We offer a variety of courses, underpinned by world-leading, internationally excellent research. Industry links, in the areas of fashion design, management, marketing and branding, textile design and luxury brand management, benefit education and research alike.
We work with international corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises, charities and trade bodies
Overview
About the Department of Fashion and Textiles
We are a thriving department that includes world-leading academic and industry experts, underpinned by technical support staff. We inspire our staff and students to develop through the classroom, industry collaboration, research development, and knowledge exchange and enterprise activities.
As both fashion and textiles evolve, we are leading the way through our expertise in:
e-textiles
fashion and textiles history
culture and consumption
sustainable practices
marketing
luxury consumption
brand and management
We have a strong undergraduate and postgraduate portfolio. We combine practice-lead courses with creative management and leadership courses. We work across all levels, giving staff and students the opportunities for collaboration with industry and project-lead work. Our academics have worked for international brands and retailers in areas including fashion design, buying, merchandising, marketing and manufacturing. We are a member of the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT).
Our courses address the global fashion and textile industries. We focus on understanding the economic, social, and cultural context of the fashion and textile world.
We have an extensive range of resources, from machinery, space, to technical expertise.
A student design is brought to life on the catwalk. Image: Lacey Ayles.
Research culture
We aim to transform and influence the textile and related sectors for the better. Our researchers work with a global network of academic, education and industry partners to make a difference.
Research themes
We organise our research around 3 themes with sustainability integral to each:
fashion and luxury
e-textiles
textile design and manufacturing
Our research examines the interface between fashion, textiles, identity and popular culture including:
sustainable practices
digital and manufacturing of e-textiles for wearable healthcare
fashion and textiles history and theory
luxury marketing and consumption
cultural studies
We have also received substantial funding for a number of key projects in the area of wearable healthcare e-textiles.
Funding success
The Wearable Textile with Integrated Electrotherapy and Sensing for Joint Pain Management project has received funding from the MRC Development Pathway Funding Scheme (DPFS). This project is designing wearable electrotherapy garments with embedded movement sensors for pain relief and monitoring knee function for people with knee osteoarthritis.
Innovate UK is providing funding the Reliable and Accessible Electronic Textile for Stroke Rehabilitation project. Together with external partners, we are developing a textile glove using Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to enable stroke survivors to engage in independent rehabilitation at home. Learn about how this in this BBC news video.
We also have two related projects which aim to expand the development and production of knitted e-textile garments for healthcare and well-being applications:
Wholegarment Knitting of Electronic Textiles for Wearable Health Monitoring is funded by EPSRC Impact Accelerate Account (IAA)
Exhibitions
Our research also features in exhibitions including .
Labs and studios
We host a wide range of facilities including industry-standard fashion studios, bespoke dye labs, laser cutting, and digital and sublimation printing.
E-textile Innovation Lab
We are also home to a specialist laboratory for electronic textiles, the E-textile Innovation Lab. It allows us to work at the intersection of textiles and electronics, blending design with engineering. The aim is to support our work creating innovative e-textiles that enhance people’s lives and contribute to sustainability.
Equipment includes:
computerised machine knitting
ink formulation and printing
pattern cutting and garment construction
Design and engineering come together in the E-textile Innovation Lab.
Throughout your study, you’ll be supported by industry experienced academic, technical, and research staff. The curriculum is based on market intelligence from industry partners, which means you’ll leave this course with a skillset relevant to today’s evolving job market.
Live projects, field trips and events
You'll have the opportunity to take part in live projects. These projects create real-world scenarios where you can practice your skills and work with experienced designers affiliated with London Fashion week and the British Fashion Council.
Opportunities include:
planning and running photoshoots and catwalk shows
creating lookbooks alongside photographers, stylists and hair and make-up artists
attending industry events like London Fashion Week and Africa Fashion Week
visits to exhibitions, shows, studios and production facilities across the UK and Europe
attending student-led, co-curricular activities that celebrate creativity and diversity
Watch our London Fashion Week 2025 show
The Collective at LFW 2025: Last Stop London
Students on our MA Fashion Design course were selected to show this year at the prestigious London Fashion Week held by British Fashion Council last month.
Video length: 19m 36s.
Preparing for a career in industry
The collaborative approach of this course, with it's community of creatives across different disciplines, reflects the industry of fashion design. You'll be encouraged and supported in finding and applying to internships to gain valuable experience and help you begin your career and graduate as a confident problem solver and independent thinker, with a considered and refined design identity.
Previous students have gone on to become fashion designers and teachers, start their own labels and present their own collections at Pure London trade show.
Fashion & Textiles programs offer students the opportunity to work alongside leading educators and researchers in a creative, dynamic and inclusive environment.
I work closely with the Deputy Head of School and the Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise teams to develop a strategy to improve employer engagement, employability skills and career opportunities for students at WSA.
I lead the departmental research and impact activities. I support colleagues in partnership development, research proposals, and oversee the overall research outputs.
I work with the University international team, promoting the brilliant work we do at the school to international and research partners, key stakeholders, and future students.
