Program Overview

Introduction to the MA Textiles Program

The MA Textiles program at Nottingham Trent University provides a platform for diverse and creative thinking and design practice to challenge and drive the future of fashion and textiles. This program encourages a personalized approach to practice and theory, taking into account social, political, environmental, and technological issues from local and global perspectives.

Program Details

• Level of Study: Masters
• Entry Requirements: 2.2 honors degree in a related subject, along with a creative portfolio.
• Start Date: September 2026
• Duration: 1 year (45 weeks)
• Attendance: Full-time
• Course Delivery: On-campus (City Campus)
• Work Placement Opportunities: Available

About the Course

Our MA Fashion, Textiles, and Knitwear courses provide a critical approach to notions of progress, encouraging a deeper understanding of craft, traditional and digital practices, and wider technological developments. Students have the opportunity to take their research to the next level by opting for a 20-credit point advanced research module, which is ideal for those thinking of progressing to PhD or Professional Doctorate study.

Key Features

• Learn from industry experts, including Dr. Katherine Townsend, Karen Nicol, Kit Miles, Lisa Salama, Hannah Croft, Angharad McLaren, Jo Cope, and Moxham.
• Experience textiles beyond the studio through research trips to exhibitions, events, and key industry locations such as London.
• Showcase work at major events; students are invited to submit their work for consideration for TEXT+ (formerly xSelect).

What You'll Study

The modular structure of our MA Textiles course provides opportunities for cross-school community building, interdisciplinary thinking, and collaboration. Optional modules provide a bespoke learning experience geared towards individual professional futures.

Module Information

Core Modules

• Situating Your Practice: Induction to specialist resources, workshops, and training in CAD Knitwear programs (Shima and Stoll), with opportunities for personalization and development of a major project outline.
• Innovation in Textile Practice: Building upon the previous outline, identifying, developing, and realizing an individual project focused on achieving future goals, with personalization to align the project with ambitions.
• Culture and Collaboration: Developing an advanced level of understanding of the wider cultural context, collaborating with Masters students across the school on a negotiated theme, producing an outcome contributing to a collective festival of ideas.

Optional Modules

• Professional Futures: Exploring the evolving landscape of employment in the fashion and textiles industries, investigating opportunities in enterprise, innovation, and industry.
• Advancing Research Design: Maximising Your Methods: A multi-disciplinary module for students who want to use their course as the basis for further research-based study or extend their knowledge of research methods and methodologies.

Student Experience

Students share their experiences and the impact of the program on their careers and personal growth, highlighting the supportive environment, access to facilities, and the opportunity to develop their skills and network.

How You're Taught

Teaching and learning experiences include lectures, tutorials, seminars, inductions, workshops, optional competitions, study visits, self-directed research, and independent studio practice. Specific workshops for MA Textile Design Innovation may include drawing and visualizations, screen printing, industry-specific Adobe CAD software, and more.

Assessment

Assessment is 100% by coursework and involves project proposals, supporting fashion research and development work, evidence of reflective practice, experimental designs, formal presentations, resolved textile designs/fabrications or prototypes, and portfolio and CV.

Entry Requirements

UK Students

• Academic entry requirements: 2.2 honors degree in a related subject.
• Other requirements: A creative portfolio.
• Additional requirements: There are no additional requirements for this course, but the university welcomes applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds.

International Students

• Academic entry requirements: 2.2 honors degree in a related subject, with equivalent qualifications from around the world accepted.
• Other requirements: A creative portfolio, English language requirements (see the university's English language requirements page).
• Additional international requirements: There are no additional requirements, but international students are advised to check the university's international entry requirements by country.

Fees and Funding

UK Students

• £10,300 for the first year of study, with the possibility of annual review for subsequent years.
• Scholarships, discounts, and loans are available to help fund studies.

International Students

• £18,300 for the first year of study, with the possibility of annual review for subsequent years.
• Scholarships, discounts, and advice on managing money and living costs are available.

Careers and Employability

Graduates can pursue careers in fashion and textile design, teaching, lecturing, journalism, or progress to MPhil or PhD study. The university provides support through NTU Enterprise for those interested in starting their own creative businesses. Connections with industry, study trips, and showcases are integral parts of the program, enhancing employability and providing opportunities for networking and professional development.

Campus and Facilities

The program is based in the Bonington building, a dedicated art and design hub, with access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the Smart Textiles Lab, fashion and textile studios, and the Bonington Art Shop. A virtual tour of the facilities is available, showcasing the university's commitment to providing an excellent learning environment.

Applying

Applications are made through the NTU Applicant Portal, with guidance available for the application process, including portfolio advice for those required to submit one. International students are advised to prepare and apply early due to potential delays in Student visa processing.