Program Overview

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Fashion and Textile Design, Master of Arts (Art and Design)

The Fashion and Textile (FaTe) major emphasizes the integration of creative practice and critical thinking to address real-world challenges in the field of fashion and textiles. Students work to create environmentally and culturally sustainable solutions while developing the skills necessary for leadership in an industry in transition.

Degree:

Master of Arts (Art and Design)

Application Period:

1 Dec 2025 – 2 Jan 2026

Language of Instruction:

English

Duration:

2 years, full-time

Eligibility:

Relevant Bachelor's degree

Field of Study:

Art and Design

Credits:

120 ECTS

Organising School:

School of Arts, Design and Architecture

Tuition Fees:

For non-EU/EEA citizens, €20,000/y (Master's studies)

Description

How can fashion and textile designers drive a transition to more responsible futures? In what ways can textiles embrace change? How can fashion promote social and cultural diversity and justice? What if clothing could convey knowledge about environmental impact?

The studies in the Fashion and Textile Design major foster hands-on exploration and conceptual development grounded in critical thinking and practice-based knowledge. The students are encouraged to explore multidisciplinary collaboration, new technologies, and materialities to expand their creative thinking and innovate design methods and solutions at a high artistic and professional level.

Language of Instruction

The language of instruction in the Fashion and Textile Design major is English.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

The tuition fee for this programme is €20,000 per academic year. Citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland do not pay tuition fees. Citizens of other countries must pay tuition fees.

Aalto University offers a small number of scholarships in the form of tuition fee waivers to fee-paying students. Scholarships can be awarded to the highest-achieving applicants based on the programme's evaluation criteria.

Structure of Studies

The Master's Programme in Design – Fashion and Textile Design major comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits. Main compulsory studies are selected from the major's study offering. Students participate in joint studies of the Department of Design and produce a master's thesis (30 ECTS). In addition, students choose elective studies according to their Personal Study Plan.

Specialisations

The specialisations in the Fashion and Textile Design Major are oriented towards material-led or shape-led practices in a commercial or experimental context.

Internationalisation

Upon joining Aalto University, students are welcomed to an international community of competent, creative, and responsible individuals. 15% of the students and 40% of the faculty in the University come from across the world, bridging students with the global design network.

Further Study Opportunities

Fashion and Textile Design graduates have the necessary knowledge to continue their studies towards a doctoral degree at Aalto University or at another university in Finland or abroad.

Career Opportunities

Master studies prepare graduates to advance their professional careers towards their personal interest and specialisation within the field. Graduates have the skills and knowledge needed to pursue professional careers in the fashion and/or textile design industries, related media, and education in a global setting.

Research Focus

Design research in the School of Arts, Design and Architecture is at the international forefront of sustainable fashion and textile design, practice-based design, human-centred design, and co-design.

Co-operation with Other Parties

Multidisciplinary collaboration between the six Aalto University schools is extensive. The School of Arts, Design and Architecture has a long tradition of successfully collaborating with external partners on projects and courses and maintains close relationships with various external stakeholders.

Study-Option-Specific Evaluation Criteria in Master's Admissions 2026

Applicants meeting Aalto's general eligibility criteria for master's studies will be evaluated and ranked according to the evaluation criteria decided in advance for each study option.

Evaluation Criteria

• Artistic and/or design practice (1)
• Suitability (1)/Motivation letter
• Relevance of previous studies
• Academic performance
• Other areas of competence

Learn More About Fashion and Textile Design at Aalto

For more information about the Fashion and Textile Design major, please visit the Aalto University website.