MA Fashion & Textiles

The MA Fashion & Textiles program at Robert Gordon University is a comprehensive and forward-thinking course designed to nurture creative talents and prepare students for diverse roles in the dynamic field of fashion and textiles. The program offers a holistic overview of the fashion and textiles industry, combining design principles with innovative textile techniques. Students gain valuable insights into contemporary trends, sustainability in fashion, and the technical aspects of textile production. The program fosters a creative and collaborative environment, encouraging students to explore their unique artistic visions while providing a strong foundation for successful careers in the global fashion and textiles arena.

Curriculum: The curriculum is carefully curated to encompass a wide range of subjects crucial to the fashion and textiles industry. Core modules may include Fashion Design Principles, Textile Innovation, Sustainable Fashion Practices, and Professional Development in Fashion. The program may also offer elective courses, allowing students to specialize in areas such as fashion marketing, textile technology, or fashion entrepreneurship. With a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, the curriculum ensures that graduates are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the fashion and textiles landscape.

Research Focus: The MA Fashion & Textiles program places a significant emphasis on research, encouraging students to explore innovative design concepts and contribute to the evolution of the industry. Research projects may delve into areas such as sustainable fashion, textile technology advancements, or the cultural influences on contemporary fashion. Students have the opportunity to engage in practical research, experiment with materials, and develop a unique design identity. This research focus prepares graduates to be thought leaders and trendsetters in the ever-evolving world of fashion and textiles.

Industry Engagement: Recognizing the importance of industry collaboration, the program actively engages students with professionals and organizations within the fashion and textiles sector. Industry experts may deliver guest lectures, and students may participate in workshops or collaborative projects with fashion houses, textile manufacturers, or retail brands. The program may also facilitate internships or placements, providing students with real-world experience and networking opportunities. This industry engagement ensures that graduates are not only academically proficient but also well-connected within the fashion and textiles community.

Global Perspective: The MA Fashion & Textiles program incorporates a global perspective, acknowledging the international nature of the fashion industry. Students may explore fashion trends from diverse cultural perspectives, engage in global fashion marketing strategies, and consider the impact of globalization on design and production. The program may offer opportunities for international exchanges, allowing students to experience different fashion markets and broaden their understanding of the global fashion landscape.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Students should have completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent with a minimum of 60% or above in their country's grading system. The specific entry requirements may vary depending on the chosen program of study. Some programs may have additional subject-specific requirements or prerequisite knowledge.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 88 on the TOEFL is accepted, with no sub-score in any section falling below 17.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 61 with no individual score below 51.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Robert Gordon University (RGU) in the United Kingdom is fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment by offering a variety of scholarships to support international students pursuing their higher education. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, encourage diversity, and provide financial assistance to students from around the world.

International Achievement Scholarship: The International Achievement Scholarship at RGU is designed to reward outstanding international students who have demonstrated academic excellence in their previous studies. This merit-based scholarship provides financial support towards tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Vice-Chancellor's Postgraduate Scholarship: For international students pursuing postgraduate studies, the Vice-Chancellor's Postgraduate Scholarship offers financial assistance based on academic merit. This scholarship is available across various disciplines, encouraging talented individuals to contribute to RGU's vibrant academic community.

RGU SPORT Scholarship: Recognizing the importance of sports and physical well-being, RGU offers the RGU SPORT Scholarship to international students who excel in sports. This scholarship supports athletes in balancing their academic and sporting, promoting a holistic approach to student life.

Santander Scholarships: In collaboration with Santander Universities, RGU provides Santander Scholarships to international students. These scholarships aim to facilitate educational opportunities, cultural exchange, and global perspectives by supporting students in various academic disciplines.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme: RGU participates in the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme, offering international students from eligible Commonwealth countries the chance to pursue master's level studies. This scheme covers tuition fees, travel, and living expenses, promoting access to higher education for students with limited financial means.

Graduates of the MA Fashion & Textiles program at Robert Gordon University are well-positioned for exciting and diverse career paths within the dynamic and ever-evolving fashion and textiles industry. The program equips students with a unique blend of creative design skills, technical expertise in textiles, and a deep understanding of industry trends. 

Fashion Designer: Graduates can pursue careers as fashion designers, creating original and innovative clothing designs for fashion houses, retail brands, or establishing their own fashion labels.

Textile Designer: Careers in textile design involve graduates creating patterns, textures, and materials for use in clothing, home furnishings, or other textile products for manufacturers or design studios.

Fashion Merchandiser/Buyer: Graduates may work as fashion merchandisers or buyers, selecting and purchasing apparel and accessories for retail stores, ensuring the right mix of products to meet consumer demand.

Sustainability Consultant in Fashion: With a focus on sustainable practices, graduates can become consultants advising fashion companies on environmentally friendly and ethical production methods.

Fashion Marketing Specialist: Careers in fashion marketing involve graduates promoting fashion brands through advertising, social media, and other marketing channels to create brand awareness and drive sales.

Textile Technologist: Graduates can work as textile technologists, applying their knowledge of materials and production techniques to improve the efficiency and quality of textile manufacturing processes.

Fashion Illustrator/Graphic Designer: Careers in fashion illustration or graphic design involve graduates creating visual representations of fashion concepts, either for promotional materials, publications, or digital platforms.

Pattern Cutter: Graduates may pursue roles as pattern cutters, translating design concepts into precise patterns for garment production, ensuring accurate and efficient manufacturing.

Fashion Stylist: Careers in fashion styling involve graduates curating and styling clothing and accessories for fashion shoots, shows, or individual clients to create visually appealing looks.

Fashion Educator: Graduates can become educators, sharing their expertise by teaching fashion and textiles courses at educational institutions or through training programs.

Costume Designer for Film/TV/Theatre: With a strong foundation in fashion and textiles, graduates can work as costume designers, creating outfits for characters in film, television, or theatre productions.

Retail Manager in Fashion: Careers in retail management involve graduates overseeing operations in fashion retail settings, ensuring smooth functioning and a positive customer experience.

Fashion Entrepreneur: Graduates may choose to start their own fashion businesses, whether it be a clothing line, a boutique, or an online platform, leveraging their creative and business skills.

Trend Analyst: Careers as trend analysts involve graduates predicting and analyzing fashion trends, helping companies stay ahead in the market and cater to consumer preferences.

Fashion Journalist/Editor: Graduates can pursue roles as fashion journalists or editors, contributing to fashion publications, blogs, or digital platforms, sharing insights and trends with a wider audience.