Fashion Branding and Communication with a Foundation Year - BA (Hons)
- UCAS Code: 1008
- Level: Foundation
- Starting: September 2021
- Study mode: Full Time (4 years)
- Location: City Centre
Studying with us in 2021/22
It is possible that the 2021/22 academic year may be affected by the ongoing disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Any arrangements put in place by the University for the 2021/22 academic year will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, pandemic-related/health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
Do you want a fashion degree that will enable you to pursue a career within the industry, specifically fashion communication and branding? Then this course is for you. Its unique mix of both fashion communication and branding will give you the skills you will need to be a creative, confident, well-informed fashion communicator, ready for the industry
About foundation courses
The foundation course is an exciting step towards your chosen degree. It provides an opportunity to develop skills to equip you on your professional journey into the creative industries.
The programme encompasses elements of fashion design, fashion business and textile design degree routes. It provides a platform for you to share with and learn from others, while developing visual communication skills and processes. It will help you in building confidence and independence ready for the next stage of your degree.
We aim to excite, engage and challenge you, pushing you to develop into a capable student with a great fashion and textiles aesthetic as well as an enthusiasm to learn.
This four-year programme has been specifically designed to allow you to undertake additional level three study, to ensure you are successful on your chosen degree programme.
After successful completion of your foundation year, you will have the flexibility to switch (should you wish to change direction) onto a number of related undergraduate degree programmes within the School of Fashion and Textiles.
What's covered in the course?
You will be taught by an industry-experienced teaching team and by visiting industry professionals. There is also the opportunity to participate in live industry-based projects and competitions, such as working with Textile View 2 magazine, and L’oreal Brand Storm.
You will develop visual and written communication skills across a broad range of creative media (creative direction and styling, art direction and graphics, print and digital design, branding strategy and journalistic writing) associated with the fashion industry. There will also be the chance to showcase your final-year work to industry leaders, at events such as Graduate Fashion Week in London.
Based at our City Centre Campus, you will have access to photography studios and equipment, relevant software and computer equipment, as well as a faculty of creative students to collaborate with. You can also take part in the international Erasmus exchange programme and choose to follow our four-year sandwich option, which features a one-year industry internship.
Covering trend, branding, print, layout and design has made me confident I can grow these skills in a work environment and apply for jobs in all areas.
Chloe Thorne, School of Fashion and Textiles graduate, 2016
Why Choose Us?
- You'll get to work on international industry competitions, such as L’Oreal Brand Storm.
- You'll enjoy a vast archive of fashion publications dating back to the 1930s.
- You'll have the opportunity to showcase your final-year work to industry leaders at events such as Graduate Fashion Week in London and our Arts, Design and Media (ADM) Faculty degree show in Birmingham.
- You'll have the chance to visit international fashion cities such as London, Berlin, Copenhagen and New York.
- You'll collaborate with other students from across the ADM faculty.
This course is open to International students
Discover the School of Fashion and Textiles
Visit our School site for more student work and extra information.
What our students say
We're very proud of the diverse, exciting student population we have on the Foundation Year in the School of Fashion and Textiles. Every year, we welcome many students from across the UK and beyond, so who better to tell you their experience?
