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Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Fashion Pattern Cutting

Black and white photograph of models standing in a line in a carpark-style building.
Student work by Chen Chen | BA (Hons) Fashion Pattern Cutting | London College of Fashion | University of Arts London
College
London College of Fashion UCAS code
2P45 Start date
September 2023 Course length
3 years / 4 years (with placement year in industry)

BA (Hons) Fashion Pattern Cutting prepares students for a successful career in the industry by teaching skills in traditional craft practice and the latest digital technologies.

Course undergoing re-approval

Please note this course is undergoing re-approval. This is the process by which we ensure the course continues to provide a high quality academic experience. During re-approval there may be some changes to the course content displayed on this page. Please contact us if you have any questions about the course.

Why choose this course at London College of Fashion

    • Focus on industry skills: students learn a range of skills across market levels from bespoke tailoring methods to high street manufacture.
    • Industry links: the course has excellent industry connections for both work placements and employment which have an international scope.
    • Varied learning: students are taught broad ranging skills, from traditional craft skills to cutting edge digital technologies.
    • Career opportunities: students have the opportunity to undertake an industry placement year and gain valuable experience before graduating.

Course overview

Introduction 

BA (Hons) Fashion Pattern Cutting focuses on innovative cutting, fabric sourcing and digital technologies in the development of structured and unstructured clothing. Students learn design research and interpretation, 3D realisation, fit alteration, pattern drafting and adaptation, construction and manufacture. There will also be a focus on trend investigation and market analysis. 

What to expect 

  • Students will acquire broad academic skills which will allow them to see the context of their study in the wider perspectives of fashion, society and the environment.   Students will build the professional, communication and business skills they will need for successful employment in today’s global fashion industry. 

  • BA (Hons) Fashion Pattern Cutting gives students the skills to approach the 3-Dimensional design process and realise garments, working with designers to create both experimental and commercial creative products. 

  • At the end of their studies, students will be equipped to enter the fashion industry with an innovative and professional portfolio and a range of skills that make them highly employable. 

Work experience and opportunities 

The course focuses on both craft skills as well as digital technologies to give students the well-rounded creative and technical base that the industry demands. Students have an 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 Pattern Cutting runs for 90 weeks in full time mode. It is divided into 3 stages over 3 academic years. Each stage lasts 30 weeks. 

Contact us

Register your interest to receive information and updates about studying at UAL.

Contact us to make an enquiry.

Related courses

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 Pattern Cutting; 20 credits
  • Form and Silhouette; 40 credits
  • Drape and Form; 20 credits
  • Better Lives; 20 credits
  • Fashion Cultures and Histories; 20 credits

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

  • Structure and Form; 40 credits
  • Critical Issues in Fashion Research; 20 credits
  • Visual Research Methods; 20 credits
  • Professional Engagement; 40 credits

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

  • Construction and Transformation; 40 credits
  • Contextualising Your Practice; 20 credits
  • Final Major Project; 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.

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.

The Diploma year is a single unit, undertaken as a form of full time study, with placement activity at its core. For those who take up the option of studying the Diploma, the experience is designed to be an integrated and assessed part of a student’s journey through the course. 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.

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

  • Demonstrations.
  • Studio workshops.
  • Lectures, seminars and workshops.
  • Group discussions and team working.

 

Student and graduate work

  • Chen-Chen-2.png
    Work by Chen Chen
  • Melody-Chan-1.png
    Work by Melody Chan
  • Melody-Chan-4.png
    Work by Melody Chan
  • Hanna-Fiedler.jpg
  • Models looking in a mirror
    Work by Ya Yun Cheng
  • Model with mesh sleeved dress
    Work by Chen Chen
  • Female model in outfit with indoor plant
    Work by Eszter Vas,
  • Model wearing veil
    Work by Melody Chan
  • Model in red and burgundy outfit
    Work by Melody Chan
  • Female model in a silver armour like top
    Work by Magdalena Hajduk,
  • Model in white dress
    Work by Melody Chan
  • Male model in grey outfit
    Work by Nan Xie
  • Male model in grey outfit
    Work by Nan Xie
  • Male model in grey outfit
    Work by Nan Xie
  • Models in hooded outfits
    Work by Ya Yun Cheng
  • Models in blue leather outfits
    Work by Ya Yun Cheng

