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Postgraduate

MA Pattern and Garment Technology

Examples of creative kinetic pattern cutting.
Student work by Qiannan Shi | MA Pattern and Garment Technology | London College of Fashion | University of Arts London
College
London College of Fashion
Start date
September 2023
Course length
15 months

This postgraduate pattern-cutting degree will develop your skills in innovative pattern-cutting and garment technology to prepare you for a successful career in the commercial fashion industry.

Applications closed 2023/24

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course.

Visit the Courses with places available page for a full list of UAL courses that are open for application.

Why choose this course at London College of Fashion

  • Mixture of techniques: 2D and 3D digital technology are embedded throughout the course and your evolving practice will incorporate these technologies with traditional techniques and processes.
  • Focus on fit: garment fit is a major focus of the course. Regular interactive fit sessions in tutor- led small peer groups focus on accurate diagnosis of garment fit issues.
  • Sustainability: industrial practices and initiatives are discussed within lecture content, and enhanced by specialised lectures delivered by LCF Fashion and Sustainability Lecturer/s. Individual students are pursuing sustainability-oriented themes such as minimal waste pattern cutting. This topic in particular has inspired interesting debate around form versus function, whereby, the students appreciate the sustainable and aesthetic qualities of the approach, but as technologists they challenge the fit and function of the outcomes. Other individual areas of interest with a particular focus on sustainability are 3D digital sampling, and socially responsible design applied to pattern cutting.
  • Where graduates have gone on to work: previous graduates have secured roles at Asos, C&A (Shanghai), Cos, Huntsman & Sons, Hussein Chalayan, Inditex Group, Net-a-Porter, Ralph & Russo.
  • Academic opportunities: there has been successful progression to PhD from each graduated cohort from this course.

Open day

The next Virtual Open Event for this course will take place on Wednesday 1 November. Book your place.

Course overview

The MA Pattern and Garment Technology will focus on creative and innovative technical skills rather than creative design skills. You will develop systematic knowledge and technical skills in 2D and 3D technology, along with critical awareness of current problems within the fashion industry. This will enhance your employability in a range of roles within the apparel industries. Various methods of pattern development, garment construction and finishing will be explored by incorporating 2D and 3D digital technology, and specialist machinery. You will be encouraged to experiment with a range of technologies and techniques, materials and components in order to achieve your intended outcome. Individual research, experimentation and analysis to contextualise your work will be supported by a programme of workshops, lectures and team-working activities, both course-specific and collaborative, that will enable you to develop a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to your research or advanced scholarship.  You will also be encouraged to pursue projects and work placements through existing industrial contacts of the course or by using your own initiative and contacts. The course offers a global perspective and considers how pattern and garment technology are integrated within the global product development process.

This full-time course is a duration of 15 months (3 Blocks). Graduates from this course can seek employment across a range of product areas and markets, in a number of pattern and garment technology roles, including:

  • Pattern Technologist
  • Garment Technologist
  • Creative Pattern Cutter
  • Digital Pattern Cutter
  • Product Developer

Climate, Social and Racial Justice

We are committed to ensuring that your skills are set within an ethical framework and are working to embed UAL’s Principles for Climate, Social and Racial Justice into the course.

Contact us

Register your interest to receive information and updates about studying at UAL.

Contact us to make an enquiry.

Course units

The course is divided into three 15 week Blocks, which are 60 credits each. 

Block 1 consists of 1 school specific 20 credit unit  and 2 course specific 20 credit units:

  • Collaborative Challenge (20 Credits)
  • Garment Technical Skills (20 credits)
  • Pattern Technology (20 credits)

Block 2 consists of 1 cross-college 20 credit unit and 1 course specific 40 credit unit:

  • Research Proposal (20 Credits)
  • Technical Analysis and Development (40 credits) 

Block 3 is the 60 credit Masters project unit:

  • Masters Project (60 Credits)

Each unit will be completed over a period of 15 weeks. 

Students start in September and normally have taught sessions timetabled over three days per week. The emphasis at postgraduate level is on independent study and in addition to these taught sessions you will be expected to utilise the library and open access facilities across the sites in order to engage in extensive self-directed research and experimentation. Details of the contact hours for your course are available via Myarts –http://mycontacthours.arts.local/.

