Earlier this year, Teesside University was awarded an overall 5 Stars rating in the internationally recognised QS Stars assessment, recognizing excellence across a range of areas including teaching, employability, global engagement and the student experience.
Teesside University, the awarding institution for these courses, has been awarded an overall 5 Stars rating in the renowned internationally recognised QS Stars assessment, recognizing excellence across key areas including teaching, employability, global engagement and student experience. This achievement reflects the University’s commitment to delivering a high-quality educational experience and supports the strong reputation of Teesside University awards delivered through its global partnership network.
The partnership integrates craftsmanship, creativity, and connections with the fashion industry, allowing students to earn Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees validated by the British university.
Ferrari Fashion School, a higher education institution with over 20 years of experience in the fashion, luxury, and design sectors and part of the Plena Education group, announces an academic partnership with Teesside University, a UK public university recognized for its innovative approach to teaching.
Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees with Dual International Value in Milan
The collaboration allows students to attend the Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design, Fashion Styling and Communication, and Fashion Business & Digital Marketing, as well as the Master of Arts in Fashion Design and Creative Direction and Fashion and Luxury Management at the Milan campus. All programs are validated by the British university, enabling students to earn an internationally recognized university degree.
Where Made in Italy Craftsmanship Meets the British Model
The project stems from the combination of two complementary educational traditions. Ferrari Fashion School emphasizes technical skill, craftsmanship, garment construction, and knowledge of luxury production processes, maintaining a direct relationship with brands, companies, and professionals in the fashion system. The British model of Teesside University places particular focus on originality, research, divergent thinking, experimentation, and an entrepreneurial mindset. Their integration creates educational pathways focused on creativity, digital and AI skills, sustainability, and professional placement.
«With Teesside University, we have built an educational model that connects two visions of fashion and two complementary academic approaches,» commented Anna Lottersberger, Director of Ferrari Fashion School. «On one side, the technical know-how, product care, and understanding of the luxury system that characterize Made in Italy; on the other, the British model’s ability to cultivate critical thinking and stimulate learning through practical project work, even in business courses. For students, this means training in Milan with a truly international outlook and gaining skills immediately applicable in an increasingly global sector.»
“This partnership brings together two institutions united by a commitment to preparing students to successfully embark on international careers. By combining the excellence of Italian fashion education with the academic rigor and innovation of a British degree path, we are creating a distinctive educational experience that will benefit students, faculty, and businesses,” commented Professor Mark Simpson, incoming Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Teesside University. “We are particularly excited about the opportunities for international collaboration, cultural exchange, and mobility that this partnership will continue to generate between Milan and Teesside.”
Experiential Learning, Real Projects, and Internships in Fashion Companies
The curriculum combines theoretical lessons, workshop activities, and laboratory projects in collaboration with fashion and luxury companies. Learning is based on hands-on project work with real briefs: pattern making, tailoring, and textile experimentation for Fashion Design students; editorial shoots and visual communication projects for Styling students; and marketing and retail strategies for Business students. Additionally, all study plans include a mandatory three- or six-month curricular internship at companies in the sector. In the last academic year alone, the School activated over 50 curricular internships, offering students a concrete opportunity to engage with the dynamics of a professional environment.
International Mobility Between Milan and Teesside
The partnership expands international mobility opportunities: Ferrari Fashion School students have the chance to experience academic life on Teesside University’s mega-campus, while Teesside University students can spend a semester in Milan, in the heart of the fashion district.
“Studying abroad taught me that education goes beyond the university walls: it is shaped by the people we meet along the way and their perspectives,” commented Giorgia Cereda, a student in the Bachelor in Fashion Styling and Communication. “A dinner with fellow university students from all over the world made me realize how much exposure to different cultures can change the way you see things and how I approach my academic journey.”
The collaboration also involves faculty from both institutions in designing study plans, aligning academic standards, and reviewing final projects. This ongoing dialogue allows for shared methodologies and skills, strengthening the quality of education and preparing future professionals to operate in international and multicultural contexts.
