Sept 2025 Entry
4 years (including 1 year with common curriculum)
120
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What's New
Programme Aims
The overall aim of the programme is to train competent professionals for the fashion sector, equipping them to work in textile, apparel, retail, design and related organisations. Graduates play an active role in the development of the global fashion and textiles industry in local and overseas markets. In addition to cultivating students’ professional competencies, the programme enhances their other essential competencies, such as entrepreneurship, social media marketing and business analytics. This programme expands graduates’ skill sets to meet the needs of today’s business environment. Graduates excel in leadership, teamwork, healthy lifestyle practices and lifelong learning; become trend leaders, innovators, critical thinkers and creative problem solvers; and possess effective communication and interpersonal skills. They are bilingual and trilingual and serve as informed and ethical leaders who promote social and national responsibility, engage in local and international affairs, act as responsible global citizens, and demonstrate cultural and aesthetic appreciation with a global perspective.
Characteristics
Depending on their desired careers and academic performance, students can choose one of the following five specialisms under the BA Scheme.
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Fashion Design
This specialism aims to nurture students’ creativity and design ability to develop their knowledge of current and emerging technologies in the fashion and manufacturing environment and to enhance their understanding of relevant marketing and business practices. -
Knitwear Design
Similar to the Fashion Design specialism, this specialism aims to nurture students’ creativity and design ability. In addition to general education, students acquire the knowledge and skills essential for a knitwear designer. -
Contour Fashion and Activewear
This specialism aims to provide students with the necessary academic and practical knowledge in contour fashion and activewear, including the integration of design and technology. It provides students with a supportive and inspiring learning environment in which they can create imaginative designs using analytical and problem-solving skills. It also encourages students’ independent judgement and critical thinking on developing new trends in contour fashion and activewear. Students are guided to gain first-hand experience of the latest technologies, modern materials and industry practices.
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Fashion Business
This specialism prepares students for global fashion. Students learn the fundamentals of management and business and contemporary environmental and social practices and gain operational knowledge of global fashion marketing and digital channels. In particular, this specialism develops students’ skills in defining, analysing and solving business problems in fashion retail and marketing, from fast fashion to luxury fashion and from fashion accessories to lifestyle products. Emphasis is placed on aspects of fashion sourcing, buying, market research, branding, digital marketing, omni-channel distribution, social media analytics, store management and fashion product distribution in both local and global contexts. This specialism ensures that students acquire the professional skills needed to initiate and carry out individual and team research projects. Students also gain managerial, analytical and problem-solving skills for businesses through local and overseas internship opportunities.
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Fashion Innovation and Technology
This specialism produces graduates who have a solid knowledge of fashion products and production processes; are able to apply their knowledge in technical, economic, managerial and commercial contexts; are flexible and can adapt and respond to change; and have the potential to become industry leaders in product development, process innovation and production management in textiles and apparel in local and global markets.
Students who choose not to be streamed into any specialism will receive a BA (Hons) in Fashion. The curriculum of the BA (Hons) in Fashion offers a flexible choice of subjects, which increases students’ ability to adapt to the changing needs of the fashion industry. It aims to provide students with a critical understanding of contemporary practices in the digitalisation, design and development of fashion products, trends in global and local fashion markets and the business and retail environments critical to the fashion system, as well as emerging technologies, innovations and the manufacturing environment in the fashion industry.
There are also opportunities to gain on-the-job knowledge and experience through industry placements.
The decision to admit a student to a specialism will be made by the School based on the student’s preference, overall GPA in Year One and/or interview results. Students will be asked to rank their choices of specialism in order of preference during Semester Two of Year One for consideration and approval by the School.
Professional Recognition
Graduates with 2 years of relevant post-qualification experience can apply for an Associateship of the Textile Institute (ATI) in the UK.
Graduates with 1 year of relevant post-qualification experience can apply for professional membership of the Hong Kong Institution of Textile and Apparel (MHKITA). MHKITA members are eligible to apply for membership of the China Textile Engineering Society and for Textile Engineer status in the Guangdong Textile Engineering Society.
Career Prospects
Our scheme-based educational approach produces all-round talent with the design, technology and business knowledge needed for a wide range of career paths in the fashion industry. Graduates have career opportunities in the fashion and textiles industries and related fields, including the following.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Fashion (Fashion Design) can pursue careers in the fashion and lifestyle industry as womenswear/menswear designers, technical designers, digital designers, illustrators, stylists, editors and trend forecasters.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Fashion (Knitwear Design) can pursue careers as fashion knitwear designers, digital knitting technologists, product developers, illustrators, stylists, editors and trend forecasters.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Fashion (Contour Fashion and Activewear) have the skills to work as designers or technical designers in the development of various products, such as contour fashion, intimate apparel, functional garments, swimwear, sportswear, activewear, lace and embroidery, and fashion accessories. In recent years, many Hong Kong manufacturers have maintained their competitiveness and maximised their profit margins by transforming themselves from low-cost original equipment manufacturers into high-value original design manufacturers or even original brand manufacturers. This has increased the demand for professionals who can design and develop new products.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Fashion (Fashion Business) can pursue careers in digital retail and marketing, sustainability and compliance, brand development, international trade in fashion and textiles, visual merchandising and luxury fashion management. Our graduates are equipped with all of the skills needed to generate online and offline business for the fashion industry and beyond.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Fashion (Fashion Innovation and Technology) can pursue careers in fashion and textile companies or innovation institutions/centres as fashion/textile product designers and developers, R&D managers, fashion merchandisers, fashion house or production managers, fashion/textile techno consultants, quality control/functional evaluation experts, customer service professionals and fashion/textile product researchers and innovators.
