If you are passionate about fashion and driven by your conviction in responsible fashion practice, then we want to hear from you. Applicants of this course will be accepted from a range of disciplines if you can demonstrate an authentic, principled approach to the value of ethical and sustainable fashion . You will work with integrity and vision and possess the ambition necessary to make an impact on the wider world.

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.

This is a flexible course, suited to those who wish to further their professional practice with social, critical, technological and ecological dimensions within a self-directed project. There is no requirement that you come from a design background.

This MA Fashion Design (sustainable and ethical fashion) offers students the opportunity to contribute to responsible design systems and practice. We want to see you lead the way with fresh ideas that can truly innovate in the industry.

We will give you the tools to be future leaders, with an in-depth understanding of the economic, environmental, and social factors behind the adoption of circular economy principles, fair trade plus human and animal welfare.

The fashion industry is changing, as pressure mounts for fashion leaders to implement responsible codes of practice. Consumers increasingly expect companies to have responsible principles throughout the supply chain, from protecting their workers with a fair living wage and safe working standards, to the ensuring their products do not end up in land fill.

The programme responds to significant industry, consumer and political demand for graduates who can effectively apply professional knowledge and communication skills to responsible design practice. You will be able to create fashion products with sustainable, social and commercial value.

Our students enjoy coveted access to unrivalled industry links, forged and maintained over six decades, and 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 have the opportunity to collaborate with organisations from across the fashion and creative industries, through your project work. This will allow you to build your professional skills, your portfolio, and your network of contacts.

You will also have access to premium, industry facilities which will prepare you for work in industry from the get go. Facilities include a photography studio, machine room, print room and studio space, you can have a closer look in the facilities tab.

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.

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.

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. 

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 and in roles as diverse as fashion designer, fashion director, stylist, buyer, account manager, visual merchandiser, fashion editor, industry commentator, or trend forecaster.