Program Overview
The MA Digital Fashion program combines practice-led research with sustainable design and fabrication methods to equip students with expertise in digital design and production, enabling them to explore new frontiers in fashion design and pursue careers in the digital fashion industry.
Program Outline
MA Digital Fashion - A Comprehensive Breakdown
Degree Overview:
- Overview: This program provides a unique path for creatives interested in the digital future of fashion. It combines practice-led research with sustainable design and fabrication methods to enable students to explore new frontiers in fashion design.
- Objectives: The MA Digital Fashion aims to equip students with:
- Expertise in digital design and production methods.
- The ability to create diverse digital and physical products.
- Knowledge and skills in additive manufacturing and smart/wearable technology.
- Transferable skills for various career paths in the modern fashion industry.
- Program Description: The MA Digital Fashion delves into the exciting world of digital fashion, where technology and creativity converge to push boundaries in design and production. Students will utilize innovative tools like 3D design software, scanners, and laser cutters to explore new possibilities in fashion creation. This program caters to individuals with technical abilities and/or traditional fashion design and pattern cutting skills, allowing them to expand their expertise into the digital realm.
Outline:
- Content: The MA Digital Fashion curriculum encompasses both specialist subject modules and transdisciplinary core modules, fostering independent learning. Students are exposed to various teaching and learning methods, including individual supervision, group tutorials, real-world briefs, and project proposals. Additionally, cross-collaboration with students from other postgraduate courses is encouraged.
- Structure: This program can be completed full-time over one academic year or part-time over two academic years. The teaching schedule is divided into three teaching blocks per year.
- Modules: The program consists of various modules, each focusing on specific areas of digital fashion:
- Digital Design and Development: This module introduces students to 3D design software like CLO 3D, enabling them to develop their design skills and explore digital prototyping techniques.
- Sustainable Fashion Design and Production: This module focuses on sustainable practices in digital fashion, covering topics like life cycle analysis, material selection, and circular economy principles.
- Advanced Digital Fabrication: This module delves deeper into advanced digital fabrication techniques, including 3D printing, laser cutting, and digital embroidery.
- Smart and Wearable Technologies: This module explores the integration of smart and wearable technologies into fashion design, covering topics like sensors, actuators, and microcontrollers.
- Business and Marketing for Digital Fashion: This module equips students with the business and marketing skills needed to succeed in the digital fashion industry, covering topics like branding, marketing strategies, and e-commerce.
- Research Methods and Dissertation: This module focuses on developing research skills and applying them to an independent dissertation project.
- Course Schedule: The program follows a structured schedule, with each module typically delivered over a specific period within the academic year. Students are expected to attend lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual tutorials as per the designated schedule.
Assessment:
- Assessment Methods: The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning and progress, including:
- Coursework assignments
- Design projects
- Presentations
- Examinations
- Dissertation
- Assessment Criteria: The assessment criteria vary depending on the specific module and assessment method. However, the program generally emphasizes the following:
- Creativity and innovation
- Technical skills and proficiency
- Critical thinking and analysis
- Research and communication skills
- Professionalism and presentation
Teaching:
- Teaching Methods: The program employs diverse teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and preferences. These methods include:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Individual supervision
- Group tutorials
- Project supervision
- Collaborative learning
- Faculty: The program is led by experienced and enthusiastic faculty members who are recognized experts in their respective fields. The faculty brings a wealth of practical experience and industry knowledge to the classroom, ensuring students receive the most up-to-date and relevant information.
- Unique Approaches: The program adopts a unique approach to teaching, emphasizing hands-on learning and practical application. Students are encouraged to experiment, explore, and innovate, and they are provided with access to cutting-edge facilities and resources to support their creative endeavors.
Careers:
- Career Paths: Graduates of the MA Digital Fashion program enjoy a wide range of career opportunities in the digital fashion industry, including:
- Digital fashion designers
- 3D fashion modelers
- Digital pattern cutters
- Technical designers
- Wearable technology developers
- Fashion tech entrepreneurs
- Researchers and academics
- Opportunities: The program prepares students for various exciting opportunities in the ever-evolving field of digital fashion. Graduates can find employment in established fashion houses, technology startups, design studios, and independent ventures.
- Outcomes: The MA Digital Fashion program has a strong track record of producing successful graduates who are making their mark in the digital fashion industry. Alumni have gone on to work for renowned brands like Nike, Adidas, and Burberry, as well as contribute to innovative projects and startups.
Other:
- Specialist Resources: Students have access to various specialist facilities and resources, including:
- High-performance computers equipped with graphics tablets and 3D design software
- 3D scanning and printing facilities
- Digital printing studios
- Lighting studios
- Industry Connections: The program maintains strong links with the fashion industry, providing students with opportunities for networking and gaining practical experience. This includes industry visits, guest lectures, and collaborative projects with industry partners.
