The University of Westminster in collaboration with the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) have developed a new Fashion Manufacturing MA course to boost the number of skilled fashion manufacturers around the globe, encouraging more innovation and resilience across the industry. The course focuses on sustainable apparel production, systems, sourcing and manufacturing processes, and launches in September 2025. Applications are now open.
This research-driven, industry-informed course is designed to meet the evolving needs of fashion manufacturing and address current industry skill shortages, from design and product development to innovative production techniques.
The partnership between the University of Westminster and the UKFT have developed a curriculum that emphasises the integration of technology and design with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability. The course has been designed with the UKFT and Westminster’s fashion course teams who collectively have many years of experience working with UK fashion manufacturing partners. Together they have advised on the skills required to succeed in fashion manufacturing.
Students will critically evaluate current practices, exploring social, ethical, cultural and political issues within the fashion industry. They will have access to state-of-the-art methods, specialist software and industry specialists to integrate global insights with practical expertise.
UKFT is the largest network for fashion and textiles in the UK, elevating the skills of the UK fashion and textile industry. Through this partnership, graduates will have the chance to gain key insights from industry speakers, work on live industry case studies and gain industry work experience, equipping them for leadership roles in fashion production, garment technology and manufacturing management.
Professor Catherine Dormor, Head of Westminster’s College of Design, Creative and Digital Industries, said: “We are excited to be launching our new Fashion Manufacturing MA course this year. As one of the most important global industries, fashion manufacturing sits at the heart of regional economies, bringing increased wealth as well as ethical and environmental challenges. Developed with our industry partner, UKFT, the course challenges traditional manufacturing systems, seeking to develop a new generation of leaders who can address global concerns. Emphasising the role of new technologies and manufacturing design, graduates will have industry-based knowledge and innovative approaches that they will bring to the manufacturing systems fit for the future. Graduates will be globally literate and capable of bridging fashion design, business and production as a force for good.”
Photo credit: UKFT
Virginia Grose, Head of Westminster’s School of Arts, said: “This new Master’s course offers graduates a unique prospect to prepare for a career in apparel production and we are proud to have formed this important partnership with UKFT. As the largest network for fashion and textiles in the UK, the UKFT offers the University of Westminster, as an education partner, access to many workshops and networking opportunities in addition to providing advice and guidance for our students. For example, by offering students an in-depth understanding of production and sourcing for the fashion and textiles industry, from a global perspective and with a close focus on UK sourcing.”
Elliot Barlow, Special Projects Manager at UKFT, said: “Manufacturing-focused courses are rare in higher education, but they are critical to addressing the challenges and opportunities the industry faces today. This new Fashion Manufacturing MA, developed in collaboration with the University of Westminster, has been developed to provide students with the skills and knowledge to reimagine apparel production. By combining research, innovation and hands-on experience, the course will equip graduates to lead the way in sustainable, ethical and technologically advanced manufacturing practices here in the UK.”
The Fashion Manufacturing MA will be part of a prestigious suite of University of Westminster Fashion courses that are transforming postgraduate Fashion education in the UK. The institution’s new Fashion Sustainability MA and Fashion Accessories Design MA courses will be launching at the same time and are also open for applications.
This course directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education, 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Interested students can attend an online open day on 26 February 2025. The first intake for the course will be September 2025.
Apply to study Fashion Manufacturing MA at the University of Westminster.
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