About this course
Discover your own creative identity while developing essential fashion design skills on this UK master’s in fashion degree. On this MA Fashion Design at Winchester School of Art, you’ll benefit from our tutors’ industry experience, preparing you for a career in the competitive industry of in fashion.
MA Fashion Design encourages you to pursue your creative ambitions through practice, personal research and critical evaluation.
Working in purpose-built studios, you’ll explore topics including:
- sketchbook development
- visual research
- sustainability and design
- construction techniques and materials
- CAD (computer-aided design)
- fashion portfolio skills
You’ll learn from tutors with years of professional fashion design experience and strong industry connections. They will work closely with you to help you develop your individual strengths, build your fashion designer qualifications and to enhance your employability.
You’ll benefit from professional skills workshops, exposure to industry through live briefs and guest lectures, and the opportunity to showcase your work in Winchester and London. The teaching team can also facilitate internship opportunities with leading fashion companies to support your career ambitions.
Our facilities include:
- bespoke pattern-cutting tables
- industry-standard machines
- traditional print and textile facilities
- the latest technical and 3D printing technology
Course lead
Your course leader is Delia Crowe MA. Delia has extensive experience of working within the fashion industry, mainly for British high-street brands. Her industry experience has afforded her an overarching understanding of fast fashion from production through to consumption. Her passion fuels her research into the potential to make fashion sustainable. Visit Delia Crowe’s staff profile to find out more about her work.
Course location
This course is based at Winchester.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2.2 degree.
You’ll need to demonstrate your artistic ability by submitting a varied portfolio, including evidence of the process behind your work.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.0
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Recognition of professional experience
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
You'll study this full-time master’s course over 12 months.
In the first 9 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll study the taught part of your course.
In the first semester we’ll set project briefs for you to work on in the studio. These will give you experience of different ways of working and encourage you to experiment with ideas and materials while building your practical skills.
In semester 2 you’ll explore your ideas for your final project, building on your personal interests and the skills and knowledge you have gained. You’ll also select an optional module to pursue an interest of your choice to complements your design studies.
For the last 3 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently on your pieces in readiness for a professional photoshoot and major exhibition on campus. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
This core module encourages you to develop an exploratory approach to your studio practice through a combination of projects and workshops that are intended to develop your interest and understanding of the conceptual, technical and practical requirements...
This core module builds on your evolving fashion practice and encourages you to develop an increasingly personal and professional focus. You will be expected to take additional responsibility for your own learning through a negotiated project aligned to ...
This module represents the culmination of your learning experience and skills development acquired in the previous programme modules. It enables you to realise and confirm your individual practice from your negotiated project proposal. You will cons...
This module is one of the compulsory modules taken by all students in the studio programmes at WSA. While the learning outcomes are the same across programmes, the content will be delivered with reference to your subject specialism and your output fro...
You must also choose from the following modules:
The module been designed for the purpose of promoting and developing creative thinking and problem solving (CTPS) skills and addresses the need for individuals and teams who can ‘think outside the box’, and apply fresh thinking to practical, ‘real world’ ...
Digital Cultures is an elective module covering a broad range of topics relating to the encounter with digital environments, audiovisual content and the aesthetics and politics of media technologies in historical and contemporary contexts. This module int...
The module enables you to recognise entrepreneurial traits and behaviours and apply elements of these to the real world. With a strong orientation towards the future, realised through forecasting in both finance and marketing, the module will provide ...
The consideration of what publishing actual means today remains a relevant question for any creative practitioner. Over the past few years we have seen a huge rise in self-publishing, print on-demand services, tweeting and social media, from post-digital ...
The module provides thematic examples of the theories and practices of visual presentation and display explored through interdisciplinary and critical contexts appropriate to the MA pathways. It offers a number of critical “tools”, enhanced through refere...
The module seeks to advance your knowledge on key issues of globalization and changes to marketing approaches that have taken place due to internationalisation.. The module situates the concepts and terminology of global marketing in a range of different ...
This module addresses critical perspectives in relation to sustainability and its impact in art, design and the creative industries. The module seeks to inform your thinking in relation to sustainability issues, be they environmental, social or economic, ...
We live in a world that is saturated by images, from the far reaches of space to the sub-atomic level and just about everything in between. Images seem to have a special power in our lives, playing a part in the constructions of who and what we are and t...
Learning and assessment
Learning
You’ll learn through lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops, as well as studio practice and individual study. You’ll also attend shows and exhibitions in London and attend special guest lectures.
This course welcomes a small group of new students each year, so your lecturers will take a personal approach to teaching and work more closely with you to help develop your ideas. Our supportive and informal environment is created so you can approach academics to further your learning. You’ll receive feedback on a weekly basis, ensuring your learning is on track.
On this course, you’ll develop your team working skills, strengthen your planning and project skills and learn to think critically and analytically.
You can attend workshops covering a range topics, such as:
- primary research
- developing a sketchbook
- CAD (computer aided design)
Assessment
Assessment methods will vary between modules. Generally you will be assessed on coursework including:
- your portfolio
- final project collection
- evidence of the research towards your studio practice
- reflective assignments
Academic Support
Every student has a personal academic tutor, who is your contact for any queries about the course or for personal support. Tutors are in the studio every week, working with you on a one-to-one basis and in groups. They will run workshops and discussions, and lead peer-to-peer feedback sessions.
The school’s technical team is also available to help you use studio equipment and learn new techniques.
Careers
This master’s degree will prepare you for a range of career paths in fashion design, such as:
- fashion designer
- fashion buyer
- costume designer
- pattern cutter
- illustrator
- stylist
- trend forecaster
- editor
- buyer
- visual merchandiser
- social media blogger
- teacher
You’ll also be prepared to continue your education with PhD study.
Previous students have gone on to:
- become fashion designers
- become design teachers
- start their own labels
- present their collection at Pure trade show in London
Many students have completed internships at fashion houses, such as:
- Gareth Pugh
- Roksanda Ilincic
- Jasper Garvida for Ethologie
- Thomas Tait.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £19,580.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.
International students
We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.
We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
You may also be asked to provide:
- an art portfolio
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
