Entry requirements

You’ll need a 2:2 degree or an equivalent qualification, in a relevant subject. You’ll also need a portfolio which will be the determining factor for entry.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

Your portfolio should include:

evidence of the processes behind final work e.g. drawing and sketches;
try to include observational drawings and Computer Aided Design (CAD) work examples of processes and techniques e.g. dyeing, screen printing, digital printing, woven textiles or special finishing techniques

images of your final work e.g. from exhibitions or photo-shoots

Your portfolio should not exceed ten megabytes in size and should include a variety of projects.

Months of entry

September

Course content

About this Course

The MA Textile Design program at Winchester School of Art (WSA) is a practice-led course focused on helping you develop a distinctive creative identity and textile design voice. The curriculum emphasizes creative risk-taking, experimentation, and innovation across techniques, materials, and concepts for both fashion and interiors. The program prepares you for careers in the industry or entrepreneurial ventures by deeply exploring emerging and sustainable practices.

We are ranked 8th in the UK for research quality (Complete University Guide 2026).

Key Features and Distinctiveness

Exceptional Facilities & Equipment: Students work in personal, roomy, and light-filled studios with access to outstanding, industry-standard facilities. These include:

Digital: Mimaki digital printers, heat-transfer printing, and dye labs.
Knitting: Computerized Shima Seiki knitting machines (three gauges) and various manual knitting machines.
Weaving: State-of-the-art jacquard loom, computerised AVL dobby looms, and manual table looms.
Industry and Professional Exposure: The course provides extensive real-world exposure:
Work on live project briefs and design for public exhibitions.
Showcase your work in Winchester, London, and beyond, establishing a professional presence.
Learn business and professional skills, including portfolio development, branding, and entrepreneurial guidance.
Emerging Practices Focus: The program explores innovative areas such as smart fabrics, digital textiles, mixed-media surfaces, and innovative textile technologies.
Research-Led Sustainability: You will engage in research-led practice, exploring critical contemporary issues like sustainability, material innovation, and circular design.
Global Insight: Opportunities to participate in study trips to London and Europe, visiting textile studios, exhibitions, and specialist fabric stores.
Collaborative Environment: You will foster collaboration with MA Fashion Design students in a shared creative studio atmosphere and join a dynamic, forward-thinking community.

Career Prospects

Graduates are prepared for diverse and specialized creative careers, including roles in:

Fashion and Apparel Design.
Interior and Surface Design.
Textile Innovation and Research.
Entrepreneurial Ventures (starting your own studio/brand).
Creative Consultancy.

As a graduate from a top 20 UK university for employability*, you'll be well-prepared for your next step.

Further Information

Award: Master of Arts (MA).
Location: Winchester School of Art (WSA).
The program's strength lies in its balance of high-end technological access (Jacquard loom, Shima Seiki machines) and its focus on future-facing topics like smart fabrics and circular design.

*Complete University Guide Graduate Prospects Ranking 2026.

Information for international students

If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate your English ability by meeting our Band C requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in all components. For information on other accepted English language tests, please see our website.

Fees and funding

A variety of scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations. Please check the website for more information - https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/funding/postgraduate.page

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

MA
full time
12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name: Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk

Phone: +44(0)23 8059 5000

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Textile Design