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Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Fashion Imaging and Illustration

Bright pink illustration of lips and teeth.
PicturePink Trish Dubceac | BA (Hons) Fashion Imaging and Illustration | London College of Fashion | UAL
College
London College of Fashion
UCAS code
W225
Start date
September 2026
Course length
3 years (optional 1 year placement)

Explore digital and analogue platforms to produce immersive experiences with new and emerging technologies, challenging the notion of contemporary fashion imaging.

Course summary

Why choose this course at London College of Fashion

  • Contemporary practice: Blend traditional drawing with digital imaging technologies and visual communication and graphic design processes. This interdisciplinary approach enables you to respond to the changing professional and creative contexts of fashion and the creative industries.
  • Production: Develop fundamental skills, such as inclusive approaches to human anatomy and perspective drawing. Digital software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are integrated to refine your work and explore contemporary imaging outcomes.
  • New technology and digital platforms: Explore new technologies, media and digital platforms to create digital outcomes that incorporate 3D imaging, film, animation, virtual environments, and related professional applications.
  • Personalisation: Pursue your own interests with units that allow you to respond to academic and industry requirements through personal research, self-directed experimentation, and preferred creative or technical processes, while receiving ongoing support from academic and technical teams.
  • Professional links: Benefit from strong connections to fashion media organisations and leading professionals from the creative industries through live briefs, workshops, and lectures.

Open Days and Virtual Events

The next Open Day for this course will take place on Saturday 14 March.

The next Discovery Webinar: Studying at LCF will take place on Thursday 5 March.

To visit us in person, join us every Wednesday for a College Tour.

Check your eligibility for UAL’s Travel Bursary.

Global experiences

This course offers the opportunity to study abroad short-term over the summer break (subject to meeting requirements). Going abroad as part of your degree is an exciting experience that broadens your horizons and helps you build a global network.

Scholarships, bursaries and awards

Use our scholarship search to discover if you are eligible for any scholarships, bursaries or awards.

Course overview

Introduction   

BA (Hons) Fashion Imaging and Illustration offers you an experimental space to explore contemporary practices that stem from drawing, to challenge the notion of contemporary fashion imaging.  

Projects involving a multi-disciplinary approach will encourage you to redefine the future role of the fashion illustrator and the discipline’s commercial and creative applications. You will investigate the visual language of fashion through the development of professional skills such as drawing, graphic design, animation, photography, moving image and digital imaging.    

By challenging the fashion industry’s conventions and responding to wider culture’s social, political and environmental issues, you will be able to produce an innovative body of work and be prepared for work in the fashion industry and beyond. 

What to expect   

  • A blend of practical and theoretical learning: Develop a critical understanding of contemporary fashion; how it is communicated or promoted, its place within wider culture and its relationship with audiences and consumers.    
  • A personalised approach: You are guided to consider your creative practice within an industry context and to explore the opportunities and pathways for professional and creative development.   
  • Opportunities to explore new media, technology and digital platforms:  Explore fashion imaging and illustration through an expansive curriculum that integrates traditional skills with new and emerging technologies at the forefront of contemporary commercial practice.   
  • Develop a multi-disciplinary skillset: Benefit from experimenting in areas such as photography, moving image, 3D design, digital platforms, art direction and graphic design while emphasising your drawing practices.  
  • Exposure to industry:  Engage with live project briefs, collaborative workshops and personal projects that are supported by the expertise of lecturers, technicians and practitioners from the fashion industry.   
  • Professional experience: Develop industry skills by undertaking The Diploma in Professional Studies (DiPS), an optional year-long professional placement following the successful completion of your second year of study.  

Work experience and opportunities   

You will be given the opportunity to undertake a short work experience placement during your second year of study. This provides increased industry awareness as well as crucial experience and valuable contacts within the industry.  

The course has many links to the industry, often through practitioners who teach on the course and the college’s wider network. The course has also partnered with internal departments and external organisations and brands such as Alexander McQueen, Denman Brushes, Helen Kirkum, Bethany Williams, A Vibe Called Tech and Shaftesbury PLC. 

