Fashion and Creative Pattern Cutting MA
About this course
This practice-led MA in Fashion and Creative Pattern Cutting will encourage creative thinking, experimentation and problem-solving to develop practical skills and innovative approaches to pattern cutting and garment design. While exploring and advancing knowledge of historical and traditional cutting techniques, you will become conversant with specialist digital technologies and incorporate it within practice.
This specialist course is designed to enable the advancement of creative and technical knowledge and skills that are essential in industry, whether for a chosen career within pattern cutting, design, designer/maker or a practice-led research path.
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Work with Clo3D and LECTRA in our Computer Aided Design (CAD) suite -
Have the opportunity to go on study visits to costume archives, museums and design exhibitions and take part in a wide range of workshops and demonstrations -
Work in our extensive fashion design studios with industry-standard equipment and our expert teaching team
What you’ll study
This MA Fashion and Creative Pattern Cutting course provides a series of research and practical based modules in which you will build upon existing skills that will support the development and realisation of an individual final project that demonstrates new knowledge, skills and abilities. The aims and objectives of the personally negotiated project will be clearly identified within a project proposal and projects may be inspired by personal aspiration or links with industry.
This course requires you to complete a total of five modules, with varying credit points awarded, providing an accumulative total of 180 credits.
Term one
Culture and Collaboration
(20 credit points)
This module introduces you to the wider cultural context surrounding contemporary and future fashion and textiles practice. Through collaboration, research, and critical thinking, you will engage with a negotiated theme relevant to current debates in art and design. You will develop advanced skills in analysis, idea generation, communication, and presentation while contributing to a collective festival of ideas.
Innovative Pattern Cutting Methods
(40 credit points)
Building on your existing knowledge, this module challenges traditional pattern cutting approaches, encouraging experimentation and innovation. You will explore advanced techniques, the relationship between fabric and form, and how technology can enhance pattern cutting methods. The module includes research-led practice, sustainability considerations, and an introduction to CAD/CAM.
Term two
Design Realisation
(100 credit points, spanning terms two and three)
Building on your previous learning, this module consolidates your research, technical expertise, and creative problem-solving skills to develop an independent project aligned with your interests in pattern cutting and design. You will explore advanced pattern cutting engaging with both traditional methods and specialist digital technologies, sustainability, and industry relevance while experimenting and problem-solving with innovative approaches. Through engagement with professional contexts, you will refine your creative approach and develop a personal portfolio that reflects your individual design philosophy and identity, aligned to your future ambitions.
Optional Modules:
You can choose one optional module from below:
Professional Futures
(20 credit points)
This module explores the evolving landscape of employment in the fashion and textiles industries. Through discussion, research, and cross disciplinary collaboration, you will investigate opportunities in enterprise, innovation, and industry, preparing for diverse career pathways in the creative sector.
Advancing Research Design: Maximising Your Methods
(20 credit points)
Designed for students interested in extending their research skills, this module provides an in-depth exploration of research methodologies and their application in art and design. Ideal for those considering further study or research-based practice, it will equip you with the critical tools to refine and position your work within an academic and professional research framework.
Term three
Completion of your Design Realisation module
Term three will be spent refining, finalising, and presenting your major project work, culminating in a professional portfolio that showcases your creative identity and technical expertise.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
Video Gallery
How you're taught
Teaching and learning experiences will include:
- induction
- lectures
- seminars
- workshops
- team working
- tutorials
- personal project
- subject specialist tutorials
- presentations
Find out when our postgraduate term dates for the Nottingham School of Art & Design are. Please note that these are slightly different to other Schools within the University.
How you're assessed
Assessment is 100% coursework of both physical and digital submissions to evidence the breadth of research, development and realisation of your self-initiated project. You will also complete a short written reflection that critically analyses your project against the aims and objectives as identified in your initial proposal.
Careers and employability
Career Prospects
This course leads to a wide range of career opportunities including:
- creative pattern cutter
- Pattern technologist
- Garment technologist
- CAD/CAM specialist
- Grader
- Designer / maker
- Production manager.
Some graduates also use this course to support careers in teaching, lecturing and progression to MPhil or PhD study.
YouFirst – working with our Employability Team
Our friendly, experienced careers consultants will work closely with you at every stage of your career planning, providing personal support and advice you won't find in a book or on the internet. You can benefit from this at any time during your studies and up to three years after completing your course.
Showcase
Explore our showcase ‘We Are Creatives’ - celebrating the work of the Nottingham School of Art & Design students. You will find a sneak peak of some of our students’ work and gain a real insight into what it’s like to be part of the NTU creative community at wearecreativesntu.art
Re:search Re:imagined
To us, research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that really matter. From electronic textiles to the history of lace, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise up and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society.
Find out more: ntu.ac.uk/research
Campus and facilities
Our dedicated postgraduate Fashion Design studio is a lively, highly creative environment based in the Bonington building, a dedicated art and design hub. You can view all of our Fashion facilities on the Nottingham School of Art & Design Facilities page.
Entry requirements
What are we looking for?
- 2.2 honours degree in a related subject.
- Applicants with non-standard entry qualifications and / or relevant work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Other requirements:
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
You will need one of the following:
- Bachelors degree grade 2.2 or equivalent qualification.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Mode of study | Home tuition fee |
Student fee | £9,900 |
Alumni Loyalty Scheme - 20% fee discount
We're happy to be able to offer a 20% fee discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU graduates.
See if you're eligible.
Postgraduate loans
The government introduced a new postgraduate loans scheme in the 2016/17 academic year for Masters degrees. The loan will be a contribution towards the costs of study and it will be at the student's discretion to use the loan towards fees, maintenance costs or other costs.
Scholarships
We are offering a number of scholarships for Masters study.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on
+44 (0)115 848 2494.
Find out more about our terms and conditions of study for this course.
Fees for September 2025 are yet to be confirmed. Please see the September 2024 fees below for reference:
Mode of study | International tuition fee |
Student fee | £17,850 |
Alumni Loyalty Scheme - 20% fee discount
We're happy to be able to offer a 20% fee discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU graduates.
See if you're eligible.
International scholarships
You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to international students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.
Please take a look at our International students page for information about fees, scholarships for international students, visas and much more.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying.
Application deadline
You can apply for this course throughout the year, but we'd recommend that applications should be received by the end of July for entry in September.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieve, as well as a personal statement.
Keeping up to date
After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates' guide. Here you'll find advice about how to write a good personal statement and much more.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please email our Admissions Team or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Your portfolio
If your initial application is successful, you may be asked to upload a portfolio of your work and you may also be asked to attend an interview.
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
