Course Overview
Course summary
Accessories is one of the fastest-growing sectors in fashion, with a strong global demand for skilled accessory designers. Our Fashion Accessories Design MA addresses contemporary challenges through material innovation and cutting-edge design.
The course equips students with the creative, conceptual and critical skills needed to excel in the international fashion accessories industry. This programme fosters innovation by combining advanced digital techniques with in-depth material exploration, functional design, and aesthetic development.
Students will refine their creativity through an interdisciplinary approach that responds to emerging trends in materiality, ethics, and sustainability, ensuring they are prepared for the evolving landscape of the global fashion industry and adjacent creative sectors.
A key focus of the course is research into the historical and contemporary material culture of accessories, drawing on the Westminster Menswear Archive (WMA). With over 3,000 objects, including more than 200 examples of accessories, the archive provides an unparalleled resource for students to develop new approaches to materials, construction, and design within their own practice.
Collaboration with industry partners on live projects gives students hands-on experience and professional insights, helping them contextualise their work within real-world commercial and creative environments.
You’ll benefit from our strong industry connections and engage with professional development opportunities, including talks, mentoring schemes, and external visits.
You’ll develop projects through independent research. and complete the course with a personal portfolio of design work, highlighting your expertise and positioning your work within international accessory design industry.
Top reasons to study with us
- Learn from Industry Experts – Be taught by experienced academics and fashion professionals specialising in historical and cultural research, material innovation, fabrication, digital specifications, drawing, sampling, and prototyping.
- Exceptional Industry Connections – Benefit from Westminster’s strong links with leading fashion brands. Our graduates have secured accessory design positions at Asprey, Mulberry, Burberry, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Loewe, Armani, and Balenciaga.
- Exclusive Access to the Westminster Menswear Archive – Gain hands-on experience with over 3,000 garments and accessories, deepening your understanding of material culture, specialised production techniques, and design evolution.
Course structure
This course is part of a suite of MA Fashion courses which include Fashion Business Management MA, Fashion Sustainability MA, Fashion Manufacturing MA, and Menswear MA (with Professional Experience MFA). You’ll shape your learning through a set of shared optional modules that address contemporary challenges, advanced digital approaches, and specialised professional contexts while facilitating collaborative and cross-disciplinary learning opportunities.
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Core modules
This module aims for you to gain a deep understanding of sustainable supply chains, key stakeholders, and the issues affecting the fashion industry through rigorous and systematic research. You’ll interpret and apply knowledge of complex product development, sourcing, and supply chain issues in relation to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). You’ll also critically analyse the issues related to supply chain development and choose appropriate sourcing options for companies operating within the fashion industry, both locally and globally. Additionally, you’ll learn to create realistic implementation plans for product lifecycle management processes and sustainable supply chain options. The module aims to develop your ability to investigate complex problems, present the background of the problem, consider different perspectives, evaluate alternative solutions, and reflect on the preferred solutions and their implications.
This module is designed to enable you to conceptualise your future design output informed by a critical awareness of current practice both within your own discipline and the wider cultural landscape.
A series of physical and digital prototypes are produced as appropriate. These are presented in digital format only, using a variety of tools that may include Artificial intelligence (AI), 3D rendering, motion graphics, animation, film, or photography. You will document your digital processes, including their appropriateness for their specific audiences and platforms, including analytics and engagement. Prototypes are tested using external platforms, and you will realign your work based on audience engagement, analytics, and feedback. This module will explore the United Nations Sustainability Goals: Decent Work and Economic Growth (8), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (9), Sustainable Cities and Communities (10), and Responsible Production and Consumption (12).
Working with an industry partner, you will research the company’s history, market position, price point, design and/or aesthetic DNA, producing a presentation aimed at addressing the company’s core market and/or consumer and proposing a series of future objects. Following the presentation, a series of samples in 2D and 3D are produced including technical drawings, material samples, hardware, and construction samples. Based on the company's specific requirements, these are produced using suitable digital and analogue formats. This module will explore the United Nations Sustainability Goals: Decent Work and Economic Growth (8), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (9), Sustainable Cities and Communities (10), Responsible Production and Consumption (12).
The Final Project should be viewed as a single unit that progressively develops your confidence and encourages imaginative, practical and critical knowledge to the highest level. This module is designed to enable you to generate your own perspective on originality, the creation of the appropriate specialist techniques and a working process and context that establishes you as an influential and informed design professional.