Where our students go
Our students have gone on to work with companies such as:
And in jobs such as:
- PR & marketing
- Styling and photoshoot production
Entry Requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
UK students
| Essential | ||
|---|---|---|
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80 UCAS tariff points. |
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At the point of entry, students will need Maths and English Language GCSEs grade 4 (C) or above. |
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| LEVEL 2 QUALIFICATIONS | ||
| GCSE |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) |
See level 3 entry under Irish Leaving Certificate for full details | |
| Scottish National 5 |
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IELTS |
Minimum overall score of 6.0, with 6.0 in writing and no less than 5.5 in the remaining three skills. | |
| LEVEL 3 (and above) QUALIFICATIONS | ||
| A Level and Advanced VCE |
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AS and AS VCE |
Considered with a maximum of 3 other Level 3 qualifications (AS Levels must be in different subject to A-Levels) to obtain 80 pts | |
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Access to HE Diploma |
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MMP | |
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Foundation Studies (Art and Design, and Art, Design & Media) |
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IBO Certificate in Higher Level |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers) |
Pass the Irish Leaving Certificate with a minimum of 80 tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects. This must include English Language and Maths taken at either Ordinary Level (minimum grade O1-O4 (or A-C/A1-C3)) or Higher level minimum grade H1/H7 (or A-D / A1-D3 up to and including 2016 | |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma |
MMP | |
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Scottish Advanced Higher |
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T-Levels |
Pass overall (C or above on the core) | |
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UAL Extended Diploma in Art & Design |
Merit overall | |
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UAL Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology |
Merit overall | |
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UAL Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts |
Merit overall | |
| Other qualifications | ||
| If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. |
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Extra information for EU/International students
| Essential | ||
|---|---|---|
| EU/Non-EU (International) Qualifications | Requirements | |
| IELTS |
Minimum overall score of 6.0, with 6.0 in writing and no less than 5.5 in the remaining three skills. If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information. |
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Mature Applicants
Applications from mature students (21+) with alternative qualifications and/or considerable work experience will be considered on their merits.
- UK students
- International students
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 4 years
- £9,250 per year
- Apply via UCAS
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 4 years
- £13,200 per year
If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead. The University reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation based on the Retail Prices Index or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament up to a maximum of five per cent.
Guidance for UK students
UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
Applying through UCAS
Register with UCAS
Login to UCAS
Complete your details
Select your course
Write a personal statement
Get a reference
Pay your application fee
Send UCAS your application
Portfolio Guidance
If you are an International student and your application is progressed, you will be asked to submit a portfolio of your creative work. Your portfolio is your opportunity to show us examples of your work and creative interests to support your application.
Please see our international portfolio guidance page for guidance on how to create and submit your portfolio.
Please note that if you are a UK/ EU student you will not be required to submit a portfolio.
Additional costs
Our courses include activities such as performance, exhibitions, field trips and production of works or artefacts which may require you to purchase specific equipment, instruments, books, materials, hire of venues and accommodation, or other items.
Based on the past experience of our students, you might find it helpful to set aside about £50 for each year of your studies for your personal stationery and study materials. All our students are provided with 100 free pages of printing each year to a maximum total value of £15.
Accommodation and living costs
The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.
Foundation year
Your study will involve reading and analysis, discussion and debate, and practical activities which allow you to test and implement your skills and knowledge. In addition to attending classes you will be required to complete preparation and follow-up tasks and activities to support your learning.
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Year one
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 80 credits):
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete the following OPTIONAL module (totalling 40 credits):
Year two
Year two modules build upon your knowledge and skills gained in year one, and apply this to a more external focus, including industry competitions and internships, thus allowing you to focus on your professional and career goals.
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits):
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules:
Year three
In your final year you will focus on the area of the fashion industry you intend to work in. You are able to tailor your final-year projects to an area of the industry you're most interested in, and supports your career ambitions.
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
You'll gain the skills you'll need to be a creative, confident and well-informed fashion communicator ready for the industry. Designers, brands and industry influencers all need strong visual communicators with a creative edge and commercial awareness.
You'll develop an all-round, in-depth understanding of the world of fashion communication and branding. It is an ideal choice if you are imaginative and committed to exploring the very best of the fashion sector.
Our classes
Students on this course are creative, passionate individuals who enjoy working both individually and as part of a group. Lectures are classroom-based and full of discussion and interaction. Regular visiting industry speakers provide insight and inspiration.
Practical and primary research is fundamental to all modules and you'll be encouraged to visit relevant exhibitions and cities. Collaboration is key to the fashion industry and to this course. You'll have the opportunity to work with other students from different courses across the faculty on photoshoots, films, magazines and exhibitions all as part of your study.