Learning and teaching methods

  • Lectures 
  • Workshops
  • Peer learning
  • Collaborative and team working
  • Tutorials (individual and small group) 

Graduate Showcase

Explore work by our recent students on the UAL Graduate Showcase

  • FOLDING: Origami and Zero-waste
    FOLDING: Origami and Zero-waste, Pei Li, 2022 MA Pattern and Garment Technology, London College of Fashion, UAL
  • Innovative application and expression of corsets
    Innovative application and expression of corsets, Yan Wang, 2022 MA Pattern and Garment Technology, London College of Fashion, UAL
  • The Nine to Nine Dressing
    The Nine to Nine Dressing, Kaiyi Zhu, 2022 MA Pattern and Garment Technology, London College of Fashion, UAL
  • inter-seasonal-transformable garments
    inter-seasonal-transformable garments, Franziska Maria Leitner, 2023 MA Pattern and Garment Technology, London College of Fashion, UAL
  • Origami Pattern Design
    Origami Pattern Design, YA-TING Chen, 2022 MA Pattern and Garment Technology, London College of Fashion, UAL

Latest news from this course

Collaborative unit case studies

Staff

Alexis Scott Cawley

Alexis Scott Cawley is course leader for MA Pattern and Garment Technology at London College of Fashion. He has taught for over a decade at HE level, being responsible for developing and delivering courses with emphasis on creative pattern cutting, design, sustainability, and garment technology. Prior to teaching, Alexis worked as a freelance designer and creative pattern cutter for various fashion brands. He draws on his creative pattern cutting experience as a significant part of his teaching practice.

Most recently Alexis has been exploring the garment development process through the specialist area of denim and workwear. He has developed a dedicated denim workshop that he uses for pattern cutting, consultancy and sampling. To foster personal and professional growth, students are encouraged to explore their own specialist area, establishing a solid skill-base from which to seek employment or develop their own label.

Fees and funding

Home fee

£12,700

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 entry.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students on courses lasting more than one year. For this course, you can pay tuition fees in instalments.

Home fees are currently charged to UK nationals and UK residents who meet the rules. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£25,970

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 entry.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students on courses lasting more than one year. For this course, you can pay tuition fees in instalments.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

Scholarship search

Entry requirements

The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:  

An Honours degree at 2.1 or above from a fashion based course, supported by a digital portfolio evidencing abilities in pattern development and garment construction to intermediate level;

OR equivalent qualifications in an alternative subject will be considered if supported by a digital portfolio which demonstrates significant evidence of technical skills. 

APEL (Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning)  

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:  

  • Related academic or work experience (minimum of three years)  
  • The quality of the personal statement  
  • A strong academic or other professional reference  
  • OR a combination of these factors  

Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.  

English Language Requirements

All classes are conducted in English. The level required by the University for this course is IELTS level 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each skill. 

Selection criteria

The course seeks to recruit students who can demonstrate:

  • a clear interest in the study of innovative approaches to pattern and garment technology;
  • an interest in developing creative technical solutions to current and future industry problems;
  • relevant experience of fashion pattern development and garment construction;
  • a capacity for intellectual enquiry and reflective thought;
  • a developed and mature attitude to independent study and intellectual growth.

Admissions Procedures

The course seeks to recruit students from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, and welcomes applications from mature students. The selection procedures for the course fully comply with the Equal Opportunities Policy of UAL. 

Apply now

Applications closed 2023/24

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course.

Visit the Courses with places available page for a full list of UAL courses that are open for application.

This section includes all the information you need on how to apply, how your application is considered and what happens next.

UK/EU students can apply to a postgraduate course at LCF by completing a direct application.

Deferring your place

This course is no longer accepting deferral requests from offer holders because either all our deferral places are filled, or the request deadline has passed. If you want to start later, please re-apply when applications open for that academic year.

External Student Transfer Policy

If you are currently studying at another institution and if you have successfully completed 60 credits in the equivalent units/modules on your current PG course and wish to continue your studies at London College of Fashion, you can apply to transfer. The Admissions Tutor will consider applications on a case by case basis, subject to places being available. You must apply directly to the course via the course webpage as early as possible.

Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and transcripts.

Please be ready to provide an official document (translated into English if necessary) from your current university, explaining the learning outcomes of the units you have completed.

Extra information required for applications to this course


When you are submitting your application form, you will also need to provide the following pieces of documentation in support of your application:

Curriculum Vitae

You will be required to submit a Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) in support of your application. This should include your full education and employment history.

Personal statement

The personal statement is your opportunity to tell us about yourself and your suitability for the course that you intend to study.

Some key points to consider:

  • Make sure that personal statement is your own work and is about you.
  • Explain why you want to study the course you are applying to.
  • Try to link your skills and experience required to the course.
  • Demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm for the course and link these with your personality.
  • Make sure it is organised and literate (grammar, spelling, punctuation check).

Study proposal

Your study proposal should be no more than 600 words (excluding research sources, bibliography and appendices).
It should:

  • State briefly the background for the proposal.
  • Determine the precise area of study.
  • Set out clearly and concisely your aims and objectives for the period of study within the course structure.
  • Refer to critical ideas that may underpin your practice.
  • State the form of realisation/ outcome of the study proposal.