All normal-year students begin the programme with two common semesters, which allow them to acquire the basics of the main activities in the fashion and textile industries. After these common semesters, students are streamed into one of the five specialisms according to their individual preferences. In principle, all students can choose their specialism. In the unlikely event that a specialism is over-subscribed, a contingency procedure is put in place. As each specialism has a maximum number of students, determined by the teaching resources of the School, the contingency procedure is applied when this threshold is reached. Therefore, students are required to provide a list of specialisms in order of preference. Specialism selection normally takes place in the second semester of Year One. Students are invited for a selection interview/assessment based on their choice of specialisms. Students in an over-subscribed specialism are ranked according to their academic performance in their first semester of study and their interview/assessment performance. Students with lower rankings have lower priority for admission to their preferred specialism. During each semester following admission to a specialism, compulsory core subjects pertaining to the specialism are offered in addition to a wide range of elective subjects that enrich the students’ learning experience. Furthermore, students take mandatory language subjects, general education subjects and work-integrated education in accordance with the General University Requirements (GUR).
Each student must complete at least 120 credits to graduate. In addition to the 30 GUR credits, students must complete 90 credits of Discipline-Specific Requirements, which include elective subjects and the Final Year Project.
The option of taking a Secondary Major in AI and Data Analytics (AIDA) or Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IE) is available to students enrolled in the BA (Hons) Scheme in Fashion.
Selection Criteria
A Secondary Major is not mandatory. Only students with a cumulative GPA of 2.70 or higher will be considered for enrolment in a Secondary Major. Each Secondary Major may have additional selection criteria for admission. To be admitted to a Secondary Major, students must apply and obtain approval from the relevant department no later than the commencement of the second year of study.
Credit Requirement
Students in the BA (Hons) Scheme in Fashion with a Secondary Major in AIDA or IE must obtain 133 and 138 credits, respectively, to graduate.
| Credit Requirements | Fashion | Fashion + IE | Fashion + AIDA | |
| General University Requirements (GUR) | 30 | 30 | 30 | |
| Major | Core | 81/78/66 | 66 | 61 |
| Elective | 9/12/24 | 6 | 6 | |
| Secondary Major | Core | - | 21 | 30 |
| Elective | - | 9 | 6 | |
| Discipline-specific Elective | - | 6 | - | |
| Total | 120 | 138 | 133* | |
* The Integrated Capstone Project is a double-counting subject (6 credits) for AIDA.
Professional Accreditation
Graduates with 2 years of relevant post-qualification experience can apply for an Associateship of the Textile Institute in the UK.
Graduates with 1 year of relevant post-qualification experience can apply for professional membership of the Hong Kong Institution of Textile and Apparel (MHKITA). MHKITA members are eligible to apply for membership of the China Textile Engineering Society and Textile Engineer status in the Guangdong Textile Engineering Society.
120
Scheme Director
Dr Carrie Wong
PhD, BA (Hons)
Please click here to view the entrance requirements for international applicants.
Other Information
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Applicants attaining good results in EITHER art subjects (Textile, Visual Arts, and/or Design) OR science subjects (Chemistry and/or Mathematics) OR business OR commerce-related subjects are all preferred.
| Office Tel. No. | Office Fax No. | Email Address | Website |
| 2766 6500 | 2773 1432 | sft.ug@polyu.edu.hk | www.polyu.edu.hk/sft/ |
As an SFT student, I was able to reach new heights by mastering the practical skills of garment construction and developing my own style. Overcoming challenges through practice and learning, I was able to improve and maintain important skills such as pattern-making and conducting trend research. SFT provided me with a great environment in which to expand my knowledge base. The courses enabled me to understand how to use different materials and colours and how to combine them to achieve spectacular effects. Through an internship, I learnt about the fashion cycle, including sourcing and vending. Overall, SFT really gave me the opportunity to explore the fashion world.
SFT provides students with transformative and enriching experiences that nurture our growth in our quest to become professional designers. Its creative and collaborative environment provided me with a sense of belonging and gave us all a space to explore our ideas and work. The guidance and encouragement from my teachers and fellow students were crucial in developing my knowledge and skills in drawing, pattern-making and sewing. The state-of-the-art equipment provided by the School also enhanced our learning experience, helping us build a solid foundation of skills.
