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BA (Hons)Fashion Styling and Creative Direction

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Starting in2025
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UCAS code: FSC1
Institution code: S30
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps

Why study a fashion styling and creative direction degree at Solent University

If you have an eye for style, make-up and content creation - this degree can help you turn your creativity into a fast-paced and exciting career.

  • Top0
    in the UK for learning resources in design studies, out of 78 institutions (NSS 2024)
  • 0%
    positivity score for academic support (NSS 2024)
  • 0%
    positivity score for teaching on the course (NSS 2024)
  • Solent ranked in the UK's Top 10 for satisfaction with teaching in fashion and textiles (out of 46 institutions) (The Guardian University Guide 2025).
  • Gain 100 hours of work-based learning for your CV before you even graduate, helping to ensure you complete your studies with the experience employers are looking for.
  • Feature your work in the annual high-end fashion publication, 'anon' giving you the perfect tool to showcase your creations.
  • Access to a range of specialist facilities, including a make-up and hair studio with industry-standard airbrush guns and studio lighting; modern photography studios; a comprehensive media loans scheme; and a range of well-equipped IT labs.
  • A creative, multi-disciplinary environment for world-leading research in media, culture and the arts – you will learn from experts in their field.
  • As a future stylist and image-maker, you will be encouraged to use vintage and second-hand clothing to produce innovative and creative photography shoots for your projects.
  • Dedicated Fashion Wardrobe for students to borrow items for projects.
  • You’ll be assigned a personal tutor who can assist you with pastoral support to help you make the most of your learning.
Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.

Course overview

Throughout the course you will acquire skills not only in styling, but also in make-up and hair, photography, retouching, trend forecasting and branding – making you a complete creative director with the skillset to become a distinctive and visionary voice within the fashion industry.

You will be supported to grow confidence in your understanding and use of independent learning and show an awareness of professional and personal development. And will be taught how to professionally apply the practical and technical skills developed throughout the studies for a diverse range of media and design platforms.

Crucial for this is collaboration and working as part of a creative team, with the ability to have an open and flexible approach to ideas. You will be encouraged to show initiative and demonstrate the ability to research and discuss sociocultural issues and perspectives that are related to the progression of visual design practice.

You will evaluate both contemporary, and historical fashion and lifestyle trends, for the formulation of creative and visual communication. And throughout this process, will practice self-reflection and critically challenge your own work and that of others, to develop a deeper understanding of your own development as a creative practitioner whilst being conscious and aware of how their work and research can impact on the wider community, both locally and globally.

Your learning is aided by free access to specialist hair and make-up studios. These studios include airbrush guns, studio lights and other industry-standard fixtures. Solent’s media academy boasts high-spec photography studios and IT facilities, as well as a range of the latest editing software.

Work from our final year students across our fashion-related degrees is showcased at Graduate Fashion Week (GFW). In 2023, seven students have been shortlisted by the Graduate Fashion Foundation across a number of different categories at the GFW23 awards. Read more about the students and their work.

Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.

Any questions?

Contact UK admissions

Email: admissions@solent.ac.ukCall: 023 8201 5066

Contact international admissions

Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukCall: +44 (0)23 8201 5066

Course features

  • Foundation year available

    If you're not quite ready for a full undergraduate degree, there's alternative entry through one of our foundation years

  • Further studies

    After successfully completing your studies, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent

  • Specialist facilities

    This course has access to specialist facilities

  • Top-up option

    If you have an appropriate Level 5 qualification, you can top it up to a degree in just a year

  • Study abroad

    You have the opportunity to study abroad in one of our partner universities for a semester on this course

Who is this course for?

The course can lead to a wide range of exciting career prospects in areas such as magazine publishing, studio directors, social media and e-commerce and PR.

Recent graduates have gained career opportunities at Vogue UK, ASOS, Fenwicks, Hungry Tiger Studios, Trendstop, COS, Graduate Fashion Foundation and Graduate Fashion Week. Our alumni also include those who have created their own career and business opportunities through freelance editorial styling, photography and journalism.

What does this course lead to?

This course is suited to students who want to hone their creative skills, and learn how to channel these into the hands-on development of visual concepts.

Applicants should have a keen and broad interest in the creative industries, from fashion and design, to art and graphics, and will need to show a varied portfolio of both visual and written work upon application.

Graduate stories

Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.

Read more stories

Meet the team

The course teaching team maintain close links with the industry, giving students access to unique industry insight from a range of high-profile guest speakers.

The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.

Facilities

You’ll have access to a specialist make-up and hair studio with industry-standard airbrush guns and studio lighting; modern photography studios; a comprehensive media loans scheme; and a range of well-equipped IT labs.

Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces. Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.

    International opportunities

    Broaden your horizons by adding an international dimension to your CV – essential to achieving success in today’s fast-changing, global environment.

    Studying, working or volunteering in another country could be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance your degree by developing important global skills such as knowledge of other countries, language skills, intercultural awareness, adaptability and confidence.

    For more information, please email international.mobility@solent.ac.uk.

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