Your study proposal should have the following structure:

Introduction
Introduce your work. Briefly outline recent developments prior to application. Describe the anticipated programme of study in detail, demonstrating your knowledge of the historical and contemporary context of your area of study. Focus on specific areas or issues that underpin and frame the proposal.

Programme of study
Outline the sequence of practical, theoretical and research that you intend to follow. This will be vital to your programme of study in the development stage in which the Study Proposal will progress and take shape.
For example, describe in detail the methodologies that you follow and their significance for the design process. (Advice and support will be offered by tutors on the course). Any supporting material should appear in the Appendices at the end of the proposal.

Evaluation
Evaluate your work to date. Draw any conclusions you are able to make.

Research sources
Give details of libraries, exhibitions, museums, galleries and special archives that you have visited as part of your research towards the proposal.

Bibliography
Keep a full record of all original and documentary material consulted. List appropriate material using the Harvard Referencing System.

Appendices
Insert any additional material that you consider relevant but not part of the core of the study proposal. This could include links to notes, drawings and additional research material.

Portfolio

You will be required to submit a digital portfolio with a maximum of 30 images that you consider would help support your application. Submit your portfolio via the university’s digital portfolio tool, PebblePad. More details will be sent to you after you have submitted your application. You should include essential development work from sketchbooks to portfolio final presentations with photography of garments. Label and present any visual work with care, including dates and captions. If selected for interview, you will be asked to bring garments with you and additional portfolio work.

What happens next

All application forms, personal statements and relevant documents are read and considered by the course team against the selection criteria listed in the Entry requirements and Selection Criteria sections.

Depending on the quality of your application, you may be asked to submit a number of images of your work. For this course your portfolio could include: drawings; photographs of realised designs; speculative design; sketch work; process; and photographs. Label and present any visual work with care, including dates and captions.

If the course team wish to consider your application further, you will be invited to attend an interview. If you are selected for interview, these will take place online using Teams from Microsoft – please ensure that you download this software prior to the interview date; this is available as a free download from the Microsoft website. We will send you further details at a later point about how we will connect with you for your interview.

If you are successful at the interview stage you will be offered a place. Please note that applicants are not guaranteed an interview.

Please note that if you are unable to attend, the College may not be able to re-schedule.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

The result of your application will be communicated to you through your UAL Portal. If your application has been successful, you will receive a full offer pack including details of accommodation, fees, and other important information.

Applications for this course can only be accepted for this year of entry. Applications for deferred entry cannot be accepted.

Application deadline

19 December 2022 and 3 April 2023

Our equal consideration deadlines have now passed. This course will remain open to applications for 2023 entry until places have been filled. Please be aware that courses can close without notice.

We recommend you submit your application as early as possible to allow the Admissions team to resolve any initial queries about your application as quickly as possible.

When you'll hear from us

If this course requires a digital portfolio as part of the application process, you will be invited to submit this through UAL’s online submission tool, PebblePad. We will request this separately after initial processing of your application is complete. Once we request your portfolio, you will have 7 days to submit it.

Once you’ve sent in your application, this will be sent through to our course teams for review. Find out more about what happens after you apply.

Applications closed 2023/24

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course.

Visit the Courses with places available page for a full list of UAL courses that are open for application.

This section includes all the information you need on how to apply, how your application is considered and what happens next.

There are 2 ways international students can apply to a postgraduate course:

Read our immigration and visa information to find out if you need a visa to study at UAL.

You can only apply to the same course once per year. Any duplicate applications will be withdrawn.  Read the UAL international application advice for further information on how to apply.

Deferring your place

This course is no longer accepting deferral requests from offer holders because either all our deferral places are filled, or the request deadline has passed. If you want to start later, please re-apply when applications open for that academic year.

External Student Transfer Policy

If you are currently studying at another institution and if you have successfully completed 60 credits in the equivalent units/modules on your current PG course and wish to continue your studies at London College of Fashion, you can apply to transfer. The Admissions Tutor will consider applications on a case by case basis, subject to places being available. You must apply directly to the course via the course webpage as early as possible.

Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and transcripts.

Please be ready to provide an official document (translated into English if necessary) from your current university, explaining the learning outcomes of the units you have completed.

Extra information required for applications to this course


When you are submitting your application form, you will also need to provide the following pieces of documentation in support of your application:

Curriculum Vitae

You will be required to submit a Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) in support of your application. This should include your full education and employment history.

Personal statement

The personal statement is your opportunity to tell us about yourself and your suitability for the course that you intend to study.

Some key points to consider:

  • Make sure that personal statement is your own work and is about you.
  • Explain why you want to study the course you are applying to.
  • Try to link your skills and experience required to the course.
  • Demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm for the course and link these with your personality.
  • Make sure it is organised and literate (grammar, spelling, punctuation check).

Study proposal

Your study proposal should be no more than 600 words (excluding research sources, bibliography and appendices).
It should:

  • State briefly the background for the proposal.
  • Determine the precise area of study.
  • Set out clearly and concisely your aims and objectives for the period of study within the course structure.
  • Refer to critical ideas that may underpin your practice.
  • State the form of realisation/ outcome of the study proposal.

Your study proposal should have the following structure:

Introduction
Introduce your work. Briefly outline recent developments prior to application. Describe the anticipated programme of study in detail, demonstrating your knowledge of the historical and contemporary context of your area of study. Focus on specific areas or issues that underpin and frame the proposal.

Programme of study
Outline the sequence of practical, theoretical and research that you intend to follow. This will be vital to your programme of study in the development stage in which the Study Proposal will progress and take shape.
For example, describe in detail the methodologies that you follow and their significance for the design process. (Advice and support will be offered by tutors on the course). Any supporting material should appear in the Appendices at the end of the proposal.

Evaluation
Evaluate your work to date. Draw any conclusions you are able to make.

Research sources
Give details of libraries, exhibitions, museums, galleries and special archives that you have visited as part of your research towards the proposal.

Bibliography
Keep a full record of all original and documentary material consulted. List appropriate material using the Harvard Referencing System.

Appendices
Insert any additional material that you consider relevant but not part of the core of the study proposal. This could include links to notes, drawings and additional research material.

Portfolio

You will be required to submit a digital portfolio with a maximum of 30 images that you consider would help support your application. Submit your portfolio via the university’s digital portfolio tool, PebblePad. More details will be sent to you after you have submitted your application. You should include essential development work from sketchbooks to portfolio final presentations with photography of garments. Label and present any visual work with care, including dates and captions. If selected for interview, you will be asked to bring garments with you and additional portfolio work.

What happens next

All application forms, personal statements and relevant documents are read and considered by the course team against the selection criteria listed in the Entry requirements and Selection Criteria sections.

Depending on the quality of your application, you may be asked to submit a number of images of your work. For this course your portfolio could include: drawings; photographs of realised designs; speculative design; sketch work; process; and photographs. Label and present any visual work with care, including dates and captions.

If the course team wish to consider your application further, you will be invited to attend an interview. If you are selected for interview, these will take place online using Teams from Microsoft – please ensure that you download this software prior to the interview date; this is available as a free download from the Microsoft website. We will send you further details at a later point about how we will connect with you for your interview.

If you are successful at the interview stage you will be offered a place. Please note that applicants are not guaranteed an interview.

Please note that if you are unable to attend, the College may not be able to re-schedule.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

The result of your application will be communicated to you through your UAL Portal. If your application has been successful, you will receive a full offer pack including details of accommodation, fees, and other important information.

Applications for this course can only be accepted for this year of entry. Applications for deferred entry cannot be accepted.

Application deadline

19 December 2022 and 3 April 2023

Our equal consideration deadlines have now passed. This course will remain open to applications for 2023 entry until places have been filled. Please be aware that courses can close without notice.

We recommend you submit your application as early as possible to allow the Admissions team to resolve any initial queries about your application as quickly as possible.

When you'll hear from us

This course receives a high volume of applications. We need to make sure that we give all applications equal consideration, so the course team will review them in two rounds. This means that offers won’t be sent to successful applicants until after the relevant application deadline date. Outcomes for Round 1 will be released by 31 March 2022 and outcomes for Round 2 will be released by 30 June 2022.

Remember to check the outcome of your application in the UAL Portal. If you apply in Round 1 and don’t hear back from us, we will consider your application within Round 2.

Find out more about what happens after you apply.

After you apply

After you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal. We’ll use this Portal to contact you to request any additional information, including inviting you to upload documents or book an interview, so please check it regularly.

Once we’ve reviewed and assessed your application, we’ll contact you via the UAL Portal to let you know whether your application has been successful.

Careers

All our postgraduate courses offer career development, so that you become a creative thinker, making effective contributions to your relevant sector of the fashion industry.

LCF offers students the opportunity to develop Personal and Professional Development (PPD) skills while studying through:

  • Access to to speaker programmes and events featuring alumni and industry.
  • Access to careers activities, such as CV clinics and one-to-one advice sessions.
  • Access to a graduate careers service
  • Access to a live jobsboard for all years.
  • Advice on setting up your own brand or company.

Career paths

Masters graduates have an acknowledged advantage in the employment market, obtaining work in a wide range of vocational and academic fields related to fashion. Previous graduates have gone on to work as 2D digital pattern cutters, 3D digital sample developers, garment technologists and to teach at universities in Madrid and Beijing. Graduates have found employment with numerous renowned brands including: ASOS, C&A (Shanghai), COS, Huntsman & sons, Hussein Chayalan, Inditex, Net-a-Porter and Ralph & Russo.