- Undergraduate
Fashion and Textiles with Foundation Year BA (Hons)
Overview
Why study at the University of West London?
- Ranked 30th university in the UK - The Guardian University Guide 2025
- Number 1 London university for overall student satisfaction - National Student Survey 2024**
- Best university for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
Why study this course?
This is a one-year foundation course after which you will study for a three-year degree. You will be able to choose any of the BA courses that we run in the London School of Film, Media and Design.
After a year spent building your skills in good academic practices and research while experiencing all the aspects of student life, you will be ready to progress seamlessly to your chosen degree.
Our foundation year course is particularly suited to you if:
- you do not have the relevant qualifications in a media or design subject
- you are returning to study
- if English is not your first language and could benefit from a year of practising your verbal and writing skills
- if you are still deciding on which field of media and design you would like to specialise in.
View some of our students' recent work.
Foundation Year
The foundation year course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to continue onto your Honours degree. You will study a range of subjects that will underpin your future study and also gain valuable experience of university life, with full access to campus facilities. Successful completion of the year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course. Please note that a £2000 Path to Success bursary is available to all UK foundation year students, which is non-repayable.
Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:
Start date:
If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.
Why study Fashion and Textiles with Foundation Year with us?
What our students say…
Course detail & modules
Why study a Foundation Year?
A Foundation Year prepares you for study at undergraduate level, it s the first step on your university journey. The skills and knowledge you acquire will stand you in good stead for your degree studies as well as your entry into the world of work. Over the course of an academic year, you will explore a range of subjects that will underpin your future studies, as well as enjoy full access to university facilities.
What will I study during the Foundation Year?
You will be supported to help you make the most of the foundation year through:
- independent study (Personalised Learning module)
- an introduction to the various areas of the media and design industry (Creative Sectors module)
- an understanding of how media and design fit with wider society (Contextual Studies module)
- introduction to the software used within the industry (Creative Research module)
- learning good academic practice and discipline (Academic Performance module)
- creation of a media artefact which reflects your chosen path of study (Major Project module).
Further details about the modules can be found on the right-hand side of this page.
Through these modules, you come to have a better understanding of the areas within media and design. You will become familiar with techniques that help you to:
- manage your time and study effectively
- learn academic, research and presentation skills.
Any other benefits?
You will have full access to the University of West London's facilities as well as being fully integrated into university life.
This well-established course is taught by an experienced team of lecturers committed to enabling and supporting you to develop your skills and creativity.
Compulsory modules
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Personalised Learning
An opportunity for you to reflect on the skills and qualities that you already have and to identify those that you need to acquire.
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Study Skills for Success
This module will enable you to read critically, present an argument, and distinguish between the quality and suitability of materials. It will prepare you to use and evaluate a range of evidence sources throughout your degree.
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Creative Research in Media and Design
Undertake the individual research for your major project work whilst learning industry-standard software.
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Contextual Studies in Media and Design
Explore how media and design have developed over the years through changes in technology and society.
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Creative Sectors in Media and Design
Understand the principles and inter-connectedness of the creative sectors and acquire the essential skills for success.
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Major Project (Foundation Year)
You will work in groups to produce content showcased in the UWL's interactive magazine FOUND.
Compulsory modules
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Directional Textiles Innovation: Fashion Print or Fashion Knit
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Digital Fashion Exploration
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Design in a Professional Context
Industry placement/Internship:
You will be encouraged to apply for internships in London which are counted as credits in this industry module. The type and structure of each experience will vary according to the role you find within fashion. However, during the internship, you will work alongside industry professionals undertaking agreed tasks as required and learning as much as you can about the job and working practices.
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Fashioning Culture
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Directional Fashion Innovation
Entry requirements
These can include:
- A-Levels at grades B and C (if you have two A-Levels) or grades D, D and D (if you have three), or above
- BTEC Extended Diploma with Merit, Merit, Pass
- Access to HE Diploma
- T-Levels
You also need GCSE English and Maths (grade 9 – 4 / A* - C) or Level 2 equivalents.
Looking for BA (Hons) Fashion and Textiles without Foundation Year?
You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.
Looking for BA (Hons) Fashion and Textiles without Foundation Year?
You need to meet our English language requirement - a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for each of the four individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept.
You also need academic qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. In some countries where teaching is in English, we may accept local qualifications. Check for local equivalents.
We offer pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet these requirements.
Looking for BA (Hons) Fashion and Textiles without Foundation Year?
You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.
Looking for BA (Hons) Fashion and Textiles without Foundation Year?
Fees & funding
Please note:
- Fees for the 2026/27 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.
- Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year.
- If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
- If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.
Funding your studies
You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.
Foundation year bursary
If you are a UK student joining a foundation year course with UWL, you will receive a £2000 Path to Success bursary to support your studies. This is not a loan and does not need to be repaid. You will receive £500 per year subject to your attendance, engagement and progression through your studies.
