Our strong connection to the footwear industry means industry leaders frequently reach out to us with employment opportunities for students, with our alumni excelling worldwide.
This top-up programme is designed for Level 5 students who have completed their education to an HND (level 5) or international equivalent) in Fashion Design or a related practical discipline, offering a fast track to gain a BA (Hons) in Footwear Innovation in just one year.
With strong industry connections and partnerships across global fashion and performance sectors, this programme focuses on practical technical skills, guiding you through the entire design process—from research and ideation to developing cutting-edge solutions that meet international footwear standards.
This course emphasizes essential practical skills like material experimentation, pattern cutting, and prototype production. You'll engage with CAD, VR, and refine your presentation skills while exploring key categories such as Men's, Women's, Children's, and Performance footwear.
You’ll also have the chance to participate in competitions, awards, and live industry projects, offering opportunities for international travel and work experience. Career development is embedded in every module, ensuring you build the professional skills and portfolio needed to excel in the global footwear industry.
Career development and professional networking are integral to the curriculum, ensuring students graduate with a competitive portfolio and industry-ready skills; our strong connection to the footwear industry means industry leaders frequently reach out to us with employment opportunities for students, with our alumni excelling worldwide.
Completing this programme will give you the chance to progress to the Design innovation and Management Ma/MSc at 51³Ô¹Ïapp, gaining two degrees in two years.
Block teaching designed around you
You deserve a positive teaching and learning experience, where you feel part of a supportive and nurturing community. That’s why most students will enjoy an innovative approach to learning using block teaching, where you will study one module at a time. You’ll benefit from regular assessments – rather than lots of exams at the end of the year – and a simple timetable that allows you to engage with your subject and enjoy other aspects of university life such as sports, societies, meeting friends and discovering your new city. By studying with the same peers and tutor for each block, you’ll build friendships and a sense of belonging. Read more about block teaching.
A Top 30 University
Our students’ votes placed us as the 27th best university overall in the WhatUni Student Choice Awards
Find out what makes us special
An ‘Excellent’ Five Star Rated University
Rated by QS Top Universities for our teaching, facilities, employability, global outlook and more
Find out what makes us special
The Best Careers Support
51³Ô¹Ïapp’s Careers Team won Employability Team of the Year at the TargetJobs National Graduate Recruitment Awards for helping students reach their ambitions
Find out what makes us special
The First University to Achieve a Silver Race Equality Charter Award
Our work to improve equality and diversity, challenge racism and build an anti-racist community earned us the Race Equality Charter silver award from Advance HE
Find out what makes us special
Top 10 for Sustainability
51³Ô¹Ïapp was named 7th in People & Planet’s University League Table for our commitment to environmental sustainability
Find out what makes us special
The Best University for LGBTQ+ staff
A staff survey by Stonewall saw us ranked the top university, and 2nd across all employers, for our work to create an inclusive environment where everyone has a voice
Find out what makes us special
The Best Autism Support
The National Association of Disability Practitioners Award identified 51³Ô¹Ïapp as the best at supporting autistic students
Find out what makes us special