- International Opportunities: The program welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and actively promotes international collaboration. Students can participate in exchange programs, study abroad opportunities, and international conferences.
Leeds Arts University
Overview:
Leeds Arts University is the only specialist arts university in the North of England, with award-winning facilities and expert tutors dedicated to the study of creative arts subjects. Students study in a close-knit, diverse and creative community and prepare for a successful career in the creative industries.
Founded in 1846 as the Leeds Government School of Art and Design, the university has contributed significantly to the development of arts education in Britain and across the world. Leeds Arts University invests heavily in its award-winning, industry-standard facilities, and in 2021, the University appointed acclaimed musician Skin to the role of Chancellor. Ten percent of our students are international, representing over 70 different nationalities globally.
Student Life:
Leeds is one of the UK's fastest-growing cities in the UK, with a safe and friendly feel. International students are warmly welcomed, bringing new ideas and wider perspectives into the vibrant student community.
The city has a thriving arts scene with major galleries e.g. The Henry Moore Institute and Leeds Arts Gallery existing alongside numerous independent creative spaces. In addition, there are several parks and green spaces including the beautiful Hyde Park and a thriving nightlife including many bars and cinemas.
Leeds is famous for its variety of shops and markets, from leading designer shops, the Grade I listed Kirkgate Market, the Corn Exchange which is full of independent brands, to the stunning Victorian arcades.
The University’s Students’ Union team works hard to ensure that every student gets the most from their time at Leeds Arts University. They host various events throughout the year making sure everyone has every opportunity to relax and have fun including activities, campaigns, events and fundraising, run our student magazine as well as supporting societies, sports teams and the Student Representatives.
Student Support:
The University supports students throughout their degree to maximise their chances of success after graduation. Opportunities are available to connect with industry, attend specialist workshops, access support for freelancers, and meet 1:1 with a careers consultant who has specialist knowledge of the creative industries.
Access to the Careers, Employability and Enterprise team is available for up five years following your graduation, with a range of activities and guidance to suit alumni including the Freelancer Summer School, alumni workshops, and 1-2-1 careers guidance. Alumni can also apply to the Creatives in Residence scheme on campus, or for a residency in a funded studio space.
The University’s support teams include Student Advice and Wellbeing and Academic Support. The Student Advice and Wellbeing team provides inclusive support to the diverse student community. They work directly with individuals to find the best support for you. Academic Support provides a hub of support for students with learning differences, conditions, and disabilities. Leeds Arts University has a diverse mix of creative students with a variety of learning styles and differences which enriches both our student population and the learning environment.
University Facilities:
Leeds Arts University prides itself on its state-of-the-art resources and libraries. All buildings have been designed and built for specialist arts education, whether this was the Vernon Street art school in 1903 or Blenheim Walk which was completed in January 2019.
There are dedicated course studios for specialist disciplines and open working areas for students across courses to meet up, work and socialise together.
Resources are equipped to industry standards and are run by highly skilled staff who contribute significantly to teaching. Resources have a drop-in facility so students can carry on working in their own time.
An 800m² extension of the Blenheim Walk building opened in September 2024, providing a roof-top garden, more studios, informal working spaces and café facilities, and a 24-hour student hub.
Course and Lecturers:
Leeds Arts University offers 19 undergraduate and seven postgraduate courses, all taught by tutors who are highly experienced in their disciplines. Many are still actively working within the creative industries, ensuring students can access the most up-to-date practice and excellent industry links. Students are further supported by professional instructors.
Students learn through a combination of theory and application of practical skills, using specialist equipment and facilities supervised by expert technicians. Live industry briefs are incorporated into course modules when possible to set students up for working in industry.
Leeds Arts University’s strong links mean industry speakers visit throughout the year to give guest lectures and talk to students.
Entry Requirements:
Domestic Students:
- First or Second Class Honours degree in a relevant subject (e.g., Fashion Design, Textiles, Design, or a related discipline).
- A minimum of 60% in the final year of your degree.
- Strong portfolio demonstrating your potential in digital fashion design.
- Evidence of your ability to work independently and as part of a team.
International Students:
- First or Second Class Honours degree in a relevant subject (e.g., Fashion Design, Textiles, Design, or a related discipline).
- A minimum of 60% in the final year of your degree.
- Strong portfolio demonstrating your potential in digital fashion design.
- Evidence of English language proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, or other recognized English language proficiency tests. For more information, please see the International Students section on the Leeds Arts University website: [link removed due to privacy concerns]
Additional Requirements for all Applicants:
- A personal statement outlining your reasons for wanting to study MA Digital Fashion and how it will further your career aspirations.
- Two references, one of which should be academic.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
International Applicants:
- Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate their proficiency in English by achieving a minimum score of 6.5 in IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or equivalent.
- The university accepts other recognized English language proficiency tests, such as TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic).
