BA (Hons) Fashion: Design and Communication Bachelor's degree at Liverpool John Moores University
BA (Hons) Fashion: Design and Communication at LJMU. You'll develop skills in both the visual and conceptual dimensions of fashion, working through core theory, research methods and applied studio work alongside specialist options tailored to your interests.
About this course
BA (Hons) Fashion: Design and Communication is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at LJMU, based in City Centre Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Design studies graduates from this provider, typical earnings around £24,500. (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 Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 83% (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 6 modules
- Introduction to FashionCore20 credits
Module details
Within this module, you will independently learn through reflective practice and self-critical analysis to learn how to promote the use of a logical Design Process towards the creation of original fashion outcomes from independently research sources. You will learn to create an awareness of fashion and promote experimentation through alternative and innovative approaches to fashion practice.
- Fashion PracticeCore20 credits
Module details
The aim of this module is to learn how to articulate and present ideas and information in a comprehensible visual and oral form. You will increase your understanding of the discipline of fashion and promote individual focus through the execution of fashion related activities. You will learn how to embed the use of Design Process to create original fashion outcomes from independently researched sources.
- Visualisation and TechnologyCore20 credits
Module details
The aim of this module is to develop an awareness of professional fashion practice through the professional presentation of a body of artwork/design documentation. You will develop fashion communication skills, enabling the visualisation of fashion ideas and outputs in a professional format.
- Visual Direction and Technical DevelopmentCore20 credits
Module details
This module will allow you to develop and extend your knowledge of materials and technical processes in a fashion context.
- An Introduction to Contextual ResearchCore20 credits
Module details
Within this module, you will explore key concepts and themes concerning historical and contemporary cultural significance in relation to studio practice and wider contexts of fashion design and communication. You will also develop knowledge and understanding of research methods which underpin fashion practices.
- Contextual Research and DevelopmentCore20 credits
Module details
This module will allow you to develop key concepts and ways of thinking about fashion practices in both design and communication with relation to context and culture. You will also engage in debate and analysis to broaden and deepen your understanding of contemporary fashion practices resulting in a written assignment and a physical or digital artefact.
Year 2 9 modules
- Visual Language and Technical ExplorationCore20 credits
Module details
The aim of this module is to promote investigation into a range of technical processes to enhance creative concepts. You will have the opportunity to build confidence in a creative and conceptual approach to digital and traditional media. It will also provide you with the knowledge of 2D and 3D 'processes' for sampling.
- Creative Direction and Technical ApplicationCore20 credits
Module details
Within this module, you will examine traditional and contemporary technical approaches in-depth for use within studio practice. You will also develop a range of visual and conceptual approaches to research methods for creative process. The aim of this module will allow you to explore links and synergies between industry and studio practice to inform and guide project work.
- Fashion Research in PracticeCore20 credits
Module details
The aim of this module is to explore key concepts and themes in relation to studio practice and wider contexts of contemporary fashion design and communication. You will be able to engage in critical debate and analysis to broaden your knowledge and understanding of contemporary fashion practices.
- Critical Contextual InvestigationCore20 credits
Module details
The aim of this module is to gain a deeper understanding of contemporary theoretical design issues and contemporary fashion issues through a written assignment leading to a proposal for Level 6 Research Project.
- Fashion Design FocusOptional20 credits
Module details
The aim of this module is to promote the effective use of research methodologies and promote individual focus through a variety of fashion related activities. It will introduce you to industry practices and enables you to build a practical knowledge of research design development trials to a high standard working towards professional outputs.
- Fashion Design ContextOptional20 credits
Module details
The aim of this module is to develop the opportunity to understand in depth research methods and design processes from concept to translation. You will be able to produce a body of work in relation to market level and professional practice. The aim of this module is to introduce you to industry practices and enables you to build practical knowledge.
- Fashion AwarenessOptional20 credits
Module details
This module gives you the opportunity to build your own profile in your chosen specialist pathway identifying your strengths to continue to develop. You will produce a body of work in relationship to a customer profile and market level. You will explore new media and applications to build confidence in content and presentation awareness.
