Entry requirementsThe course is aimed at the following: * Graduates who wish to enhance and further develop as design specialists, within the field of fashion knitwear design. * Professional designers with demonstrated ability and a proven track record who wish to update or develop specialist skills. * Specialists who wish to build on previously acquired qualifications and experience and who intend to reposition themselves within the industry. Prospective applicants should be (or about to become) graduates of a British University or equivalent institute of Higher Education. Preference will be given to good honours graduates although exceptional applicants from a non-academic background will also be considered. If applying for a design specialisation, you are also required to show a professional portfolio of work. Competence in written and spoken English is essential. Overseas applicants are expected to have a score of either IELTS 6, TOEFL 540, CBTOEFL 207 or IBTOEFL 76 unless their undergraduate course of study was undertaken in English. There is an opportunity for overseas students to enrol on the 10 week Language and Culture Bridging Programme which begins in June, providing they have secured a place on an MA course the following September. This will allow for a higher score to be achieved and for students to have Art and Design specialist tutorials in preparation for Masters study.
Academic titleMA Fashion Knitwear Design
Course descriptionMA Fashion Knitwear Design
Course content
The course which commences annually in September consists of two modules – module one (60 Credits) and module two (120 Credits).
Module one, which lasts approximately 12 weeks, consists of school related activities (66%) and subject related activities (33%). School related activities relate to the wider needs of the individual in relation to research methodologies progression, support, academic and community issues in postgraduate study. Subject related activities relate to the three pathways which comprise Applied Design, Fashion Knitwear Design, Textile Design and Innovation and Decorative Arts, resulting in a negotiated student learning agreement for activities and support in module two.
Module two, which immediately follows module one and lasts approximately 28 weeks, comprises the core teaching and learning activities for MA Fashion Knitwear Design, MA Textile Design and Innovation and MA Decorative Arts as agreed in module one.
Emphasis is placed on the development of a self motivated and considered position or context which will reflect, in part, the information, experience and practice generated by the course.
The course seeks to achieve a balance between the organisational framework appropriate to postgraduate study and the provision of an environment in which the individual can develop specialised knowledge and skills.
Lectures and seminars will be delivered both by university tutors and subject specialists. Students will receive tutorials and seminars that provide the opportunity for peer group critique and interaction.
Assessment
Assessment for module one is 100% submission and presentation of a learning agreement for module two. Assessment for module two is individually negotiated with the programme team, and may include a variety of possible outcomes such as a personal thesis, range of coursework activities, prototypes or theoretical models, the creation of a business proposal etc.
About the course
The School has an established international reputation as a centre of excellence for postgraduate studies in fashion, textiles and related subjects. Contemporary, vibrant and diverse, Nottingham is renowned for being the business, cultural and fashion centre of the East Midlands region, with a wealth of heritage in traditional textile practice.
The philosophy of the course is to provide talented individuals with an environment in which personal and professional aspirations can be fulfilled.
The course gives students the opportunity to develop their individual specialism at an advanced level, by exploration and experimentation with new approaches, to Fashion Knitwear Design, via a self-initiated research project (subject to negotiation with their tutor), within a dynamic postgraduate community; supported by exceptional staffing facilities, contemporary postgraduate studio space, and modern technical resources.
Students are encouraged to develop professional relationships with UK and international design industries and agencies, thorough active collaborations and sponsorship where appropriate.
All postgraduate courses located within Applied Design have been structured to allow students to consider career opportunities in a range of creative, design related industries. You are encouraged to be expressive and communicate concepts via a range of exciting mediums. Whether you wish to start your own business, work as consultants or practitioners, wish to continue your professional development in fashion knitwear design, or indeed if you are undecided on which direction to take, then the range of individually agreed activities incorporated in the course allows you to select the outcome of your choice.
Resources and facilities
A broad range of facilities are available for use within the Applied Design area, ranging from state of the Art CAD/CAM equipment to craft based approaches to the fashion knitwear design process.
Study routes
The course is one year full-time, and commences each September.
Special benefits
The course emphasis has always been to promote professionalism, specialism, expertise and excellence. The career paths of its graduates reflect this philosophy and many have made significant contributions to their professions, working for internationally renowned companies worldwide.