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Fashion and Textiles MA

A research-inspired, practice-based and design-led adventure for experienced fashion, footwear, accessories and textile creatives looking to develop in an inspiring and supportive environment. 

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Overview

This stimulating course challenges motivated graduates from fashion and textiles disciplines to explore their chosen specialism and take their development to the next level of creative innovation. Choose from one of the following three areas to specialise in:

  • Fashion Design focuses on womenswear, menswear and fashion knitwear.
  • Footwear Design and Accessories covers women’s, men’s and children’s footwear and accessories for sport, leisure or fashion
  • Textile Design examines printed, constructed and mixed media in relation to fashion, interiors and lifestyle

You will focus on building creative, technical and academic knowledge, while developing a critical and contextual understanding of wider issues facing the global fashion industry. Complement your creative practice by selecting from optional modules to tailor your skills to your career aspirations, with the opportunity to undertake a live external client project.

Learn independently and direct your own studies, with encouragement and support from our specialist teachers who bring their industry insights to the curriculum. You will benefit from outstanding facilities that will both push your creative boundaries and advance your technical skills. 

Key features 

  • You can exit the course with a Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate award depending on the credits you have successfully achieved.
  • We are recognised as one of the country’s most sustainable fashion and textiles schools (Green Gown Awards, 2021) and one of the best fashion schools in the world for 2022 (CEOWORLD, 2022).
  • We will empower you to authoritatively choose your creative direction and tailor your learning around your own academic and professional interests 
  • Our stimulating, practice-based environment will help you to contextualise your own work, develop real-world skills and collaborate with international practitioners  
  • Learn from our research experts with a strong technical focus, alongside leading industry professionals who deliver outstanding guest lectures 
  • Benefit from an optional year-long work placement to gain valuable experience and enhance your practical and professional skills 
  • Join our close-knit interdisciplinary community which fosters a supportive learning environment for students from around the world 
  • Our award-winning Vijay Patel building has been designed to provide the space and facilities where all of our art and design students can develop their ideas and flourish. 

Talk to our course team

If you would like to find out more about how this course can help you achieve your career ambitions, send a message to our course team [Davina Hawthorne] who would be happy to chat to you. Alternatively, you can register for our next postgraduate event or call our course enquirers team on +44 (0)116 2 50 60 70  / WhatsApp: 0797 0655 800.


See our student work

Student work brochure

Scholarships:

DMU offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships and bursaries to help you realise your academic ambitions.

International Scholarships

Find out about available scholarships and country specific fee discounts for international students. 

 

More courses like this:

Contour Fashion Innovation MA
Design Innovation and Management MA/MSc

Fashion Management and Marketing MA

  • UK
  • EU/International

Programme code: W23075

Duration: One year full-time. Two years part-time.

Start date: September 2024


Fees and funding 

2024/25 tuition fees for UK students:

£9,435 per year.

Find out more about course fees and available funding.

Additional costs: Here at DMU we provide excellent learning resources, including the Kimberlin Library and specialist workshops and studios. However, you should be aware that sometimes you may incur additional costs for this programme.

 

Programme code: W23075

Duration: One year full-time

Start date: September 2024


Fees and funding: 

2024/25 tuition fees for EU and international students: £15,800

Find out more about course fees and available funding.

Additional costs: Here at DMU we provide excellent learning resources, including the Kimberlin Library and specialist workshops and studios. However, you should be aware that sometimes you may incur additional costs for this programme.

Entry criteria

Typical entry requirements 

You should have the equivalent or above of a 2:2 UK bachelor’s honours design degree in a fashion, textiles, footwear, or a contour related subject relevant to your chosen subject specialism.

If you have other professional qualifications and industry experience we will consider your application on an individual basis.

Interview and Portfolio

Applicants with relevant qualifications should submit a portfolio of work (please see our Fashion and Textiles application portfolio advice for full details).

Non-standard applicants will be invited to attend an interview with a portfolio and a 2,500-word report.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band (or equivalent) when you start the course is essential.

English language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Structure and assessment

 

Course modules

Teaching and assessments

Awards and memberships

 

Modules

Block 1: Design Innovation

This module explores the development of conceptual thinking, creative approaches to design and the technical aspects of product realisation. An introductory design brief considers the use of secondary and primary research sources as inspiration for the generation of innovative subject-specific product design statements. You will practically re-examine the possibilities of design development and creative awareness for your own area of interest either Fashion Design or Footwear Design and Accessories or Textile Design, to advance to MA level.