- Fashion DirectionOptional20 credits
Module details
This module will focus on the exploration of digital and mixed media outputs to a professional standard via a number of trials. You will produce a body of work in context to market level and professional practices. You will also be able to develop an understanding of time management skills to produce outcomes in sequence and on time.
- Study Semester Abroad - FashionOptional60 credits
Module details
This module provides the opportunity for you to experience a variety of alternative and new approaches to your subject specialism at an approved overseas partner institution. Modules studied must be agreed in advance and must be appropriate for the student's programme of study. Assuming successful completion of the semester abroad, mark-bearing credit will be awarded. The grade conversion scale to be used will be made available in advance of the year abroad.
Year 3 4 modules
- Final Major Project/sCore40 credits
Module details
This module provides the opportunity for you to produce a body of work that demonstrates a broad understanding of professional practical outputs within the fashion industry.
- Research ProjectCore20 credits
Module details
The aim of the Research Project is to deepen critical and theoretical engagement based on your chosen topic. You will facilitate the application and interpretation secondary and primary research methods to a focused fashion studies topic within a research project framework.
- Studio Project/sCore40 credits
Module details
The Studio Project/s provides the opportunity for you to develop your own programme of study via a series of projects. The aim of this module is to produce a creative body of work demonstrating a range of design applications in relationship to target audiences and support the development of research methodologies to apply to a range of concepts and outputs. This will strengthen the components of the Personal Development Portfolio focusing towards employability.
- Professional PracticeCore20 credits
Module details
This module will equip you with a range of research methods to inform graduate career and postgraduate study options and give you a deep understanding of professional practice in your chosen field of study. It will offer you the opportunity to engage with and undertake external projects to enhance your understanding of industry practice.
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
This course equips you with both design expertise and communication skills across fashion, textiles and related visual fields. You'll usually begin by building your visual language through colour, composition and form across multiple media, whilst exploring materials and processes, from traditional textiles and print to digital fabrication. Year 1 also grounds you in design history and contemporary practice. As you progress, you'll develop a sustained personal direction through studio work, engage with live client briefs and projects, and explore digital and emerging media. In your final year, you'll specialise deeply in areas such as graphic design, illustration, fine art, fashion and textiles, or UX and digital, whilst building a professional portfolio and completing a self-directed major project exhibited at the degree show.
Who it's for
You're drawn to fashion as a medium for creative expression and communication. You think visually and conceptually in equal measure, and you want to understand not just how to design, but why design choices matter. You're comfortable with both hands-on studio work and intellectual exploration. You'll find this course engaging if you're curious about fashion's cultural role and keen to develop a professional portfolio and voice within the industry.
Careers & job market
Across Art & Design courses nationally, 87% of graduates were in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Among those working, 55% were in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. Starting salaries for Art & Design graduates fell between £22,000 and £27,000 at the 15-month mark; after five years, the range was £20,825 to £29,400. These figures reflect national labour market data and individual outcomes vary by role, sector and location.
University & format
This BA (Hons) is taught at Liverpool John Moores University, a public university based at City Centre Campus. The course runs for 3 years full-time and is taught in English. Liverpool John Moores is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and holds a Silver award for teaching quality from the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
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.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
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 | 93% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 4% |
| another higher-education qualification | 2% |
| an Access course | 2% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
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 W2H0). 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
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at LJMU →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 earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £24,500 | £22,000 – £27,000 | 6460 |
| 3 years after | £20,000 | £16,500 – £23,500 | 205 |
| 5 years after | £24,000 | £19,500 – £29,000 | 205 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 6,460. Cohort 2021-22.
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.
continued or completed
continued into the next year or completed their qualification
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 6,460. Cohort 2021-22. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Art & Design courses at the same study level.
Compared with 1,698 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
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
Most graduates were in work or further study, with a median salary of £24,500. 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 8.2 out of 10: NSS 79.9% · continued 83%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Liverpool John Moores University
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 City Centre Campus
5,301 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 LJMU from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by LJMU; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. 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 LJMU’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 LJMU and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at LJMU
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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