10 Best Fashion Design Universities in the UK 2025

Aspiring to become the next big name in fashion? Discover the best fashion design universities in the UK that can make all the difference! The UK is home to some of the world’s most prestigious fashion schools, producing industry legends like Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney.

A fashion degree can help you transform your passion into a lucrative and fulfilling job, whether you’re a buyer, merchandiser, designer, or product developer. A variety of fascinating prospects await you as a fashion graduate, regardless of your preference for high-end fashion or making your mark on the high street.

But with so many options, how do you choose the best one? In this guide, we break down the 10 best fashion design universities in the UK for 2025, helping you find the perfect fit for your fashion career.

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Why Study Fashion Design at Universities in the UK?

In terms of fashion design, the UK has given birth to some of the world’s most renowned fashion designers and fashion labels. From Burberry, Barbour, and Whistles to Vivienne Westwood, Stella McCartney, and Alexander McQueen, the list is long and still expanding. For overseas students looking to get advanced skills in fashion design universities in the UK is a great choice because of this and its esteemed universities and design institutes.

You’ll be sure to find a fashion program that suits your interests thanks to the abundance of universities offering top-notch fashion programs, which range from famous London-based institutions like Central Saint Martins and the London College of Fashion to outstanding regional universities like Loughborough University and Glasgow School of Art. You may establish yourself in this fascinating industry and become a member of the fashion elite by studying in the UK.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fashion Design University

Selecting the right fashion school can significantly impact your career prospects. Here are key factors to consider when choosing the fashion design universities in the UK:

Accreditation & Reputation: Ensure the university is recognized by industry bodies and ranks highly in fashion education.
Course Specializations: Choose a program that aligns with your interests, whether in luxury fashion, sustainable design, or fashion marketing.
Location: Being in a fashion hub like London or Manchester can provide better access to internships, events, and networking opportunities.
Tuition & Scholarships: Assess the cost of education and available financial aid options.
Industry Connections & Internships: Schools with strong links to brands like Burberry, Alexander McQueen, and Vivienne Westwood offer better networking and job opportunities.
Facilities & Resources: Look for institutions with modern studios, 3D printing technology, textile labs, and fashion archives.
Graduate Success & Employability: Consider universities with notable alumni and high post-graduation employment rates.

Top 10 Fashion Design Universities in the UK 2025

1. Loughborough University

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 and the Complete University Guide 2025 both rate Loughborough third in the UK for Art and Design, and the Guardian Good University Guide currently ranks it first in the Fashion Design Universities in the UK and Textiles category. situated in Leicestershire’s Loughborough (in England’s East Midlands)

The Fashion Design and Technology BA program at Loughborough is an industry-focused degree run by a committed group of academics and industry experts, and teaching and learning activities are directly influenced by the university’s industrial relationships. The university has access to cutting-edge machinery that allows students to research the procedures involved in the production of textiles and clothing.

Tuition and fees
The cost of tuition for the 2025–2026 BA in Fashion Design and Technology program at Loughborough University is:

UK: £9,535
International: £23,950

2. London College of Fashion

One of the top fashion design universities in the UK, the University of Arts London’s London College of Fashion is a major force in the city’s creative sector, much like Central Saint Martins. The UK’s newest cultural district for learning, creativity, and innovation, the East Bank, is home to the university’s new campus on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. In the UK, UAL is now ranked sixth for fashion and textiles by the Guardian University Guide.

The college, which is situated in London, England, has substantial research facilities and places a high value on industry relationships and innovation through its fashion programs. Due to the college’s global connections, students can take advantage of a variety of internships and study abroad opportunities.

Fashion design and development, custom tailoring, cordwainers footwear, fashion sportswear, creative direction for fashion, fashion buying and merchandising, fashion contour, women’s and men’s clothing, fashion imaging and illustration, fashion jewelry, fashion journalism, fashion marketing and content creation, pattern cutting, fashion photography, fashion styling, textiles, fashion management, psychology of fashion, and fashion communication and PR are some of the BA (Hons) degrees that are currently available.

Tuition and fees
The annual tuition and fees for Central Saint Martins for 2024–2025 are as follows, albeit they have not yet been confirmed:

UK: £9,250
International: £28,570

3. Manchester Metropolitan University

Since Manchester Met is regarded as one of the top fashion design universities in the UK, it is now ranked 10th in the UK for Fashion and Textiles by the Guardian Good University Guide. Manchester Met’s BA (Hons) Fashion program is well known for turning forth innovative, creative, adaptable, and professional fashion graduates. The curriculum challenges the norms of fashion and textile design methods while emphasizing modern fashion design and encouraging students to be imaginative and creative.

