E-textiles and Wearable Technologies (MSc)

You'll need a 2.2 degree in any subject. You'll also need to submit a personal statement and portfolio when you apply.

Your portfolio should:

• contain 4 sets of work with each set between 3 to 5 pages long
• not exceed a file size of 20MB
• be a PDF document clearly labelled with your name

Although we encourage portfolio submissions with examples of work, we recognise that this may not always be possible.

Some alternative suggestions for a set of work you could include are:

• a sequence of prototypes or digital images
• a single developed work such as a textile or E-textile, garment or other device or product
• if you have a design or creative background, evidence of your work in the field that should include technical or practical experiences such as electronics, textiles, computing
• if you have a technical or industry background, include an explanation your strongest and most innovative work - this can be teamwork, ensuring you clearly indicate your own role
• an example of a wearable technology or other e-textile application that has inspired you - include a visual and a 500 word text about the work and why you believe it to be important

Please include any preparatory materials in your submission, including sketchbooks, mood boards, creative or technical drawings.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.

If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet direct entry requirements, you can apply to complete a Pre-Master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus.

You'll progress to your chosen course after successfully completing the programme. Find out more about Pre-Master's programmes for international students.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

This course runs for a full year from September and your modules will be spilt between 2 semesters. In your third semester you'll work on your final project.

Semester 1 overview

In your first semester, you'll look at the applications of e-textile products in societal, economic, and environmental-related contexts. You'll also learn the fundamentals of textiles and electronics, supported through lectures, seminars, technical workshops and lab sessions.

Using design principles and digital tools, you'll reflect on the principles of good design while considering factors such as performance and regulatory compliance

You'll also cover areas such as:

• sustainability
• scalable manufacturing
• ethics considerations
• user-centred design
• global and local supply-chain management

You'll work with textile materials, electronic components, and machinery for practical use and prototyping. There will also be opportunities to develop inclusive design practices with live projects that will reflect concerns within the sector.

With this experience, you'll build your understanding of e-textiles and develop essential skills in teamwork, critical thinking and applied practical skills.

Semester 2 overview

In your second semester, you'll build on the skills and ideas you developed in your first semester. You'll learn about new functional materials, such as graphene, and advanced manufacturing techniques like digital printing. Throughout your studies, you'll examine their applications in wearable technologies and increase your understanding of key materials.

You'll learn to:

• identify market specialisms and future trends
• assess your ideas for innovation, societal and environmental impacts
• evaluate tools to create fit-for-purpose and sustainable solutions to defined needs
• apply quantitative and qualitative research techniques

With this knowledge, you'll have a good understanding of the professional, commercial and social values in your discipline, which will be essential going into your final project.

Semester 3 overview

For your final project, you'll use the perspectives, skills and experiences that you've gained throughout the course. You'll have the opportunity to design and manage an independent project, academic or industry live project brief.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

Our MSc in E-textiles and Wearable Technologies blends the creative and practice-led approach of an art and design school with the science and engineering expertise of a research-intensive university. You'll learn from a diverse range of learning and teaching methods to help you expand your knowledge and area of research based on your own interests.

Learning and teaching methods include:

• workshops, lectures, and seminars
• individual and group tutorials
• group presentations
• independent laboratory practice
• library study sessions
• study visits
• industry related projects and activities

Primarily based at Winchester School of Art, you'll learn in dedicated teaching and studio spaces for ideation and the exchange of ideas with fellow students. In this dynamic environment, you'll gain experience in collaborating across disciplines. The skills you build in teamwork, communication, and problem solving will prepare you for working in the e-textiles industry.

You'll also have access  to the E-textile Innovation Lab, the New Materials Lab and other faculty facilities. This will support the development of your creative and practical skills in design, manufacturing, and product development. 

Assessment

There will be a variety of assessment methods all designed to be accessible. The chosen methods will be relevant to the needs of the marketplace and to your personal career aspirations. 

Assessment methods include:

• presentations
• essays and reports
• research proposals
• practice-based presentations
• posters

You'll also have informal assessments that are not marked, which will provide you with feedback on the progress of your development and support your marked assessments.

Academic Support

You'll have support from the Student Support Hub and your Personal Academic Tutor. 

The Student Support Hub team will answer your questions or concerns about your wellbeing, fees and funding, accommodation and visas. They'll make sure you receive the support you need, guiding you to further support services where required.

Your personal tutor will be allocated to you for your arrival at the University. They are normally a member of academic staff in your own or a closely related subject area. They'll offer one-to-one support and advice throughout your time at Southampton and will support you in your studies or with other issues you may have.

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £16,000.
• EU and international students pay £36,200.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

Dean of Faculty of Arts and Humanities Global Talent Award

Up to 5 scholarships of £10,000 are available to first year international students starting an eligible full-time, on-campus, 1-year postgraduate taught programme in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.

Learn more about eligibility criteria and conditions for the Dean of Faculty of Arts and Humanities Global Talent Award.

Winchester School of Art Inclusive Futures Scholarship

This scholarship supports talented students who face financial, social, or structural barriers to postgraduate study, helping ease financial pressure so they can focus on their creative work and bring diverse perspectives to our community.

Successful applicants will have 50% of their tuition fees paid for the duration of their course.

Learn more about the Winchester School of Art Inclusive Futures Scholarship and how to apply.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal.
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

UK Students

The deadline to apply for this course is Wednesday 18 August 2027, midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

International students

The deadline to apply for this course is Wednesday 4 August 2027, midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

Application assessment fee

There is no application assessment fee for postgraduate courses starting in 2027.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to submit two academic references. 

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Inclusion and Respectful Behaviour Policy.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000