Optional modules
This module aims to engage you in the realities of fashion entrepreneurship. You’ll apply advanced business concepts, branding theories, competitive analysis, marketing practices and financial principles to create a comprehensive business plan for your fashion business idea. You’ll benefit from the collaborative and interdisciplinary environment of the classroom in creating a viable commercial business concept, demonstrating an understanding of the entrepreneurial process.
This module is designed for you to undertake research within the Westminster Menswear Archive, focusing on one garment or object to critically research its materiality in relation to its cultural context and meaning. Using this initial research, a series of 2D and 3D responses are developed focusing on a specific technique, process or material to inform future design practice. This module will explore the United Nations Sustainability Goals (SDG): Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9) and Responsible Production and Consumption (SDG 12).
This module is designed to focus on the creation of the appropriate specialist techniques, working processes and context that establishes you as an influential and informed design professional. You’ll develop advanced specialist techniques and expertise, such as draping methods, innovative cutting and construction techniques, creative experimentation with materiality and textile design. Emphasising a deep understanding of materiality, from fibre and construction to surface treatments, and how these choices impact aesthetics and functionality to develop a signature design identity and innovative approach. This module will explore the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG): Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and Responsible Consumption and Production.
The aim of this module is to introduce you to a broad range of activism and social justice practices and allow you to understand how social, political, and philosophical values contribute to current issues in the fashion industry while broadening your skills and knowledge of activism. You’ll be encouraged to explore theories and debates on shared values, social justice, and sustainability benchmarks. You’ll explore systemic change through the lens of the UN SDGs, and social justice concerns. You’ll systematically analyse, evaluate, organise and communicate an advanced awareness of social justice and activism’s ability to utilise fashion and the fashioned body as a tool for communicating and enacting dissent and change.
This module encourages and enhances employability skills with industry experience. Employability is embedded in the module where you’ll gain professional work experience. You’ll be supported through the job application process and undertake a short placement. You’ll attain commercial awareness, entrepreneurship skills and resilience within the world of work with a global outlook. Learning and achievement will be evidenced through a fashion industry project linked to your placement experience. This module will explore the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG): Decent Work and Economic Growth and Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
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Careers
This course is designed for individuals or graduates, who have significant industry experience and are interested in establishing their own accessories brand. Students will be well positioned to launch their own brand upon successful completion of the course.
Fashion at Westminster enjoys strong links with the accessories sector. Whilst this programme is new, students from courses such as Menswear MA/ MFA and Fashion Business Management MA often find internships and employment opportunities during their studies with us. Our Fashion MA students have gone on to work for Loewe, Puma, Nike, Adidas Balenciaga and Louise Vuitton in both the apparel and accessories field.
Industry Knowledge
You’ll be taught by a teaching team with a wide range of experience both in industry and academia.
Choose your specialism
You’ll shape your learning in fashion disciplines through interdisciplinary and optional modules shared across our Fashion MA courses.
Employers around the world
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Industry Links
Our exceptional industry connections ensure this course remains at the forefront of fashion education, equipping the next generation of accessories designers with the skills and insights to lead the industry.
Guest speakers, live projects, and industry collaborations bring cutting-edge knowledge directly into the classroom. Recent guest lectures and masterclasses have included:
- Adidas
- Alexander McQueen
- Martine Rose
- Massimo Osti Studio
- Rottingdean Bazaar
Job Roles
This course prepares graduates for successful careers in the fashion accessories industry, with roles such as:
- Accessories Designer – Creating innovative products across footwear, handbags, jewellery, eyewear, and leather goods.
- Material and Fabrication Specialist – Developing and sourcing materials for accessory production, with expertise in sustainability and emerging technologies.
- Digital Prototyping and CAD Specialist –
- Product Developer
- Luxury Craftsperson
- Trend and Innovation Consultant
- Brand and Design Strategist
Westminster Employability Award
Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.
The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.
Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.
Course Leader
Virginia Grose
Head of School - West. School of Arts
Originally trained as a fashion designer, Virginia has worked in the fashion industry for over 25 years with companies such as Courtaulds Textiles, Marks & Spencer and Walmart and has worked closely with clothing, yarn and textile manufacturers all over the world including China, Sri Lanka, North Africa, Italy, the Philippines and the UK.
Virginia has taught at the American Intercontinental University, London College of Fashion and at Southampton University.