Mode of study   

BA (Hons) Fashion Imaging and Illustration 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 

UAL is committed to ensuring that your skills are set within an ethical framework and are working to embed UAL’s Principles for Climate, Social and Racial Justice into the course.

Contact us

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

Contact us to make an enquiry.

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 Media; 20 credits  

In this unit, you will be introduced to your course, its subject specialism and effective learning at undergraduate level. You’ll learn the practices and knowledge base needed to understand your discipline and develop skills for independent and collaborative learning, reflection, and your own self-development. You’ll also consider your own background and how it shapes your approach to the course.   

  • Fashion Narratives; 40 credits  

Through research, concept development, character design, visual storytelling, image sequencing, and experimentation with traditional and digital drawing methods, you’ll grow your critical thinking skills and produce a series of narrative driven fashion images. You’ll consider diversity, inclusivity, and representation within fashion media and gain an understanding of the key skills and knowledge involved in the discipline of fashion imaging and illustration. 

  • Fashion Moving Image Production; 40 credits  

In this unit, you’ll expand your imaging and illustration practice into the discipline of moving image. You’ll be introduced to different methods of animation and the tools for editing and post-production, learning how to communicate impactful fashion narratives through visual storytelling. You’ll also work as part of a collaborative, cross programme team to create a socially engaged-engaged fashion film production, allowing you to put subject discipline skills into practice. 

  • Fashion Cultures and Histories; 20 credits  

You’ll take a philosophical and theoretical approach to the study of fashion and its role in representing and communicating identity. Understand key methods of thinking about fashion across its cultural, historical, social and political contexts. Engage in debate and analysis of fashion as a key marker of social and cultural change and a means of understanding the relationship between individuals and communities. 

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  

Expand your critical understanding of fashion in a global context and examine emerging debates in fashion research. You’ll engage in collaborative research around current and emerging cultural issues and be guided through approaches to researching and writing about fashion across its social, historical, political and cultural contexts, building on the first-year unit Fashion Cultures and Histories. You’ll develop your own independent research path and interests. 

  • Fashion Graphics; 40 credits  

In this unit, you’ll develop and produce a fashion campaign for a client that is disseminated through a range of visual assets and contemporary platforms and media. You will draw on your skills in 2D, 3D, still and moving imagery to communicate successfully with diverse audiences. You will engage with graphic design, branding, typography, layout and visual communication, developing industry-relevant skills.   

  • Collaborative Practice: Fashion Spreads; 40 credits  

Explore how the editorial format has been articulated in historical and contemporary contexts and create contemporary fashion stories in response to climate, racial and social justice principles. Through teamwork, collective enterprise and cooperation you will apply your fashion imaging and illustration skills across the editorial space and understand relevant career prospects. You’ll also explore the relationship between fashion content and audience.   

  • Elective Option 1: Creative Directions; 20 credits 

In this unit, you’ll critically reflect upon your developing practice in the course so far and map your creative directions moving forward. You will think about the interplay between your imaging and illustration practice in academic and industry contexts to consider potential audiences and develop your portfolio and network.  

You’ll also consider the value of assets, content creation, curation, editing, art direction, and networks in relation to your discipline.   

  • Elective Option 2: Fashion Media Placement; 20 credits  

In this unit, you’ll develop your professional skills within an industry environment. On your placement, you’ll experience the pace, atmosphere and discipline of working in the industry and gain practical experience of its roles, functions and operations. There is lots of support to help you find a placement available via our Graduate Futures Placement Team. 

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) Hair and Make-up for Fashion (with Creative Computing).    

Industry DIPS     

This optional diploma can be taken between years 2 and 3. With support from your tutors, you’ll undertake an industry placement for a minimum of 100 days/20 weeks. As well as developing industry skills, you’ll gain an additional qualification upon successful completion.       

Enterprise DIPS     

This optional diploma can be taken between years 2 and 3. With support from your tutors, you’ll undertake an enterprise placement year where you will explore a business idea from proposal to minimal viable product (MVP). As well as developing enterprise skills, you’ll gain an additional qualification upon successful completion.       

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) Creative Direction for Fashion (with Apple Development).  

