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Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
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Postgraduate MA
Fashion
Hone your creative integrity, expertise and aspirations in fashion. You’ll choose to specialise in: fashion design, visual communication for fashion, or fashion writing.
Course overview
-
L27 -
City Campus -
Part-Time -
2 Years -
15 Sep 2025
*Main image by Johnny Carr
Framed by three defined strands, this course is open to your interpretation. We’ll provide a bespoke postgraduate experience that aligns with your career intentions and aspirations beyond your master’s study. You’ll be encouraged to explore your individual approaches to sustainable practice, diversity and inclusion within the fashion industry.
On this master’s course, you’ll choose a strand to specialise in:
- Fashion design
- Visual communication for fashion
- Fashion writing
On the fashion design strand, you’ll typically:
- Hone your design thinking and craftmanship into commercially viable fashion prototypes, using the course to ‘testbed’ your concepts in relation to your market
- Develop traditional and/or experimental pattern cutting and construction processes
- Explore craft and innovation to inform materials and fabrication within your work
- Apply your creative identity and practice in line with your career aspirations
On the visual communication for fashion strand, you’ll typically:
- Explore concepts of traditional and digital visual marketing
- Develop your chosen technique or process, such as fashion photography, styling, illustration, or film
On the fashion writing strand, you’ll typically:
- Develop skills related to the creation of editorial content. This could include print magazine content, online writing, or promotional work
- Enhance your written skills to a professional standard, specifically in relation to fashion journalism
- Be encouraged to think creatively and innovatively about the publishing industry as a whole
- Learn through an engaging mix of lectures, seminars, and workshops
Whichever strand you choose, you’ll:
- Develop your independent practice to become a self-reliant, innovative, and critically minded professional
- Explore in-depth research methodologies during the Research Methods core module
- Produce a proposal and complete a dissertation (or business plan) related to your Independent Study 1 & 2 projects
- Complete a portfolio of work that will demonstrate your research and practical skills to potential employers or clients
For more course updates, follow us on Instagram @leedsbeckettfashion
Specialist facilities
You’ll have access to industry-standard studios packed with specialist equipment where you’ll hone your practical, technical, and digital skills. Expert tutors will lead you in their area of practice. Their professional knowledge and experience will underpin your learning.
Tailor your learning
You’ll have room to take an interdisciplinary approach to your work throughout your two specialist modules. For example, you might choose to explore fashion illustration from a communications perspective in the visual communication for fashion strand.
Your dissertation will enable you to deepen your theoretical understanding of a self-defined area. You’ll be able to demonstrate your ability to conduct in-depth research that will inform your practice. The format of your dissertation is negotiable. For example, if you intend to launch your own brand, and you’ve tailored your practice as a ‘testbed’ product, you could produce a business plan to reflect this.
Experience industry
In past years, our students have visited Première Vision in Paris, where they have been able to experience the industry first-hand and make professional contacts. We also arranged a visit to the V&A archive to see fashion garments and artefacts relating to their design concepts.
Why study Fashion at Leeds Beckett University...
- Specialise - in the area of fashion that you are most passionate about
- Develop a portfolio of work - to demonstrate your research and practical skills to potential employers
- Close links to design and creative businesses - in the Yorkshire region, throughout the UK, and beyond
- Access to a vast range of ideas, skills and facilities - take your work in your own direction
- A home to thriving creative and fashion sectors - Leeds offers countless opportunities for fashion graduates on our doorstep
Explore videos and blogs
MA Fashion Design (formerly MA Fashion) | Staff and student view Staff and students share their experiences of what studying MA Fashion Design at Leeds Beckett is all about.
Fashion: In conversation with Matty Bovan and Lisa Stansbie Fashion designer Matty Bovan is interviewed by Professor Lisa Stansbie.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree in the cognate subjects of fashion design, visual communication for fashion, or fashion writing/media, or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
In your personal statement, as well as the reason for your application, your interest and experience in the field and your future ambitions within the subject area, you should also include a section titled ‘Statement of Intent'. Under this heading you should cover the following criteria in around 500 words:
- visual inspiration for your personal project (what format will this take and where will it be sourced, if it will build on existing work then please reference this)
- conceptual inspiration (the narrative/meaning behind the project)
- process (the technical processes you plan to use/combine throughout the project)
- materials (the materials palette you plan to explore)
- audience (who is your intended customer, viewer, reader?)
- outcome (e.g. a fashion collection, installation, accessories, magazine, series of written publications, visual merchandising plan, photography, styling consultancy, etc.)
