This course focuses on the development of 2D designs and knitted samples into 3D prototypes and original garment concepts. You will explore the creative, technical, commercial and entrepreneurial options available to contemporary fashion knitwear designers.
You will also be given a complete introduction to advanced Shima Seiki and Stoll CAD / CAM technologies.
Study routes
You can study this course:
Our MA by Registered Project is a flexible route that can be adapted to your individual studying needs.
Scholarships
The School of Art & Design is offering a number of scholarships for full-time Masters study. To find out more visit our Postgraduate Scholarships webpage.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about the content of this course or admissions, please contact us.
Please note the following information for applicants
Course focus
Projects can be developed using a wide range of contemporary knitwear designing strategies. Your project may be inspired by your personal aspirations, links with industry, a specific commercial context or by investigating the crossover between art and fashion.
There is emphasis on the development of knitted textile swatches, through experimentation with colour, yarn, texture and technique.
Exploration and research will include the influence of new materials, technologies and trends including sustainable fibres, yarns and approaches such as ‘no waste’ and adaptable garment solutions.
You will be expected to show awareness of ethical issues and an understanding of the impact that Fashion Knitwear Design can have on the environment.
Assessment
Assessment is by coursework and a presentation at the end of each stage, with an exposition of your work towards the end of the course.
Course content includes:
Individual portfolio development supported by the study and practice of:
- contemporary and future fashion
- new fibres, yarns and processes
- experimental knitted textile development
- creative pattern cutting
- hand, flatbed and / or power knitting
- CAD or knit programming skills; and
- sustainable design.
How you study
This course is delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials which will help you to review and re-evaluate your existing studio or commercial practice.
Teaching takes place alongside other courses including MA Fashion Design, MA Textile Design Innovation and MA Contemporary Craft Practice. You will benefit from taking part in projects and workshops that include students from all of these courses, and collaborative working is encouraged.
Depending on the nature of your project, you can adopt either a commercial or conceptual approach.
Input from visiting fashion designers, artists and creative professionals will help you develop your knowledge and experience.
Students enjoy support throughout their studies from our specialist teaching staff, and have email contact with tutors as well as access to lecture notes.
Special facilities
Our modern, spacious studios offer extensive workshops and specialist equipment, including:
- traditional and CAD Fashion Knitwear Design facilities
- industry standard manufacturing technology
- PC, Mac and CAD suites
- laser-cutting technology; and
- traditional and digital textile facilities.
Learning opportunities
Workshops and projects offer exciting opportunities to work collaboratively with other courses. Recently students took part in our innovative textile recycling and upcycling ‘transformation’ workshops run by Orsola de Castro, ethical fashion designer and co-curator of Estethica at London Fashion Week.
Live projects are open to students across many course areas. Luàn and Styling Project 2 are the latest examples of live projects to have involved students working together from the disciplines of fashion, textile innovation and knitwear design, fashion marketing and communication, fashion business, photography and contemporary craft practice.
Recent high-profile speakers have included the fashion designer and artist Simeon Farrar, designer Christopher Raeburn and author of Eco Fashion, Sass Brown.
There are also opportunities to visit and research fashion markets in leading design cities. Recent trips include those to Première Vision and Trend Union, Paris and the Martin Margiela and Walter de Birendonck retrospectives at Mode Museum, Antwerp.
Career destinations
Your future career could see you:
- working as a designer in a commercial fashion or knitted textile company or studio
- running your own designer label; or
- working as a fashion stylist, buyer, product developer or trend forecaster.
Recent graduates have:
- secured jobs with leading fashion brands and designer labels
- set up their own successful businesses
- progressed to MPhil and PhD study
- worked within related careers in the design sector; and
- returned to their previous occupations in a new role, at an advanced level or with renewed focus.
If you are interested in starting your own creative business, the University provides start-up training and support through The Hive business incubator unit.
Although this course does not offer a formal placement, all our courses are vocationally focused and benefit from strong links with industry.
How to apply
Apply online now for our MA Fashion Knitwear Design.
You can study this course:
Our MA by Registered Project is a flexible route that can be adapted to your individual studying needs.
Application deadline
Applications should normally be received by the end of July for entry in September.
Overseas applicants must take into account the time required to apply for a visa (if applicable) before applying for an MA course.
Personal statement
Your course of study will be based on the research, development and production of a major project that you'll propose.
Your personal statement should be submitted as part of your online application form in the personal statement field.
It should be approximately 500 words and include the following:
- your aims and motivations to study within Fashion Knitwear Design
- what you hope to achieve upon graduation from this course
- any specialist areas or ideas that you'd like to explore within your studies
- any practical skills that you possess that you think are relevant to your studies.
Please also include what your expertise is within the subject area, and whether you have any professional working experience.
Examples of work
In order for us to consider your application, we need you to submit examples of your practical work.
Please upload these as part of your online application.
For full details on what we require, please read our Masters Work Submission information 
.
English language requirements
English language entry requirements for courses in the School of Art & Design, and a full list of all English language qualifications accepted by the University are available on our website.
Pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP)
If you don't currently have the English Language requirements for this course, we offer a range of PEAP courses that will help you improve your language skills.
We offer six to thirty-week courses, according to your current language level. Even if you have achieved the English language requirements for this Masters course, our six week course is highly recommended as it is an ideal preparation and study skills course which is very important for successful academic study.
Find out more about our Pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes courses.
Postgraduate scholarships
The School will be offering a number of scholarships for students commencing their studies on one of our postgraduate art and design courses. Find out more about these scholarships.
Postgraduate open evenings
Our postgraduate open events are a great opportunity to meet our postgraduate teaching staff and students, visit the University, find out about the courses we offer, bursaries and funding opportunities. Find out more and book your place.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about the content of this course or admissions, please contact us.
