Footwear Innovation (Level 6 top-up)

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 DMU, gaining two degrees in two years.

At DMU, the focus is on your future - with work experience opportunities on every course, an employability-boosting careers award, and industry-led course content, you'll be well prepared to start your career.

You’ll get guaranteed work experience opportunities with UK and overseas placements, internships, and personalised training. DMU has been named the UK’s Best University for Work Experience (RateMyPlacement 2024 & 2025), offering personalised careers support, industry connections, and placements with global names like Rolls-Royce and Adobe.

DMU is one of only a few universities where you’ll benefit from modular, block teaching where you’ll study one subject at a time for deeper learning and better results.

Situated in the heart of Leicester, a vibrant student-friendly city, the campus is just a short walk from everything the city has to offer. Its central location means you can hop on a train and be in cities like London, Birmingham and Nottingham in around an hour or less.