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

  • Elective Option 1: Fashion Narratives: A Visual Study; 40 credits  

In this unit, you will explore the interplay between research and practice by incorporating a chosen methodology with your existing creative practice. You will be introduced to a range of different research methods. Your chosen methodology will shape your creative practice and build your confidence in future visual work. Building upon previous learning from your Cultural and Historical Studies classes, you’ll produce a narrative-driven visual study comprising of a series of still images, as part of a visual and written essay. 

  • Elective Option 2: Creative Industries: Theories and Practices; 40 credits  

In this unit, you’ll complete an independent research project and engage with industry professionals to learn about current debates and issues that shape and inform cultural production across media, communication and performance. You’ll be encouraged to respond to these debates in the form of an extended essay with supporting research materials. This unit will equip you with critical thinking, literacy and communication skills for both academic and professional contexts. 

  • Fashion, Employability, and Enterprise; 20 credits  

In this unit, you’ll consider your future employment aspirations and be supported in researching the current employment landscape in relation to imaging and illustration. You’ll explore employment opportunities within academic and creative industries, considering the platform, audience, and context of your work. You’ll create a fashion enterprise toolkit which summarises your research, including the skills and resources required to orientate yourself towards your chosen direction. 

  • Fashion Communities and Practice; 60 credits  

In this unit, you’ll explore how fashion has the potential to empower and effect positive change. You’ll produce an experimental fashion media production that explores how your personal fashion-image making can engage with the principles of climate, racial and/or social justice. You will situate your personal creative practice within a community context that has resonance for you. You’ll have the opportunity to expand the parameters of your work through collaborations that facilitate experimentation, creative thinking, practical testing, and reflective problem solving.     

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 of 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. 
  • Lectures. 
  • Seminars. 
  • Workshops and tutorials. 
  • Group discussions and team working. 
  • Self-directed study. 
  • Work experience or simulation.

Assessment methods

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

  • Set projects. 
  • External or simulated briefs. 
  • Contributions to collaborative work. 
  • Portfolio of supportive material. 
  • Final outcomes.  
  • Moving images. 
  • Essays and reports. 
  • Presentations. 
  • Self-reflection.

Showcasing at LCF

There are a range of showcasing opportunities students can take part in whilst studying at LCF. End year showcasing at London College of Fashion, UAL, is one of the moments students can celebrate graduating from their courses. However, degree shows are not part of the learning outcomes in a course curriculum and are therefore not guaranteed as part of studying with us. Students must register by a deadline to take part, and we are not able to show all student work so submitting students will have their work curated.

UAL Showcase

Explore work by our recent students on UAL Showcase

  • TAKE BACK THE NIGHT
    TAKE BACK THE NIGHT, DENISA NECULA, 2025 BA (Hons) Fashion Imaging and Illustration, London College of Fashion, UAL
  • Urban Kwaidan Tales
    Urban Kwaidan Tales, Evie Conde-Flack, 2025 BA (Hons) Fashion Imaging and Illustration, London College of Fashion, UAL
  • Take it on the chin, Girl!
    Take it on the chin, Girl!, Ellen Smee, 2025 BA (Hons) Fashion Imaging and Illustration, London College of Fashion, UAL
  • FASHIONING THE FILIPINO JEEPNEY
    FASHIONING THE FILIPINO JEEPNEY, Martina Lebron, 2025 BA (Hons) Fashion Imaging and Illustration, London College of Fashion, UAL
  • Over-Fashion
    Over-Fashion, Ming Wei, 2025 BA (Hons) Fashion Imaging and Illustration, London College of Fashion, UAL
  • The City Wore Me In
    The City Wore Me In, Tiger Johnson, 2025 BA (Hons) Fashion Imaging and Illustration, London College of Fashion, UAL

Latest news from this course

Facilities at London College of Fashion

Staff

Alex Mein is Course Leader of BA (Hons) Fashion Imaging and Illustration at London College of Fashion, UAL. He was previously Co-Course Leader of BA (Hons) Fashion Communication and Styling at Middlesex University. He trained in Fashion Design and Textiles at Ravensbourne and has held roles across fashion design, art direction and contemporary menswear and vintage buying.

