For those thinking about higher level qualifications there is a wealth of opportunity on offer throughout Further and Higher Education’s colleges and universities. Do get advice from your careers advisors and teachers but make sure you carry out your own research. Make sure you check what existing students think.

UCAS have a course search facility:  http://www.ucas.ac.uk/

If you have not studied for a while and do not have any formal qualifications check out Access programmes that have been developed to help you progress to higher education courses. There may be a one year course available near you.

For example, take a look at the London College of Fashion’s access programme .

Make sure you explore the unique selling points of each course on offer – because each Institution will have its own specialisms.

Grays School of Art, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen

Fashion and Textiles at Grays School of Art in Aberdeen is respectful of the craft and cultural identity of Scottish textiles. Our approach to designing with and for the iconic tradition of Scottish textiles is parallel to the Scottish whisky industry. We are the refined single malt, as opposed to the blends!

Our students are encouraged to be individual, creative designers, thinking “outside the box”: coupled with numerous opportunities for work placements, “live” projects and success in national and international design competitions, our graduates are fully prepared to make their mark on the global fashion and textile industry.

Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Fashion at the University of Lincoln

 Fashion Studies at the University of Lincoln is a dynamic and creative subject, encompassing the full spectrum of specialist skills students need to work in the fashion industry nationally and internationally. Whether you wish to study for a BA (Hons) degree in Fashion Studies or a postgraduate MA degree in Design, the Fashion Department is a well-equipped and vibrant place to turn your ideas into reality.

 Our dedicated team of highly experienced tutors can teach you a comprehensive range of fundamental skills from concept generation, design development, illustration, fashion forecasting, garment pattern cutting and construction to knitwear and millinery. Allied to the professional skills that distinguish our students from the rest you will be equipped for success in the exciting world of Fashion.

Fashion, Knitwear and Textiles at Nottingham Trent University

NTU offers a suite of well-established undergraduate and postgraduate courses in fashion, knitwear and textiles, with a reputation for excellence, innovation and international expertise across the key areas of design, marketing and management.

We benefit from a well-established network of links with the creative industries across the world and our reputation is endorsed by many of the most respected companies, brands and professional bodies.

All of our Art and Design courses are based on our City site, just a few minutes’ walk from Nottingham’s vibrant city centre. The City site benefits from superbly renovated flagship buildings, offering the very latest facilities and services,  alongside inspiring working spaces, and purpose-built design studios.

 Details of courses that cover ethical, social, environmental and sustainable issues are highlighted on the website.

http://fashioninganethicalindustry.org/courses/  and a PDF covering a list of courses is shown here

Fashion-related courses covering ethical /sustainability issues 2010 PDF

For the full course listing see:  www.ucas.com

If you are a teacher or lecturer in the fashion industry please email us with your comments/feedback or information that you would like us to post at  learning@www.fashionDNA.org

NB as with information this is correct at the time of development – but if you have other information please let us know.