Virginia has written The Basics of Fashion Business Volume One’- Concept to Customer (2011) and Sustainable Fashion Supply Chain Management (Routledge – due Autumn 2022). Virginia is currently working on her doctoral research in Sustainable Cashmere Knitwear in the UK.
In addition to leading the Fashion Business Management MA, Virginia acts as consultant to several premium knitwear brands.
Working closely with fashion industry professionals, role models and mentors, you will receive a relevant, well-grounded, high-quality education and skill base that will enable you to have a wider, clearer understanding of the business you are already involved in.
Course Team
Why study this course?
Industry-ready
This course is designed is draw on industry insights, supported by our renowned Westminster Menswear Archive.
Transferable skills
This course will equip you with a range of highly marketable and hands-on skills pertaining to fashion accessories and circularity.
Stand out from the crowd
Qualified fashion accessories designers are currently in high demand in the job market.
Entry Requirements
A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2) or a lower second class honours degree (2:2) and more than 2 years experience compulsory. In addition to the academic requirements. Applicants will be expected to include a CV with their application. Please ensure your work experience and internships are included. Please note: non-standard applicants may be considered with extensive work experience in the fashion industry.
Applicants are required to submit a portfolio, if this does not contain sufficient accessories design content, applicants will then be required to create a virtual portfolio of three design projects that best evidence individual inspiration, and how this is developed through the process of designing. Applicants will also need to identify in writing a specific area of personal interest that they believe will create a positive contribution to the fashion industry and which they envisage studying in depth whilst on the course. Selection for interview is based on both application and portfolio.
If your first language is not English you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in writing and no element below 5.5.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for applications
A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2) or a lower second class honours degree (2:2) and more than 2 years experience compulsory. In addition to the academic requirements. Applicants will be expected to include a CV with their application. Please ensure your work experience and internships are included. Please note: non-standard applicants may be considered with extensive work experience in the fashion industry.
Applicants are required to submit a portfolio, if this does not contain sufficient accessories design content, applicants will then be required to create a virtual portfolio of three design projects that best evidence individual inspiration, and how this is developed through the process of designing. Applicants will also need to identify in writing a specific area of personal interest that they believe will create a positive contribution to the fashion industry and which they envisage studying in depth whilst on the course. Selection for interview is based on both application and portfolio.
If your first language is not English you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in writing and no element below 5.5.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for applications
More information
University preparation courses
Our partner college, Kaplan International College London, offers Pre-Master’s courses that may help you gain a place on a postgraduate degree at Westminster.
To find out more, visit University preparation courses.
Westminster Menswear Archive
The Westminster Menswear Archive has examples of some of the most important and exciting menswear garments covering the last 100 years. The archive includes garments from Alexander McQueen, Craig Green, Stone Island, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Nutter, Liam Hodges, Carol Christian Poell, C.P. Company, Jean Paul Gaultier, Calvin Klein, Meadham Kirchhoff, Kim Jones, Aitor Throup, Vivienne Westwood, Mr Fish, Irvine Sellars, Umbro, MA.Strum, adidas, Nanamica, Belstaff, Barbour, Burberry, Maison Margiela, Jeremy Scott, Vexed Generation, Aquascutum, Levis, Jeremy Scott, Berghaus, Penfield, Griffin, and Comme Des Garcons.
Additionally, the archive includes an extensive range of utilitarian and uniform garments from the Army, Police, US Marines, GPO, Coldstream Guards, French fire service and others.
Learn new skills
Volunteer and gain new skills
We offer a number of different volunteering opportunities for you to learn new skills, create connections, and make a difference in the community.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your start-up projects.
Get extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £1,325 (Price per 20-credit module)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Funding
There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).
Find out more about postgraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
There is an optional visit to the Annual Retail & Luxury Conference at Columbia University in New York. If you wish to attend you'll need to pay for the full cost of this visit.
See more information on what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £1,785 (Price per 20-credit module)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Funding
There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.
Find out more about funding for international students.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Facilities
Teaching and Assessment
How you’ll be taught
Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into two broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, dissertation/final project research, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you’ll be assessed
Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into three broad categories:
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
- Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course location
Harrow is our creative and cultural hub, home to most of our arts, media and digital courses. It houses state-of-the-art facilities for every discipline, including project and gallery spaces, film studios, creative labs, collaborative learning spaces, and the Westminster Enterprise Network.
Harrow Campus is based in north-west London, just 20 minutes from the city centre by train.
For more details, visit our Harrow Campus page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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