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Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Bespoke Tailoring

BA (Hons) Bespoke Tailoring | Student Credits from left to right: Yikun Ge Romans Cepcovs Zifeng Huang | London College of Fashion | UAL
College
London College of Fashion UCAS code
W230 Start date
September 2024 Course length
3 years

As tailors you have the power to re-imagine the body through cut and fit by re-engineering the silhouette. BA Bespoke Tailoring, the only course of its kind in the UK, is the catalyst for a unique creative conversation with the client. It’s a process that challenges our global community of students to become disruptive traditionalists who respect craftmanship by redefining its future.

Applications closed 2024/25 

We are no longer accepting applications for 2024/25 entry to this course.

Visit the Courses with places available page for a full list of UAL courses that are open for application.

Why choose this course at London College of Fashion

  • Client Focused: Working directly with individual clients offers the chance to co-create wholly bespoke pieces, where unique identities are reflected through material, design and process.
  • Technical Excellence and Design Innovation: This course delivers excellence in hand-construction techniques partnered with a curious and engaging design exploration. You will be taught traditional hand craft tailoring techniques and pattern drafting skills. We embrace future technologies and innovation to create design outcomes that challenge the boundaries of bespoke tailoring that will impact generations to come.
  • Industry Links: Graduates have gained employment at prestigious international brands including Celine, Paul Smith and Huntsman. Whilst attracting a global audience we also have strong links with Savile Row in terms of input, staff and student placements. Sponsored projects offered have included those with international innovators of luxury fabrics such as Scabal and Harris Tweed.
  • Culturally Diverse: This course takes an inclusive approach which broadens the understanding of craftsmanship and artisanal practices. We value cultural differences that enrich our learning and teaching environment, enabling us to celebrate each other’s uniqueness within our community.
  • Sustainability: Develop your practice within an authentic sustainable narrative, combining best practice with novel approaches to heritage, craft and handwork. Through the re-purposing of materials and design for longevity, you will help to build new visions for bespoke tailoring.
  • Staff Expertise: This is an opportunity to learn from staff who have experience working for a diverse range of luxury global brands. They nurture prospective tailors by offering creative design development, academic thinking and the necessary professional practice and expertise required for a career in a world-class bespoke tailoring setting, global ready-to-wear brand, or independent label.

Open days

The next LCF Open Day is taking place on Saturday 5 October.

Scholarships, bursaries and awards

Course overview

Introduction 

BA (Hons) Bespoke Tailoring, the only course of its kind in the UK, is the catalyst for a unique creative conversation with the client. It’s a design process that challenges our global community of students to become disruptive traditionalists who respect craftmanship by re-defining its future. As tailors, you’ll have the power to re-imagine the body through cut and fit by re-engineering the silhouette.

What to expect 

  • Client Focused: Working directly with individual clients offers the chance to co-create wholly bespoke pieces, where unique identities are reflected through material, design and process. 
  • Technical Excellence & Design Innovation: This course delivers excellence in hand-construction techniques partnered with a curious and engaging design exploration. You will be taught traditional hand craft tailoring techniques and pattern drafting skills. We embrace future technologies and innovation to create design outcomes that challenge the boundaries of bespoke tailoring that will impact generations to come.
  • Culturally Diverse: This course takes an inclusive approach which broadens the understanding of craftsmanship and artisanal practices. We value cultural differences that enrich our learning and teaching environment, enabling us to celebrate each other’s uniqueness within our community.
  • Sustainability: You will develop your practice within an authentic sustainable narrative, combining best practice with novel approaches to heritage, craft and handwork. Through the re-purposing of materials and design for longevity, you will help to build new visions for bespoke tailoring.
  • Staff Expertise: This is an opportunity to learn from staff who have experience working for a diverse range of luxury global brands. They nurture prospective tailors by offering creative design development, academic thinking and the necessary professional practice and expertise required for a career in a world-class bespoke tailoring setting, global ready-to-wear brand, or independent label.

Fundamental Pillars of the Course: 

  • Client Context - with an emphasis on co-creation. 
  • Technical Excellence - embracing both traditional practice and future technologies, through the lens of sustainability, material, process & fit. 
  • Design Innovation - through authentic investigation, promoting curiosity and positive solution-based learning.  

Year 1 - Fundamental (Essential Tools)

You will learn the fundamental processes of bespoke tailoring and foundational design principles which will be the catalyst to your creative thinking. Students will execute a fully bespoke tailored jacket and trouser to a specified set of measurements. 

Year 2 - Innovation (Exploration in partnership with Industry) 

You will challenge your position as a future artisan, considering innovative design solutions to modern living connected to your specialism.
Students will also be introduced to live industry briefs which will prepare them for prospective industry placements. 

