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Get the skills you need to challenge the traditional fashion industry and become a catalyst for change.
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 realisation of a fashion product are therefore critical.
The MA Fashion Design Technology programme is aimed at 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.
Students will have the opportunity to systematically question existing ideals in response to social, ethical, cultura...
1 year
The MA Fashion Design Technology is one of a number of new postgraduate programmes taught at Manchester Fashion Institute, home to a community of fashion professionals and innovators in fashion education.
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.
Manchester Fashion Institute has an international reputation in this field, our professoriate are recognised for their impact on new sustainable fashion practices, we have established staff research in the use of 3D technologies and the body, and are at the forefront of developing new digital technologies such as Clo 3D.
Whilst the focus on the teaching and learning will primarily be practice based, technology-based knowledge will enable you to acquire the most relevant digital skills to be able to understand the contexts in which creative practitioners operate within the global Fashion industry.
You'll receive a series of creative and technical workshops to support your creative practice and theoretical underpinning through lectures, seminars and tutorials. You'll work in an open studio environment that encourages diversity and exchange in design disciplines.
Whether you've already made your decision about what you want to study, or you're just considering whether postgraduate study is right for you, there are lots of ways you can meet us and find out more about postgraduate student life at Manchester Met.
We offer:
Your studies are supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.
We often link up with external professionals too, helping to enhance your learning and build valuable connections to the working world.
These typical entry requirements may be subject to change for the 2025/26 academic year. Please check back for further details.
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.
Full-time fee: £12,000 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Full-time fee: £22,000 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
A masters qualification typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, a PGCert 60 credits, and an MFA 300 credits. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of study provided the course is completed in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
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. Costs of garment-making materials can vary significantly, dependant on students’ designs and materials. Students are also encouraged to seek sponsorship from industry partners. A higher spend is not reflected in assessment outcomes.
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.
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. Costs vary depending on the location and nature of events. Indicative cost: £250-450
Field Research: Depending on the nature of students’ personal interests, they may choose to undertake field research that may incur travel, accommodation and subsistence costs. Indicative cost: Up to £350.
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.
Please contact our course enquiries team.
You will need to provide a link to an online portfolio to support your application. Please watch our Portfolio Advice video for more information.
Get advice and support on making a successful application.
You can review our current terms and conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.
Programme review
Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally
at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the
latest online learning technology. For further information on when we
may make changes to our programmes, please see the changes section of our
terms and conditions.
Important notice
This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study
and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that
our published course information is accurate. Please check back to the
online prospectus before making an application to us to access the most
up to date information for your chosen course of study.
Confirmation of regulator
The Manchester Metropolitan University is regulated by the Office for
Students (OfS). The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education
in England. More information on the role of the OfS and its regulatory
framework can be found at
officeforstudents.org.uk.
All higher education providers registered with the OfS must have a student protection plan in place. The student protection plan sets out what students can expect to happen should a course, campus, or institution close. Access our current student protection plan.