Ethics in Fashion (Communication, Consumerism and Sustainability), MSc, Postgraduate Diploma, Heriot-Watt University

the United Kingdom

Study options for this course

The award	How you will study	Study duration	Course start	Domestic course fees	International course fees
MSc, Postgraduate Diploma	Full-time, Part-time	find out	September	GBP 5360	GBP 14520

About Ethics in Fashion (Communication, Consumerism and Sustainability), MSc, Postgraduate Diploma - at Heriot-Watt University

Our MSc Ethics in Fashion is research led, and focuses on analysing the industry, whilst also exploring changes in practice and the diversity of stakeholders in the supply-chain.

It's aimed at ethically-aware graduates, and established professionals, with a background in fashion, textiles, design, source management and corporate affairs. The course offers you the chance to refresh and extend your current knowledge and skills, using the outstanding fashion and textile facilities that we have to offer.

The MSc Ethics in Fashion is taught at our Scottish Borders Campus in Galashiels. To find out more about this subject, visit the School pages.

Course length

The full-time course starts in mid September and lasts one year. The course can also be taken part-time over two years.

Our students

The taught programme has been created for those wanting to work, or already working in the fashion and textiles industries, in design, sourcing management, buying, journalism and corporate affairs. The qualification provides a set of fresh perspectives and insights for an existing first degree qualification, or relevant experience in any of the above areas or similar for those wanting to be part of the dynamic changing industries.

Industry links

The School of Textiles and Design, and the research staff have strong global industry and NGO links in design, corporate social responsibility reporting and corporate affairs, social enterprise. In addition teaching staff are Fellows of the Fellowship of 500, in the Ethical Fashion Forum. There are both courses, and research opportunities to work with local and international industry.

The programme has been designed to utilise selected core postgraduate courses offered within the School and introducing courses specific to Ethics in Fashion, thus encouraging inter-disciplinary participation and discourse, and membership of the a growing research community.

"There is a growing demand from consumers that the clothes they choose to wear haven't been produced in sweatshops. Tragedies such as the Rana Plaza garment factory collapse in Bangladesh have only heightened public concern. This is why it is critical that fashion colleges and universities are incorporating ethics into their programs of work. Ethical sourcing is increasingly becoming the norm for the clothing & footwear industry and we see this only growing in the future."

Simon McRae, National Manager, Ethical Clothing Australia

"A Masters of Science on Ethics in Fashion is exactly what was missing in fashion education. Sustainability and ethics are key issues for this industry. Those who are not able respect people and the environment in their supply chain cannot stay in the sector for long. Today, all major players have a CSR officer integrated in their business, a profile that didn't exist until a few years ago. Having this MSc is a true work of innovation."

Simone Cipriani, Head, ITC Ethical Fashion Initiative (United Nations)

Objectives

Analyse the ethics in supply-chain practice
Speculate on, and develop, effective methods of communicating ethics
Identify and map outcomes and consequences of unethical and ethical practice
Speculate and apply new criteria within the supply-chain
Analyse the motivations and roles of consumers in the ethics discourse and practice
Identify best practice models across the traditional fashion and textiles industries, social enterprise and non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
Research independently the role of ethics in fashion practice and theory

Notes about fees for this course

Status*Full-timePart-timePer courseScotland / Non-UK EU£5,360 £2,680 £670England / Northern Ireland / Wales£5,360 £2,680 £670Overseas£14,520 £7,260 £1,815

* If you are unsure which category you fall in to, you should complete a fee status enquiry form, which allows us to assess your fees.

** Fee per course

Scholarships and bursaries

We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.

View our full range of postgraduate taught scholarships.

Entry requirements

You should hold a good (first or second class) Honours degree or its non-UK equivalent in a relevant subject from a recognised British or Overseas University. In addition, work or project experience in a related company role will be taken into consideration as part of the application process.

How to apply

Applications are made by submitting a completed application form to the Postgraduate Office at the Edinburgh Campus. Additionally, before original decision can be given, applicants will be asked to supply documentation to provide proof of academic background and suitability as a candidate:

A copy of your degree(s) certificates and relevant transcripts
A portfolio of past work where appropriate and/or evidence of relevant work experience
Proof of having being awarded a first degree(s)
Proof of your ability in the English language if this is not your mother tongue
Proof of how your tuition fee and personal maintenance costs are to be met
Two academic referees

For full details about our application process including relevant forms and guidance notes, please contact us or visit our website

English language requirements

If your first language is not English, or your first degree was not taught in English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability. The minimum requirement for English language is IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. Pre-sessional English courses are available for applicants at the Edinburgh Campus to improve on English language usage and study skills. Please note that completion of pre-sessional courses are not a guarantee of admittance. Please contact us for more information.

14 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.5 with no more than one skill at 4.5);
10 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.5 with minimum of 5.0 in all skills);
6 weeks English (for IELTS 5.5 with minimum of 5.5 in reading & writing and minimum of 5.0 in speaking & listening)

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Ethics in Fashion (Communication, Consumerism and Sustainability), MSc, Postgraduate Diploma, Heriot-Watt University

Study options for this course

About Ethics in Fashion (Communication, Consumerism and Sustainability), MSc, Postgraduate Diploma - at Heriot-Watt University

Notes about fees for this course

Entry requirements

Courses you may be interested in at other institutions

Postgraduate pathways and pre-masters at other institutions

Other courses at Heriot-Watt University

Related Information

International Study Visa