Studying Fashion Design in Ireland
A billion euro industry in Ireland alone, fashion is one of the most exciting and creative industries to work in. Many assume that studying fashion design only leads to becoming a designer, but this diverse industry offers many other career paths. Find out more about studying fashion design in Ireland and where it could take you.
How Long Does It Take to Study Fashion Design in Ireland?
Most fashion design degrees are three to four years in duration. If you already have a portfolio, you might be able to skip necessary foundation studies but in general, a fashion degree will be no less than three years. If you don’t have a portfolio, you may wish to consider a fashion degree with a foundation year like Griffith College's BA in Fashion Design.
What Will I Learn When Studying Fashion Design?
A good fashion design degree will teach learners a range of skills, both practical and theoretical. In Griffith’s fashion design courses, such as the BA (Hons) in Fashion Design, you will be taught everything from the basics of garment construction, sewing and drawing skills to more commercial subjects, including branding, fashion business, and photography.
It’s important to remember that the fashion industry is a business. Our programmes combine the study of fashion and business, teaching learners much more than just how to create garments.
What Can You Do With a Fashion Design Degree?
A common misconception is that studying fashion design only leads to becoming a fashion designer, but the global fashion industry relies on many different professions. There are a wide range of roles available beyond the traditional design route. Some common jobs associated with a degree in fashion are:
- Fashion buyer
- Retail merchandiser
- Textile designer
- Fashion PR
- Fashion journalism
- Visual merchandiser
- Pattern maker
- Brand manager
- Stylist
- Marketing specialist
How to Become a Fashion Designer in Ireland
There is no formal certification required to become a fashion designer in Ireland**, but successful designers typically develop a strong combination of technical and creative skills.** You will need drawing, sewing, and design skills, knowledge of the fashion industry, and a healthy dose of perseverance.
When considering a career as a fashion designer, it’s important to remember that working in fashion also means entering the business world. Behind the glamour of making clothes and hosting shows lies hard work, strict deadlines, and last-minute changes.
Is a Fashion Design Degree Worth It?
Whether you’re set on becoming a fashion designer in Ireland, or you just know you want to work in the industry, a fashion design degree will introduce you to a wide range of career opportunities within fashion.
You might start out wanting to become a designer but finish your degree with an interest in branding, marketing, or production. Equally, a course in fashion design could give you the confidence you need to develop and launch your own fashion label.
Not only that, but using your study years to build your professional network within the fashion industry can prove invaluable when starting your fashion design career or launching a brand.
Can I Study Fashion Design Online?
While it is possible to study some fashion courses online, at Griffith College we strongly encourage design students to benefit from in-person learning experiences. Simply sitting in a creative space or spending time with peers and lecturers can be beneficial for sharing ideas and encouraging creative collaboration.
Is Studying Fashion Design Hard?
A fashion design degree requires passion and dedication. Learners are expected to dedicate significant time to their studies outside the classroom, and the practical nature of fashion design means the workload can sometimes be underestimated.
That said, Griffith College's fashion design degrees are structured to support students throughout the learning process, from learning the basics of sewing to developing their own six-piece fashion collection.