Year 3 – Expression (Major Project Development and Realisation) 

During your final year you will have the opportunity to design, cut and realise a collection of bespoke tailored outfits and a professional portfolio ready to present to industry - limited only by your ambition or innovation. 

Work experience and industry opportunities 

Throughout the course, students are given the opportunity to connect directly with industry. These opportunities include live masterclasses, specialist lectures and bespoke events with industry practitioners. Whilst attracting a global audience we also have strong links with Savile Row in terms of input, staff and student placements. Sponsored projects offered have included those with international innovators of luxury fabrics such as Scabal and Harris Tweed and Hainsworth.

During the second year, students can undertake a placement with established or emerging companies. Graduates have gained employment at prestigious international brands including Celine, Paul Smith and Huntsman.

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. 

Climate, Social and Racial Justice

We are committed to developing ethical Bespoke Tailoring practices. To achieve this, we are working to embed UAL’s Principles for Climate, Social and Racial Justice into the course.

Course units

Stage 1

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, Design and Identity (40 credits)
  • Fashion Cultures and Histories (20 credits)
  • Cutting and Fitting (40 credits)

Stage 2

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)

Optional Diploma Year

CCI Creative Computing

Between years 2 and 3, you can undertake the year-long Diploma in Creative Computing. This will develop your skills in creative computing alongside your degree. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate degree, you’ll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Bespoke Tailoring (with Creative Computing).

CCI Apple Diploma 

Between years 2 and 3, you can undertake the year-long Diploma in Apple Development. This will give you an opportunity to become an accredited apple developer alongside your degree. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate degree, you’ll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Bespoke Tailoring (with Apple Development).

Stage 3

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

  • Major Project Development (40 credits)
  • Contextualising 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 personal tutorial per block 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 industry projects 
  • Peer group presentations 
  • Studio based workshops 
  • Supervised Studio
  • Visiting  Practitioners and Guest Lecturers
  • Field trips
  • Live Demonstrations and Masterclasses
  • Self‐directed study 
  • Reflection and self‐evaluation

UAL Showcase

Explore work by our recent students on the UAL Showcase

BA (Hons) Bespoke Tailoring course video

Student and graduate work

  • BA (Hons) Bespoke Tailoring | Daniel Radke | London College of Fashion | University of Arts London
  • BA (Hons) Bespoke Tailoring | Finlay Price-Milne | London College of Fashion | University of Arts London
  • BA (Hons) Bespoke Tailoring | Alex Hall | London College of Fashion | University of Arts London
  • BA (Hons) Bespoke Tailoring | Hanqi Hu | London College of Fashion | University of Arts London
  • BA (Hons) Bespoke Tailoring | Hanqi Hu | London College of Fashion | University of Arts London
  • BA (Hons) Bespoke Tailoring | Hayley Hayhurst | London College of Fashion | University of Arts London
  • BA (Hons) Bespoke Tailoring | Kate Bautista | London College of Fashion | University of Arts London

BA (Hons) Bespoke Tailoring graduate work 2021

Weaving the Future: Tailors of tomorrow - Emily Latham

Weaving the Future: Tailors of tomorrow - James Eardley

Latest news from this course

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Staff

Daniel Poulson

Daniel Poulson is Course Leader; he works across all year groups and is passionate about supporting each individual students creative journey and equipping them to develop their unique Bespoke Tailoring narrative. He works proactively to connect his students to industry through specifically designed industry projects, competitions and placement opportunities. 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 brand, '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 was uniquely and locally crafted at his South London Atelier. Daniel presented bi-annual collections internationally which were 'Made to Order'. He also has extensive experience consulting for several international fashion businesses & charities, advising on branding, enterprise & product direction.

Alex Hall

Alex Hall is an Associate Lecturer for Bespoke Tailoring and is an Alumni of the BA Bespoke Tailoring Course at the London College of Fashion, class of 2017. He has previously worked with Christopher Raeburn & Lumen ET Umbra in Rome. He is now employed as a cutter at Timothy Everest and is involved in their creative development. Alex is passionate about the arts and has an innate overview of historical and cultural influences which impact the way we see the world around us. He is keen about passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of Bespoke creatives, equipping them with the tools to research and develop their creative processes.

Magdelena Handwerker

Magdelena 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.

Fees and funding

Home fee

£9,250 per year

This fee is correct for entry in autumn 2024 and is subject to change for entry in autumn 2025.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students.

Home fees are currently charged to UK nationals and UK residents who meet the rules. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£28,570 per year

This fee is correct for entry in autumn 2024 and is subject to change for entry in autumn 2025.

