Course summary
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: o Digital: Mimaki digital printers, heat-transfer printing, and dye labs. o Knitting: Computerized Shima Seiki knitting machines (three gauges) and various manual knitting machines. o 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: o Work on live project briefs and design for public exhibitions. o Showcase your work in Winchester, London, and beyond, establishing a professional presence. o 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.
Modules
Compulsory modules include: Textile Design; Professional and Academic Skills; FInal Project. Optional modules include: Digital Cultures; Entrepreneurship; Experimental Publishing; Exploring the Visual Language of Display; Global Marketing. For a full list of modules please visit: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/textile-design-masters-ma#modules
Assessment method
We will assess your knowledge through: your portfolio and final project collection, evidence of the research underpinning your studio practice, reflective assignments that critically evaluate aspects of your own learning and your approach to problem solving and team working.
How to apply
International applicants
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.
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.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | with no component below 5.5 |
All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.
Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/fees/postgraduate.page
Sponsorship information
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
Provider information
University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