I am grateful that our School provided us with opportunities for practical engagement. This encouraged us to participate in various fashion-related projects, internships and exchange programmes. Through these experiences, we were able to put our skills to use in practical situations. I was also able to gain in-depth knowledge of how the fashion industry works.
SFT offers an all-round curriculum that seamlessly blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical experience. At SFT, I experimented with different 3D printing technologies, virtual prototyping (such as CLO 3D) and advanced textile manufacturing techniques, all of which push the boundaries of what is possible in fashion design. Fashion has always been a powerful form of self-expression and a way to drive positive change in the world. From trend analysis to marketing strategies and product manufacturing, I gained a comprehensive understanding of the inner workings of the industry and developed the skills needed to bring my visions to life.
SFT also provides young designers with invaluable opportunities and industry experience to broaden their professional horizons. In addition, it promotes the development of fashion in Hong Kong through a vast network of industry partnerships and collaborations. If you are passionate about fashion, join this world-class hub of innovation!
As a Technology student, I greatly appreciated the opportunity to complement my lecture-based courses with extensive hands-on laboratory classes. Unlike traditional lectures, the SFT curriculum places a strong emphasis on allowing students like me to transfer their theoretical knowledge to practical applications.
For example, I was able to use specialised equipment such as the projectile weaving machine. Such lab experiences allowed me to become familiar with the intricacies of textile production technologies and to develop invaluable skills for my future career in the fashion industry. From knits to woven fabrics, I gained a nuanced appreciation of the unique characteristics and applications of each type of fabric. This holistic knowledge will enable me to make more informed and innovative design decisions as I continue my studies.
Studying at SFT has significantly broadened my fashion knowledge. This programme has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the industry, from the intricate processes of fabric and yarn production to the challenges of navigating the end-user market. I have gained in-depth knowledge of the operation of the fashion industry through my specialist modules, including supply chain management, brand management, digital marketing and customer behaviour. This knowledge has empowered me to confidently pursue a career in this dynamic field.
During the second semester of my third year, I had the unprecedented opportunity to study abroad at the University of Southampton in the UK. Thanks to a PolyU subsidy and my Reaching Out Award, this experience allowed me to explore the global landscape and connect with peers from different backgrounds, which greatly broadened my cultural awareness. This summer, I received an internship offer from Inditex to work within Zara’s Area Team. This invaluable experience gave me the opportunity to learn first-hand about visual merchandising and to apply the theories I had studied before becoming an intern.
- To understand the suitability of applicants for the BA(Hons) Scheme in Fashion at the degree level.
- To ascertain whether the applicants' expectations of the programme/career path match what we aim to provide.
- To evaluate the applicants' language, communication and interpersonal skills.
About 15- 45 minutes
All bands of applicants are considered, with preference for Band A and B applicants. Admission to the programme is primarily based on academic merit. The programme will directly offer a place to those candidates with outstanding performance in HKDSE, waiving the interview requirement.
Detailed interview/assessment arrangements will be announced to JUPAS applicants via email one week before the dates of the group interviews/individual assessments. Applicants with good interview/assessment performance will be given bonus scores to increase their chances of being admitted to the programme.
All students who are admitted with HKDSE results start the programme with two common semesters of foundational training in fashion and textiles, after which they are streamed into one of the five specialisms (except for students with a Secondary Major).
Important dates:
Mid-/end of January – Admission schedule/details announced via email to all Band A candidates
Mid-June – Admission schedule/details announced via email to selected candidates
Mid-July – HKDSE results announced
Mid-/end of July – Final interviews/assessments for selected candidates
Required
Any other additional information/document(s) to support the application (optional)
To assess the suitability of candidates for the programme.
About 15 to 30 minutes for the interview
The admission interview is for the BA Scheme, not individual specialism. All students will start the programme with 2 common semesters. Students without a Secondary Major, after the 2 common semesters, will be streamed to one of the five specialisms according to students' individual preference, overall GPA in Year One and/ or interview results. Students will be asked to rank their specialism choices (from the most preferred to the least preferred) during Semester 2 of Year One for the School's consideration and approval. Students opting not to be streamed into any specialism will be given a BA (Hons) in Fashion.
Required
To assess the suitability of candidates for the programme
The interview should last approximately 15 to 30 minutes.
The admission interview is for the BA Scheme, not individual specialisms. All students will begin the programme with two common semesters. After the two common semesters, students without a Secondary Major will be streamed into one of the five specialisms according to their individual preference, overall GPA in Year One and/or interview results. Students will be asked to rank their specialism choices in order of preference during Semester 2 of Year One for consideration and approval by the School. Students who choose not to be streamed into any specialism will received a BA (Hons) in Fashion.
