online submission tool, which should include a number of images of your work. You can upload a maximum of 30 images which best shows your work – please note however that you do not have to provide this exact number. PebblePad refers to ‘images’ when you upload your work - think of each 'image' as a page in your physical portfolio.

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; an enquiring approach/problem solving; and visual communication skills. The portfolio is assessed by Academic Reviewers who will select applicants to attend an online interview. If you are selected to attend an online interview the Academic Reviewer will discuss your portfolio that you submitted in PebblePad.  You will be able to show more of your work during the interview but it is easier to see your portfolio in PebblePad.

Please note that not all applicants are invited to attend interview.

LCF Interview week

If you are selected for interview, these will take place online using Teams from Microsoft – please ensure that you download this software prior to the interview date; this is available as a free download from the Microsoft website. We will send you further details at a later point about how we will connect with you for your interview. 

Our interview week is due to take place between the 15th and the 19th of February 2021. If you have a complete portfolio and application, you may be granted an early interview ahead of these dates, please email lcf.ukeu@arts.ac.uk for more information.

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.

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:                 W230

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.

Deferring your place

This course allows offer holders to defer. If you have an offer of a place, but you would like to defer starting for a year, please contact our Admissions Service as soon as possible via your UAL Portal. Make sure you check our Admissions Policy before requesting a deferral.

Transfers

If you are currently studying somewhere else on a course in an equivalent subject area and would like to transfer to this course, you can transfer to:

  • Year 2 - if you’ve completed 120 credits in Year 1.
  • Year 3 - if you’ve completely 240 credits in Years 1 and 2.

Apply via UCAS and choose Year 2 or 3 for your POE (Point of Entry)

Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and Year 1/Year 2 unit transcripts.

If you are an International applicant and studying outside the UK, please complete your Direct application and then contact us via your UAL Portal to ask to be considered for Year 2/Year 3.

Please be ready to provide an official document (translated into English) from your current university, explaining the learning outcomes of the units you have completed.

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: drawing/presentation skills; contemporary fashion/cultural awareness; a level of research, exploration and experimentation; fabric and material selection/knowledge; construction/technical competence; an enquiring approach/problem solving; and visual communication skills.

If the academic team wish to consider your application further, you will be invited to attend an interview - these will take place online using Teams from Microsoft – please ensure that you download this software prior to the interview date; this is available as a free download from the Microsoft website. We will send you further details at a later point about how we will connect with you for your interview. At interview 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 understanding of the performing arts; a cultural awareness; visual awareness evidenced through portfolio work; a motivation for working in the performing arts industry; a motivation to succeed on the course; and a vocational focus towards technical effects.

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 and funding

Home fee

£9,250 per year

This fee is correct for 2021/22 entry and is subject to change for 2022/23 entry. Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students.

Home fees are currently charged to UK resident nationals . However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees.

From 2021/22 entry, most EU students will be charged the International tuition fee rate, depending on your individual circumstances. If you started your course in October 2020 or earlier, you’ll continue to pay Home (UK) fees for the duration of your course. Read more advice for EU students.

International fee

£22,920 per year

This fee is correct for 2021/22 entry and is subject to change for 2022/23 entry. 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 are currently charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about our tuition fees.

From 2021/22 entry, most EU students will be charged the International tuition fee rate, depending on your individual circumstances. If you started your course in October 2020 or earlier, you’ll continue to pay Home (UK) fees for the duration of your course. Read more advice for EU students.

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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 from this course have successfully gained employment with a number of bespoke tailors, including H Huntsman & Sons, Timothy Everest, John Pearse, Norton & Sons and Henry Poole & Co, with fashion companies Burberry and Aquascutum, and with the film, television and theatrical costumier, Angels.

Alumni

Harold Tillman

Harold Tillman

Holly Robins

Holly Robins

London College of Fashion

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Contact

Telephone

+44 (0)20 7514 7400
Address
20 John Prince's Street
London

W1G 0BJ