To find out more, explore our Undergraduate scholarships and bursaries page.
Please note:
- Fees for the 2026/27 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.
- Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year.
- If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
- If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.
International students - funding your studies
We offer scholarships for international students including International Ambassador Scholarships.
Further information about funding and financial support for international students is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs.
Teaching staff
Dr Jo Henderson
Course Leader for Foundation Year courses within the London School of Film, Media and Design.
My teaching experience started with A-Level and BTEC in Media and Design since then I have taught at various London institutions at all levels of Higher Education in the field of media, documentary, television and contextual studies. I joined UWL as a full-time staff member in 2016 to establish the successful Foundation course.
Course Leader for Foundation Year courses within the London School of Film, Media and Design.
My teaching experience started with A-Level and BTEC in Media and Design since then I have taught at various London institutions at all levels of Higher Education in the field of media, documentary, television and contextual studies. I joined UWL as a full-time staff member in 2016 to establish the successful Foundation course.
Study & career progression
Study Progression: after completing your Foundation Year, you will progress to undergraduate level and can choose to study any of the London School of Film, Media and Design's BA (Hons) courses.
Career Progression: Your course will prepare you for where you want to be – whether it is couture or high street, as an independent maker or part of a global fashion brand.
Once you graduate, you could go on to work as a:
- fashion, knitwear, print and accessories designer
- textiles designer – for interiors, automotive, fashion and more
- materials developer
- pattern cutter
- garment technologist
- stylist
- trend forecaster
- buyer
- visual merchandiser.
Your Fashion and Textiles course also prepares you for further study. If you’d like to go on and specialise in an area of the fashion business you’re really passionate about, you will be ready to take on one of our career-focused Masters degrees for creatives, including:
Please see our postgraduate courses for a full list of courses.
How to apply
Head to the UCAS website where you can apply using:
- our institution code - W05
- the UCAS course code (below)
Want to ask us a question first? We would love to hear from you. Contact us free on:
- 0800 036 8888
- courses@uwl.ac.uk
We may ask you to submit a portfolio of work and come to the university to discuss it with us. Find out more about submitting portfolios.
Apply for this course
- Institution code
- W05
- UCAS code
- currentVariantData.field_p_cv_ucas_code
Next steps after making your application
We aim to make a decision on your application as quickly as we can. If we need any more information about your qualifications, we will be in touch.
In the meantime, come and visit us and find out more about what studying at UWL is like. Sign up for an open day or join a campus tour.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
Our prospectus
All of our courses in one place - download now or order a hard copy.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
You can apply to us in two ways:
- on the UCAS website – you will need our institution code (W05) and the UCAS course code (at the top of this page)
- directly on our website – follow the ‘apply now’ link below
Want to ask us a question first? Our dedicated international students’ team would love to hear from you.
- contact international@uwl.ac.uk
We may ask you to submit a portfolio of work and come to the university to discuss it with us - or do so online, if you aren't able to travel here. Find out more about submitting portfolios.
Apply for this course
Next steps after making your application
We aim to make a decision on your application as quickly as we can. If we need any more information about your qualifications, we will be in touch.
In the meantime, come and visit us and find out more about what studying at UWL is like. Sign up for an open day or join a campus tour.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
Our prospectus
All of our courses in one place - download now or order a hard copy.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
Search for courses
Student work
Elena Guillamon Martin
Elena has always been interested in occasion and bridal wear, and has developed an applique with cord that resembles knots and ropes from sailing boats, and used it to create bodices and occasion wear details.
Fatima Rahim
Fatima's work Abandoned delves into the theme of abandonment through the medium of textiles. With a focus on texture, distressed appearances, fabric manipulation, and decomposition.
Ellie Cumber
Ellie portfolio is a celebration of the joy of festival dressing, based on her recent holiday to the Grand Canyon and the rugged landscape and historical Aztec art indigenous to that area.
Janees Raza
Janees' sustainable collection is based on recycling and reworking denim into contemporary fashion, with a traditional Scottish tartan thrown into the mix, using patchwork and mending.
Donatella Onori
Donatella Onori’s work is based on African tribal wear and Ethiopian military costume, to create embroideries and prints for a contemporary London street vibe.
Mikel Kunze
Incognito by Mikel Kunze is a reaction to the automatic surveillance on London streets, and disguising yourself so that you are incognito.
Maria Jovrea
Maria Jovrea explores the feelings surrounding falling in and out of love, and the heartache and joy of it all.
Gallery of Student Work
ARTSFEST
Student life at UWL
Important notes for applicants
Disclaimer
*Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.
**The National Student Survey 2023 and 2024 - Average of answers to all questions by registered student population. Excludes specialist institutions.
Testimonials - our students or former students provided all of our testimonials - often a student from the course but sometimes another student. For example, the testimonial often comes from another UWL student when the course is new.
Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.
Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming. In some cases a new Course Leader has joined the University since the video was filmed.
Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, this is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.