His current artistic practice centres on observation and portraiture, engaging with themes of identity, subculture and intimacy. Working predominantly from life using accessible, analogue materials, his work often explores LGBTQ+ narratives and London’s subcultural style communities. Exhibitions include group shows The Fashion Show: Everything But The Clothes (V&A Dundee, 2023), and Hold Fast, in collaboration with artist Louise Gray (Copeland Gallery, 2023). In 2021, he was invited to exhibit at VF Dalston’s Outsiders’ Gallery, where he collaborated remotely with Jamaica-based transgender activist and fashion stylist Emani Edwards on a month-long portrait-based installation.

He has been commissioned by publications including Boy.Brother.Friend, WePresent, Crap Zine and Another Man. For The Queer Bible (HarperCollins, 2021), he was commissioned to illustrate British Vogue editor Edward Enninful, accompanying a text by Paris Lees. Additional clients and collaborators include Positive East, Josh Caffe, Noel Stewart, Lift Festival, The Armoury NYC, Gap, Mulberry, Liberty London, The Fashion Illustration Gallery, The Courtauld Institute, London Craft Week, the V&A Museum and Harvey Nichols. He has worked on projects across editorial, advertising and packaging, as well as marketing activations and press events as a live illustrator. His fashion illustration work is included in books such as Research and Design for Fashion (Bloomsbury, 2021) and Fashion Drawing: Illustration Techniques for Fashion Designers (Laurence King, 2016, Second Edition).

Ana Stankovic-Fitzgerald is a lecturer, artist, and Senior Fellow in Higher Education. She studied drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture at the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Arts in Belgrade, where she earned an MA in Fine Art Painting.

Ana has taught at UAL since 2003, developing innovative approaches to drawing, illustration, and visual communication. A pioneer in inclusive digital learning, she designed one of UAL’s first fully online creative courses in Fashion Illustration, establishing new models for analogue-digital integration. Her teaching and creative practice explore contemporary approaches to drawing and image-making, combining traditional methods with emerging technologies through experimental, student-centred practices.

She has designed and delivered courses for London College of Fashion, Central Saint Martins, and Nottingham Trent University, and collaborated with institutions including the Victoria and Albert Museum, Design Museum, Fashion Space Gallery, Clerkenwell Design Week, and the Royal Collection, creating bespoke public engagement programmes. Ana has also led masterclasses for numerous international universities in China, Denmark, and the UAE. Her work has been published in Visual Research Methods in Fashion (Berg, 2011) and Technical Drawing for Fashion (Laurence King, 2012). It has been selected for Best of British Illustration and exhibited in the UK and internationally, including at the Royal College of Art.

Kate Greenslade is an artist and educator. Arriving from Montréal in 2002, she has lived and worked in London for over 2 decades. She holds an MA in Illustration from Camberwell College of Art (2016); an MA in Photography from the Royal College of Art (2004); and a BA (Hons) in Fine Art from Concordia University in Montréal (2002). Before joining LCF in 2018, Kate led the Foundation Diploma on both Art & Design and Fashion pathways at the largest Further Education college in London. Her approach to pedagogy encourages students to engage with contemporary issues, to broaden their research, focusing on building confidence in the visual communication of ideas and experiences.

Kate’s research-based practice combines lo-fi drawing with digital compositing, photography and video. Her work explores the complex pressures of urban life and is nuanced with social and political consciousness. Her work has been part of exhibitions in the UK, Europe and North America, and she has twice been selected for the Association of Illustrators’ ‘Prize for Illustration’, showcased at the London Transport Museum. Kate’s short film, Idol Mind, was nominated for ‘Best British Short’ and won the ‘Audience Award’ at the Eastend Film Festival. Kate produces artwork for editorial, music and book publishing under the moniker minefromhome.

Daryl Rainbow is an illustrator based in Hackney, London. He was born in Manila, Philippines and moved to the UK when he was 3. He grew up on the outskirts of London near Heathrow and now lives in Hackney. Daryl studied at Camberwell College of Arts and graduated with a BA in Illustration.

