MA Fashion Design

at Northumbria University

As part of the Fashion MA you will study a series of interconnected modules over three semesters. These modules will equip you with the latest theoretical, practical and professional knowledge, skills and applied thinking, primarily through project-based learning experiences.

Approximately two-thirds of your taught sessions will be studio-based, following a ‘learn, explore further and apply’ structure, encouraging you to take risks and to cross traditional boundaries. The modules have been designed to reflect the realities of the design industry and working environments you will encounter on graduation.

During this programme you will undertake two 30-credit core modules in the postgraduate design framework. Design Thinking (DE7001) and Design Process (DE7002) will provide you with new ways of thinking and approaching global design challenges in the context of your practice. In addition to this, you will also engage in two 30-credit modules within your subject specialism Fashion Design Proposal (DE7008) and Fashion Exploration in Materials and Processes (DE7009), which will be your opportunity to really master your area of investigation and inspire you to push subject norms and discipline boundaries. To conclude the programme, you will undertake a 60-credit module (Project/Thesis – DE7003) which will act as a consolidation of your learning and give you the opportunity to explore a particular research question of your choosing. 

On top of this you will have access to extensive digital learning resources, including recorded lectures and seminars, assessment feedback, and opportunities to engage in online discussions with your tutors and peers.

One key feature of that runs throughout the Masters is Personal Development Planning (PDP), which you will craft in close collaboration with your tutors. You’ll use your PDP to record what you’ve done and to plan what you want to achieve, enabling you to recognise your development needs and progress towards your unique goals. You will also develop your skills in reflective practice and collaboration, both of which are key to making an impact in the professional world.

Entry Requirements 2022/23

Standard Entry

Applicants should normally have:

A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in a relevant discipline. Applicants with appropriate work experience and/or a relevant professional qualification will be considered.

Applicants are required to submit an online portfolio with their application.

International qualifications:

If you have studied a non UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages. 

English language requirements:

International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*).

Fees and Funding 2022/23 Entry

Full UK Fee: £7,950

Full EU Fee: £16,500

Full International Fee: £16,500

You will graduate with the knowledge and expertise required to become a world-class designer, a design innovator who can inspire and develop products with a high level of integrity and commercial value. Our collaborative work with industry partners creates a space for future thinking, which enhances the curriculum and enables students to graduate into high profile employment both in the UK and internationally.

Contemporary design practice is evolving due to new technologies and changing contexts of design innovation. This means there are more opportunities for graduates with advanced masterly understanding of how fashion and industrial design can collaborate in order to respond to future human and planet well-being.

You will hold a critical awareness of current issues, an analytical knowledge of relevant craft skills, processes and technologies, and the entrepreneurial skills to evaluate and commercialise creative opportunities.

You will have the opportunity to collaborate with organisations from across the fashion and creative industries through your project work, allowing you to build your professional skills, your portfolio, and your network of contacts. You will exhibit your work locally and in London at the end of your course, a remarkable opportunity to showcase your talents to a global audience.

Throughout the year you will have the opportunity to engage in a range of events such as conferences and guest lectures to help further your knowledge and build networks towards your future career aspirations. In addition to working on your personal design projects, you will also have the chance to work on industry-led, collaborative projects within cross-disciplinary teams, reflecting the nature of your future work in the fashion industry.   

As well as supporting those seeking to develop independent fashion labels, this course will prepare you for a wide range of career opportunities within the fashion and creative industries and in roles as diverse as:

• fashion designer
• fashion director
• stylist
• buyer
• account manager
• visual merchandiser
• fashion editor
• industry commentator
• trend forecaster.