Fashion Communication - BA (Hons)

Currently viewing course to start in 2025/26 Entry.

The BA (Hons) Fashion Communication is a fashion-focused visual design course. We combine art direction, styling, graphic design, film, animation, photography, journalism, events, and trend forecasting for fashion. We brand, style, write, shoot, package, and direct....

  • Level Undergraduate
  • Study mode Full Time

This course is:

Available with Professional Placement year

Open to International Students

Overview

The BA (Hons) Fashion Communication is a fashion-focused visual design course. We combine art direction, styling, graphic design, film, animation, photography, journalism, events, and trend forecasting for fashion.

We brand, style, write, shoot, package, and direct. As an interdisciplinary course, we communicate to consumers in both the real world and the metaverse, driven by creative storytelling. We are not mere followers; we are pioneers, embracing a forward-thinking mindset that positions us at the forefront.

Our focus is on developing fashion communicators with exceptional craft skills, ready to influence the industry with strong future-proofing capabilities. Our students are at the cutting edge of contemporary fashion communication, working within the metaverse while maintaining a strong foundation in print design and live events, meeting the fashion industry's highest standards of visual communication.

We challenge conventions by seamlessly blending design, art direction, and promotion to convey ideas and concepts. Envision yourself art directing and orchestrating magazine covers, fashion shoots, directing fashion films, music videos and shaping brands visual identities with strategic finesse.

Rooted in our love of tradition and craft, we are equally committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation and sustainability for a better world. As global citizens, we champion principles addressing climate issues, racial equality, and social justice. We are not just fashion creators; we are advocates for positive change.

We pride ourselves at being at the core of the fashion industry and influencing its future. Our teaching team is made up of industry specialists and we have a proven track record of working with top brands and influential industry practitioners. We are an award-winning course that shapes fashion communicators that can work in teams, as individuals as well as nurturing entrepreneurs and future proofers.

In this nurturing environment, pastoral care is at the core of our ethos. We care about your growth as an individual, fostering a supportive community where your well-being matters. Our commitment extends beyond the academic, ensuring that you not only succeed in your creative pursuits but also feel valued and supported on a personal level.

This course is open to International students.

What's covered in this course?

We challenge conventions by seamlessly blending design, art direction, and promotion to convey ideas and concepts. Envision yourself art directing and orchestrating magazine covers, fashion shoots, directing fashion films, music videos and shaping brands visual identities with strategic finesse.

Rooted in our love of tradition and craft, we are equally committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation and sustainability for a better world. As global citizens, we champion principles addressing climate issues, racial equality, and social justice. We are not just fashion creators; we are advocates for positive change.

We pride ourselves at being at the core of the fashion industry and influencing its future. Our teaching team is made up of industry specialists and we have a proven track record of working with top brands and influential industry practitioners. We are an award-winning course that shapes fashion communicators that can work in teams, as individuals as well as nurturing entrepreneurs and future proofers.

In this nurturing environment, pastoral care is at the core of our ethos. We care about your growth as an individual, fostering a supportive community where your well-being matters. Our commitment extends beyond the academic, ensuring that you not only succeed in your creative pursuits but also feel valued and supported on a personal level.

Professional Placement Year

This course offers an optional professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, following successful completion of your second year, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.

If you choose to pursue a placement year, you will need to find a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional, and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you are able to secure a placement, you can request to be transferred to the placement version of the course.

Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year.

The best thing about the course is gaining true industry knowledge and skills, across many creative areas – all while having fun! By studying a wide range of subjects, I was able to pinpoint the exact section of fashion I wanted a career in.

Kesia Zissman

Why Choose Us?

  • You'll get to work on international industry competitions, such as Vogue New Talent.
  • 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.
  • Develop a range of transferable skills taught by industry experienced staff and alumni.
  • You'll collaborate with other students from across the ADM faculty.

Fashion-Branding-Communication

Open Days

Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students, explore our campus and tour accommodation.

Next Open Day: 24 November 2024

Book your place

Entry Requirements

These entry requirements apply for entry in 2025/26.

All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.

Essential requirements

Applicants will also need to submit a good portfolio.

If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.

Fees & How to Apply

Please select your student status to view fees and apply
  • UK Student
  • International Student

UK students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

Award: BA (Hons)

Starting: Sep 2025

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees

International students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

Award: BA (Hons)

Starting: Sep 2025

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees
  • Full Time
  • 3 years
  • £17,690 in 2025/26

Access to computer equipment

You will require use of a laptop, and most students do prefer to have their own. However, you can borrow a laptop from the university or use one of our shared computer rooms.

Printing

You will receive £5 print credit in each year of your course, available after enrolment.

Field trips

All essential field trips and associated travel costs will be included in your course fees.

Access to Microsoft Office 365

Every student at the University can download a free copy of Microsoft Office 365 to use whilst at university and for 18 months after graduation.

