Study fashion abroad

If you are passionate about fashion and dream of seeing your designs on catwalks around the world, then a degree in fashion or fashion design could be the ideal choice for you. The global fashion industry is worth trillions of dollars and employs millions of people, so you’ll have plenty of career opportunities after graduation.

Fashion degree programs aim to combine creativity with commercial awareness, and are designed to help you develop your skills and give you the knowledge you’ll need to pursue a career in the industry. You’ll get the opportunity to learn about many areas of fashion, including clothing, textiles, management and business.

Fashion is a popular degree to study abroad, with program options available all over the world. Choosing to study abroad gives you the chance to learn in one of the fashion capitals of the world, and experience how different countries interpret the subject.

Fashion degrees are offered at foundation, diploma, bachelor’s and master’s levels. It’s possible to study fashion as a single honors degree, or as a joint honors with another subject, for example fashion and textiles, or fashion and business.

At bachelor’s level, you can get a BA in fashion which will usually take between three and four years to complete depending on where you study. Some programs are longer as they include a year abroad or a year in industry. Most master’s degrees are MAs and take between one and two years to complete.

Most fashion programs are practical in nature, and you’ll usually be assessed through a combination of coursework and practical exams. In many programs you will produce a collection and portfolio which will make up most of your final assessment. Many universities also give you the opportunity to showcase your work to peers and industry members.

The exact structure and program content of each fashion program will vary depending on the university you choose, and the level of degree you study. Programs will include core modules and electives you can choose yourself. Examples of the most common fashion modules include:

• Fashion design
• Fashion in context
• Technical skills
• Visual studies
• Fashion in history
• Professional studio practice
• Communication and promotion
• Portfolio building

The ambition of most students will be to work in the fashion industry, and programs are designed to help all students achieve that goal. There are several different roles you can pursue within the industry, and popular careers for fashion graduates include:

• Fashion designer
• Retail buyer
• Stylist
• Textile designer
• Jewellery designer
• Pattern cutter
• Fashion journalist
• Fashion illustrator

Most universities or fashion schools will help you create a collection and portfolio that will give you the best possible chance of getting the role you want. Many programs have close relationships with local industry and may include internship opportunities to give you first-hand working experience.