Block 2: Research and Design Communication

In this module creative and technical skills will be developed in order to effectively communicate complex creative concepts using specialist skills to a professional standard. Areas that will be explored include design illustration and drawing skills, technical drawings, print developments, layout techniques. You will develop various skills and styles of 2D representation and presentation using digital and hand-crafted methods, to create a visually stimulating and innovative portfolio of work for an ever-changing fashion society.

You will also be introduced to advanced research skills. You will consider the role of research within the context of fashion and textiles, and to reflect on your personal attributes, skills and values as a contemporary researcher. Typical content will include research design; gathering, managing and analysing data; developing critical and ethical practices; and reporting and presenting research findings.  

Block 3: Select one from the following:

  • Design Live

In this module you will work on a ‘live’ project brief in relation to your individual interest for your chosen market. You are encouraged to develop external links to support quality research, design, and innovation for technical resolution. The exact format and nature of the outcome will be dependent on the negotiated project brief.

  • Narrative Spaces

This module will explore how the design of spaces can tell a story. You will consider the interaction between objects, space and stories, in order to better understand complex ideas, messages or emotional connections and empathy.  The interpretation of ‘space’ will be stretched beyond physical space and you will also explore how digital platforms can play a significant role in enhancing and immersing people in the built environment. There will be a particular focus on how modern retail environments and progressive museum and exhibition design use a combination of spaces and experiences to convey a story.

You will produce a group design project and presentation as a design team, with flexibility within the design brief to propose a multi-layered design concept proposal.

  • Digital Development

Technology continues to provide creative, practical and sustainable solutions to global challenges faced by the fashion and textiles industry. Advances in key areas such as 3D prototyping, Extended Reality (XR) and sensing, scanning and fitting technologies have opened the job market resulting in new opportunities for designers with the relevant digital skill set.

This module aims to introduce you to practice-led methods of digital product development and creative communication for fashion and textiles. It aims to advance your knowledge of process and presentation in virtual environments and encourage disruptive thinking and innovative approaches. During the module you may focus on areas such as: 3D pattern cutting and prototyping garments and/or accessories; virtual asset creation and library management of textiles, materials and trims; virtual and Augmented Reality presentations; or body scanning and photogrammetry.

Block 4: PRE-Collection

This module is design to strengthen your 2D design to 3D resolution skills. Through design research, critical self – evaluation, 2D and 3D experimentation, you will initiate projects to an advanced range of skills and potential design solutions. By focusing on successful and innovative outcomes you will develop your creative identity. This individual creativity will be taken forward into a focused design direction for the Major Project in Blocks 5 and 6.

Blocks 5 and 6: Major Project

In this module you will be supported to demonstrate a systematic and comprehensive understanding of the techniques applicable to your own research and advanced scholarship in the completion of a major project. You will demonstrate your ability to use initiative and ingenuity, make complex decisions and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level.

You will have the choice of either a major focus on design practice supported by a written critical evaluation (practice) or a major focus on the critical evaluation supported by a condensed design practice (academic). This should reflect your chosen path after graduation, should that be into design practice or continuing to an academic path.

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

 

The course promotes a philosophy of developing independent learners. Supported by specialist staff, you are encouraged to negotiate and direct your own learning within the framework of the modular structure. Tuition mainly takes the form of skills development workshops and design tutorials with additional lectures and seminars. The overall aim is to build on your individual skills and knowledge.

Assessment is continuous through methods such as 2D/3D design projects, portfolio, reports/essays, blogs, poster presentations and oral presentations.

The staff team are designers, researchers and/or senior academics with a strong design and technical focus, which ensures that their teaching remains current. Course teaching is further complemented by visiting lecturers and guest speakers who are leading industry practitioners..

Contact hours
In your first two terms you will normally attend around 8-10 hours of timetabled taught sessions including lectures, tutorials and workshop and studio sessions each week, and be expected to undertake at least 25 hours of independent study each week. Your third term will be pre-dominantly self-directed (including meetings with your supervisor), during you can expect to undertake 35 hours of independent study each week 

 

Ranked as one of the best fashion schools in the world for 2022 (CEOWORLD, 2022) and in the top 10 in the UK for 'career after 15 months' (The Guardian University Guide 2022), our innovative and widely-respected courses help prepare students for fulfilling futures in this fast-paced industry.

