Contour Fashion BA (Hons)
DMU Campus, United Kingdom
Contour Fashion BA (Hons)
De Montfort University
Fashion Design — Intimate Apparel
Program Overview: Contour Fashion BA (Hons)
The Contour Fashion BA (Hons) at De Montfort University is a pioneering program that has been at the cutting edge of intimate apparel design for over 75 years. It combines heritage, innovation, and technical excellence, allowing you to specialise in areas such as lingerie, athleisure, swimwear, loungewear, nightwear, corsetry, bridalwear, men's underwear, sportswear, and medical applications.
You will develop specialist technical skills in 2D and 3D creative development, digital drawing, pattern cutting, grading, fit methodologies, and manufacturing through a step-by-step approach. Innovation and sustainability are embedded throughout the course, alongside live client projects and regular opportunities to receive feedback from industry professionals.
Taught within DMU's award-winning Vijay Patel Building using a block teaching model, you will focus on one subject at a time, benefiting from more regular assessments, faster feedback, and a simplified timetable. The program's unparalleled connections with the UK and global intimate apparel industry provide exceptional career prospects upon graduation.
Key Program Highlights
- Over 75 years of heritage as one of the world's leading intimate apparel design courses with unparalleled industry connections
- Specialisation options across ten areas including lingerie, athleisure, swimwear, corsetry, sportswear, and medical applications
- Annual Contour Catwalk Show in London providing direct exposure to industry professionals, talent spotters, and trend forecasters
- International experiences through DMU Global, including past trips to work with brands such as SKIMS in Los Angeles
Curriculum and Modules
The Contour Fashion BA (Hons) follows DMU's innovative block teaching model, where you study one module at a time across four blocks per year. The curriculum builds progressively from foundational skills in Year 1 through advanced specialisation in Year 3, integrating live client projects, sustainability principles, and industry feedback throughout.
Contour Introduction
Year 1 — Block 1An investigative approach to research, concept development, 2D illustration, basic technical skills, and design development within the contour fashion specialism.
Contour Creative
Year 1 — Block 2Develops your creative capabilities in intimate apparel design, exploring fabric selection, colour theory, and initial pattern cutting for contour garments.
Contour Consolidation
Year 1 — Block 3Consolidates your learning through supported independent study and deepens your technical understanding of contour product construction.
Technical Inquiry
Year 2 — Block 1Extends practical knowledge related to the design, development, and construction of contour-type products, building on the foundation gained in Year 1.
Contour Futures
Year 2 — Block 2Expands knowledge and understanding of key factors in approaching the design of a contour product, exploring emerging trends, technologies, and market demands.
Major Project with Cultural Context
Year 3 — Blocks 3 and 4Your capstone project where you develop a final collection for presentation. You choose between an Aesthetic pathway (four fashion-forward outfits for catwalk display) or a Technical pathway (niche product research for the intimates market).
Specialisation Pathways and Elective Areas
Admission Requirements
Entry to the Contour Fashion BA (Hons) is moderately competitive. Applicants are assessed on academic qualifications, portfolio quality, and creative potential. All applications and inquiries should be submitted through Uni4Edu, which manages the full admissions process on your behalf.
Academic Requirements
- UCAS Tariff Points112 UCAS points from at least two A-levels or equivalent qualifications
- Alternative QualificationPass in Foundation in Art and Design
- GCSEsFive GCSEs at grades A*–C (9–4) including English Language or Literature at grade C/4 or above
- PortfolioA creative portfolio demonstrating design skills, research ability, and interest in intimate apparel is required
- Access CoursePass Access to HE Diploma with 30 Level 3 credits at Merit in Art and Design, plus GCSE English at grade C/4
English Language Requirements
- IELTS6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each band
- TOEFL / PTEEquivalent scores accepted — contact Uni4Edu for details
- Pre-sessional EnglishAvailable through DMU's British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
De Montfort University offers several scholarship opportunities for international students enrolling in undergraduate programs. These awards aim to recognise academic merit and provide financial support, making your study in the UK more accessible. Contact Uni4Edu for guidance on eligibility and the application process.
Global Access Scholarship
GBP 2,000 per year fee reduction (across all years of undergraduate study)Automatically awarded to eligible international students joining a full-time undergraduate degree upon paying the deposit before the specified deadline. No separate application is required.
Global Partnerships Scholarship
Available to international students joining a full-time undergraduate degree who originate or transfer from DMU's global academic partners. A separate application and written submission are required.
Postgraduate Alumni Scholarship
20% tuition fee discountDMU graduates progressing to postgraduate study receive a 20% fee discount, providing a valuable incentive for continuing your education at DMU after completing your BA.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the Contour Fashion BA (Hons) are highly sought after by leading international brands, with the program reporting a strong employment rate. The course's 75-year legacy and unparalleled industry connections mean graduates are frequently handpicked by top fashion houses worldwide, with opportunities spanning multiple continents.
Potential Career Roles
Notable Employers of Graduates
Rankings and Recognition
De Montfort University continues to improve its standing in global and national university rankings, reflecting its focus on academic quality, employability, and student experience. The Contour Fashion program itself is widely regarded by industry professionals as one of the leading intimate apparel design courses in the world.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Arts and Humanities | THE Subject Rankings | Top 250 |
| Work Experience / Placements | RateMyPlacement | #1 in UK (2024 and 2025) |
| Student Satisfaction (Overall) | Uni Compare | #25 in UK |
| Sustainable Fashion School | CEOWORLD Magazine | Top Fashion Schools Worldwide (2022) |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
Similar Programmes
Master's & Postgraduate
12 months
Textile Design - MA
London Metropolitan University, London, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
April 2025
Gross Tuition
20000 £
Bachelor's Degree
48 months
Applied Humanities-Fashion Studies (BA)
University Of Arizona, Tucson, United States
Earliest Intake
May 2026
Gross Tuition
39958 $
Bachelor's Degree
48 months
Fashion Industry's Science and Technology (BA)
University Of Arizona, Tucson, United States
Earliest Intake
May 2026
Gross Tuition
39958 $
Master's & Postgraduate
12 months
Fashion Manufacturing MA
University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
January 2026
Gross Tuition
16000 £
Bachelor's Degree
48 months
Textile and Fashion Design (Turkish)
Istanbul Nisantasi University, Sarıyer, Turkey
Earliest Intake
June 2026
Gross Tuition
3250 $
Uni4Edu AI Assistant
