London: the ideal city for creatives – Study English in London

London is today, more than ever, in the spotlight. Arguably one of the most renowned fashion and design hubs in the world, the capital’s creative industry is one of its biggest sectors. Both UK and international designers come to the creative capital to perfect their craft and make a name for themselves worldwide.

From the runways of the London Fashion Week to vintage markets in Brick Lane and Portobello, there is inspiration around every corner. It’s no wonder that there is such a strong portfolio of fashion and design programmes to study in the city: London is home to four of the world’s top 10 fashion schools.

Famous alumni

Models walk the runway dressed in clothes from Alexander McQueen at London Fashion Week.

Alexander McQueen runway at LFW

With more than 16,000 students studying creative arts and design in London, it is the second most popular subject for international students in London. The array of famous alumni graduated from a London university shows the quality of courses available in the capital.

Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney are just some of the homegrown talent who studied in London. At 17, Westwood took a jewellery and silversmith course at the University of Westminster, McQueen trained at Central Saint Martins and McCartney studied her Foundation year at Ravensbourne University London.

Many students choose to study English at a language school in London to get a taster of life as a designer before studying at university. Hyesung Shin from Korea, currently studying at Bayswater College, likes that London is “traditional but also really multicultural and international, which makes it more interesting than other fashion capitals.” Mariarosa D’Alessandro from Italy also adds that “because English is spoken here in London, it’s more accessible for international students than places like Paris and Milan.” For more information about taking an English language course in London check out English UK London for a comprehensive list of accredited schools.

Career opportunities

Liberty department store's main entrance as the night falls.

Liberty London department store

With 46,400 people working in the fashion industry in London, there are plenty of fashion and design related job opportunities for students. Promising designers are spoilt for choice with internships or work placements before getting graduate roles. With the presence of high-end heritage brands like Burberry, iconic Liberty and Harrods department stores and global retailers like ASOS, London’s the perfect place to start your career.

Take the opportunity to mingle with other creatives and learn from the world’s best innovators at students’ networking events and MeetUps.

Although the fashion sector can be competitive, studying in London will give you all the skills and experiences you need to boost your profile and your career.

Be inspired

Mannequins are wearing beautiful dresses by Christian Dior as part of an exhibition as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Christian Dior exhibition at the V&A

Wondering where to get fashion inspiration in London? Learning doesn’t stop when leaving the classroom – the city’s streets are draped in design. Over in Kensington, the Victoria and Albert Museum and Fashion and Textile Museum welcome thousands of visitors every day. The V&A’s collections of costumes, jewellery, sculptures, drawings and photographs are among the largest and most comprehensive in the world. To get ideas flowing, you could also try the tailors on Savile Row in Mayfair who influenced Alexander McQueen’s designs or rummage through fashion magazines from Wardour News in Soho. Everyday life in the capital motivates students and professionals to create new things – London is most definitely the place to find your muse.