If you think you can only learn fashion in private art schools, think again. Even a vast public university can effectively teach students all about the craft and business of fashion. Take the
University of East London, for example. Located in the London Borough of Newham, the school's fashion program is as extensive and intricate as the other fashion schools in London. Not only does it teach fashion design, but also fashion business, marketing, journalism, and more. The university serves as a training ground for future fashion professionals, touching on various parts of the industry that go beyond the gloss and glamour.
Source: University of East London Facebook Page
History of The University of East London
The University of East London was established in 1892 by the County Borough of West Ham, which was newly formed at the time. The county founded the school to serve as a technical institute for the local community, providing courses in engineering, science, and art. It was also one of the first
top universities in London to have a department for women. By the 1930s and 1940s, the demand for technical education grew such that the institution opened the North East London Polytechnic. And in 1992, this school eventually became the University of East London.
What Does The University of East London Look Like?
Located on University Way, the University of East London boasts a modern, architectural marvel of a campus near the London City Airport. It's a fairly vast campus by the Thames River, providing more than enough space for its countless courses. For more artistic programs like fashion, the university has big studios, spacious ateliers, and large classrooms. There are also all sorts of laboratories for textile studies, a library full of references, and common areas used for exhibitions and student fashion shows.
Source: University of East London Facebook Page
The University of East London Student Body
While other
fashion schools in London have smaller student bodies, the University of East London has among the biggest. The school welcomes around 40,000 students per year, including international enrollees who come from 160 different countries around the world. This vast number also comprises new enrollees and returning students who have yet to graduate. The percentage of its international students, on the other hand, varies from year to year. They make up approximately 10% to 30% of the entire student body, further proving how welcoming the UEL is to foreign applicants.
University of East London's Best Programs and Courses
Though the UEL is known for its diverse range of subjects, its fashion program is quite impressive. Beyond the standard BA Honours in Fashion Design, which is arguably its most popular course, the school also teaches Fashion Culture & Business, Fashion Marketing & Communication, and Fashion Journalism. And those are just the undergraduate programs! Its postgraduate studies include Master of Arts degrees in International Fashion Business, Fashion Entrepreneurship, and Creative Enterprise. This varied range of majors allow students to pursue different fields within fashion, which itself is a vast, billion-dollar industry with many sectors.
Source: University of East London Facebook Page
University of East London’s Prerequisites
Despite how prestigious the University of East London is, its prerequisites don't differ from those of other higher educational institutions in
London. If you're applying for an undergraduate program, for example, all you need is a secondary education diploma and certified English language qualifications. As for applying for a postgraduate program, you'll need a Bachelor's Degree in any related field instead. Some majors, specifically arts programs like fashion, will also require you to submit a well-curated portfolio that shows your creativity, thinking process, and how organized you are. There's also the possibility of having to go through a personal interview.
How Much Does It Cost to Study at The University of East London?
Will studying fashion at the University of East London cost you a lot? Yes, it will. However, this school is far more affordable than some of
the world’s best fashion schools. For the most part, the school's tuition fees only cost about a minimum of £9,250.00 to a maximum of £11,440.00 per year. Your costs will depend on your chosen major and whether it's an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. Moreover, the tuition fees for international students tend to be higher than those of local, UK citizen enrollees.
Where is The University of East London in The City?
Though its best-known campus is the Docklands Campus on University Way, the school actually has three separate locations throughout various
neighborhoods in London. There's one in the center of Westfield Stratford City near Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and another on University Square Stratford. Most of the classes, however, are taught in the Docklands Campus, making it the main place for all students. Since it's a fair distance away from other parts of the British capital, you can enjoy a bonafide university lifestyle here. You will have to stay in the dorms though, as the the
best London luxury apartments to rent are also far away.
Source: University of East London Facebook Page
Not a lot of people realize that the University of East London is one of the best fashion schools in London. The higher educational institution offers a diverse range of courses that reflect the expanse and complexity of the industry.
