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Fashion Design

Professional Diploma

Start and run a fashion design business - master advanced design, product development, production and brand building across 15 hands-on assignments with expert guidance.

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Why this course?

Turn creative vision into a fashion label. This advanced, practice-based programme prepares you to start and run a successful fashion design business, building the creative, technical and commercial skills to take a collection from concept to market.

Across fifteen practical assignments you'll refine design thinking and develop a signature aesthetic, translate ideas into sketches and technical flats, cut patterns and drape, prototype and fit, and manage grading for size ranges. You'll source fabrics and trims, create accurate tech packs, plan costings and margins, and coordinate suppliers and manufacturers. You'll establish a reliable production workflow - calendars and critical paths, quality control, compliance and sustainability considerations, and smooth handover to retail or clients.

On the brand side, you’ll shape positioning and storytelling, produce line sheets and lookbooks, plan photography, and build go-to-market strategies across wholesale, pop-ups and e-commerce. You'll cover pricing models, contracts, and essential business operations - from inventory and logistics to customer care - so you're equipped to launch and grow.

Learning is supported by expert-created resources - video tutorials, written guides and project briefs - and regular tutor guidance with detailed feedback on every submission. By the end, you'll have a resolved capsule collection, professional documentation (tech packs, costings, line sheet), a practical business plan and the confidence to begin trading.

Work placement - Graduates of this course are eligible for a one month work placement with a fashion design company. All placements are made in the greater London, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh areas.

COURSE DETAILS

About this course

Course Level

N/A

Course Duration

This course typically takes Approximately 9-18 months to complete.

Course Assessment

This course is assessed via 15 practical assignments.

UPCOMING

Professional Diploma courses

Date START DATE:
ANYTIME
HOME STUDY

SCHEDULE

Online Self-Directed Study

£1,425 Payment plans available
Enrol now
Date START DATE:
FEBRUARY 14TH
clock 09:30 - 16:30
LIVE ONLINE

SCHEDULE

12 full days, Saturdays

View schedule

LOCATION

Virtual Classes

£2,725 Payment plans available
Enrol now
Date START DATE:
FEBRUARY 17TH
clock 18:30 - 21:00
LIVE ONLINE

SCHEDULE

24 evenings, Tuesdays

View schedule

LOCATION

Virtual Classes

£2,725 Payment plans available
Enrol now
Date START DATE:
FEBRUARY 14TH
clock 09:30 - 16:30
CLASSROOM BASED

SCHEDULE

12 full days, Saturdays

View schedule

LOCATIONS

£2,865 Payment plans available
Enrol now
Date START DATE:
FEBRUARY 17TH
clock 18:30 - 21:00
CLASSROOM BASED

SCHEDULE

24 evenings, Tuesdays

View schedule

LOCATIONS

£2,865 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

location icon ADDRESS

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 craft standout designs that capture attention season after season. Dive into creative techniques that will set your work apart, and master essential skills like flat pattern drafting and pattern manipulation to bring your innovative ideas to life. Apply this expertise to create stunning garments tailored for customers attending special events. Transform your passion into wearable art by learning how to:

Key learnings:

  • Create and use a sketchbook
  • Generate unique and compelling ideas
  • Utilize a mini mannequin for advanced draping techniques
  • Implement flat pattern techniques for precision crafting

Unlock your inner designer by crafting a stunning three-outfit, ready-to-wear collection that showcases your unique style. Dive into the world of fabrics and discover their secrets; learn how to manipulate materials to create innovative textures. Enhance your skills and prepare to wow with professional presentation techniques.

Key learnings:

  • Choosing and Examining Fabrics
  • Innovative Material Manipulation
  • Advanced Sewing Techniques
  • Creating Swatch Books
  • Professional Presentation Boards

Discover the fascinating intersection of society, history, technology, economics, and culture, and how these elements shape the fashion design landscape. Embark on a captivating research journey to explore pivotal historical movements that have defined fashion. This engaging module will empower you with the skills to transform your insights into compelling fashion narratives.

Key learnings:

  • Influence of Society and Culture on Fashion
  • Historical Movements in Fashion Design
  • Contemporary Design Insights
  • Professional Presentation of Research
  • Effective Research Methods

Transform your fashion design dreams into reality by mastering the essential skills needed to craft a stunning outfit from start to finish. This journey will not only enhance your precision in pattern drafting but also elevate your ability to interpret designs into tangible garments. Dive into the fundamentals and bring your creative visions to life!

Key learnings:

  • Precision Measurement Techniques
  • Crafting Detailed Specification Sheets
  • Fabric Research, Sourcing, and Testing
  • Expert Pattern Drafting
  • Creating Toiles and Perfecting Fit
  • Pattern Cutting and Garment Sewing

Immerse yourself in the ever-evolving world of fashion design and discover how to create a stunning six-outfit collection tailored to meet your customers' needs. This comprehensive module will empower you to stay ahead of market trends and transform your creative ideas into reality, ensuring your collection captivates and resonates with your target audience.

Key learnings:

  • Trend Analysis for Fashion Design
  • Strategic Collection Creation
  • Design and Branding Development
  • Line-Ups and Technical Design Mastery
  • Fabric Quality Evaluation

Unlock your potential in fashion design with our comprehensive module on computer-aided design. Dive into the world of fashion design software to craft stunning 2D and 3D illustrations for your next fashion collection. Expand your expertise and create professional-grade designs that captivate and inspire.

Key learnings:

  • 2D and 3D Computer-Generated Illustrations
  • Mastering Adobe Illustrator
  • Working Seamlessly with Croquis
  • Creating Precise Flat Technical Drawings
  • Exploring Pros and Cons of Computer-Aided Design

Unleash your creativity and make a bold statement on the runway by designing a complete outfit for a fashion show, tailored to a specific theme and topic. This experience will empower you to transform your ideas into stunning designs, ready to impress and captivate any audience.

Key learnings:

  • Independent Fashion Design Projects
  • Innovative Techniques for Design and Illustration
  • Strategic Critical Thinking and Project Analysis
  • Comprehensive Garment Development Management
  • Professional Presentation of Finished Designs

Unlock your potential in the fashion design industry with our comprehensive exploration of career paths and goal-setting strategies. Create a standout portfolio that captivates potential employers and clients, highlighting your unique approach and exceptional skills. Prepare to take your career to new heights by mastering the essentials of fashion design success.

Key learnings:

  • Explore the Fashion Design Profession
  • Assess Your Skill-set Strengths and Weaknesses
  • Define Clear Career Goals
  • Strategize Your Career Development Milestones
  • Create a Professional Portfolio that Shines
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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