Study fashion design abroad
An in-depth guide to studying fashion design as an international student.
Explore fashion design programs abroad
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PhD programs in
fashion designNo programs listed
Fashion design degrees abroad
Fashion design programs are ideal for students hoping to blend their passion for fashion with a fulfilling career. You’ll develop the theoretical, practical and professional skills needed to make your mark in this global industry.
You’ll explore every stage of the fashion design process, from market research, sketching and fabric sourcing, to garment cutting, construction and distribution. You’ll experiment with different colors, patterns, and textures until you find your own style. As well as delving into the history of fashion, you’ll examine current trends and consider the challenges faced by today’s designers.
Fashion is an industry that thrives off international collaboration and inspiration. Designers are constantly pushing each other to establish new trends and keep up with market demand. Not only is studying abroad a priceless chance to network with international designers, but it’s also a great way to see how fashions vary between cultures and countries.
Fashion design program structure
Although most bachelor’s degrees in fashion design require at least three years of full-time study, many integrate an optional placement year. Completing a placement year is one of the best ways to build professional connections and boost your employability.
If you’re hoping to study in the US, remember that most universities follow the liberal arts model. This means that your BA will last four years and you’ll only declare a major in fashion design after finishing your second year of general education.
With a fashion design major in your pocket, you might want to narrow your focus and gain a postgraduate degree. Master’s degrees are normally studied over one or two years, with PhDs taking several years on top of this.
You’ll be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials and studio-based workshops. Assessment methods will vary depending on the modules you select, but you’ll probably complete portfolios, essays, research projects, presentations and fashion shows.
Every university’s fashion design program will differ slightly. However, most will ensure that you acquire a sound understanding of the following fundamentals:
- Fashion design in practice
- Fashion history and theory
- Design concepts and contexts
- Capturing the market
- Design cultures
- Capturing the market
- Sketching and illustration
- Computer-aided design and manufacture
Alternative fashion degrees
How to study fashion design abroad
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Fashion design study abroad programs
Fashion design undergraduate programs
Bachelor's in fashion design
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Fashion Design - BA Macromedia University of Applied Sciences, Germany
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 42 months
- Tuition fees per year
- 8,200 EUR
- Start date
- October
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Textiles, Merchandising, Fashion Design (Merchandising) - BSc University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 27,000 USD
- Start date
- January, June, August
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Fashion (Design Technology) - BA RMIT University, Australia
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 31,680 AUD
- Start date
- February, July
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Fashion Design - BA Lipscomb University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 30,860 USD
- Start date
- January, September
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Fashion Design with Business - BA (Hons) Glasgow Caledonian University, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 11,845 GBP
- Start date
- September
Associate in fashion design
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Fashion Design and Technology - AA RMIT University, Australia
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 29,760 AUD
- Start date
- February, July
Fashion design graduate programs
Master's in fashion design
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Fashion (Design) - by coursework - MA RMIT University, Australia
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 32,640 AUD
- Start date
- February, July
Diploma in fashion design
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Fashion Design - OCDip Fanshawe College, Canada
- Program type
- Postgraduate diploma
- Duration
- 20 months
- Tuition fees per year
- 16,884 CAD
- Start date
- September
Future fashion design careers
A degree in fashion design can open up several exciting and lucrative employment opportunities. Your creative flair, industry knowledge, and practical expertise will make you the perfect fit for positions in fashion houses, design agencies, retail stores and manufacturers.
Fashion design graduates go on to land roles like:
- Fashion designer
- Fashion merchandiser
- Fashion buyer
- Fashion journalist
- Stylist
- Product manager
- Clothing technologist
- Fashion illustrator
The fashion world is fiercely competitive so it’s important to get as much experience under your belt as possible. Applying for relevant internships, entering undergraduate design competitions and volunteering at local fashion events is a great way to improve your resume.
