ObjectivesA multidisciplinary framework for independent study leading to an original body of practical or written work, for example an innovative collection of womenswear, menswear, footwear or accessories, a technological investigation into new methods with prototypes, or a dissertation on a design-based subject. The concept for the final major project is proposed and negotiated by the student.
Entry requirementsSelf-motivated individuals looking to develop both their career prospects and their intellectual potential in a specialist aspect of fashion design and technology building on their previous knowledge, skills and experience. Students on MA Fashion Design and Technology can specialise in menswear or womenswear incorporating a further specialism such as embroidery, knitwear, tailoring and innovative pattern cutting. MA Fashion Artefact students will explore materials and processes to develop innovative approaches to accessories and the body from bags and headwear to sculptural body adornments. MA Fashion Footwear students will build on their previous knowledge and skills to create innovative footwear extending existing norms both conceptually and technologically, through either bespoke or production manufacturing.
Academic titleMA Fashion Design and Technology
Course descriptionThe MA encourages a strong interdependence between design and technology. Students are inspired to take risks in order to produce groundbreaking, highly individual work. They can choose either to work within a commercially viable market or, alternatively, they might aspire to become an innovator working within the avant-garde arena. The MA encourages creativity both conceptually and technically. The intensive programme is split into three distinct course units.
The first unit, Creative and Technical Development, is designed to evaluate and improve technical and practical skills. Students will work individually and develop creative work through a personal project. Technical and workshop inductions in CAD, tailoring, print, embroidery and leather introduce students to the extensive technical facilities and specialist staff of the college.
The second unit, Research, Development and Professional Links, encourages students to consolidate their area of specialism and to research into their proposed MA project. Students will have the opportunity to build contacts with high profile national and international companies forging potential collaborative links.
Alongside this personal development, the Contextual Studies unit provides breadth to your studies with themes including historical, cultural, design and global business perspectives on fashion.
The final unit comprises the negotiated major project: Development of Specialism and Project Realisation. This MA project is the culmination of the student’s personal ideas and investigations towards the realisation of an original body of work and is showcased in a final exhibition in January.
Time Required - work/study balance
Postgraduate study is based on a balance between taught contact in seminars, lectures and tutorials and time spent on independent research and study. Full time students are expected to devote four days per week to study, part time students two days per week. In the first stage of the course, course units are held on two to three days and one evening per week (full time) or one day and one evening per week (part time).
Career Prospects
Master’s graduates have an acknowledged advantage in the employment market, obtaining work in a wide range of vocational and academic fields related to fashion. Graduates from the MA Fashion framework will be in a position to gain employment as innovators within the fields of fashion design and technology, fashion communications, or management and marketing for the fashion industries. The MA also provides an excellent preparation for higher level research degrees (MPhil or PhD), with an increasing number of graduates undertaking research in fashion related subjects, in practice or theory or entering into education as lecturers.
Graduates from MA Fashion Design Technology, MA Fashion Artefact and MA Fashion Footwear will be in a position to gain employment as innovators within the broad field of fashion design and technology and may identify a fashion house, large corporate company or alternatively choose to build their own identity through the launch of their own design label. Further employment opportunities include trend prediction, stylist, illustrator and freelance designer.
What are we looking for?
Individuals who can respond to challenge, are articulate and can contribute original ideas and a keen awareness of current issues in many aspects of fashion. For MA Fashion Design Technology, you must have a first degree in fashion design or textiles, or equivalent experience, and demonstrate your knowledge, skills and understanding of pattern cutting and clothes manufacture. MA Fashion Artefact applicants must have a first degree in fashion, textiles or product design. For MA Fashion Footwear, you must have a first degree in a fashion related area including footwear, or equivalent industrial experience. We aim to recruit students who demonstrate creativity, a high level of commitment and energy, and who will strive for success within the highly competitive fashion industry.
Prospective students should:
-Have a good Honours degree in a related discipline (2:1 or above)
-or equivalent qualification or a minimum of 3 years industrial experience at an appropriate level
-have IELTS level 6.5 or equivalent if English is not the first language