Fashion (Hons) Heriot-Watt University

Overview

The Fashion (Hons) at Heriot-Watt University provides students with the creative and intellectual foundations required to excel in the contemporary design industry. This programme blends practical craftsmanship with business acumen to ensure graduates can transform original concepts into market-ready garments. Students explore a diverse range of sectors, from bespoke luxury fashion to mass-produced ready-to-wear collections for international markets.

Why Fashion (Hons) at Heriot-Watt University?

Heriot-Watt University is ranked 3rd in Scotland for Fashion and Textiles by the Guardian University Guide 2026, reflecting its excellence in the field. The programme is delivered at the Scottish Borders Campus, situated at the heart of the luxury textile industry, providing a unique link to traditional craftsmanship. Students benefit from purpose-built workshops and studios, alongside the Go Global mobility programme which offers opportunities to study at international campuses or partner institutions.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: GBP 20080 per year
• National fee: GBP 9535 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum covers design, creation, and marketing, culminating in a final year Graduate Showcase. Modules may include:

Year 1

• Rethinking Design
• Garment Construction
• Photography
• Textiles

Year 2

• Fashion Product Development
• Fashion Buying
• CAD for Design
• Tailoring & Innovation
• Promotion & Advertising

Year 3

• Fashion Process and Presentation
• Fashion Design & Make
• Journalism content creation
• Capsule Fashion Collection
• Diffusion Collection
• Critical & Contextual Studies

Year 4

• Collection
• Marketing Strategy for Design
• CCS Essay
• Advanced Practice and Evaluation

Careers with Fashion (Hons)

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles within the global fashion landscape, including positions at luxury fashion houses, high-street brands, and independent design labels. The programme focuses on employability, with 95% of students entering the workforce within 15 months of graduation. Potential career paths primarily include design occupations, supported by industry partnerships and mentorships from professionals at organisations such as Johnsons of Elgin and W L Gore.