Green Gown Award

The School of Fashion and Textiles won the Next Generation Learning and Skills Award in the Green Gowns Awards 2021 and received global recognition in the International Green Gown Awards 2022. These awards are the gold standard for sustainability in universities around the world and this puts DMU at the forefront of sustainable fashion and textiles education in the UK. Sustainability is at the heart of our curriculum and teaching, empowering our students to be agents of change within the industry.

UK Fashion and Textiles Association

We are members of the UK Fashion and Textile Association which ensures our teaching stays up to date with the latest developments in the sector and provides valuable industry links that enhance our courses.

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Facilities and features

Art and design facilities


Our award-winning Vijay Patel building has been designed to provide the space and facilities where all of our art and design students can develop their ideas and flourish. 

The creative industries require imaginative graduates who can develop new ideas and products. Students use our sophisticated and contemporary workshops, labs and studios to experiment and test in the same way they will in industry, while the open and transparent spaces in the building encourage collaboration between disciplines. In doing so, the building prepares students for industry and helps develop them as future leaders in their respective fields. 

Take a look at our stunning showcase of the building at dmu.ac.uk/aad.

 

Library and learning zones

On campus, the main Kimberlin Library offers a space where you can work, study and access a vast range of print materials, with computer stations, laptops, plasma screens and assistive technology also available. 

As well as providing a physical space in which to work, we offer online tools to support your studies, and our extensive online collection of resources accessible from our Library website, e-books, specialised databases and electronic journals and films which can be remotely accessed from anywhere you choose. 

We will support you to confidently use a huge range of learning technologies, including the Virtual Learning Environment, Collaborate Ultra, DMU Replay, MS Teams, Turnitin and more. Alongside this, you can access LinkedIn Learning and learn how to use Microsoft 365, and study support software such as mind mapping and note-taking through our new Digital Student Skills Hub. 

The library staff offer additional support to students, including help with academic writing, research strategies, literature searching, reference management and assistive technology. There is also a ‘Just Ask’ service for help and advice, live LibChat, online workshops, tutorials and drop-ins available from our Learning Services, and weekly library live chat sessions that give you the chance to ask the library teams for help.

 

More flexible ways to learn

We offer an equitable and inclusive approach to learning and teaching for all our students. Known as the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), our teaching approach has been recognised as sector leading. UDL means we offer a wide variety of support, facilities and technology to all students, including those with disabilities and specific learning differences.

Just one of the ways we do this is by using ‘DMU Replay’ – a technology providing all students with anytime access to audio and/or visual material of lectures. This means students can revise taught material in a way that suits them best, whether it's replaying a recording of a class or adapting written material shared in class using specialist software.

Opportunities and careers

Find the people who will open doors for you

DMU's award-winning careers service provides guaranteed work experience opportunities DMU Careers Team
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Placements

During this course you will have the option to complete a paid placement year, an invaluable opportunity to put the skills developed during your degree into practice. This insight into the professional world will build on your knowledge in a real-world setting, preparing you to progress onto your chosen career. Placements will normally take place between semester two and three. 

Our Careers Team can help to hone your professional skills with mock interviews and practice aptitude tests, and an assigned personal tutor will support you throughout your placement.

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DMU Global

This is our innovative international experience programme which aims to enrich your studies and expand your cultural horizons – helping you to become a global graduate, equipped to meet the needs of employers across the world.

Through DMU Global, we offer a wide range of opportunities including on-campus and UK activities, overseas study, internships, faculty-led field trips and volunteering, as well as Erasmus+ and international exchanges.

 

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Graduate careers

Our graduates have gone on to exciting careers working with international brands such as Agent Provocateur, Courtaulds, Abercrombie & Fitch, Tommy Hilfiger, Superdry, Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, French Connection, Jigsaw, Next, H&M, Kurt Geiger, L.K. Bennett, Clarks, New Balance, Tesco, Joules and Calvin Klein. 
 
Graduates considering developing a new business will have access to enterprise support from our Careers Team. 
 
Raabia Arif beat hundreds of hopefuls to land a design role working with illustrious brands such as Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger. She praises the opportunities she had at DMU, including the chance to showcase her graduate collection in Hong Kong, while representing the university at the GREAT Festival of Innovation.  She said: "Studying fashion at DMU is phenomenal. The facilities are fantastic and the tutors and quality of teaching they deliver really sets it apart," 

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