BA (Hons) Fashion Bachelor's degree at Cambridge School of Visual and Performing Arts
BA (Hons) Fashion at CSVPA. Fashion sits at the intersection of creative vision, technical skill and cultural understanding.
About this course
BA (Hons) Fashion is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at CSVPA, based in Cambridge. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Art & Design graduates from this provider, 75% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Art & Design, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Sample size is not included in this snapshot. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 75% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 95% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
YEAR 1 5 modules
- Design ProcessCore40 credits
Module details
This module provides an introduction to the key processes involved in fashion design. Typically the module begins with experimental quick fire projects and process-based workshops. The workshops involve activities which introduce you to key drawing, research and design skills for example: visualisation of ideas, photoshop, technical drawing in illustrator, surface design/digital print, understanding fabrics, fashion project development, analysing markets, trends and influences, photography and p
- Introduction to Technical SkillsCore20 credits
Module details
This module introduces you to the technical skills of pattern cutting, draping and making clothes. These are fundamental skills which will enable you to cut and make a variety of woven designs. You will start with the basics and be shown how to use all the machinery safely. You are expected to document and evaluate your work and take notes in your workshops. This work should be presented neatly in technical folders which will form your submission at the end of the module and an on-going referenc
- Design ProjectsCore20 credits
Module details
This module further explores the process of design development in the fashion industry. You will practice fashion design research and innovative design development through project briefs and design competitions, with final outcomes that vary from presentation of boards in a crit to finished garments. You will be encouraged to develop your aesthetics in relation to a target fashion consumer/market and realise your design ideas in 3D using skills you have learnt in the Introduction to Technical Sk
- Technical SkillsCore20 credits
Module details
This module teaches you further skills of pattern cutting and making garments to industry standards. You will learn the basics of working with stretch fabrics and start learning CAD/CAM – computer based pattern cutting. You will begin to pattern cut and make your own designs in conjunction with the Design Projects module; translating your design idea to a fully annotated pattern and selecting appropriate fabrics and methods of manufacture for your final garment. You are expected to document and
- Fashion in ContextCore20 credits
Module details
This module provides an introduction to a critical and contextual approach to the study of fashion and visual culture. It will develop your skills in research, presentation, analysis and communication to enable you to both conceive and effectively articulate your ideas. A lecture and seminar series introduce you to key historical events and movements in visual culture which have impacted on creative practice, to establish a foundation for both the evaluation and discussion of fashion. You will b
YEAR 2 3 modules
- Design for IndustryCore40 credits
Module details
The emphasis of this module is on design in relation to market and consumer; students will begin to place their work in a commercial context and present their work in a professional manner. By exploring and researching business practices, sustainability and culture within fashion, they will start to understand how this relates to consumers and, in turn, effects and informs markets and designers. Using this information, students will design ranges and make garments in response to a 'live' industr
- Advance Technical SkillsCore20 credits
Module details
This module covers advanced pattern cutting, manufacturing and CAD/CAM skills. You will develop further skills such as outerwear, tailoring, corsetry, draping and experimental techniques. There will be workshops in advanced machining skills, couture sewing techniques and an introduction to new materials. There will be further workshops to develop your CAD/CAM skills; typically pattern manipulation/grading. You are expected to compile a technical folder to document and reflect on your work as you
- Design InnovationCore40 credits
Module details
In this module projects will cover a range of developing professional design skills and experimentation in a 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional format. The design projects will require enhanced research and experimentation techniques, linked to a professional finish and the use of technology in both construction and presentation of a portfolio. The emphasis on design innovation will allow students to confidently explore design and illustration styles and allow experimentation with fabric and silhou
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
You'll study visual communication and creative practice across multiple disciplines. In Year 1, you'll build foundational skills in visual studies, design principles, materials and making processes, including workshops in print, textiles and digital fabrication, alongside contextual studies grounding your work in design history. Year 2 moves into sustained studio practice where you develop a personal direction, exploring digital and emerging media such as motion, 3D and interaction, whilst engaging with live briefs and real-world client projects. Year 3 allows you to specialise deeply in areas such as graphic design, illustration, fine art, fashion and textiles, or UX and digital work, culminating in a self-directed final major project and degree show. Throughout, you'll build a professional portfolio and develop practice-ready skills.
Who it's for
This course suits those drawn to problem-solving through making, people who think visually and want to understand how culture shapes what we wear. You'll thrive if you're curious about fashion's environmental and social dimensions, comfortable with both conceptual debate and technical challenge, and willing to experiment across different scales and methods. The work requires sustained creative commitment: you'll spend considerable time in the studio, refining ideas through iteration. If you're interested in specialisms such as sustainable design, pattern innovation, digital textiles or fashion history, you'll find scope to pursue them. You should enjoy collaborating with peers while developing a personal design perspective.
Careers & job market
Across Art & Design courses nationally, 87% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months. Among those working, 55% are in highly skilled roles or continuing their studies. National earnings data shows graduates in this field earn £22,000–£27,000 at the 15-month stage, with variation continuing as careers develop. Many pursue roles in design studios, fashion houses, manufacturing or consultancy; others move into related fields such as curation, education or brand strategy, or establish independent practice. Your trajectory will depend on your specialism, network-building during study, and the sectors you target.
University & format
This BA (Hons) Fashion is delivered full-time over 3 years at Cambridge School of Visual and Performing Arts, a university in Cambridge. The course is taught in English and is a nationally recognised UK degree.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 70% |
| another higher-education qualification | 20% |
| Other | 10% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code W230). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at CSVPA →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Art & Design graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in art & design · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Art & Design nationally
National figures for Art & Design graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Published threshold met. Sample size is not included in this snapshot. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Job market & outlook
How Art & Design graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Art & Design graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Design studios & agencies
- In-house brand teams
- Games & media companies
- Freelance & self-employed
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Art & Design graduates.
Fine Art TechnicianFirst Choice StaffPharmacy Technician – Brand New State-of-the-Art HospitalCompass AssociatesArtificial Intelligence Engineering ManagerMBN SolutionsArtificial Intelligence EngineerExperis UKDelivery Driver (Part Time 24 hours) - AndoverOcado LogisticsCompliance Business PartnerNashrock Insurance RecruitmentIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
75% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.4 out of 10: NSS 83.3% · in work or study 75% · continued 95%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Cambridge Arts and Sciences Limited
Design, and creative and performing arts across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Cambridge
1,872 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Art & Design right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to CSVPA from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £20,990 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check CSVPA’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with CSVPA and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at CSVPA
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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