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    Key information

    Location
    Scottish Borders
    Mode of delivery
    On-campus
    Delivery type
    Full-time, Part-time
    Start date
    September, January
    Duration
    1 year
    Qualification
    MA

    Contact

    Contact our enquiries team

    Contact us

    Overview

    Our Fashion and Textiles Design degree explores concepts and contemporary topics in design, fashion and textiles.

    The course aims to develop practice-based learning, informed by an in-depth study of design. It tends to attract students from an art and design background, looking to challenge established practice and offer new insights. Through well-resourced workshops the course also promotes new approaches and processes.

    You'll be able to study an area of fashion and textiles that interests you. You'll also be encouraged to work on inter-disciplinary projects, reflecting the School's strategy of creative collaborations between subject areas to foster design innovation. And you'll be supported by staff with knowledge that covers everything from design and manufacture through to technology and creativity.

    The Fashion and Textiles Design degree is taught at our Scottish Borders Campus in Galashiels. To find out more about the final design collections, visit the School website.

    Objectives:

    • Challenge traditional and contemporary uses of fashion and textiles, as well as creating the opportunity to promote new approaches and processes in fashion and textiles
    • Provide students with the knowledge, skills and competencies to meet the diverse demands of the fashion and textile industries
    • Encourage, in inter-disciplinary projects, creative collaborations between subject areas to foster innovation
    • Develop an inter-disciplinary understanding of key issues relating to the design, management and innovation in fashion and textiles
    • Develop competent and confident professionals for the global fashion and textiles industries with an in-depth understanding of the creative process and its management in international and local contexts.

    Course length

    The full-time course starts in mid-September and lasts one year. The course can also be taken part-time over two years, or as a nine-month postgraduate diploma.

    September 2024 entry

    The deadline for applications from UK students is 30 August 2024. For EU and overseas applicants, we guarantee to consider applications submitted by 2 August 2024.

    Course content

    Year 1

    Students negotiate with their supervisor to concentrate on an appropriate area of study to acquire knowledge and expertise in an area of fashion and textiles that supports their individual project intended outcome. The areas available across the School reflect the breadth of expertise relevant to fashion and textiles.

    Semester 1

    Mandatory courses
    • Design Thinking and Innovation
    • Fashion and Textiles: Experimentation and Research
    Optional courses (choose one)
    • Materials
    • Sustainable Design and Management

    Semester 2

    Mandatory courses
    • Fashion and Textiles Development and Practice 
    • Research Methodologies
    Optional courses (choose one)
    • Design Technologies
    • Business Enterprise 

    Semester 3

    • Masters Design Collection

    Assessment

    Students are assessed through a combination of practical and written course work, examinations and the Masters project. Emphasis is placed on rigorous academic standards as well as acquiring and developing a range of transferable industry skills and individual creative development. Assessment exercises can therefore include making effective visual and oral presentations, writing reports and as well as team and group work.

    Go Global

    Some of our Postgraduate Taught Masters Programmes are eligible for Inter-Campus Transfer. Please contact goglobal@hw.ac.uk for further information.

    Fees and funding

    Tuition fees

    Tuition fees
    Status [footnote 1] Full-time Part-time
    UK 9152 4576
    Overseas [footnote 2] 19056 9528

    Footnotes

    1. Your residency 'status' is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course. Find out more about tuition fees.
    2. Overseas includes applications from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in the UK. Read more about the application process for EU nationals.

    Scholarships and bursaries

    We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.

    View our full range of postgraduate scholarships.

    Entry requirements

    Entry

    The programme attracts students primarily from an art and design background, and expects that each student develop their own design collection.

    You should hold a good (first or second class) Honours degree or its non-UK equivalent in a relevant subject from a recognised British or overseas university. In addition, work or project experience in a related company role will be taken into consideration as part of the application process.

    Applications are made by completing an online application form. Please upload the following documents as part of your application:

    • A copy of your degree(s) certificates and relevant transcripts
    • A portfolio of work which demonstrates skills and creativity
    • A CV
    • If required, proof of English language

    English language requirements

    If you are from a country that is not on the UKVI majority English-speaking country list,  you are required to provide proof of English. Please refer to our English language requirements for details of evidence that we accept. The minimum requirement for English language is IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

    Pre-sessional English courses are available for applicants at the Edinburgh Campus to improve on English language usage and study skills. Please note that completion of pre-sessional courses are not a guarantee of admittance.

    Why Heriot-Watt?

    Scottish Borders Campus facilities

    The campus is built around an historic mill and recently received a multi-million-pound refurbishment to create an inspiring learning environment with computer suites, specialised workshops and spacious studios.

    Employability and careers

    Heriot-Watt produces more CEOs than any other university in Scotland, and 95% of graduates are in employment or further study within 6 months of graduation.

    Clubs and activities

    At Heriot-Watt we have an extensive programme of over 90 sports clubs and societies to get involved in. You can try as many as you like or start one of your own!

    Health and wellbeing

    Student Wellbeing Services aim to provide a range of support, guidance, activities and advice to help students to be their best, and get the most from their university experience. From counselling to coaching we'll sure you are fully supported.

    Heriot-Watt Student Union

    There's more to university life than simply getting your degree, and Heriot-Watt University Student Union is all about helping you to have the best possible experience while you study here.

    Your career

    Employers around the world actively seek out our graduates because they are work-ready. All our degrees are career-focused and relevant to the needs of industry. Around 95% of our students are in employment or further study within six months of graduating.

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