COURSE OVERVIEW
Duration: 2 Years Full-Time
Entry Requirements: 4 GCSEs (9-4/A*-C)
(if you have maths/english at grade D/3 you would be required to work towards grade C/4 for these qualifications alongside your course)
UCAS points: up to 168 (depending on grade outcome)
Campus: Middlesbrough
Step into the world of fashion as a designer, stylist, or communicator - developing skills in garment construction, styling, and promotion to thrive in a fast-paced, creative industry.
Why Choose This Course?
• Develop skills in fashion design, garment making and illustration
• Learn in industry-standard studios with expert tutor support
• Take part in styling shoots, shows and live briefs
• Build a professional portfolio for industry or Higher Education
• Explore sustainability, innovation and future fashion trends
This diploma is validated by the UAL Awarding Body, part of University of the Arts London and the UK’s leading provider of creative qualifications at FE level. The Northern School of Art is an approved centre for UAL Awarding Body qualifications. All students are awarded qualifications under their official UAL Awarding Body titles.
COURSE DETAILS
This two-year course gives you a deep dive into the exciting and ever-changing world of fashion. Whether you’re interested in designing garments, exploring fashion illustration, or understanding what makes a collection stand out, this course helps you develop your unique voice and style.
You will explore a variety of specialist fashion pathways in-line with the creative opportunities in industry. Learning essential skills such as drawing, pattern cutting, sewing, garment construction and fabric manipulation, you will also experiment with styling, digital design and trend research - all while building your creative and technical confidence.
Working on real-world projects, you’ll take part in fashion shows, collaborative shoots, and styling briefs. You’ll be encouraged to push boundaries, explore sustainability, and express bold ideas through the clothes you create.
Our fashion tutors are practising designers and creatives with strong industry links. You will work in specialist studios with access to professional equipment. You’ll leave with an impressive portfolio and collection pieces that reflect your talent and ambition - ready for university, fashion school or the start of a creative career.
Where Could It Take You?
• Fashion Designer
• Garment Technologist
• Pattern Cutter
• Fashion Illustrator
• Stylist (editorial, personal or commercial)
• Fashion Buyer or Merchandiser
• Trend Forecaster
• Fashion Photographer
• Brand Creator or Creative Director
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Alumni
Our alumni have gone on to develop fantastic careers spanning all areas of the fashion industry including:
Cissy Jones @cissyjones
Pretty Little Thing: After getting 1.1 million views on a tiktok video, Cissy Jones has now secured her dream job at fashion giant Pretty Little Thing. Cissy studied fashion at the School, it’s such an amazing college, it’s dedicated to all creatives and I highly recommend”.
Claire Barrow @Claire_Barrow
Claire's work explores the subconscious by depicting fantastical realms. Claire made her London Fashion Week debut the same year after being awarded Fashion East, has created bespoke leather artwork worn by Rihanna and continues to produce her highly successful Xtreme Sports collections alongside her broader art practice.
• Abbie Killen, Assistant Buyer, Matalan
• Amy Churchill, CAD Designer Abercrombie & Fitch
• Charlotte Wood, Assistant Designer Monsoon & Accessorize
• Danielle Futo Co-Founder Lielle Womenswear
• Stephanie Greenwood Head of Pattern Cutting The Descended






















