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Modules

Block 1: Design Innovation

This module explores the development of conceptual thinking, creative approaches to design and the technical aspects of product realisation. An introductory design brief considers the use of secondary and primary research sources as inspiration for the generation of innovative subject-specific product design statements. You will practically re-examine the possibilities of design development and creative awareness for your own area of interest either Fashion Design or Footwear Design and Accessories or Textile Design, to advance to MA level.

Block 2: Research and Design Communication

In this module creative and technical skills will be developed in order to effectively communicate complex creative concepts using specialist skills to a professional standard. Areas that will be explored include design illustration and drawing skills, technical drawings, print developments, layout techniques. You will develop various skills and styles of 2D representation and presentation using digital and hand-crafted methods, to create a visually stimulating and innovative portfolio of work for an ever-changing fashion society.

You will also be introduced to advanced research skills. You will consider the role of research within the context of fashion and textiles, and to reflect on your personal attributes, skills and values as a contemporary researcher. Typical content will include research design; gathering, managing and analysing data; developing critical and ethical practices; and reporting and presenting research findings.  

Block 3: Select one from the following:

• Design Live

In this module you will work on a ‘live’ project brief in relation to your individual interest for your chosen market. You are encouraged to develop external links to support quality research, design, and innovation for technical resolution. The exact format and nature of the outcome will be dependent on the negotiated project brief.

• Narrative Spaces

This module will explore how the design of spaces can tell a story. You will consider the interaction between objects, space and stories, in order to better understand complex ideas, messages or emotional connections and empathy.  The interpretation of ‘space’ will be stretched beyond physical space and you will also explore how digital platforms can play a significant role in enhancing and immersing people in the built environment. There will be a particular focus on how modern retail environments and progressive museum and exhibition design use a combination of spaces and experiences to convey a story.

You will produce a group design project and presentation as a design team, with flexibility within the design brief to propose a multi-layered design concept proposal.

• Digital Development

Technology continues to provide creative, practical and sustainable solutions to global challenges faced by the fashion and textiles industry. Advances in key areas such as 3D prototyping, Extended Reality (XR) and sensing, scanning and fitting technologies have opened the job market resulting in new opportunities for designers with the relevant digital skill set.

This module aims to introduce you to practice-led methods of digital product development and creative communication for fashion and textiles. It aims to advance your knowledge of process and presentation in virtual environments and encourage disruptive thinking and innovative approaches. During the module you may focus on areas such as: 3D pattern cutting and prototyping garments and/or accessories; virtual asset creation and library management of textiles, materials and trims; virtual and Augmented Reality presentations; or body scanning and photogrammetry.

Block 4: PRE-Collection

This module is design to strengthen your 2D design to 3D resolution skills. Through design research, critical self – evaluation, 2D and 3D experimentation, you will initiate projects to an advanced range of skills and potential design solutions. By focusing on successful and innovative outcomes you will develop your creative identity. This individual creativity will be taken forward into a focused design direction for the Major Project in Blocks 5 and 6.

Blocks 5 and 6: Major Project

In this module you will be supported to demonstrate a systematic and comprehensive understanding of the techniques applicable to your own research and advanced scholarship in the completion of a major project. You will demonstrate your ability to use initiative and ingenuity, make complex decisions and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level.

You will have the choice of either a major focus on design practice supported by a written critical evaluation (practice) or a major focus on the critical evaluation supported by a condensed design practice (academic). This should reflect your chosen path after graduation, should that be into design practice or continuing to an academic path.

The course promotes a philosophy of developing independent learners. Supported by specialist staff, you are encouraged to negotiate and direct your own learning within the framework of the modular structure. Tuition mainly takes the form of skills development workshops and design tutorials with additional lectures and seminars. The overall aim is to build on your individual skills and knowledge.

Assessment is continuous through methods such as 2D/3D design projects, portfolio, reports/essays, blogs, poster presentations and oral presentations.

The staff team are designers, researchers and/or senior academics with a strong design and technical focus, which ensures that their teaching remains current. Course teaching is further complemented by visiting lecturers and guest speakers who are leading industry practitioners..

Contact hours
In your first two terms you will normally attend around 8-10 hours of timetabled taught sessions including lectures, tutorials and workshop and studio sessions each week, and be expected to undertake at least 25 hours of independent study each week. Your third term will be pre-dominantly self-directed (including meetings with your supervisor), during you can expect to undertake 35 hours of independent study each week 

Ranked as one of the best fashion schools in the world for 2022 (CEOWORLD, 2022) and in the top 10 in the UK for 'career after 15 months' (The Guardian University Guide 2022), our innovative and widely-respected courses help prepare students for fulfilling futures in this fast-paced industry.

Green Gown Award

The School of Fashion and Textiles won the Next Generation Learning and Skills Award in the Green Gowns Awards 2021 and received global recognition in the International Green Gown Awards 2022. These awards are the gold standard for sustainability in universities around the world and this puts Ð԰ɵç̨ at the forefront of sustainable fashion and textiles education in the UK. Sustainability is at the heart of our curriculum and teaching, empowering our students to be agents of change within the industry.

UK Fashion and Textiles Association

We are members of the UK Fashion and Textile Association which ensures our teaching stays up to date with the latest developments in the sector and provides valuable industry links that enhance our courses.