Daryl has created work for clients such as: Adidas, Netflix, Creative Review, GQ, The Times, Arsenal FC, Nike, Time Out, Under Armour, M&C Saatchi, Radio Times, Smiley, Amazon, West Ham United FC, etc. His illustrations have been used for a variety of uses; from online commercial campaigns, to in print editorials to large scale murals. He has a wealth of experience in creating, engaging, vibrant scenes and bold characters. His work generally covers topics across sports, politics, entertainment and London urbanisms. Daryl’s work has also made The AOI’s World Illustration Awards shortlist.

He has also worked at Ravensbourne University on their BA Illustration for Communication course since 2022 as a sessional lecturer.

Dahren Davey is an Associate Lecturer in Fashion Imaging and Illustration. He is a London-based artist with a focus on portraiture. Davey graduated with an MA in Fashion Design from the Royal College of Art and began work in the studio of Vivienne Westwood soon after. He then went on to work freelance as both a designer, fashion illustrator and researcher for both high street and designer brands, and magazines. Alongside this, he has worked for the past 20 years as Senior Lecturer in Fashion at University Level. His artwork consists of portraits; mostly men. The portraits are made of with a wide variety of different media. Davey likes to constantly experiment with style and aesthetic in order to convey a wide spectrum of mood and technique. Although the media and stylisation are constantly changing, his signature style is retained.

Christiane Matz is an artist and Associate Lecturer at London College of Fashion, and Senior Lecturer at the School of Arts and Creative Industries. Based in London, she holds an MA in Visual Communication and Illustration from the Royal College of Art (2016).

Her practice explores intimacy and observation through experimental drawing, reimagining lived experiences into new narratives. Working primarily with analogue methods, her figurative drawings capture fleeting moments and evoke a strong sense of place and atmosphere.

Christiane has exhibited in group shows, most recently at Silian Gallery (2025), and was shortlisted for the Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize (2022). As a narrative illustrator, she has produced publications presented at fairs, including Offprint at Tate Modern and the D.I.Y. Art Market at Copeland Gallery.

With nine years of higher education experience, she has taught drawing, illustration, animation methods and communication design at London College of Fashion since 2019, in addition to teaching at the School of Arts and Creative Industries and the University of Northampton . Christiane is also a member of Trash Club, a global network supporting independent creatives through community and collaboration.

Vicky Mather is a multi-award winning filmmaker in animation and live-action. After training at the National Film and Television School, Vicky worked as a Director of fashion film, commercials and music video in London and was named a BAFTA 'Brit to Watch' gaining representation in the UK, USA and Europe. Vicky transitioned her career into the stimulating environment of education 8 years ago and over the past two years, has developed an exciting new masters course in Fashion, Film and Digital Production at London College of Fashion's School of Media and Communication.

Fees and funding

Home fee

£9,790 per year

Please note that this tuition fee for entry in September 2026 is subject to the passing of UK government legislation to approve the increase in fees. If this is not passed, your tuition fee for 2026/27 will be £9,535.

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

£30,890 per year

This fee is correct for entry in September 2026 and is subject to change for entry in September 2027.

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.

Additional costs

You may need to cover additional costs which are not included in your tuition fees, such as materials and equipment specific to your course. For a list of general digital equipment you may need (and how you can borrow equipment), visit our Study costs page.

Accommodation

Find out about accommodation options and how much they will cost, and other living expenses you'll need to consider.

Scholarships, bursaries and awards

Find out more about bursaries, loans and scholarships.

If you’re based in the UK and plan to visit UAL for an Open Event, check if you’re eligible for our UAL Travel Bursary. This covers the costs of mainland train or airline travel to visit UAL.

How to pay

Find out how you can pay your tuition fees.

Scholarship search

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, Maths);
  • Distinction Foundation Diploma in Art and Design;
  • Distinction, Merit, Merit at BTEC Extended Diploma in 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 strong interest in fashion, visual imagery and an awareness of technology 
  • An understanding of the need for a critical and analytical approach to the area of study 
  • An approach suited to the demands of the course and the projected career futures 
  • Analogue or digital, drawing or image making skills 

Information for disabled applicants

UAL is committed to achieving inclusion and equality for disabled students. This includes students who have:

     
  • Dyslexia or another Specific Learning Difference
  • A sensory impairment
  • A physical impairment
  • A long-term health or mental health condition
  • Autism
  • Another long-term condition which has an impact on your day-to-day life

Our Disability Service arranges adjustments and support for disabled applicants and students.

