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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 2025 Course length
15 months

Focus on creative and innovative technical skills, developing knowledge and technical skills in 2D and 3D technology alongside understanding the issues facing the industry.

Course summary

Apply to start in September 2025

This course has places available for UK applicants only. We are no longer accepting applications from international students for 2025/26 entry to this course. International applications for 2026/27 entry will open in autumn 2025.

Applying for more than 1 course

From October 2024, you can only apply for a maximum of 3 postgraduate courses each year at UAL (excluding online or low-residency courses and Graduate Diplomas). Find out more in the Apply Now section.

Why choose this course at London College of Fashion

  • Innovative blend of 2D and 3D technology: The course integrates traditional pattern-cutting methods with cutting-edge 2D and 3D digital technologies, ensuring students develop a versatile and future-facing skill set applicable to garment technology and design.
  • Focus on fit excellence: Through interactive fit sessions in small, tutor-led peer groups, you will gain expert insights into diagnosing and resolving garment fit issues—a critical skill highly valued in the industry.
  • Sustainability and inclusivity: Learn to address key challenges in fashion, including sustainable production and diverse, inclusive design approaches. Sustainability is deeply embedded in the curriculum with lectures by LCF specialists and opportunities to explore themes like minimal waste pattern cutting, digital sampling, and socially responsible design.
  • Graduate career prospects: Benefit from our industry connections to enhance your career. Graduates from this program have secured roles at leading brands such as ASOS, COS, Hussein Chalayan, and Inditex. Many alumni are also pursuing advanced academic research, including PhD studies, supported by LCF’s strong academic foundations.
  • Collaborative and research-driven opportunities: Access LCF's exceptional archives and renowned research hubs like the Centre for Sustainable Fashion, fostering collaborative learning and innovation to prepare you for an impactful career.

Open Days

Book your place on one of our upcoming events, including online talks and campus tours to get an insight into studying with us.

Scholarships, bursaries and awards

Use our scholarship search to discover if you are eligible for any scholarships, bursaries or awards.

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/.

Programme specification

Download course specification (PDF File 377.1 KB)

Learning and teaching methods

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

Assessment methods

  • 2D and 3D outcomes
  • Portfolio development
  • Written reports
  • Essays and written evaluations
  • Presentations

Showcasing at LCF

There are a range of showcasing opportunities students can take part in whilst studying at LCF. End year showcasing at London College of Fashion, UAL, is one of the moments students can celebrate graduating from their courses. However, degree shows are not part of the learning outcomes in a course curriculum and are therefore not guaranteed as part of studying with us. Students must register by a deadline to take part, and we are not able to show all student work so submitting students will have their work curated.

UAL Showcase

Explore work by our recent students on the UAL Showcase

  • Pose: Patterning Through Ancient Chinese Aesthetic
    Pose: Patterning Through Ancient Chinese Aesthetic, Chiyuan Sun, 2025 MA Pattern and Garment Technology, London College of Fashion, UAL

    Chiyuan Sun

  • Geometric Patternmaking: Bias-Cut & Minimal Waste
    Geometric Patternmaking: Bias-Cut & Minimal Waste, Yan Meng, 2025 MA Pattern and Garment Technology, London College of Fashion, UAL

    Yan Meng

  • Accessible Clothing for Musculoskeletal Conditions
    Accessible Clothing for Musculoskeletal Conditions, Mary Sinclair Gibson, 2025 MA Pattern and Garment Technology, London College of Fashion, UAL

    Mary Sinclair Gibson

  • Application of Narrative Space in Pattern Cutting
    Application of Narrative Space in Pattern Cutting, Yilin Mei, 2025 MA Pattern and Garment Technology, London College of Fashion, UAL

    Yilin Mei

  • An Approach To Reduce Waste In Mass Production
    An Approach To Reduce Waste In Mass Production, Razan Bamhisoun, 2025 MA Pattern and Garment Technology, London College of Fashion, UAL

    Razan Bamhisoun

  • Design Innovation for Transgender Women
    Design Innovation for Transgender Women, Zhiyao Wang, 2025 MA Pattern and Garment Technology, London College of Fashion, UAL

    Zhiyao Wang

  • See more work by students on this course on UAL Showcase

Latest news from this course

Collaborative unit case studies

Facilities at LCF

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

£14,000

This fee is correct for 2025/26 entry and is subject to change for 2026/27 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.

International fee

£29,990

This fee is correct for 2025/26 entry and is subject to change for 2026/27 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.

Additional costs

You may need to cover additional costs which are not included in your tuition fees, such as materials and equipment specific to your course. Typical approximate costs for this course include: ​

  • Laptop or desktop computer
  • Final project material costs: £300-£3,000
  • Pattern cutting and sewing equipment: £220
  • Adobe Creative Cloud: £42 per year

For a list of general digital equipment you may need (and how you can borrow equipment), visit our Study costs page.​

Accommodation

Find out about accommodation options and how much they will cost, and other living expenses you’ll need to consider.

Scholarships, bursaries and awards

If you’ve completed a qualifying course at UAL, you may be eligible for a tuition fee discount on this course. Find out more about our Progression discount.

You can also find out more about the Postgraduate Masters Loan (Home students only) and scholarships, including £7,000 scholarships for Home and International students. Discover more about student funding.

If you’re based in the UK and plan to visit UAL for an Open Event, check if you’re eligible for our UAL Travel Bursary. This covers the costs of mainland train or airline travel to visit UAL.

How to pay

Find out how you can pay your tuition fees.

Scholarship search

Or view all

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. 

Information for disabled applicants

UAL is committed to achieving inclusion and equality for disabled students. This includes students who have:

     
  • Dyslexia or another Specific Learning Difference
  • A sensory impairment
  • A physical impairment
  • A long-term health or mental health condition
  • Autism
  • Another long-term condition which has an impact on your day-to-day life

Our Disability Service arranges adjustments and support for disabled applicants and students.

Read our Disability and dyslexia: applying for a course and joining UAL information.

Apply now

Application deadline

Deadline

Round 1:

10 December 2024 at 1pm (UK time)

Round 2:

26 March 2025 at 1pm (UK time)

Digital portfolio deadline

Round 1:

8 January 2025 at 1pm (UK time)

Round 2:

9 April 2025 at 1pm (UK time)

Decision outcome

Round 1:

21 March 2025

Round 2:

20 June 2025

Round 1
Round 2
Deadline
10 December 2024 at 1pm (UK time)
26 March 2025 at 1pm (UK time)
Digital portfolio deadline
8 January 2025 at 1pm (UK time)
9 April 2025 at 1pm (UK time)
Decision outcome
21 March 2025
20 June 2025

This course is still open to applications from UK students and will remain open until all places are filled.

Read more about deadlines

Apply to UAL

Start your application

Apply now

Application deadline

Deadline

Round 1:

10 December 2024 at 1pm (UK time)

Round 2:

26 March 2025 at 1pm (UK time)

Digital portfolio deadline

Round 1:

8 January 2025 at 1pm (UK time)

Round 2:

9 April 2025 at 1pm (UK time)

Decision outcome

Round 1:

21 March 2025

Round 2:

20 June 2025

Round 1
Round 2
Deadline
10 December 2024 at 1pm (UK time)
26 March 2025 at 1pm (UK time)
Digital portfolio deadline
8 January 2025 at 1pm (UK time)
9 April 2025 at 1pm (UK time)
Decision outcome
21 March 2025
20 June 2025

We are no longer accepting applications to this course for 2025/26 entry from international applicants. Applications for 2026/27 entry will open in autumn 2025.

Read more about deadlines

How to apply

Follow this step-by-step guide to apply for this course

Step 1: Initial application

You will need to submit an initial application including your personal statement, CV and study proposal.

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement should be maximum 500 words and include:

  • your reasons for choosing the course
  • your current creative practice and how this course will help you achieve your future plans
  • any relevant education and experience, especially if you do not have any formal academic qualifications.

Visit our personal statement page for more advice.

CV advice

Please provide a CV detailing your education, qualifications and any relevant work or voluntary experience. If you have any web projects or other media that you would like to share, please include links in your CV. If English is not your first language, please also include your most recent English language test score.

Study proposal advice

Please provide a summary of your study proposal (600 words).

It should:

  • state the background for your proposal, including a working title
  • determine the precise area of study
  • set out the aims and objects for your proposal within the course structure
  • refer to critical discourses that may underpin your practice and how your work may contribute to these
  • outline your intended methodology including how you intend to conduct your project and who you intend to address
  • include any research sources as well as details or any libraries, exhibitions museums etc. that you have visited as part of your research
  • include a bibliography using Harvard referencing and an appendix for any additional material if necessary. This will not be included in the word count.

Please note, your proposal serves to inform your application and we understand that your ideas will develop and change throughout your studies.

Step 2: Digital portfolio

We will review your initial application. If you have met the standard entry requirements, we will ask you to submit a digital portfolio.

You’ll need to submit this via PebblePad, our online portfolio tool.

Digital portfolio advice

Your portfolio should consist of recent work that reflects your creative strengths.

It should:

  • be maximum 30 pages
  • consist of a wide range of work such as drawings, photographs of realised designs, speculative design and any relevant research
  • include development work from sketchbooks as well as photography of finished garments to illustrate your ability to develop ideas from initial concept to final outcome
  • demonstrate your ability to experiment with different materials and techniques
  • include annotations to contextualise your work.

For more support, see our portfolio advice and PebblePad advice.

Step 3: Interview

You may be invited to an interview following our review of your application. All interviews are held online and last 15 to 20 minutes.

For top tips, see our Interview advice.

You also need to know

Communicating with you

Once you have submitted your initial application, we will email you with your login details for our Applicant portal.

Requests for supplementary documents like qualifications and English language tests will be made through the applicant portal. You can also use it to ask questions regarding your application. Visit our After you apply page for more information.

Applying to more than 1 course

From October 2024, you can only apply for a maximum of 3 postgraduate courses each year at UAL. This excludes online or low-residency courses and Graduate Diplomas, which you can apply to in addition to 3 other postgraduate courses.

If you apply for more than 3 postgraduate courses between October 2024 and August 2025, we won’t accept the 4th application. It’s not possible to withdraw an application to replace it with another.

You need to tailor your application, supporting documents and portfolio to each course, so applying for many different courses could risk the overall quality of your application. If you receive offers for multiple courses, you'll only be able to accept 1 offer.

Visas and immigration history check

All non-UK nationals must complete an immigration history check. Your application may be considered by our course teams before this check takes place. If your course requires a portfolio and/or video task, we may request these before we identify any issues arising from your immigration history check. Sometimes your history may mean that we are not able to continue considering your application. Visit our Immigration and visas advice page for more information.

External student transfer policy

UAL accepts transfers from other institutions on a case-by-case basis. Read our Student transfer policy for more information.

Alternative offers

If your application is really strong, but we believe your strengths and skillset are better suited to a different course, we may make you an alternative offer. This means you will be offered a place on a different course or at a different UAL College.

Deferring your place

We do not accept any deferral requests for our postgraduate courses. This means that you must apply in the year that you plan to start your course and you will not be able to defer your place to start at a later date.

Application deadlines

Most of our postgraduate courses have 2 rounds of deadlines: one in December and one in March.

As long as you apply ahead of each deadline we will consider your application alongside all the other applications in that round. We always make sure to hold enough places back for round 2 to make sure we can consider your application fairly, no matter which round you apply in.

If there are still places available after the second deadline, the course will remain open to applications until all places have been filled.

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.

Graduate Futures

Graduate Futures provides a comprehensive career management service supporting our students to become informed and self-reliant individuals able to plan and manage their own careers.

LCF alumni

Many of our alumni are now impressive, leading industry figures.

London College of Fashion

Contact

Telephone

+44 (0)20 7514 7400

Address

105 Carpenter's Road
London

E20 2AR