BA (Hons) Fashion Pattern Cutting

Latest news from this course

  • Reflecting on our recent postgraduate showcases
    LCFMA22 at Victoria House Basement - Photography by Eilwen Jones @eilijonesphotography

    Reflecting on our recent postgraduate showcases

    With LCF Postgraduate Class of 2023 around the corner, we reflect on some of LCF’s previous postgraduate shows.

  • Paid opportunity for LCF students to join LCF Newsroom and become Content Creators
    MA Photography work from the MA15 showcase at Victoria House Basement, February 2015. Photography by Emmi Hyyppa.

    Paid opportunity for LCF students to join LCF Newsroom and become Content Creators

    Launching LCF Newsroom, supporting students in building their portfolio, gaining professional experience delivering paid projects to a brief.

  • #LCFBHM: Nelson Choga - FIND YOUR WAY BACK
    Close up of model wearing green Baga Dress with eyes closed lying on blue sofa | Lubna Hussain

    #LCFBHM: Nelson Choga - FIND YOUR WAY BACK

    We interviewed Nelson in light of Black History Month where he talks about his personal discovery as a Black creative and reconnecting with his African identity in the process of working on his graduate showcase when studying at London College of

  • #LCFBHM: Petra Raissa Nogueira - [Black is] Light
    Black and orange collage with images of draping | Petra Raissa Nogueira

    #LCFBHM: Petra Raissa Nogueira - [Black is] Light

    We spoke with Petra about her graduate project, where she explores a concept titled ‘[Black is] Light’ in relation to Black History Month.

  • #LCFBHM: Unique Moore - West Indies Diaspora
    Scrap book collage of West Indies Diaspora | Unique Moore

    #LCFBHM: Unique Moore - West Indies Diaspora

    As part of Black History Month, we take a close look at the work created by alumna Unique. Exploring Trinidadian heritage through references of Caribbean dancehall style in mergence with the mockery of British sartorial aesthetics.

  • See all stories

LCF 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.

  • LCF at Stratford Exterior Design
    LCF at Stratford Exterior Design
    LCF's move

    LCF is moving to a new single campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in 2023. Find more information about the College’s relocation.

Staff

Amer Kamal is the course leader. Amer studied Fashion Design at Parsons School of Design in New York. He has worked as a freelance designer for 25 years, running his own business in both New York and Milan, also showing at New York Fashion week. He established the BA Fashion Atelier programme at UCA Rochester and has been teaching in higher education for twelve years and continues to work as a freelance designer and pattern cutter. Amer completed his MA in NABA in Milan and a PgCert in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education at UAL.

Tina Fox is senior lecturer on this course and her training and background is as a designer and pattern cutter with experience from haute couture to chain stores, but with particular focus on high street fashion. Many years in industry inform her teaching, and she also has several years of experience of teaching short courses for the International Team ‘Flying Faculty’ at LCF. These include ‘Jacket Design and Realisation’ at IMA in Istanbul, and ‘Draping & Creative Cutting’, ‘Soft Tailoring’ and ‘Product Development’ including Lectra, Optitex and Body Scanning in Dhaka for Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) University of Fashion Technology (BUFT).

Polly Kenny is the programme director for BA (Hons) Fashion Textiles and BA (Hons) Fashion Pattern Cutting and has an MA in Fashion Studies. Her industry experience is extensive and has been through collaborative partnerships with, for example, Broderie Anglaise and Peter Wright Europe Ltd, with clients, including Ronit Zilka and Morris Angels, and at the industry’s textile fairs. She is a member of the Higher Education Academy and vice chair of the London Branch of the Society of Dyers and Colourists. Her practice-based research focuses on the mark of the hand through digital and craft processes investigating the archive and textile memories.