Tuition fees for international students may increase by up to 5% in each future year of your course.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

Scholarship search

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Entry requirements

The standard minimum entry requirements for this course are:

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

  • 112 UCAS tariff points from two or more A Levels (preferred subjects include English, Maths, Art, Design, Textiles and Science);
  • Distinction at Foundation Diploma in Art and Design;
  • Distinction, Merit, Merit at BTEC Extended Diploma (preferred subjects Art & Design);
  • Merit at UAL Extended Diploma;
  • Access Diploma or 112 new UCAS tariff points from the Access to HE Diploma;
  • 112 new UCAS tariff points from a combination of the above qualifications or an equivalent full Level 3 qualification;
  • or equivalent EU or non-EU qualifications such as International Baccalaureate Diploma at 25 points minimum;
  • and three GCSE passes at grade A*-C or grade 9-4.

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

APEL (Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning)

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

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

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

English Language Requirements

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

Selection criteria

The course team seeks to recruit students who can demonstrate:

  • 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

Apply now

Applications closed 2024/25 

We are no longer accepting applications for 2024/25 entry to this course. Applications for 2025/26 entry will open in Autumn 2024.

Apply now

Applications closed 2024/25 

We are no longer accepting applications for 2024/25 entry to this course. Applications for 2025/26 entry will open in Autumn 2024.

How to apply

Follow this step-by-step guide to apply for this course

Step 1: Initial application

You will need to submit an initial application including your personal statement.

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement should be maximum 4,000 characters and cover the following:

  • Why have you chosen this course? What excites you about the subject?
  • How does your previous or current study relate to the course?
  • Have you got any work experience that might help you?
  • Have any life experiences influenced your decision to apply for this course?
  • What skills do you have that make you perfect for this course?
  • What plans and ambitions do you have for your future career?

Visit the UCAS advice page and our personal statement advice page for more support.

Step 2: Digital portfolio

We will review your initial application. If you have met the standard entry requirements, we will ask you to submit a digital portfolio.

You’ll need to submit this via PebblePad, our online portfolio tool.

Digital portfolio advice

Your portfolio should consist of recent work that reflects your creative strengths.

It should:

  • be maximum 30 pages
  • feature work that best showcases your technical skills in drawing and construction, including examples of structured wear in 2D and 3D.
  • illustrate your knowledge of different fabrics and materials
  • include work in progress and finished pieces to demonstrate your ability to experiment and develop ideas from initial concepts to final outcomes
  • include research to demonstrate your understanding and awareness of the cultural contexts behind contemporary fashion
  • be organised into a clear narrative to demonstrate your visual communication skills.

For more support, see our Portfolio advice and PebblePad advice.

Step 3: Interview

You may be invited to an interview following our review of your application. All interviews are held online and last 15 to 20 minutes.

For top tips, see our Interview advice.

You also need to know

Communicating with you

Once you have submitted your initial application, we will email you with your login details for our Applicant portal.

Requests for supplementary documents like qualifications and English language tests will be made through the applicant portal. You can also use it to ask questions regarding your application. Visit our After you apply page for more information.

Visas and immigration history check

All non-UK nationals must complete an immigration history check. Your application may be considered by our course teams before this check takes place. This means that we may request your portfolio and/or video task before we identify any issues arising from your immigration history check. Sometimes your history may mean that we are not able to continue considering your application. Visit our Immigration and visas advice page for more information.

External student transfer policy

UAL accepts transfers from other institutions on a case-by-case basis. Read our Student transfer policy for more information.

Alternative offers

If your application is really strong, but we believe your strengths and skillset are better suited to a different course, we may make you an alternative offer. This means you will be offered a place on a different course or at a different UAL College.

Deferring your place

You must apply in the year that you intend to start your course. If you are made an offer and your circumstances change, you can submit a deferral request to defer your place by 1 academic year. You must have met your conditions by 31 August 2024. If you need an English language test in order to meet the entry requirements, the test must be valid on the deferred start date of your course. If not, you will need to reapply. Requests are granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contextual Admissions

This course is part of the Contextual Admissions scheme.

This scheme helps us better understand your personal circumstances so that we can assess your application fairly and in context. This ensures that your individual merit and creative potential can shine through, no matter what opportunities and experiences you have received.

Careers

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

LCF offers students the opportunity to develop Personal and Professional Development (PPD) skills while studying through:

  • An on-course work experience or placement year. Please note, this is not available on every course; please see the Course Details section for information about work placement opportunities.
  • Access to to speaker programmes and events featuring alumni and industry.
  • Access to careers activities, such as CV clinics and one-to-one advice sessions.
  • Access to a graduate careers service
  • Access to a live jobsboard for all years.
  • Advice on setting up your own brand or company.

Graduates who wish to continue their education at postgraduate level can progress to suitable courses within the College, the University or elsewhere.

Career paths

Many graduates prefer to seek employment as soon as they have completed their undergraduate studies. 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

London College of Fashion

Contact

Telephone

+44 (0)20 7514 7400

Address

105 Carpenter's Road
London

E20 2AR