The performancewear master's is suited to those who wish to further their design practice with social, critical, technological and ecological dimensions, within a self-directed project or in collaboration with industry.

This fashion focused master's course will produce the next generation of hybrid designers, who are able to interpret new technologies and make innovative and progressive contributions to design. This will include products for extreme environments, sportswear, wearables, lifestyle and health products. Responding to needs-driven ideas, this sector will increasingly harness science and design to contribute to people’s quality of life.

Your specialism in performancewear will be underpinned by generic, research-led contextual modules. These will provide you with a grounding in research methods, creative thinking, cross-cultural communication, contemporary influences on design, reflective practice, innovation and entrepreneurship. This will be done by multidisciplinary and team-based collaboration.

Design courses at Northumbria are ranked within the UK top 10, and we are renowned for our pioneering and innovative course frameworks, which meet the demands of industry and produce graduates who are ready to step straight into employment.

You will have coveted access to unrivalled industry links, forged and maintained over six decades. The opportunities are endless, for committed and enthusiastic students. Our global links include fashion companies such as H&M, Tommy Hilfiger and Barbour, to name just a few.

You will be taught by an inspirational accolade of academics who have enjoyed immense success as designers, for some of the world’s biggest brands. You will create your own personal journey, exploring design issues and developing the advanced practical skills which will allow you to work effectively, as a major influencer in design.

We currently have alumnus working across the world for countless global labels and count Scott Henshall , the youngest designer to show at London Fashion Week and Creative Director of luxury British fashion house Mulberry, among our Alumni.

Contemporary design practice is evolving due to new technologies and changing contexts of design innovation. This means there are more opportunities for graduates with advanced masterly understanding of how fashion and industrial design can collaborate in order to respond to future human and planet well-being.

You will hold a critical awareness of current issues, an analytical knowledge of relevant craft skills, processes and technologies, and the entrepreneurial skills to evaluate and commercialise creative opportunities.

Throughout the year you will have the opportunity to engage in a range of events such as conferences and guest lectures to help further your knowledge and build networks towards your future career aspirations. In addition to working on your personal design projects, you will also have the chance to work on industry-led, collaborative projects within cross-disciplinary teams, reflecting the nature of your future work in the fashion industry. 

You will have the opportunity to collaborate with organisations from across the fashion and creative industries through your project work, allowing you to build your professional skills, your portfolio, and your network of contacts. You will exhibit your work locally and in London at the end of your course. This is a remarkable opportunity to showcase your talents to a global audience.

As well as supporting those seeking to develop independent fashion labels, this course will prepare you for a wide range of career opportunities within the fashion and creative industries. You will also be prepared for roles as diverse as;

• fashion designer
• fashion director
• stylist, buyer
• account manager
• visual merchandiser
• fashion editor
• industry commentator
• trend forecaster.