*** Admissions open for 2025/26 ***
The Ultimate in UK Tailoring Training
Thinking of a career in bespoke tailoring, stage production, film or high end fashion? This programme is for you:
The Level 5 Diploma in Bespoke Tailoring is the ultimate in UK tailoring training. Designed by the Savile Row
Bespoke Association and approved by the UK Fashion and Textiles Association, the regulated qualification
offers a modern-day alternative to the traditional apprenticeship: a Higher Education (HE) programme, it delivers
vocational training paired with academic study, and a strong focus on practical skills.
The full Skill Set
The traditional apprenticeship presents the learner with the conundrum of having to choose between two
specialisms: the cutting OR the tailoring role. Apart from limiting professional ambition, the practice is a symptom of age-old gender stereotyping: female candidates are often not encouraged to train as bespoke cutters, the
leading, customer-facing role. This may secure the interest of a still male-dominated bespoke tailoring sector but does not equip trainees to be fully rounded craftspeople. We don’t agree with this approach.
A dual Qualification
As the only UK training provider accredited to deliver the Level 5 Diploma, we therefore offer both pathways to all our students: graduates leave with a dual, globally acknowledged qualification. Also uniquely in the UK, they leave equipped to cut and tailor for both, the male and female figure type. Competent professionals, they are sought after in the bespoke and high-end fashion sectors, stage and film production, or choose to start their own business.
The Schedule
The programme runs over 34 weeks from September to July the following year. Students can expect 24 hours
contact time between 10am to 5pm Mondays to Thursdays, with an hour lunch break in between. Fridays are
voluntary practice days, for students to catch up with their practical and portfolio work. The packed curriculum
offers a total of 1,000 hours of skills training and practice time, including:
- Bespoke Pattern Construction
- Lay Planning and Cutting
- Bespoke Coat-, Trouser- and Waistcoat Making
- Customer Fittings
- Hand Finishing
- Bespoke Cost Calculation
Students typically cut and tailor two complete three-piece suits, one for each figure type, during the course.
Click here for more information on the curriculum, entry requirements and progression case studies.
Further Enrichment
Community Tailoring is a voluntary scheme allowing Level 5 students to create bespoke garments for real clients. They learn to cost a commission, cater for individual requirements like figure, style and materials – and earn while they learn. To enrich the curriculum further, visits to world-renowned West Yorkshire wool mills are organised.
The Fee
£12,000 (incl. VAT) including all materials. Please see our application form for payment schedule.
Who can apply?
British citizens, UK residents and those eligible to enter the UK under the Youth Mobility scheme, can apply*. The Level 5 Diploma is open to candidates of all ages. Whether you are at the beginning of your career or looking for a new challenge following retirement, we welcome your application! Candidates need prior experience in garment making, however no formal qualification. Use the contact form below to discuss your individual circumstances.
*Overseas students can apply to join our International Programme.
Admission Process
- Send us your application and we come back to you within a week.
- If we invite you for a subsequent interview, you are shortlisted for a place on the course.
- We enrol suitable candidates as they are ready to commit, once offered a place.
Please be aware places are limited to only 16 across our Level 5 and International programmes this year.
You can view further key policies here.
Questions?
Applications for 2025/26 are open. Please get in touch with any queries:
