Fashion, Enterprise and Society MA

Course overview

Get the skills to take a lead role in the global fashion industry, able to craft socially responsible innovations.

The fashion world is in high demand for agile thinkers who can solve global challenges in the industry, like concerns around sustainability, labour exploitation, and ethical practices.

This varied and engaging course will prepare you for an enriching career as an innovator and leader in fashion. You’ll develop a deep knowledge and understanding of this rapidly evolving world and develop your own creative, enterprising, and strategic business skills.

You’ll have the expertise and confidence to challenge current thinking and propose innovative solutions that are more sustainable and socially responsible.

You’ll study how fashion enterprises are set up and run today, including the challenges they face. At the same time, you’ll learn about opportunities for fresh business ventures, whether through new product developments, advancements in communication and marketing, or the digitisation of the industry.

You’ll engage in collaborative learning from expert tutors embedded within the School of Design and Leeds University Business School. They will empower you to view the industry from a range of perspectives, including social, cultural, and commercial.

Upon graduation, you’ll have the contacts and skills to thrive as you cut a path forward for a better fashion industry.

Guaranteed industry experience

During your time at Leeds, you’ll have the chance to work with clients and gain consultancy experience as part of a 2-week online Global Industry Programme.

As well as giving you the opportunity to build key industry connections, you’ll also develop invaluable professional and practical skills that are highly valued by employers.

Why study at Leeds

• Three pillars of learning: Your learning blends retail-systems management, business, and design-thinking research within global fashion, designed to give you expertise from core aspects of the fashion industry.
• Get industry experience: Get the chance to collaborate with clients and gain consultancy experience as part of our 2-week online Global Industry Programme.
• Learn in expert facilities: Test your skills with our spaces and professional-grade tools, like our state-of the art equipment for polymer synthesis fibre extrusion, yarn and fabric development, digital printing studio, and laboratory for materials testing and characterisation. Take a virtual tour of our facilities. 
• Get the tools to succeed: Access free dedicated software such as Adobe Creative Cloud.

Course details and modules

Throughout the MA Fashion Enterprise and Society course you will develop key skills and knowledge relating to the fashion industry, enterprise and research. Taught by both the School of Design and Leeds University Business School (LUBS), you will acquire industry-relevant skills and knowledge across the year-long programme, equipping you to work within a variety of roles and sectors on completion of your MA.

Within the School of Design, in Semester 1, you will explore the current state of the global fashion industry, developing your understanding of fashion supply chains and management, and your understanding of the impact of the fashion industry on both the environment and society. You will also learn key fashion marketing and consumer theories and practices, and build upon this learning in Semester 2, utilising your own critical and creative thinking to reflect on existing fashion business practice and propose new industry-relevant solutions. You will also develop your creative design and communication skills in Semester 2, enabling you to professionally present your own innovative and original concepts and proposals to industry audiences.

Your LUBS modules, studied across Semester 1 and 2, complement your School of Design modules by allowing you to develop your specialist knowledge of entrepreneurship and enterprise in Semester 1, and applying this knowledge in Semester 2 to formulate your own business plan for a new venture.

Research is integral to your degree, and you will develop advanced research skills across semester 1 and 2, developing your understanding of the research process, quantitative and qualitative data, and primary and secondary research methods. This learning will enable you to understand, problem-solve and address real-world challenges, supported by research, in both academic and industry contexts.

In Semester 3, you will apply all of the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the programme to complete your final major research project, tailoring both the subject and type of output to your individual research interests and career aspirations.

The Programme Leader for this course is Dr Caroline Hemingray.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Year 1 compulsory modules

Learning and teaching

Creative and critical problem solving is central to our teaching in the School of Design. Your learning will be enhanced by a range of contemporary teaching methods which encourage active learning and are underpinned by inclusive and authentic learning activities, including team working, creative workshops and industry facing scenarios.

We follow a campus based blended learning approach; you’ll have a range of resources in the virtual learning environment which are accessible at all times, including videos and pre-work to help you prepare for your classes. You’ll attend lectures which are carefully designed to invite engagement and participation, seminars to enable you to delve deeper into key topics, workshops to experiment and learn practical and creative skills, and tutorials so that you can discuss your work in progress. Your module tutors have dedicated office hours, which means there’s always the opportunity to ask questions.

Collaboration with staff and your peers is the foundation of our teaching and learning, giving students input into their learning journey. During the course you will study alongside students from other MA programmes in Design and LUBS. Here you will benefit from our community of learners, to contribute their diverse perspectives and to encounter those of others, with global industry practices in mind.

A typical week may include eight to ten hours of in-person and online study which provide a rich resource to support further investigation in your private study time. Private study is important at university and a potentially significant change from the way you have been taught previously. This is space where you can reflect and critique materials from taught sessions, including further reading, writing, and creative development. You will be guided through this process by your tutors to help you develop your knowledge and research skills. The ability to work independently is a key skill to your development as a creative and professional thinker. You’ll also have the ongoing support of your Academic Personal Tutor. 

Specialist facilities

The School of Design offers excellent facilities and technical support for sharpening your creative skills. Have the freedom to work independently in our range of dedicated and inspiring spaces. You’ll also have access to practical workshop studios and specialist facilities, including our:

• sculpture programme studio
• 2D programme studio
• fashion design studio
• knit and weave studio
• photography studio
• digital print workshop
• laser cutting and 3D print workshop
• printmaking workshop
• XLab for Immersive Technologies
• 3D workshop

You can consult our expert technicians who are equipped with the skills that can help bring your work to life.

The School also provides valuable support to enhance your student experience and prepare you for the workplace:

• free dedicated software
• technical induction programmes
• free access to LinkedIn Learning
• free cameras and video recorder on loan
• supporting a Degree Show
• external promotion
• Yorkshire Fashion Archive and Membership to the Association of Suppliers to the British Clothing Industry
• visiting speakers from industry or other institutions around the world

You can also kickstart your inspiration by accessing our fashion research resources, such as the School’s Yorkshire Fashion Archive and the M&S Archive. The M&S Archive includes documents, advertising, photos, films, clothing and merchandise from throughout the retail giant’s history, offering a fascinating insight into the changing nature of branding and advertising over time. You’ll also have access to the International Textile Collections, which collects, preserves and documents textiles and related findings from around the world.

Programme team

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

On MA Fashion Enterprise and Society you will be assessed through a variety of authentic and inclusive assessment methods, examples of which may include: portfolios of research and practical work; presentations; business proposals; communications campaigns; reports; as well as more traditional assignments, such as essays. Some of your assessments will involve collaboration with your peers. This collaboration could be in the development of concepts and proposals and/or various forms of visual and textual communication in response to problem-based issues.

The nature of assessment will change as you progress and develop throughout your programme.

• In Semester 1, your assessments are designed to establish your understanding and acquisition of new knowledge, academic and research skills.
• In Semester 2, your assessments will challenge you to demonstrate how you have developed your understanding of the specialist subject areas, and how you analyse and creatively apply your new knowledge and skills in relation to real-world, local and global industry contexts.
• Finally, in Semester 3, you will undertake a final major research project, which will require you to work with a high level of independence and self-directed study, with support from your tutors.

To support you as you navigate assessment, we provide formative as well as summative assessment. Formative assessment gives staff an opportunity to give you feedback on personal progress, in good time before a summative deadline. Given the range of assessment types, formative assessment and feedback enables you to reflect upon your personal progress, and establish which forms of assessment allow you to play to your strengths.

Authentic assessment means relevant assessment; relevant in terms of contemporary contexts and also relevant to your personal interests and your future aspirations. The authenticity of assessment is an important consideration in how we design assignments and project briefs. This means that we think carefully about the relevance of assessment outcomes; not only in academic terms but also in terms of your chosen career path, skill development needs and the future of work in your chosen discipline. Where appropriate, there will be an element of choice in your assessment. Some projects will allow you to choose the focus and format of your submission.

Dialogic teaching methods emphasise in-class discussion and support staff/student debate. This approach to teaching and learning enables staff to hear all student voices.

While remaining considerate of module and programme learning outcomes, where relevant and beneficial, we strive to adopt a flexible approach to assessment design. This flexibility allows us to respond to student voice, maintain an agility that allows us to react to global, social and cultural change and respond swiftly to opportunities to devise projects with our industrial partners. We aim for all assessment to be relevant, meaningful and engaging.

Applying

Entry requirements

You’ll need a bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) or equivalent qualification, preferably in a fashion, design, marketing or business related degree specialising in one of the following subjects indicated under 'Fashion, design, marketing or business related subjects'.

We will also consider applicants with relevant experience, an interest in fashion, design, marketing or business or coming from an area of expertise to which fashion, design, marketing or business is complementary such as the ones listed under ‘Other areas’.

We welcome applicants from a diverse range of subject disciplines so please do not hesitate to apply if your subject is not listed.

All applicants will be required to respond to the questions in the supporting statement section of the online application form to explain why you wish to study this particular course and your career plans. Relevant professional experience may also be considered. We may request additional documentation to inform our decision.

Fashion, design, marketing or business related subjects

• Accounting
• Advertising
• Animation
• Architecture
• Art
• Art Direction
• Artistic Design
• Banking
• Branding
• Broadcasting and Hosting
• Business
• Business Management
• Colour Design
• Communication Design
• Corporate Communications
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Design
• Design Management
• Digital Design/Art
• Economics
• Enterprise
• Entrepreneurship
• Environmental Design
• Fashion Design
• Fashion Innovation
• Fashion Marketing
• Finance
• Financial Management
• Fine Art
• Game Design
• Graphic Design
• Human Resources
• Illustration
• Industrial Design
• Information Design
• Information Management
• Innovation Management
• Interaction Design
• Interior Design
• International Business
• Management
• Marketing
• Marketing and Communications
• Media
• Multimedia Design
• Operations
• Photography
• Product Design
• Psychology
• Service Design
• Social Media
• Sustainability
• Textile Design
• User Experience Design
• User Interface Design
• Visual Communication Design
• Web Design

Other Areas

• Anthropology
• Computer Sciences
• Engineering
• Environment Sciences
• Film Studies
• Geography
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Journalism
• Languages
• Law
• Natural Sciences
• Neuroscience
• Performance
• Politics
• Social Sciences
• Sociology

International

Our admissions team are experienced in considering a wide range of international qualifications. If you wish to discuss whether your qualifications will meet the necessary entry criteria, contact the School’s admissions team.

You can also check the accepted qualifications for your country or region.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Business (6 weeks) and Language for Business (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional. 

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Please see our How to Apply page for information about application deadlines

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you intend to apply for funding, we advise you to submit an application for your chosen course as early as possible and at least one month before any scholarship deadline.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information you'll need

• A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying (please submit an official English translation where the original is not in English)
• Your approved English Language test* (if applicable)
• A personal statement in response to the questions asked in the supporting statement section of the application form
• A full up-to-date CV
• Any previous UK CAS, visa and BRP documents if you’re an international applicant who has previously studied in the UK on a Tier 4/ Student Visa.

* Applicants who have not yet completed an approved English language test may apply for a Masters course prior to taking a test.

Personal Statement Requirements

Please summarise your reasons for applying to this particular programme of study. Your response can include details of your previous study/work experience relevant to the programme and career ambitions. Your response can provide us with important information on your suitability for the course, so please complete carefully.

Please explain why you have chosen to apply for this Masters course at the University of Leeds by answering the following questions in separate numbered paragraphs:

• What areas of this course particularly interest you and why? Have you studied these before? Please explain your reasons for applying to this particular Masters course
• Why do you want to study this course at Leeds? Please comment on aspects such as available resources at the University and in the city, research specialisms within the school or academics you would like to work with.
• What potential themes have you considered for dissertation research?
• How will studying for this course help you to achieve your longer term goals?
• Why do you see this course as a particularly valuable subject to study?
• What skills and experience do you have that have prepared you for this course? You may like to give details of any final year work/projects you have previously undertaken, relevant work experience etc.

Relevant work experience might include: working as a designer (including fashion, textiles, graphics, interiors, games etc.), as a buyer, merchandiser, stylist, architect, accountant, manager (including business, finance, marketing, operations, sustainability, CSR, PR etc.), content creator, social media influencer, photographer, experience of entrepreneurship or working for a start-up company, fashion show production, crafts, writing and publishing, media (including film, TV and radio), visual arts, as well as work with fashion and textile-related museums, galleries and archives.

Next Steps

Where further information to support the assessment of your application is needed, we may ask for a recent sample of written work.

We do not generally request references, unless further information is required to support the assessment of your application.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026

This course is taught by

School of Design
Leeds University Business School

Contact us

Postgraduate Administrator

Email: PGT-Admissions-Design@leeds.ac.uk

Fees

UK: £16,000 (Total)

International: £32,750 (Total)

There are additional costs of study that students need to cover. We estimate that these additional costs could be as described below, but this amount may vary depending on how you decide to respond to university briefs and the range of materials and techniques you decide to adopt.

Equipment and material costs

Depending on how students choose to respond to module briefs, students may need to cover some printing and their own basic materials (e.g. pens, pencils, paper, ruler, etc.) and more course specific materials (e.g. sketchbooks, specialist papers, fabrics and materials etc.). The approximate cost of these items in recent years has been between £10 and £60.

Computers and digital equipment 

To ensure you can make the most of your studies at Leeds, you’ll need to make sure your laptop meets the system requirements for your course.

Some modules require the development of work using Adobe Creative Cloud and other relevant software. As required by your programme, the School will provide you with a free Adobe CC account when you arrive. We also use a blended learning model where you’ll need to access course materials and video conferencing using a computer or mobile device (e.g. laptop, tablet, smartphone). Costs for a laptop will vary depending on the exact specification. You should expect to pay between £800–£2,500. 

If you’re buying a new laptop for your studies, then we recommend that you wait until you’re registered as a student so that you take advantage of discounts given to university students. Delaying purchasing also allows you to find out from your programme leader what you need and what you do not need. Depending on your circumstances you can benefit from a laptop loan or further support from our Financial Assistance Fund.

You’ll have access to further digital equipment in our studios and using our loan scheme. However, you may decide to purchase your own equipment, which will result in additional optional costs. Examples are: Drawing tablet (£50–£500); Digital camera (£200–£1500); etc. 

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs. 

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

Computers and digital equipment

To ensure you can make the most of your studies at Leeds, you’ll need to make sure your laptop meets the system requirements for your course.

Depending on your circumstances you can benefit from a laptop loan or further support from our Financial Assistance Fund.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below: 

• Scholarships for International students 
• Scholarships and funding for UK students
• Your subject area may also offer scholarships

Career opportunities

Flexibility, resilience and transferable skills are hugely desirable skills for creative industry professionals. In the School of Design, you’ll take on expert knowledge from tutors with strong links to research and industry. You’ll also hone relevant skills, such as sustainable business development, research, creative problem-solving, and communication, for a variety of careers. Design thinking, combined with excellent research and critical skills, are increasingly valued across a wide range of sectors.

Upon graduation, you’ll have a strong understanding of the fast-paced and dynamic fashion industry. You’ll have the confidence and skills to challenge accepted norms and become a leader for the future fashion industry, as you drive meaningful change.

You’ll also leave with the research and critical skills that make you an independent thinker, able to reflect critically on the information you have and draw your own conclusions. All these qualities are highly valued by employers in a range of industries.

Where this degree could take you

Recent MA Fashion, Enterprise and Society graduates have gone on to careers in a multitude of fields and roles, including:

• buying assistant
• business analyst
• marketing specialist
• senior stylist
• press assistant
• art director

They have gone on to work at companies such as:

• Browns Fashion
• Prada Group
• Mint Velvet
• C.P. Concept
• Dover Street Market
• Fashion Revolution
• VIP.com
• Monsoon Accessorize
• Condensé Paris
• & Other Stories
• Hallmark

Other recent graduates have also gone on to PhD study or set up their own business.

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.

Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.

• Dedicated Employability Team – meet with our qualified careers consultants and specialist employability and placements officers, on hand to help you choose the right path and develop the skills to get there. They can support with CV and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile building, mock interviews and navigating AI: get confident with tailored advice and techniques.
• Employability and networking events – get involved in a full range of events, including careers fairs and specialist industry talks with employers who are actively recruiting. You’ll also benefit from mentoring and a supportive careers community, helping you make connections, build your network, and shape your journey as a future professional.
• Skills training – we embed transferable skills training in all our programmes to support your transition to the workplace. Gain expertise employers value, such as communication, problem-solving and research and data analysis.
• MyCareer system —– access a dedicated portal where you can book careers appointments, view helpful resources and browse vacancies and events. Access digital tools, including LinkedIn support, video‑interview preparation, plus global job market and visa guidance. We also offer pre‑arrival support to help you prepare for career planning in the UK and make the most of your time with us.
• Exclusive opportunities – bring your enterprise to market with our award-winning business advice service, Spark. Apply for vacancies only available to our students. And hone your skills further with Leeds University Union, home to volunteering opportunities and over 300 clubs and societies.

Work placements and industry experience

As a Masters student at Leeds, you’ll have the unique opportunity to gain real-world industry experience with our Global Industry Programme.

You’ll develop key professional skills and gain invaluable insight into working in your chosen field, helping to solve a real business problem from a live company brief.

This experience will enhance your CV, helping you to stand out in the competitive graduate jobs market and improving your chances of securing the career you want.

Benefits of the Global Industry Programme:

• Fully online and designed to fit around your studies.
• Opportunities to make professional networks in areas such as digital marketing, business growth, sustainability and funding strategy.
• Gain valuable insight and build consultancy experience with a UK or international organisation, working on a time limited brief.
• Work as part of a team across disciplines to tackle real business needs.
• Advance your experience and hands-on skills by putting the course teachings into practice.
• Improve your employability prospects.
• Make new friends, build confidence and consider your future plans.