Access to HE Diploma: Fashion

When & Where

8 January 2025 - 16 December 2025 ( 406 hours, 34 weeks )
Daytime, Morning, Afternoon, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
View course timetable
Waterloo Centre

Quick Facts

Availability Yes
Tutor Multiple
Course Code W24FASH01B
Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

This diploma explores the many disciplines of fashion through innovative and exciting approaches to research and experimentation, guiding you through the process of producing a portfolio that tells your story and shares your vision. Our bespoke course provides you with key skills in fashion design, garment construction, pattern cutting, drawing, textiles, digital imaging and fashion photography, all of which are delivered by experienced professionals in our well-equipped studios. As our goal is to help you progress into Higher Education, this course also prepares you for the practicalities of studying at degree level by introducing academic and critical thinking, and includes support with university interviews. Alumni have been accepted onto top fashion programmes at prestigious institutions including London College of Fashion, Central St Martins, Kingston University, Ravensbourne University, and Middlesex University. We have successfully placed graduates onto a diverse range of undergraduate Fashion degree pathways with some progressing directly to postgraduate study. Others have transitioned directly into the industry to start their own businesses or join established fashion powerhouses. Can’t wait to get started? See what our current students are up to by following us on Instagram @morleyfashionundergrad

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Understand the role of research in design
Confidently use a range of different methodologies for gathering and working creatively with visual research
Explore and experiment with mixed media to develop a portfolio of fashion designs and details
Learn a variety of sewing techniques necessary for garment construction and essential pattern cutting techniques to complete pattern drafts
Create diverse and wide-ranging textile samples which will inform your designs
Produce a series of fashion photographs based on a storyboard of primary and secondary research to show concept and lighting ideas
Create digital images through the application of industry relevant software, tools and techniques

On successful completion of the course, you will achieve the following qualification: Access to HE Diploma (Fashion Studies) [OCNLR]

Class format and activities

Classes for this course are delivered in person at our Waterloo Centre and online. This way of working offers maximum flexibility, as Access to HE is designed to help you build the confidence required to meet the challenges of university study and beyond. Achievement on your course will be measured by completion of assignments, set with specific deadlines, in a diverse range of formats including; • Digitally documented academic and visual research files • Physically and digitally produced sketchbook and portfolio • Written assignments • Physically produced and digitally documented garments, patterns, and toiles • Physically produced and digitally documented textiles techniques • Digital and live presentations • Formal and informal critiques In order to ensure that you make the best possible progress on your course, you will have regular and detailed feedback from your tutors, in a constructive and supportive environment.

Entry requirements

We offer places based on the strength of your portfolio and your performance at interview. All applicants will be invited to participate in one of our signature Taster Days where you will have the opportunity to experience a range of practice sessions and to present your portfolio during a personal interview. Previous experience in drawing and basic computer skills are required. All students are expected to have a good standard of computer literacy, including confidence in using Microsoft Word and PowerPoint programmes. Sewing or pattern cutting is helpful but not essential. Please download a copy of the Programme Specification for additional information. You must also have achieved a minimum grade of C or 4 at GCSE level in English. For more information on entry requirements for our Access to Higher Education Diplomas please visit the page in the top menu. Here, you will also find information outlining different funding options for the course.

What you need to know before you enrol

Access to HE: Fashion is a part-time course of up to 3 days per week, taught in college and online. Excellent attendance and punctuality of over 90% is required from all students. In addition to scheduled class sessions, this course requires the completion of self-directed study alongside taught sessions.

What you need

Practical Art and Design courses require students to invest in tools and materials in order to produce required coursework. A detailed list of specialist supplies required for this course will be provided by your tutors at the start of term, however, the following items are essential from day one: • A sewing machine • A desktop or laptop computer with camera and microphone/headset and adequate storage space / processing speeds for art & design applications • Access to internet data / Wi-Fi with sufficient strength for video calls • A camera or camera phone In addition to the items listed here, we suggest you ensure you have access to £500 for materials This is the average spend per student in 2022.

What you can do next

Our Access to HE: Fashion Studies course is delivered in strategic partnership with the University of the Arts London: London College of Fashion and Ravensbourne University and will enable you to progress into Higher Education University study. Graduates from our Access to HE: Fashion Studies course who meet targets for attendance and assessment are guaranteed a place to continue their studies at Morley College London with direct entry onto our HE courses, culminating in a BA (Hons) Fashion, validated by Ravensbourne University.