Program Overview

MA Fashion Design Technology

The MA Fashion Design Technology programme is designed for students who are ready to challenge traditional fashion industry systems and want to become the catalyst for positive change in their specialism. Technology and human-centric design are at the heart of the programme. The use of technology drives the creation of new, original products and allows for experimentation beyond material resources.

Course Overview

The fashion landscape is evolving more rapidly than ever before, and the need for sustainable and innovative fashion garments, ranges, and business models has never been more urgent. Conscious approaches to both the design and realization of a fashion product are therefore critical.

Fact File

• Entry Year: September 2025
• Typical Annual Fees:
  • Home: £12,000
  • Overseas: £22,000
• Course Length: 1 year full-time

Course Information

The MA Fashion Design Technology is one of a number of new postgraduate programmes taught at the Manchester Fashion Institute at Manchester Met. The programme has been developed in response to rapid shifts in the way fashion is designed, manufactured, and consumed. Driven by the need to address unsustainable practices in response to the environmental and social consequences of the current fashion industry.

Features and Benefits

• Facilities: Students benefit from expansive, cutting-edge, and industry-standard equipment, workshops, and software alongside support from knowledgeable technical staff.
• Fashion Community: An international and culturally diverse city, Manchester hosts global brands in addition to a flourishing independent fashion economy and creative industries.
• Expertise: Our staff are researchers and industry specialists, covering the breadth of the fashion world from design, supply chain, and production to marketing, merchandising, and management.
• The Future of Fashion: Students will be equipped with the essential knowledge and key skills needed to help evolve the fashion industry to become more environmentally sustainable, socially progressive, and ethically conscious.
• Industry Links: We are connected with over 400 industrial partners, including renowned brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Burberry, and Calvin Klein, ensuring our programmes are shaped to meet the needs of an ever-changing sector through live projects, external visits, and networking opportunities.

Accreditations, Awards, and Endorsements

• The Textile Institute: This programme is accredited by The Textile Institute, the leading professional body for promoting professionalism in the textile industries. Students may fast track and apply for globally recognised professional qualifications after a shorter period of work experience and in some cases directly upon graduation.
• British Fashion Council: Year 1

Year 1

Core Modules

• Design for Impact: This module challenges students to think beyond their own practice, reacting to social, cultural, or environmental influences. Future fashion concepts and experiences will be explored and resolved to understand how fashion design can be employed as a catalyst for change, to shape the future and be a force for good.
• Digital and Material Innovation: This module enables an explorative and experimental space from which to re-imagine future fashion concepts through industry-focused challenges.
• Fashion Bodies: This module aims to challenge assumptions, to redefine fashion industry models, and create innovative solutions for specific end-users. Human-centric design is at the core of the module.
• Negotiated Project: This module enables the development and production of a body of work that reflects each student’s individual creative ambition within the field of fashion design innovation.
• Sustainable Solutions: This module enables opportunities for the exploration and communication of innovative and sustainable design concepts, applicable to a defined market level.

Study and Assessment

• Study: Full-time: 25% lectures, seminars, or similar; 0% placement; 75% independent study.
• Assessment: Full-time: 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination.

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of 2:2 Honours degree is required, in a Fashion or design-related subject. Equivalent EU/international qualifications are also accepted.
• Applicants will be asked to provide a portfolio to support their application.
• Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification.

Fees and Funding

• UK and Channel Island Students: Full-time fee: £12,000 per year.
• EU and Non-EU International Students: Full-time fee: £22,000 per year.
• Additional Costs:
  • Specialist Costs: Compulsory estimate: £1000 - £4000. Materials: All students on a design programme can expect to purchase art materials, sketchbooks, paper, fabric, and other materials in order to undertake and complete assignments.
  • Laptop (Optional): The University also offers 24-hour computer suites, installed with the relevant software needed to complete the course. Whilst a personal laptop is beneficial, it is not essential as the Library has a laptop loan service.
  • Other Costs: Optional estimate: £700. Study Visits: Exposure to regional, national, and/or international professional design events enriches the student learning experience and would be encouraged but is optional.

Careers Support and Prospects

• Employed or in Further Study: 93.7% of our UK-domiciled, full-time, postgraduate taught graduates are employed or in further study 15 months after graduation.
• Explore Your Options and Build Sought-After Skills: Through our Careers Service, you will be supported and encouraged to get ready for what comes next - whether that’s continuing your studies or pursuing your work ambitions.
• A Career as Unique as You: By the end of their course, students will be equipped to design and manufacture innovative, fashion prototypes, products, and ranges for specific target markets that impact positively on society and the future of the industry they are joining. Most graduates will enter the fashion industry in design, pattern cutting, and advanced product development roles, aspiring to senior creative positions. They are also expected to be driving change in emerging roles in industry 4.0. The self-directed, project-based programme also provides a platform for progression onto doctoral study.