MSc Fashion Technology

(*Subject to condition)

The programme is designed to meet the growing demand for fashion consultant and professionals who have acquired the subject knowledge that master’s level study provides and also have the skills necessary to make effective use of fashion design, fashion innovation, fashion visualisation, fashion retail practices. This programme offers individuals the opportunity to enhance their future career prospects and professional development by providing specialist knowledge.

The MSc Fashion Technology is designed to serve students who are committed to pursuing a career in the fashion and apparel industry. The programme focuses on fashion design processes from inception through to manufacture of the final product. You will gain knowledge and develop sound principles in the design, patternmaking and construction of high quality finished garments. The major concepts and skills associated with the design, patternmaking and construction of high quality finished garments are supported by study in marketing, industry structures and technologies.

The programme is distinctive in that it not only develops a sound base of fashion industry, pioneering design and technology in the area of fashion design and technology, fashion innovation, fashion visualisation and Fashion Management and Retailing, but also gives training in the application to specialise in menswear or womenswear incorporating a further specialism such as embroidery, knitwear, tailoring and innovative pattern cutting as a practising fashion designer.

Programme Structure

The programme is composed of 4 taught modules and a Dissertation (180 M credits in total) to be completed in a period of 12 months on a full-time basis or on full-time block basis or 24 months on a part-time basis. There are no options, all the modules are compulsory. The programme will be based on four 30 credit modules and a 60 credit dissertation.

The four modules are:

• Fashion Design and Technology
• Fashion Innovation
• Fashion Visualisation
• Fashion Management and Retailing

Fashion Design and Technology

The aim of this module is to explore contemporary design and technology, and to develop best practice strategies appropriate to culture and traditions for a diverse international market. Students will concentrate on the development of ideas, creative pattern cutting, grading, customisation and material realisation, the critical factors for design prototyping and production specifications.

This module will focus on the following topics:

- Comptemporary Design
- Design Prodcution
- Culture and Traditions

Fashion Innovation

The aim of this module is to develop critical skills to enhance creative thinking for fashion innovation, throughout the design process from formulating ideas to directing implementation processes.

This module will focus on the following topics:

- Creativity
- Design Management

Fashion Visualisation

The aim of this module is to investigate visualisation techniques, equipping students with critical knowledge of innovative illustration and digital media techniques. Students will develop skills in virtual reality simulation for prototyping enabling critical analysis and evaluation decisions in the early stage of design development and the production process.

This module will focus on the following topics:

- Innovative Illustration Techniques
- Digital Media
- Virtual Stimulation

Fashion Management and Retailing

The aim of this module is to prepare students critical thinking and research skills in identifying and expanding fashion management and retail strategies for e-tailing, international retailing and brand development. Students will be able to critically review and analyse the extent to which the world wide web is used for fashion management and retailing and the scope for expansion. Students will also explore internationalisation processes and the effect of intellectual property, regulation and market entry methods.

This module will focus on the following topics:

- Brand Strategies
- e-Tailing
- Fashion Management

Research Methods and Project

The overall aim of this module is to integrate understanding of fashion innovation in design, technology and processes, digital media, management and retail. The Masters Project and Exhibition is a self-initiated and indepth practical design investigation. It is the culmination of the MSc experience and the most ambitious expression of individual motivation, creativity and the ability to deliver. Students will produce a finished portfolio in parallel with a Major Project, outlining all previous design modules, competitions and personal ventures.

Course Duration

One Year Full Time
Two Year Part Time

Job Opportunities in Fashion Technology

Employers include: Arcadia Group (including Top Shop, Miss Selfridge, Dorothy Perkins, Evans), Marks & Spencer.

Roles include: Fashion Designer, Design Technologist, CAD Pattern Cutter, Fashion Retail, Fashion Marketing & Manangement, Fashion PR.