The institution, which is situated in Manchester, North West England, has a vast global network that includes workshops, design studios, partner universities, internships, partnerships, and live briefs from China, India, Japan, Norway, Australia, and France. Graduates have gone on to become designers for brands like Rodier Paris, Abercrombie and Fitch, Dolce and Gabbana, Donna Karan, Roland Mouret, and Gieves and Hawkes.

Tuition and fees
For 2025–2026, the University of Manchester’s annual tuition and fees are:

UK: £9,535
International: £21,000

4. University of Central Lancashire

According to The Guardian Good University Guide, UCLan, which is situated in Preston, Lancashire (North West England), is now ranked ninth in the UK for fashion and textiles. You have the option of finishing the University’s BA Hons degree in Fashion Design in three years or taking a work internship in the third year, for a total of four years. It is also one of the top fashion design universities in the UK

Through practical experience with industry-standard tools and software, the curriculum gives students the chance to hone their talents in design, illustration, marketing, and other areas. With a curriculum that strikes a mix between theory and real-world application and a faculty of seasoned professionals,

Tuition and fees
The University of Central Lancashire’s tuition and fees for 2025–2026 are:

UK: £9,535 per year plus an extra £1,575 if the sandwich year option is selected.
International: £17,325 per year

5. The Glasgow School of Art

One of the top fashion design universities in the UK, the Glasgow School of Art is situated in Glasgow, Scotland, and is a preeminent institution for teaching and research in the visual and creative arts. According to the Times Good University Guide 2025, it is now placed 15th in the UK for art and design, while the QS World University Rankings for Art and Design 2024 currently place it 13th.

One of the more than fifteen degree programs that Glasgow School of Art offers is the BA in Fashion Design. There are about 150 international students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs at the Department of Fashion and Textiles. In order to “create highly specialized subject experts in an expert amongst experts environment,” the four-year program emphasizes fashion design’s dynamic, collaborative, and ever-evolving nature.

As the 2024 Scottish University of the Year in the Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide, the University of Glasgow, a member of the esteemed Russell Group, has validated all GSA degree programs. Some of the current destinations for graduates are Ted Baker, All Saints, Diesel, Alberta Ferretti, Diane Von Furstenberg, Cath Kidston, Speedo, and Urban Outfitters.

Tuition and fees
For 2025–2026, The Glasgow School of Arts’ annual tuition and fees are:

Scotland: £1,820
Rest of UK: TBC
International: £24,350

6. Central Saint Martins – (University of Arts, London)

One of the top fashion design universities in the UK is Central Saint Martins, one of the six colleges that comprise the University of the Arts London (UAL). According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, UAL is now placed second in the world for art and design, while the Guardian University Guide 2025 places UAL sixth in the UK for fashion and textiles. One of the most prestigious and competitive design programs in the world is Central Saint Martins’ BA design Design degree.

Fashion designers Stella McCartney, Christopher Kane, and Alexander McQueen are among the college’s most well-known graduates in the field of fashion design. Graduates of Central Saint Martins make up more than half of the designers showcasing at London Fashion Week. Fashion Design: Print, Fashion Design: Menswear, Fashion Design: Womenswear, Fashion Design: Knitwear, and Fashion Design: Communication are among the Bachelor of Fashion Design degrees offered at Central Saint Martin.

Tuition and fees
The annual tuition and fees for Central Saint Martins for 2024–2025 are as follows, albeit they have not yet been confirmed:

UK: £9,250
International: £28,570

7. University of Edinburgh

The Edinburgh College of Art (ECA), which is situated in Edinburgh, Scotland, is unique among fashion design universities in the UK since it offers a state-of-the-art fashion education that encourages individual creative freedom and design innovation, as well as a generous amount of tutoring. In terms of fashion and textiles, the University of Edinburgh is now ranked third in the UK by the Guardian Good University Guide.

The Lauriston Place location of Edinburgh College of Art is where the BA in Fashion program is offered. Among its many exceptional technical facilities are industrial sewing machines and irons, workrooms for cutting patterns, knitwear and embroidery equipment, and laser cutting facilities.

Students have the chance to take part in live briefs and contests hosted by well-known fashion brands such as Sophie Halette, Dr. Martens, Mackintosh, and H&M. ECA graduates have gone on to work for high-end fashion labels such as Gucci, Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Reiss, Cos, H&M, and Balenciaga.

Tuition and fees
The University of Edinburgh’s annual tuition and fees for 2025–2026 are:

UK: £1,820
International: £36,800

8. Bucks New University

In High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire (Central England), one of the top fashion design universities in the UK is located. Bucks New University is currently ranked 13th in the UK for Fashion and Textiles by the Guardian Good University Guide. Students pursuing a BA (Hons) degree in Fashion Design at the institution have easy access to exhibitions and events in one of the fashion capitals of the world, from London, it’s just a 30-minute train ride. With industry-standard studios, sophisticated machinery, and top-notch equipment, the University’s Fashion and Textile Studios is among the best-equipped workshops in the nation.

