- Location
- Cardonald Campus
- SCQF Level
- 8
- Start Date
- 25 Aug 2025
- Qualification Type
- HND
- Course Type
- Full-Time
- Duration
- 2 Years, August to June
Applications open 15th January 2025
This exciting HND Fashion Technology course is only course of its kind to be delivered in the UK. This has allowed us to grow and be the course of choice for those wishing to learn technical garment manufacture skills. This course is ideal if you would like to work in the apparel industry, costume Industry, progress onto university or start your own business. During the course you will benefit from the use of our excellent facilities. We have five very large pattern-cutting and production rooms fully equipped with up-to-date industry requirements including 18 lock stitch machines, two overlockers, industrial irons, cover stitch, buttonhole, button sewing, blind hemming and specialist machines.
What will I learn?
During this HND Fashion Technology course, you will learn pattern cutting and garment manufacturing skills and be encouraged to work more independently in 2nd year as you develop several garments from design through to manufacture. All these skills will prepare you for moving on to university, going directly into employment or developing a business.
The key elements of the course include pattern drafting, industrial sewing, fabric handling and draping techniques, garment manufacture bespoke tailoring techniques and CAD pattern skills, as well as practical workshops and industry-led fashion design projects. You will produce a range of garments and explore couture finishes vital for the bridal and evening wear unit.
Your HND Fashion Technology studies will include:
- Pattern drafting and development
- Industrial sewing techniques
- Garment construction
- Bespoke tailoring
- Fashion research and development.
- Garment/costume research
- Garment draping techniques
- Bridal and evening wear
- CAD pattern.
Progression from year 1 to 2nd year of the HND is not a guarantee and is dependent on suitable progression through course work, as well as satisfactory attendance, timekeeping and commitment.
Hear from Fashion Technology student Connor.
Entry requirements (minimum)
- Foundation in Fashion and Textiles
- One Higher at C pass or above or are working towards this qualification
- Applications will be considered from those that do not meet the academic requirements if they can demonstrate some experience in the Textile/Fashion/ Design industry
- Relevant National Qualification or a Foundation/ Modern Apprenticeship.
Entry requirements for the BSc Fashion Technology Heriot-Watt Pathway:
- Will be through an application/ interview process.
- Completion of HND Fashion Technology with a A /B Graded Unit result.
Entry requirement equivalency table
If you do not meet the entry criteria for your chosen course, you may be offered an alternative course in the same subject area.
Employer and industry links
We have well-established links with industry and organisations within the Creative Industries.
Recent live projects include Anne Pricilla Bridal Designer, Scottish Wedding Directory, Opus Couture, Bon Brides, Trades House Glasgow, Willow Tea Room, Opus Couture Bridal, The National Trust Pollok House and Ingles Buchan.
We also work closely work with industry to deliver the following SVQ Modern Apprenticeship.
- SVQ – Sewn Products level 5
- SVQ – Textiles Manufacturing level 5
- SVQ - Bespoke Cutting and Tailoring level 6
- SVQ - Manufacturing Textile Products level 7
Articulation Routes
An Associate Articulation agreement is in place with Heriot Watt University, Borders Campus, Galashiels. Within our HND Fashion & Textile programmes, we will identify 20 students that will be dually enrolled as Heriot Watt Associate students and 10 students that will be dually enrolled as Articulation students.
You will automatically progress into 3rd year of your chosen Degree:
- BSc (Hons) Fashion Technology
- BA (Hons) Fashion
- BA (Hons) Design for Textiles (Fashion, Interior, Art)
(Guaranteed on successful completion of the two-year HND Programme and a B grade in Graded Unit year 1 and 2).
Jobs and further study
We have strong relationships with Higher Education institutes throughout Scotland and across the United Kingdom, with many of our students successfully gaining direct entry places into university.
- 3rd year entry to BSc (Hons) Fashion Technology at Heriot-Watt University.
- 3rd year entry to BSc Education and Curricular Studies with Teaching Qualification in Home Economics at Strathclyde University.
- 2nd/3rd year entry to BA (Hons) Clothing Technology at Manchester Metropolitan University.
- 3rd year entry to BA Fashion Business at Glasgow Caledonian University.
- 1st year entry to BA (Hons) Fashion and Textile Gray's School of Art Aberdeen
- Entry to BA (Hons) Costume Design and Construction at Queen Margaret University.
Take a look at the course progression map for fashion and textiles courses.
In addition, students have gone on to self-employment or employment in the fashion industry. Recent graduate roles have included:
- Head of Menswear Knit, Cos
- Pattern Cutter, Top Shop
- Product Development, Trakke Bags
- Garment Technologist, Endura
- Pattern Cutter, H&M
- Designer, Wilson Imports
- Garment Technologist, Wilson Imports
- Product Development, Karen Milne
- Marketing, Evergreen
- Buyer, Schuh
- Further Education Lecturer
- Production Operative, Loch Haven
Please see links for information on these job roles.
Check out our School of Fashion and Textiles website
Making an application
For courses starting in August, you can make up to two applications.
Applications are made to a course and a first choice of campus. If the course is oversubscribed at your first choice you will be automatically considered for alternative sites and may be made an offer without a further application.
I've applied — what happens next?
When you apply
You will receive an automated email confirming that we have received your application (remember to check your SPAM folder).
Your application will be reviewed by the admissions team and you will either be:
- Made a direct offer (unconditional or conditional)
- Invited to book an interview session
- Advised that your application is unsuccessful – you have not met the entry requirements for this course and are advised to contact the College Student Advice Centres to discuss alternative options which may be available to you.
We aim not to reject an application and if you don’t meet the entry requirements you may be referred to a different course or level.
You will be informed of the outcome of your application by email within 14 working days. The outcome will be one of the following:
- Unconditional offer of a place – you have met all the entry requirements and your place is guaranteed. You will be required to accept this offer to secure your place.
- Conditional offer of a place – your place is secured pending you meeting the entry requirements. This may mean achieving school or college qualifications which you may not be able to provide to us yet. You will be required to accept this offer to secure your conditional place. Once your conditions are met this will change to an unconditional offer of a place which you must accept before you can enrol on the course.
- Waiting list – you have met all entry requirements, and have been interviewed however, the course is now full so you have been placed on a waiting list. If any spaces become available you may be contacted, usually around the course start date. We would advise that you also consider other application options.
- Reserve list – following your interview, you have unfortunately not been successful in this round of recruitment. We have placed your name on a Reserve list and your application may be reconsidered at a later date. This could happen any time up to the start date of the course but it is very possible that you will not be offered a place. We would advise that you also consider other application options.
- Unsuccessful – your interview has been unsuccessful. You may be offered a place on a course at a different level, or advised to contact the College Student Advice Centres to discuss alternative options which may be available to you.
Once an offer is received, you must reply within 14 working days or risk losing your place, as the system will automatically decline your offer after 14 days.
Once you have accepted your offer, you will be sent out instructions about student funding, joining instructions and induction date.