Postgraduate MA Fashion and Textiles Design

The MA Fashion and Textiles Design program offers students the opportunity to explore concepts and contemporary topics in design, fashion, and textiles through practice-based learning and an in-depth study of design. This postgraduate master's degree is aimed at those with an art and design background, who are looking to challenge established practice and offer new insights.

Key Information

• Level: Postgraduate Taught
• Delivery type: Full Time, Part Time
• Degree qualification: Postgraduate MA
• Mode of delivery: On-Campus
• Duration: 1 year
• Location: Scottish Borders
• Start date: September, January
• Next intake: January 2026

Your Student Experience

Your learning will be informed by the Fashion, Textiles and Design faculty and staff, whose work covers many key areas, including:

• Smart Nanotextiles Nanofibres and Nanoyarns
• Fashion Technology
• Fashion Sustainability
• Design Innovation
• Printed Textile Design
• Medical Compression Design
• Textile and Apparel Supply Chain Management
• Brand Management and Marketing
• Garment Making and Pattern Cutting

Course Content

The course content varies depending on the intake:

September Intake - Scottish Borders

• Year 1:

  Mandatory September

  • Design Thinking and Innovation
  • Fashion and Textiles - Experimentation and Research

  Optional September

  • Textile materials and sustainability
  • Sustainable Design & Management

  Mandatory January

  • Fashion and Textiles Development and Practice
  • Research Methodologies

  Optional January

  • Design Technologies
  • Business Enterprise

  Mandatory May

  • Masters Design Collection

January Intake - Scottish Borders

• Year 1:

  Mandatory January

  • Fashion and Textiles Development and Practice
  • Research Methodologies

  Optional January

  • Design Technologies
  • Business Enterprise

  Mandatory September

  • Design Thinking and Innovation
  • Fashion and Textiles - Experimentation and Research

  Optional September

  • Sustainable Design & Management
  • Textile materials and sustainability

  Mandatory Second January

  • Masters Design Collection

Teaching Staff

Programme Leader

• Lucy Robertson, Assistant Professor

Fees and Funding

• January 2026 intake tuition fees:
  • UK: ｣10,528 (Full Time), ｣5,264 (Part Time)
  • International: ｣19,816 (Full Time), ｣9,908 (Part Time)
• September 2026/January 2027 intake tuition fees:
  • UK: ｣10,864 (Full Time), ｣5,432 (Part Time)
  • International: ｣20,456 (Full Time), ｣10,228 (Part Time)

Scholarships and Bursaries

The university offers a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries, with over ｣6 million worth of opportunities available.

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree or non-UK equivalent.
• A portfolio, or other supporting evidence that demonstrates an understanding of design-led processes and outcomes.
• Evidence of creative-related experience from a work environment is also encouraged.
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5 except for writing which must be at 6.0 minimum.

Heriot-Watt University

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Overview:

Heriot-Watt University is a research-focused institution with campuses in Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai, and Malaysia, as well as an online presence. It is known for its career-focused degrees and strong links with industry. Heriot-Watt is highly regarded for its research, with a significant portion ranked world-leading and internationally excellent.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Heriot-Watt offers a diverse and international student community, with one-third of its Edinburgh Campus students coming from outside the UK. The university provides a range of facilities across its campuses, including healthcare, libraries, food and drink, sports centers, and more. Students can participate in clubs and activities, and the university offers accommodation options near its campuses.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Career-focused degrees:

Heriot-Watt is ranked first in Scotland for graduate employability and its graduates are first in the UK for CEO or MD roles.

Global reach:

The university has campuses across the UK, Dubai, and Malaysia, providing students with a truly international experience.

Strong research:

Heriot-Watt is valued for its pioneering research, which is informed by the global needs of business and industry.

Diverse student community:

The university boasts a diverse international student community, fostering a multicultural learning environment.

Beautiful campuses:

Heriot-Watt's campuses are located in stunning settings, offering students a unique and inspiring learning environment.

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Academic Programs:

Heriot-Watt offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

• Engineering
• Life Sciences
• Mathematics
• Computer Sciences
• Physical Sciences
• Social Sciences and Business
• Art and Design
• Languages and Culture

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Other:

Heriot-Watt is committed to sustainability and is actively working towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The university also offers a personalized virtual experience through its online tour platform, allowing prospective students to explore its campuses virtually.