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Fashion Design

Diploma

Launch your fashion design career - create and present a cohesive capsule collection across ten hands-on assignments, mastering concept, technical design, construction, CAD and professional presentation.

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Why this course?

Turn ideas into a collection. This practice-based programme prepares you to create and present a cohesive capsule that reflects your creative identity while meeting industry expectations. It's ideal for aspiring designers ready to build real skills and a polished portfolio piece.

Across ten practical assignments, you'll move from research to runway. You'll investigate trends and markets, build mood boards, and develop colour and fabric stories. Through design development you'll explore silhouette and proportion, produce sketches and technical flats, and create clear specifications. In the studio, you'll source materials, cut patterns, drape and toile, construct and finish garments, and refine fit through iterative sessions.

You'll also establish a reliable digital workflow - using CAD for flats and specifications, preparing line sheets and lookbooks, and presenting your collection professionally. Industry-facing practice is built in: tech packs and costings, production options, sustainability considerations, inclusive sizing, styling, and collection presentation. By the end, you'll have a resolved mini-collection with supporting documentation and a portfolio that signals readiness for entry-level roles, internships, or freelance opportunities.

COURSE DETAILS

About this course

Course Level

N/A

Course Duration

This course typically takes Approximately 6-12 months to complete.

Course Assessment

This course is assessed via 10 practical assignments.

UPCOMING

Diploma courses

Date START DATE:
ANYTIME
HOME STUDY

SCHEDULE

Online Self-Directed Study

£875 Payment plans available
Enrol now
Date START DATE:
FEBRUARY 14TH
clock 09:30 - 16:30
LIVE ONLINE

SCHEDULE

8 full days, Saturdays

View schedule

LOCATION

Virtual Classes

£2,095 Payment plans available
Enrol now
Date START DATE:
FEBRUARY 17TH
clock 18:30 - 21:00
LIVE ONLINE

SCHEDULE

16 evenings, Tuesdays

View schedule

LOCATION

Virtual Classes

£2,095 Payment plans available
Enrol now
Date START DATE:
FEBRUARY 14TH
clock 09:30 - 16:30
CLASSROOM BASED

SCHEDULE

8 full days, Saturdays

View schedule

LOCATIONS

£2,195 Payment plans available
Enrol now
Date START DATE:
FEBRUARY 17TH
clock 18:30 - 21:00
CLASSROOM BASED

SCHEDULE

16 evenings, Tuesdays

View schedule

LOCATIONS

£2,195 Payment plans available
Enrol now
info

Entry requirements: To enrol on this course, you must be over 18 years of age.

BAC

BAC

Accreditation

The National Academy of Creative Arts is an accredited provider of the British Accreditation Council (BAC), a leading authority in quality assurance for independent education in the UK. Recognised globally by students, agents and government bodies, the BAC mark represents the highest standards in teaching, student welfare and institutional management.

STUDY MODES

Explore Our Flexible Learning Paths

Select from home-study, live-online, or classroom-based courses to fit your schedule and learning style.

Home Study courses at the National Academy of Creative Arts allow you to learn at your own pace.
As a Home Study student you will receive access to our Online Learning Centre with in-depth course materials including instructional videos, written content, and carefully crafted assignments. You will also have a dedicated tutor to support you on your learning journey.

Home Study

Classroom-based courses at the National Academy of Creative Arts are the best option for those who prefer studying with others in a physical classroom environment.
As a Classroom-based student you will join other aspiring Interior Designers in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff or Bristol for exciting part-time evening or Saturday classes taught by an industry professional. You will also have access to our Online Learning Centre.

Classroom Based

Live Online courses at the National Academy of Creative Arts provide all the flexibility of online learning with the collaborative benefits of the classroom.
As a Live Online student you will join a small group of students for online classes taught by an industry professional. You will also have access to our Online Learning Centre with course materials including instructional videos, written content, and carefully crafted assignments.

