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.
Key features
- Work in our extensive fashion design studios with industry-standard equipment and our expert teaching team
- Take part in a wide range of workshops and demonstrations
- Have the opportunity to go on study visits to costume archives, museums and design exhibitions
- Choose to collaborate with industry for your personal project. Recent student-led collaborations include Berghaus and Mountain Equipment
- Work with Illustrator, InDesign and LECTRA in our Computer Aided Design (CAD) suite
Student profiles
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.
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Modules
This course requires you to complete a total of 5 modules with varying credit points awarded, providing an accumulative total of 180-credits.
Term one
Practice-Led Research Methods (20 credit points)
In this module you will focus on advancing your knowledge and understanding of varied research methods and methodologies, reflective practice, and ethics where you will engage with the postgraduate Fashion, Textiles and Knitwear community with shared teaching and learning opportunities.
Innovative Pattern Cutting Methods (40 credit points)
In this module you will explore traditional and contemporary techniques, building upon your existing pattern cutting knowledge through a series of demonstrations and tasks. This module encourages an advanced and experimental methodology to support the development of a more innovative and experimental approach to pattern cutting. You will also investigate modern research-led practice and explore how advances in technology can transform pattern cutting techniques and outcomes.
Term two
Creative Solutions (40 credit points)
This module incorporates both group working and working individually. Innovative problem-solving, creative thinking and advanced technical skills are required to explore and resolve a real-life design issue for a specific market. Extensive experimentation, sampling and testing will be required to prove the appropriateness of design and technical decisions, fabric choices, manufacture and finish. The project brief will be generated from industry case studies.
You can choose one optional module from below:
Practice-led Research Applied (20 credit points)
This module enables you to demonstrate a personal body of research into contemporary pattern cutting researchers and practitioners who promote sustainability and design responsibility. Through the development of experimental samples, you will analyse their methods and techniques and develop your own outcomes that demonstrate sustainable and responsible approaches and considerations.
Advanced Art and Design Research (20 credit points)
This module is aimed at students who are interested in a deeper and more thorough understanding of research methodologies and philosophy in relation to your subject area, with the possibility of undertaking a research degree in the future. If you select this module, you will study with students from across the School’s postgraduate courses, attending a series of lectures, seminars and presentations and complete a written assignment.
Term three
Design Realisation (60 credit points)
Your final major project will be an in-depth body of work that will evidence creative and theoretical research, extensive experimentation with cutting, design, fit, fabric, manufacture and finish as you demonstrate innovative and highly creative outcomes that consider design responsibility. It is expected that the project will support your future career/further educational study plans.
Course specification
View the full course specification
Please note that course specifications may be subject to change
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 School of Art & Design are. Please note that these are slightly different to other Schools within the University.
Assessment
Assessment is 100% by coursework and involves an exhibition of your coursework and project outcomes, including your Reflective Journal / sketchbook.
Staff profiles
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.
Get inspired
Take a look at a recent zine produced by our graduating Masters students to get a flavour of the innovation and creativity that goes on within the School of Art & Design.
Student work
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Eloise Salter -
Eriko Yamamoto -
Eriko Yamamoto -
Eriko Yamamoto -
Shi Qianqian -
Shi Qianqian
Facilities
Our dedicated postgraduate studio in the Bonington building
Our PG Cert Creative Pattern Cutting students are based in the Bonington building, a dedicated centre for Art and Design. Facilities and equipment include:
- a postgraduate studio, where you'll have space to work alongside other practice-based Art and Design students;
- fashion studios: with industry-standard pattern cutting tables and garment production machinery;
- fabric store;
- laser cutting: fabric laser cutting and laser engraving;
- print room: hand screen printing, transfer printing, collograph printing;
- computer Aided Design (CAD) suite; and
- IT suite with PCs equipped with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and LECTRA.
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 any more help or information, please email our Admissions Team or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
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:
- IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each skill); and
- a creative portfolio.
If you hold international qualifications, take a look at the alternative qualifications we accept for this course.
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.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you need to show us that your language skills are strong enough for intensive academic study. You can check our language requirements and list of accepted English language tests. Your British Council office can tell you where you can take an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test locally. Applicants who have taken a higher degree at a UK university don't usually have to meet this requirement.
Pre-masters courses
Are you an international student whose qualifications don't meet the entry requirements? You can do a pre-masters course at Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC). The college is on our City Campus and NTIC students can use all of the University's facilities.
Next steps
Please also take a look at our International students page and our application guide for international students, which are full of advice and information about the University.
If you need any more help or information, please contact our International team or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200. Alternatively, you can get in touch with our staff at the International Development Office, who are always happy to help. Or speak to one of our official NTU representatives for your country.
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.
Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
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.
Make sure you take into account the time required to apply for a visa (if applicable) before applying.
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.
Next steps
Please also take a look at our International students page and our application guide for international students, which are full of advice and information about the University.
If you need any more help or information, please contact our International team or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200. Alternatively, you can get in touch with our staff at the International Development Office, who are always happy to help. Or speak to one of our official NTU representatives for your country.
Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
Fees and funding
| Course | Home / EU full-time | Home / EU part-time |
|---|---|---|
| MA Fashion Design | £8,200 | n/a |
| MA Fashion Knitwear Design | £8,200 | n/a |
| MA Textile Design Innovation | £8,200 | n/a |
| MA Culture, Style and Fashion | £8,200 | £4,100 per year* |
| MA Fashion and Textile Design | n/a | £4,100 per year* |
| MA Fashion and Creative Pattern Cutting | £8,200 | n/a |
The fees listed above are for 2020 entry.
* Fee amounts are per year and will increase each year in line with inflation, capped at no more than 5%.
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.
| Course | International full-time | International part-time |
|---|---|---|
| MA Fashion Design | £15,100 | n/a |
| MA Fashion Knitwear Design | £15,100 | n/a |
| MA Textile Design Innovation | £15,100 | n/a |
| MA Culture, Style and Fashion | £15,100 | £7,550 per year* |
| MA Fashion and Textile Design | n/a | £7,500 per year* |
| MA Fashion and Creative Pattern Cutting | £15,100 | n/a |
The fees listed above are for 2020 entry.
* Fee amounts are per year and will increase each year in line with inflation, capped at no more than 5%.
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