Rob Phillips is the creative director for the School of Design and Technology. Trained in fashion womenswear, surface textiles: print, menswear and illustration Rob went on to become the fashion editor for International Textiles magazine and consultant for fashion brands. Rob's broad skill set of fashion design, process, graphics, presentation, typography, advertising and communication led to his appointment as creative director of Fashion Forecast magazine, where his progressive work promoting young fashion talent garnered him much acclaim from industry. Rob continues to nurture talent at LCF across all courses within the School, teaching holistically about fashion, developing the students’ full potential so they can make their unique contribution to the fashion industry. He furthers the work of the College through many routes, including industry projects, collaborations and competitions. He also curates and directs the School’s events including fashion shows, films, photoshoots, publications and exhibitions. Rob continues to contribute to industry as a fashion commentator (BBC, The Guardian, SHOWstudio and more) and as creative consultant for fashion brands. View Rob Phillip' full profile here.

Fees and funding

Home fee

£9,250 per year

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 entry.

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

£25,970 per year

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 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 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, Art, Design, English and Maths);
  • 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:

  • A current awareness of fashion in terms of fabric development, new designers and fashion trends
  • A potential to achieve a high standard of technical manufacture
  • The ability to translate 2D ideas to 3D realisations
  • The 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

Apply now

Home International

This section includes all the information you need on how to apply, 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:                 2P45

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first-served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner. Read our Admissions Policy for details, including how to request a deferral and by when.

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 18:00 PM (GMT) on  25 January 2023 for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

You can only apply to the same course once per year. Any duplicate applications will be withdrawn. Applications for this course can only be accepted for this year of entry.

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 work that reflects your interest in fashion media practice.

The portfolio is assessed by Academic Reviewers who will decide if they are able to make an offer based on the work you have demonstrated. It may be, however, that the tutor wishes to speak with you further about your work and so you will be invited to attend an online interview. At the interview the Academic Reviewer will discuss your portfolio that you submitted in PebblePad; it will be possible to show more of your work during the interview if the tutor feels it necessary for you to do so.

Please note that not all applicants will be invited to attend interview.

If you are made an offer, you will have the opportunity to engage with course teams at a number of planned engagement activities, where you will be able to ask any questions you may have and also speak to current students studying on the course.

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

There are 2 ways international students can apply to an undergraduate course:

You must apply through UCAS, where you will need the following information:

  • University code – U65
  • UCAS course code – 2P45

Read our immigration and visa information to find out if you need a visa to study at UAL.

You can only apply to the same course once per year. Any duplicate applications will be withdrawn. Applications for this course can only be accepted for this year of entry. Applications for deferred entry cannot be accepted. Read the UAL international application advice for further information on how to apply.

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first-served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner. Read our Admissions Policy for details, including how to request a deferral and by when.

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 18:00 PM (GMT) on  25 January 2023 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 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.

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 work that reflects your interest in fashion media practice.

The portfolio is assessed by Academic Reviewers who will decide if they are able to make an offer based on the work you have demonstrated. It may be, however, that the tutor wishes to speak with you further about your work and so you will be invited to attend an online interview. At the interview the Academic Reviewer will discuss your portfolio that you submitted in PebblePad; it will be possible to show more of your work during the interview if the tutor feels it necessary for you to do so.

Please note that not all applicants will be invited to attend interview.

If you are made an offer, you will have the opportunity to engage with course teams at a number of planned engagement activities, where you will be able to ask any questions you may have and also speak to current students studying on the course.

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.

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. We are confident that graduates from this course will be able to gain positions in design and sample room, garment and production technology, fabric research, sourcing and manufacture. Technical competence and creative confidencewill enable graduates to become technical managers and innovators, consultants, andproduct developers, as well as defining their own individual career opportunities.

London College of Fashion

Contact

Telephone

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

W1G 0BJ