All suitable candidates who meet the entry requirements will be required to submit a portfolio of creative work related to the cognate areas listed above and may be required to attend an interview. Your portfolio should include examples from your previous education, professional experience, or personal work.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements. Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 6.0. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree in the cognate subjects of fashion design, visual communication for fashion, or fashion writing/media, or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
In your personal statement, as well as the reason for your application, your interest and experience in the field and your future ambitions within the subject area, you should also include a section titled ‘Statement of Intent'. Under this heading you should cover the following criteria in around 500 words:
- visual inspiration for your personal project (what format will this take and where will it be sourced, if it will build on existing work then please reference this)
- conceptual inspiration (the narrative/meaning behind the project)
- process (the technical processes you plan to use/combine throughout the project)
- materials (the materials palette you plan to explore)
- audience (who is your intended customer, viewer, reader?)
- outcome (e.g. a fashion collection, installation, accessories, magazine, series of written publications, visual merchandising plan, photography, styling consultancy, etc.)
All suitable candidates who meet the entry requirements will be required to submit a portfolio of creative work related to the cognate areas listed above and may be required to attend an interview. Your portfolio should include examples from your previous education, professional experience, or personal work.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements. Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 6.0. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages.
Interview Required
All suitable candidates who meet the entry requirements will be required to submit a portfolio of creative work related to the cognate areas listed above, and may be required to attend an interview. Your portfolio should include examples from your previous education, professional experience, or personal work.
IELTS
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements. Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 6.0. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Modules, teaching and learning
What you'll learn
Through the exploration of art, design and architecture research methods, you will discover a wide range of practice-based and theoretical and research methods from current thinking to historic approaches.
You will produce a dissertation relevant to your chosen area of specialist study in fashion or graphic design. You may choose a formal theoretical dissertation, or a tutor negotiated critical study directly related to your specialism.
Explore a range of research methods for your chosen specialist practice in fashion design, visual communication for fashion, or fashion writing. You will then develop your research through the production of a proposal for the Independent Study 2 module.
Working in conjunction with your project proposal from Independent Study 1, you will develop the theoretical and practice-based research appropriate to your specialist study to produce final solutions in fashion design, visual communication for fashion, or fashion writing.
Fees and funding
£10,100
UK
Studying part-time gives you the flexibility to learn at your own pace. Because of this, the part-time tuition fees are calculated using credit points.*
The tuition fee for students entering in 2025/26 is £56.11 per credit.
The total number of credit points for this course is 180.
*The fee you pay may differ based on the number of credit points you study.
Part-time rates for international students are not automatically displayed as there are specific visa requirements which generally limit students to study in the UK on a full-time basis. Should you wish to query your visa status you can contact siac@leedsbeckett.ac.uk. If you are able to study on a part-time basis please contact fees@leedsbeckett.ac.uk for further information on course fees.
Fees and funding
£10,100
For students entering in 2025. Full Course Tuition Fees.
Studying part-time gives you the flexibility to learn at your own pace. Because of this, the part-time tuition fees are calculated using credit points.*
The tuition fee for students entering in 2025/26 is £56.11 per credit.
The total number of credit points for this course is 180.
*The fee you pay may differ based on the number of credit points you study.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Studio equipment and facilities, including the latest machinery and cutting tables.
- Free entry to Inside/Out guest lecture series.
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Printing / production (costs will vary); compulsory depending on chosen specialist route and research project undertaken.
- Materials (costs will vary); compulsory depending on chosen specialist route and research project undertaken.
Optional Costs
- Educational visits; the details and location will vary but the costs you'll need to pay could include travel, accommodation and subsistence. When attendance is compulsory, travel, accommodation and tickets are paid for by the department.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Part-time rates for international students are not automatically displayed as there are specific visa requirements which generally limit students to study in the UK on a full-time basis. Should you wish to query your visa status you can contact siac@leedsbeckett.ac.uk. If you are able to study on a part-time basis please contact fees@leedsbeckett.ac.uk for further information on course fees.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Studio equipment and facilities, including the latest machinery and cutting tables.
- Free entry to Inside/Out guest lecture series.
Essential Costs
- Printing / production (costs will vary); compulsory depending on chosen specialist route and research project undertaken.
- Materials (costs will vary); compulsory depending on chosen specialist route and research project undertaken.
Optional Costs
- Educational visits; the details and location will vary but the costs you'll need to pay could include travel, accommodation and subsistence. When attendance is compulsory, travel, accommodation and tickets are paid for by the department.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Funding support for your studies
Discover more about our range of postgraduate funding options including a Master's Loan of up to £13,206, and our 20% alumni discount*
*Terms apply
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