HND Fashion Technology
- Location
- Cardonald Campus
- SCQF Level
- 8
- Start Date
- 24 Aug 2026
- Qualification Type
- HND
- Course Type
- Full-Time
- Duration
- 2 Years (August to June)
Applications for Aug 2026 courses open Wednesday 14th January 2026
This unique HND Fashion Technology course is the only one of its kind in the UK and is the first choice for anyone who wants to learn skills in technical garment manufacturing, bespoke tailoring and bridal evening wear design and manufacturing. It is also ideal if you want a career in the apparel or costume industry, to progress on to university or to start your own business. You’ll be taught in our pattern-cutting and production rooms, using the very latest industry equipment and will showcase your skills by producing a range of garments.
What will I learn?
During this HND Fashion Technology course, you'll learn pattern drafting, industrial sewing, fabric handling, draping techniques, garment manufacture and bespoke tailoring techniques. You will work in one of our practical workshops to industry standards and explore couture finishes vital for bridal and evening wear.
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.
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.
If you are interested in this course and would like to know more, please view the course presentation below before making your application: .
Hear from Fashion Technology student Connor.
Hear from Fashion Technology student Hollie.
Entry requirements (minimum)
- One Higher at C pass or above or are working towards this qualification
- Foundation in Fashion and Textiles, Access to Fashion and Textiles, or equivalent; OR
- 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.
The Scottish Credit and Qualifications (SCQF) Framework can help you to check if you're choosing the right level of study. Take a look at the SCQF Interactive Framework here.
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, Scottish Wedding Directory, Opus Couture, Bon Brides, Trades House Glasgow, Willow Tea Room, Ingles Buchan and harris Tweed.
UKFT
We are one of the only educational partners in Scotland within UKFT.
UKFT is the voice of UK fashion and textiles and is committed to creating the best environment for our industry. They represent the entire fashion and textile supply chain, promoting the fashion and textile industry in the UK and overseas.
They demonstrate the strategic and economic value of our vibrant industry to government and policymakers, ensuring the key issues are on the agenda. They champion our diverse and valuable industry through campaigns and key activities.
The key UK trade associations and organisations in fashion and textiles are Federated Members of UKFT, uniting the sector on common issues.
Find out more about UKFT here.
Trades House of Glasgow
We work closely with the Trades House of Glasgow and the affiliated Incorporations through the annual Craftex Awards and educational partnerships with the Incorporation of Weavers, Incorporation of Cordiners, Incorporation of Tailors and the Incorporation of Dyers and Bonnetmakers. Students benefit annually through sponsorship and awards.
Find out more about the Trades House of Glasgow here.
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
Associate Programme Heriot Watt University Borders Campus
Within the School of Fashion and Textiles, 40 students across year 1 and 2 of our Fashion and Textiles courses will enrol as Heriot Watt Associate students each year. A further 40 students will be dual enrolled as Articulation Plus students.
This articulation opportunity is available to all students and offers a direct entry route into a degree programme out with the UCAS process.
For HND Fashion Technology students, progression is into 3rd Year of BA (Hons) Fashion Design, where there is a specialist pathway in Fashion Technology within the Honours year, (4th Year). Selection for this articulation route is made at the start of the HND Fashion Technology course.
Once selected, articulation is guaranteed on successful completion of the two-year HND Programme and a B grade, or above, in Graded Unit year 1 and 2.
Gray's School of Art
An articulation agreement is in place with Gray’s School of Art at Robert Gordon University Aberdeen. Successful HND Fashion Technology students can progress to year 3 of the BA (Hons) Fashion and Textile Design degree programme. The award achieved by doing this course is HND Fashion Design and Manufacture which will still be applicable.
Entry will be dependent on:
- Satisfactory completion of the above HND
- Grade A in the Graded unit
- Attendance at interview may be required
- Portfolio review may be required
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, including:
- 3rd year entry to BSc Education and Curricular Studies with Teaching Qualification in Home Economics at the University of Strathclyde.
- 2nd/3rd year entry to BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Technology at Manchester Metropolitan University.
- 3rd year entry to BA Fashion Business at Glasgow Caledonian University.
- 3rd 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 find further information on job roles below:
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'll 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'll 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'll 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'll 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'll 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'll 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'll be sent out instructions about student funding, joining instructions and induction date.