Read our Disability and dyslexia: applying for a course and joining UAL information.

Apply now

Application deadline

14 January 2026 at 6pm (UK time)

If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Apply now

Application deadline

14 January 2026 at 6pm (UK time)

If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Apply to UAL

International students can apply to this course through UCAS with the following codes:

University code:

U65

UCAS code:

W225

Start your application
or

Apply with a UAL Representative

Based across the world, our local UAL representatives can support you with your application from your home country. Check to see if there is a representative available in your country currently.

Find your representative

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

The total character limit is 4,000 characters or less.

When creating your personal statement on the UCAS website, you will need to answer these 3 questions:

  • Why do you want to study this course or subject?
  • How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
  • What else have you done to prepare outside of education and why are these experiences useful?

To find out more about what to put in your personal statement, visit the UCAS advice page. For more information and support with applying to our courses, read our undergraduate application advice

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
  • showcase your technical skills in drawing and creative visual imagery such as hand drawing and digital image making
  • demonstrate your engagement with technology for image production
  • demonstrate your ability to effectively present ideas in a visual context
  • include work in progress to illustrate how you experiment and develop ideas from initial concepts to final outcomes
  • include research to highlight your knowledge and awareness of the cultural contexts behind the contemporary fashion industry

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. If your course requires a portfolio and/or video task, we may request these 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 considers transfers from other institutions on a case-by-case basis. Read about how to apply to transfer into year 2 or 3 on our Undergraduate Apply page, and read our Student transfer policy for more information.

Alternative offers

If we are unable to consider you for the course you have applied to but your application is really strong, we may make you an alternative offer on a different course or at a different UAL College. This happens when our admissions tutors have found another course that they believe would be a strong match for your skills and interests.

Deferring your place

We can consider deferral requests if the course can accommodate this. 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 2026. 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 considered on a case-by case 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

Your future employability is central to all our courses and as a student with us you’ll have access to a wealth of resources to prepare you for your future career in the fashion industry. Graduate Futures is our dedicated employability team who will work with you throughout your time with us to get you ready for employment. There are also a variety of opportunities on the course to enhance your employability.

Industry engagement

Throughout the course, you’ll gain valuable exposure to the creative industries through a wide range of industry-facing opportunities. These include live collaborative projects, portfolio reviews, and the chance to exhibit your work through the LCF Showcase, which is visited by professionals from across the fashion and media sectors. Guest critiques and masterclasses are delivered by working illustrators, art directors, and creative leaders, ensuring you are constantly engaging with current industry practices and expectations.

Current students have worked on live briefs and attended guest lectures led by practitioners from Dash Magazine, Apple, and SHOWstudio. The course has collaborated with a range of influential brands and organisations including Alexander McQueen, Denman Brush, Helen Kirkum Studio, Bethany Williams, A Vibe Called Tech, and Shaftesbury PLC. These partnerships stretch your creative thinking, provide invaluable real-world insight, and strengthen professional confidence.

A standout example of the course’s lasting industry connections is alumna Gisela Gayleard, whose distinctive visual identity was developed while studying at LCF. Since graduating, she has gone on to build a successful career as a fashion illustrator and entrepreneur, with her work exhibited internationally and featured by leading brands and publications. Gisela has since returned to LCF to deliver a workshop for current students — a powerful example of how our alumni network continues to inspire and support the next generation of creatives.

Potential careers

Through developing illustration, multimedia and digital storytelling skills including photography, moving image, animation, graphic design and art direction, you’ll be well placed for careers as an Illustrator in editorial or commercial contexts, Art Director, Stylist or Graphic Designer. You’ll also be equipped for roles in curation, painting, creative consultancy, or freelance work across fashion media.

LCF alumni

Our recent graduates are working in a wide range of creative roles at companies including:

  • ASOS
  • Browns Focus
  • Fashion Scout
  • Love Magazine
  • Paul Smith