Fashion Design (MA)

You’ll need a 2.2 degree or equivalent international qualification or significant suitable work experience and to submit a portfolio that articulates your interests and exploration of contemporary, ethical fashion design. Your portfolio should demonstrate your artistic ability relevant to fashion and include evidence of the process behind your work.

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.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.

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.  

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team 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 £25,400.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for 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.

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 blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. . 
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
6. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

There are different application deadlines for this course. Applications are expected to close:

• International students: Tuesday 29 July 2025, midday UK time
• UK students: Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

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

Portfolio guidance

Your portfolio is one of the most important parts of your application. It is your opportunity to show us your work, and it is our opportunity to find out more about you.

Your portfolio should contain your most recent and relevant work. It should be clear, logical and a professional presentation of your work.

You can submit your portfolio in any of the following formats:

• PDF file under 10mb in size
• PowerPoint presentation
• blog
• website
• YouTube video

We understand you may not be coming straight from an undergraduate course and we will accept older work in your portfolio. However, please include as much of your recent work as possible. We welcome and assess each application individually.

MA Fashion Design

• Evidence of the process behind final pieces e.g. drawing and
  sketches; try to include figurative drawings and Computer Aided
  Design (CAD) work.
• Examples of practical work including toiles/muslins and final
  garments or outfits.
• Images of your final work e.g. catwalk/runway show, ‘look-book’
  or photo-shoot.
• Please include a variety of projects in your portfolio.
  Approximately 4-6 is recommended.

Personal statement

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

References are not required for this programme.

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 receive a high volume of applications for this course. This means you may not receive a response to your application for up to 12 weeks.

Unfortunately, due to number 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