Fashion Design (MA)

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:

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

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.

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. 

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 2022). 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

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £22,136.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

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:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

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.

Winchester School of Art Postgraduate Global Talent Scholarship

Twenty scholarships of £5,000 each are available to international students joining our postgraduate master’s courses at the Winchester School of Art in September 2023.

Find out more about the Winchester School of Art PGT Global Talent Scholarship, including eligibility, deadlines and how to apply.

Southampton Arts and Humanities Deans Global Talent Scholarship

Ten scholarships of £10,000 each are available to international students studying for an undergraduate degree or a postgraduate master’s degree in Arts and Humanities.

Find out more about the Southampton Arts and Humanities Deans Global Talent Scholarship, including eligibility, deadlines and how to apply.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
2. Search for the course you want to apply for.
3. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
4. Submit your application.

Application deadlines

Places are limited and we allocate them on a continuous basis from 21 September 2022, until all places are filled. We advise you to apply early to avoid disappointment.

We expect to close applications for this course on Friday 7 July 2023 (11:59pm UK time).

This course may stay open after this date if places are still available.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. 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 certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. 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

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 will aim to send you a decision 6-8 weeks after you have submitted your application.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

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