Key software

You will be able to download SPSS and Nvivo to your home computer to support with your studies and research.

Key subscriptions

Subscriptions to key journals and websites are available through our library.

Exhibitions (mandatory)

Students may be required to enter Graduate Fashion Week.

Excess printing (optional)

Once you have spent your £5 credit, additional printing on campus costs from 5p per sheet.

Books (optional)

All module key texts will be in the University library, but in limited numbers. You may choose to purchase a copy.

Field trips (optional)

This course includes the option of additional trips that may enhance your experience, at extra cost.

Project materials (optional)

You'll be expected to provide the materials for use in your end of year shows and physical course work; costs will vary depending on the materials selected, but are likely to be in the region of £40 per year.

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.

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

  1. Register with UCAS
  2. Login to UCAS and complete your details
  3. Select your course and write a personal statement
  4. Get a reference
  5. Pay your application fee and submit your application

Guidance for International students

There are three ways to apply:

1) Direct to the University

You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.

2) Through a country representative

Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.

3) Through UCAS

If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.

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.

Personal statement

UK / EU students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.*

The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.

Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:

  • Course choice - Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
  • Career plans - If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
  • Work experience - Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
  • School or college experience - Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
  • Non-accredited skills or achievement - eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.

You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.

Worried about Personal Statements?

If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.

Get personal statement advice

*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.

Course in Depth

Year one

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 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:

Professional Placement Year (Optional)

In order to qualify for the award of BA (Hons) Fashion Communication with Professional Placement Year a student must successfully complete the following module.

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):

Download course specification

Download now

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.


Trips and visits

Trips run across the three years, with regular visits to London and other UK cities.

Student stories

Ashlie Morgan

Our students jumped at the chance to team up with Lady Gaga's designer, Jack Irving, as he unveiled his latest interactive collection at London Fashion Week. Second-year BA Fashion Communication student Ashlie Morgan took the lead on managing Jack Irving's social media presence before and during LNDFW. Ashlie shared, "Getting to connect with big names in the fashion scene and feeling their energy is simply thrilling. Massive thanks to founder Lee Lapthorne and the whole On|Off team for this amazing opportunity."

Johnny Hardstaff

Process Seminar Fashion Communication students at Parkside Campus were thrilled to host renowned Filmmaker and Image Maker Johnny Hardstaff, kicking off the academic year with insights into his stellar career. Hardstaff revolutionized advertising with his groundbreaking 2000 film "History of Gaming" for Sony PlayStation, which gained cult status after spreading virally through social media and film festivals. Collaborating with Ridley Scott on films like "Prometheus - ‘David’" (2012), Hardstaff reshaped traditional advertising by crafting fresh narratives for TV and cinema ads, using lead actors like Michael Fassbender. With a career spanning two decades, Hardstaff has left his mark on diverse clients including Audi, Ferrari, Honda, Sony, and notably, Gucci, showcasing his versatility and creativity.

Employability

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 and Suitcase magazine. Others have gained experience with Selfridges, ASOSTopshop and Puma.


Live projects

Fashion Communication students have previously partnered with Lounge UnderwearNew Balance and Size.

Collaborations like these give students an insight into the day-to-day running of a large online retailer and a chance to explore the job roles at the organisation. It also provides potential links for placements and graduate jobs.


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.


International

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:

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.

Facilities & Staff

Parkside article photo

Our Facilities

Fashion and Textiles courses are based at our Parkside Building, which is part of our multi-million pound City Centre Campus development in the heart of Birmingham's Eastside development.

Our staff

Adam Guy

Course Director and Senior Lecturer, BA (Hons) Fashion Communication

Adam is a Creative Director and educator who works across print and moving image. He has 25 years working with music industry clients at Radio 1, 1Xtra and art directed print publications for fashion publishers such as EMAP. Adam was a founding member of the motion graphics studio Mainframe. More recently Adam has enjoyed success working as an...

More about Adam

Helen Grainger

Lecturer in BA (Hons) Fashion Communication

Helen has 13 years of experience working as a Senior Creative Manager for international fashion retail brands such as Urban Outfitters. She has been heavily involved in creative project management, specialising in store openings, store re-fits and spatial planning. Her industry career has provided insights into all forms of visual communication and...

More about Helen

Adam Francis

Senior Lecturer

Adam is a Senior Lecturer in BA (Hons) Fashion Communication at Birmingham City University. He is a fellow of the Higher Education Academy with a background in menswear, fashion visualization and socially conscious messaging that informs a teaching practice.

More about Adam

Jo Hurley

Lecturer - BA (Hons) Fashion Communication

Jo has experience working within the world of consumer trends for The Future Laboratory. Working across projects for Marks & Spencer, Olay and Thomas Pink. This has provided creative insight with a focus on qualitative and quantitative analysis highlighting market trends. With a love for vintage clothing, Jo had a fashion vintage business...

More about Jo