Tuition and fees
Buckinghamshire University’s tuition and fees for the 2025–2026 academic year are:

UK: £9,535 per year
International: £15,150 per year

9. Kingston University

Kingston University, which is located in Kingston, London, is one of the few universities in the world to receive four badges of excellence from the Business of Fashion for Best Learning Experience, Best Long-term Value, Best Global Influence, and Best Overall. The university’s Fashion BA (Hons) program was ranked fourth for Fashion in The Guardian University Guide league table 2025. It is regarded as one of the top fashion design universities in the UK.

Students experiment with sketching, 2D to 3D, knitwear, and digital printing in the university’s fashion design labs and workshops throughout the term to create their own distinctive style. Strong industry ties help fashion students, and Kingston graduates have landed top jobs at international fashion brands like Burberry, Calvin Klein, Paul Smith, All Saints, and Alexander McQueen. Charli Cohen, Joshua Kane, and Sophie Hulme are among the other graduates who have established their own labels.

Tuition and fees
For 2025–2026, Kingston University’s annual tuition and fees are:

UK: £9,535
International: £19,500

10. University for the Creative Arts

The University for the Creative Arts is now ranked 15th in the UK for Fashion and Textiles by the Guardian Good University Guide, making it one of the best fashion design universities in the UK. Through the School of Fashion and Textiles at UCA Epsom, UCA offers fashion courses. The institution is investing an estimated £15 million to enhance its professional fashion and textiles facilities.

South East England’s Kent and Surrey are home to the school (the Epsom, Surrey campus offers fashion studies). In addition to learning from academic and industry professionals, UCA fashion students get the opportunity to participate in live briefs and competitions that allow them to network with other professionals.

The following degree programs are offered in fashion: Fashion Design (BA Hons), Fashion Atelier & Tailoring (BA Hons), Fashion Photography (BA Hons), and Fashion Image & Styling (BA Hons). Postgraduate students can also enroll in a ground-breaking MA program in Digital Fashion, which gives them the opportunity to create completely virtual clothing. Worldwide, it is the first of its sort.

Tuition and fees

The following are UCA’s annual tuition and fees for 2025–2026:

UK and EU: £9,535
International: £17,500

Other top Fashion Design Universities in the UK

The 10 fashion design universities in the UK listed above are only a handful of the many excellent institutions in the UK for fashion and fashion design. Students from Kings Art and Design have advanced to other reputable institutions that also provide fashion-related programs, such as:

UWE Bristol
Nottingham Trent University
University of Manchester
University of Westminster
University of Southampton
Southampton Solent University
Royal College of Art
University of Leeds
Leeds Arts University
Arts University Bournemouth
De Montfort University

Frequently Asked Questions

How does artificial intelligence (AI) impact fashion education and design innovation?
AI is transforming fashion education by introducing tools like AI-powered design software, trend forecasting, and digital fashion creation. Many top universities now integrate AI into their curriculum to help students develop cutting-edge skills.
What role does sustainability play in modern fashion programs?
With growing environmental concerns, fashion schools are focusing on sustainable materials, circular fashion design, and ethical production. Some UK universities now offer specialized courses in eco-friendly fashion.
Can I pursue a career in fashion technology with a design degree?
Yes! Many graduates enter fields like digital fashion, 3D garment modeling, and virtual fashion shows, combining tech with creativity to shape the future of fashion.
How do UK fashion schools compare to those in Paris and Milan?
UK universities emphasize innovation, conceptual design, and industry partnerships, while Paris and Milan focus on haute couture and luxury brand heritage.
What are the best networking strategies for fashion students?
Attending fashion weeks, participating in industry-led projects, and leveraging LinkedIn can help students connect with top designers and secure job placements.

In conclusion, choosing among the best fashion design universities in the UK is a crucial step in launching a successful career in the industry. The UK boasts some of the world’s best institutions, offering cutting-edge programs, top-tier faculty, and direct links to global fashion brands.

With the right education, internships, and industry connections, you can establish yourself in the highly competitive fashion world. Fashion schools like Central Saint Martins and the London College of Fashion provide unparalleled opportunities to gain hands-on experience and showcase your designs on global platforms.

Whether you’re passionate about haute couture, sustainable fashion, or digital design, the fashion design universities in the UK can help turn your creative dreams into reality. Before making your choice, consider factors such as location, specialization, and career support. Take advantage of open days, alumni networks, and industry links to make an informed decision.