Student stories
Chloe's story
Student Chloe Thorne created, genderless fashion brand, ZIE, which included a brand identity based in response to market trends and consumer demand. Chloe's work included a full branding package, photoshoot and marketing material.
Melissa's story
Student Melissa Poulton created a magazine concept for a new men’s magazine. Based on research which identified a gap in the market for a new male consumer currently not catered for, primary research involved interviewing the editor of GQ and a work placement there, which inspired her magazine VANN. Involving photoshoots, interviews with local bands, and creative illustrations, Melissa's concept also won an award at Graduate Fashion Week for New Media.
Further study
Further study can be taken at the university on our postgraduate course MA Fashion Promotion.
Trips and visits
Trips run across the three years, with regular visits to London and other UK cities. As well as this, trips to New York, Berlin and Copenhagen are also on offer.
Foundation student project
Students on the Fashion and Textiles Foundation took part in The Signature Project where they used personal creative strategies to show off a range of skills and showcase their personal design style in preparation for the next step of their chosen degree.
Enhancing employability skills
Employability is embedded throughout the course with relevant skills, such as Adobe InDesign and Photoshop, being taught as well as professional skills such as copywriting, creative narrative, trend forecasting and brand strategy.
Graduates from this course have gone on to work in roles that use these skills within the creative industries.
Placements
Students have taken internships within a wide range of fashion companies, such as fashion publications GQ, InStyle magazine, Grazia magazine, The Daily Mail and Suitcase magazine. Others have gained experience with Selfridges, ASOS and Topshop.
Graduate jobs
The type of industry job roles that graduates would move in to could include: art direction and creative direction, styling, photoshoot production, magazine production and editorial content, brand management and fashion graphics, social media content creation and management, trend forecasting, journalism and copywriting for brands and magazines, and fashion film creation.
OpportUNIty
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
Fashion Branding and Communication graduate
During her course, Paige completed an industry work placement at a Birmingham-based publishing company, working on various publications and magazines. Her experience working in this industry gave her the skills and confidence to start her own publishing business.
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here.
- Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies.
- Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country.
- Learn where to find financial support for your studies.
Additional information
Our course is particularly popular with students from Brunei. The Brunei Birmingham Society aims to strengthen the community cohesion of the Bruneians in Birmingham by organising events ranging from religious festivities to cultural and sports-based events.
The society welcomes any potential Bruneians planning to study in Birmingham and is happy to answer questions about student life in Birmingham.
Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC)
International students who have a serious interest in studying with us but who perhaps cannot meet the direct entry requirements, academic or English, or who have been out of education for some time, can enter Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC) and begin their degree studies.
BCUIC is part of the global Navitas Group, an internationally recognised education provider, and the partnership allows students to access the University’s facilities and services and move seamlessly through to achieving a Bachelor’s degree from Birmingham City University.
Popular home countries
Our students come from around the world but our fashion design course is most popular with international students from:
Brunei
Our Facilities
You’ll be based in our School of Fashion and Textiles, within The Parkside Building. The Parkside Building is part of our new multi-million pound City Centre Campus development in the heart of Birmingham's Eastside development.
Our staff
All staff on the course have extensive experience in the fashion industry, drawing on a wide range of roles, from brand strategy to trend forecasting and creative direction.
Louise Martin
Foundation Year Course Director
Louise’s Masters in textile design established the foundation for her design journey. From this platform, Louise started to build a career as an interior designer, regional design manager, stylist, and as a lecturer in fashion and textiles. Louise now has over 10 years' teaching experience as a lecturer.
As a designer maker, Louise has developed her own business, growing her knowledge within this creative sector, continually learning new techniques, technical know-how and client facing skills in order to develop the final products ready for market.
Louise still actively works as an interior design consultant where she is able to use her extensive experience and creativity to interpret clients’ needs into inspiring schemes that meet their specification and budget. Ongoing research supported with regular visits to design shows ensures she is always aware of current fashions and trends.