Live Online

MAP

Class Locations

The National Academy of Creative Arts runs in-person classes in the following locations. Live-online and home-study courses are also available and can be completed from the comfort of your own home.

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Hallam Conference Centre
44 Hallam Street
London
W1W 6JJ

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Peel Building
The University of Salford
The Crescent
Salford
Manchester
M5 4WT

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Edinburgh Training and Conference Venue
16 St Mary's St.
Edinburgh
EH1 1SU

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The Studio
7 Cannon Street
Birmingham
B2 5EP

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Stranmillis University College
Stranmillis Road
Belfast
Co. Antrim
Northern Ireland
BT9 5DY

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Central Cardiff
Location to be confirmed

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University of the West of England (UWE) - E Block
Frenchay Campus,
Bristol,
BS16 1QY

View Upcoming classes

OUTCOMES

What will you learn?

Explore core fashion design principles and methods

Gain foundational knowledge of silhouette, proportion, fabrics, and construction as a starting point for creative practice.

Develop essential sketching and illustration techniques

Learn to communicate basic design ideas visually through simple sketches and introductory fashion drawing skills.

Understand fabric selection and basic garment construction

Experiment with simple construction techniques and fabric choices to create personal garments confidently.

Apply styling concepts for personal projects

Build confidence combining garments, accessories, and colors to reflect personal taste and creativity in your designs

PROGRAM

Course Overview

Unlock your potential to create striking designs that impress season after season. Dive into creative techniques and master the art of flat pattern drafting and pattern manipulation to craft unique garments tailored to your customer's needs for any special event. Whether you're sketching or draping, these skills will empower you to bring your visionary designs to life.

Key learnings:

  • Create and Maintain a Sketchbook
  • Idea Generation Techniques
  • Mini Mannequin Draping
  • Mastering Flat Pattern Techniques

Elevate your fashion design skills by creating a ready-to-wear collection consisting of three stunning outfits. Dive into the world of fabrics, experimenting with their unique properties, and master the art of material manipulation to craft extraordinary new textiles. This immersive experience will empower you to explore:

Key learnings:

  • Fabric Selection and Analysis
  • Innovative Material Manipulation
  • Advanced Sewing Techniques
  • Creating Swatch Books
  • Professional Presentation and Showcase

Dive into the fascinating world of fashion design by exploring the rich interplay of society, history, technology, economics, and culture. Embark on a captivating journey through key historical fashion movements and discover how they shape today's design trends. Master the art of research and analysis to unlock powerful insights into contemporary design influences. Present your findings with confidence and professionalism, setting the stage for your success in the dynamic fashion industry.

Key learnings:

  • Influence of Society and Culture on Fashion
  • Historical Movements in Fashion Design
  • Advanced Research Methods in Fashion
  • Analyzing Contemporary Design Influences
  • Professional Presentation of Research Findings

Unlock your potential in fashion design by mastering the skills needed to transform your creative ideas into stunning outfits. Enhance your precision in pattern drafting and design interpretation by crafting a basic garment through our comprehensive module. Dive into the world of fashion creation and learn how to:

Key learnings:

  • Accurately Measure for Perfect Patterns
  • Develop Detailed Specification Sheets
  • Research, Source, and Test Quality Fabrics
  • Draft Patterns with Expert Precision
  • Create and Analyze Toiles for Ideal Fit
  • Cut Patterns and Professionally Sew Finished Garments

Unlock the secrets to creating a stunning six-outfit fashion collection tailored to meet the desires of today's savvy customers. Dive into the world of market trends to design a collection that resonates with fashion-forward individuals. This engaging journey will empower you to identify and cater to customer needs, ensuring your collection stands out and captures attention.

Key learnings:

  • Understanding Current and Future Fashion Trends
  • Strategic Fashion Collection Planning
  • Innovative Design and Branding Techniques
  • Creating Line-Ups and Technical Drawings
  • Assessing Fabric Quality for Superior Products
Academic Catalog

TUTORS

Meet Our Fashion Design Educators

All our tutors are creative professionals working in the industry.

See all tutors
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