MA Fashion and Textile Design at Birmingham City University

Programme overview

Our MA in Fashion and Textile Design brings together craftspeople, artists, and designers who are passionate about exploring the intersections between fashion, textiles, and material innovation. The course provides an immersive and dynamic environment for creative experimentation, critical reflection, and professional development. You will join a diverse community of recent graduates and experienced practitioners, all motivated to refine their skills and define their professional identity within an ever-evolving, global creative landscape.

Faculty: Faculty of Arts, Design and Media | Department: Fashion and Textiles, Art and Design | Duration: 1 year full-time; 18 months (including Professional Placement) full-time | Study mode: full-time | Intake: September 2027 | Location: Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Comprehensive Industry Insight: Develop a deep understanding of the interconnected nature of the fashion and textile industries, and the socio-political and cultural factors that influence them. Collaborative Project Experience: Work with peers and industry professionals on creative challenges, gaining practical experience and networking opportunities. Professional Portfolio Development: Create and present a professional portfolio that demonstrates your ability to devise, produce, and launch collections using relevant technical and conceptual skills, meeting industry standards. Modules include Advanced Research Skills, Material, Process and Ideation, Professional Futures: Collaborative Challenge, Innovation and Enterprise, Project Resolution and Collection Launch, Reflection, Professional Placement.

Career pathways

You will learn of range of skills which will be key to enhancing your future employability in fashion and textile design industries: Sustainable and Ethical Design Practice – Applying sustainable materials, evaluating environmental impact, and embedding responsible, ethical approaches into design.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree, or equivalent, in Fashion or Textile Design, or a closely related subject area such as graphics or fine art. Equivalent professional experience will also be considered on an individual basis. Applicants will also need to submit a digital portfolio that shows examples of creative project building, including research and development, sampling, and final outcomes. The portfolio should include at least 2 projects highlighting your area of practice. IELTS 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band, or equivalent.

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,710 a year (2027/28). full-time, 1 year; annual tuition for the first year of study Source

International applicants: GBP 19,630 a year (2027/28). full-time, 1 year; annual tuition for the first year of study Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 1 year full-time; 18 months (including Professional Placement) full-time

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