Fashion, Textiles & Footwear

Fashion, textiles, and footwear occupy an extraordinary range of creative and commercial territory, from the haute couture atelier to the global supply chain, from materials innovation to the cultural politics of dress. Studying these disciplines at degree level develops both creative skills and critical understanding, preparing you for a sector that values imagination, technical competence, and an awareness of sustainability and social responsibility.

At the University of Northampton, this three-year full-time programme allows you to explore a range of industry-relevant topics before specialising in fashion, footwear, or textiles. Northampton has a distinctive heritage in footwear and leather goods, which gives the programme a particular depth and authenticity in those areas, alongside expertise in fashion design and textile development. You will develop skills in design, pattern cutting, construction, material research, and trend analysis, alongside an understanding of the fashion and textiles industries, their histories, their supply chains, and the ethical questions they raise.

Studio work, projects, and critique are central to your development as a practitioner, and you will build a portfolio that demonstrates both your creative abilities and your understanding of professional standards.

The typical entry tariff is 104 UCAS points. Graduates from fashion, textiles, and footwear programmes go on to careers as fashion designers, textile designers, footwear designers, pattern technologists, buyers, merchandisers, product developers, fashion stylists, and in creative direction and brand management. Many also work in sustainable fashion, upcycling, and material innovation.

Further study options include postgraduate programmes in fashion design, sustainable fashion, and textile innovation.