How to write a great UCAS personal statement for a fashion degree

Each answer requires a minimum of 350 characters, but the overall limit is 4,000 characters (around 700-800 words) so don’t feel the need to stop once you reach the minimum character count.  

The new UCAS personal statement format is a great opportunity to showcase your creativity, inspiration, motivation, and experience in a more focused and authentic way. Universities want to see more than just a list of qualifications. This is your chance to express your passion for fashion, textiles and styling.   

Getting started with your personal statement can often feel like an intimidating task, so we’ve broken down each question to show you how to craft compelling responses that are tailored to fashion-related courses. 

UCAS Personal Statement Question 1: 
Why do you want to study this course or subject? 

This is your chance to explain your passion for fashion and textiles. Think deeper than just “I like clothes” and show why this fashion resonates with you so much. 

You should consider including: 

• Your origin story: Think back to when you first discovered your interest in fashion. What was that moment and how has it impacted you getting to where you are today? Maybe you altered clothes for yourself, or perhaps made jewellery as a hobby. It may be that a film or specific designer was your opening into the world of fashion. 
• What fascinates you now: Perhaps you like experimenting with different materials, working with recycled and sustainable materials, or exploring how digital techniques can be applied to the fashion industry. 
• Industry awareness: Showcase your knowledge for how the current fashion sector works. Consider what the keys to success have been for current industry giants and what innovative approaches stand out to you. 
• What’s your goal: You don’t have to commit to one career path, but if you have dreams of becoming a fashion designer, or working within a particular country or community of fashion professionals, this is the time to let people know. 

I began by hand-stitching patches onto a denim jacket my dad gave me when I was 12-years-old. By the time I was 15, this playful alteration had evolved into designing my own patches and using different materials from old worn-out clothes to create my own accessories.
Example answer for question one of the UCAS personal statement

UCAS Personal Statement Question 2: 
How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject? 

This question is your opportunity to explain how your school and college experiences have helped you to build the skills and knowledge that you’ll rely on during a degree in fashion.  

Include courses, assignments and skills that relate to fashion:  

• School subjects and skills: There are lots of subjects at school that will use the skills required during a fashion degree. If you’ve taken Art, Design & Technology, Textiles, Graphics, or even Computing, you may have learnt skills as varied as pattern-making, CAD, colour theory and 3D modelling. 
• Projects & coursework: Talk about any school or college work that relates to the degree. A fashion collection, textile experiments, a jewellery piece, or perhaps a collaborative project with classmates. Explain your process, the challenges you faced and the eventual outcome. 
• Transferable skills: Time management, project planning, research and group work are all vital when studying a creative course at university. 
• Extra learning: Have you attended a workshop in your free time, attend a summer school or undertaken a work placement relevant to the fashion industry? Any experiences like this show that you’ve gone the extra mile to deepen your understanding. 

For my A-level Business coursework, I developed a business plan for a sustainable knitwear collection. I mapped out production timelines, sketched designs, created samples and created a pitch for the product.
Example answer for question two of the UCAS personal statement

UCAS Personal Statement Question 3: 
What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful? 

This question is where you can begin to showcase your personality, initiative and creativity that extends beyond the classroom. Consider including: 

• Any personal projects or side hustles: Maybe you run a small brand on Etsy making and selling jewellery pieces, or upcycle clothes and sell them on Vinted. Write about what this experience ahs taught you about your own practice and the fashion business. 
• Internships and volunteering: If you worked in a retail boutique, assisted a jeweller, or volunteered to help restore damaged collections, tell the Admissions Tutors about it. Make sure to reflect on what you observed and what skills/insights you gained? 
• Relevant hobbies: Do you draw, sew, knit, read fashion magazines or photograph your own outfits? All of these and more show you engage creatively in your spare time. 
• Wider experiences that shape you: If you’ve faced challenges, travelled, worked in non-fashion jobs or been part of a community programmes, you may be able to link qualities like resilience and communication to your applications. 

On social media, I create small fashion editorials, styling thrifted clothes into new looks. Planning, photographing, and editing each post has helped me to better understand visual composition and how fashion communicates personality.
Example answer for question three of the UCAS personal statement

Final tips for strong answers 

• Be specific: Don’t just say you love fashion. Explain why you love fashion.  
• Use examples: Back up every point with a evidence and explain why it’s relevant.  
• Keep it relevant: Focus on experiences that relate clearly to fashion.  
• Be yourself: Authenticity matters. Universities want to get to know you, so don’t feel compelled to sound overly formal.  
• Proofread: Read your answers out loud. If you can get feedback from a teacher.  

This new UCAS format for 2026 gives you the chance to break down your personal journey into clear sections. If you’re applying for a fashion degree, it means showcasing your creativity and commitment.  

Be honest, be specific and, most of all, be passionate. 

More advice for fashion applicants

• How to make a perfect fashion portfolio for university
• What careers can you do with a fashion degree?

Want more support about UCAS personal statements? Meet the UCA Admissions Team at one of our upcoming Open Days for one-to-one advice. 

Related courses

• Fashion Atelier BA (Hons) 
• Fashion Branding & Communication BA (Hons)
• Fashion Business & Management BA (Hons)
• Fashion Design BA (Hons)
• Fashion Image & Styling BA (Hons)
• Jewellery & Silversmithing BA (Hons)
• Make-Up & Hair Design BA (Hons)