How to become a fashion designer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
University
You'll usually need a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree.
Courses are widely available and include:
- fashion design
- art and design
- garment technology
- textiles
You should look for a course that covers both design and technical skills to get the practical knowledge needed by the industry.
Some universities and colleges are members of the British Fashion Council.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
College
You could do a college course, which will teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need to work in the fashion industry. Relevant subjects include:
- Level 2 Award in Fashion - Sampling Fashion Techniques
- Level 2 Diploma in Skills for the Fashion Industries
- Level 3 Extended Diploma in Fashion Design and Production
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
More Information
Apprenticeship
You may be able to do a fashion studio assistant advanced apprenticeship and follow the product development and production pathway. You could work as a design assistant in a studio, develop your design skills on the job and work your way into a designer role.
This apprenticeship typically takes 18 months to complete as a mix of workplace learning and off-the-job study.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
More Information
Volunteering
You'll need to get as much work experience as you can, for example through an internship, as there's strong competition for jobs in the fashion industry.
It will help you get a better understanding of the role, and to meet people who may help you to find paid work later.
The British Fashion Industry supports initiatives like the National Saturday Club for young people from 13 to 16 looking to get an insight into fashion careers.
More Information
Career tips
You can create a portfolio of your design work to showcase your skills, which will help you at course and job interviews. Your portfolio should include mood boards, designs, technical drawings and examples of completed fashion items you have made.
Further information
You can find more details about working in fashion from: