Master of Arts / Postgraduate Diploma in Bespoke and New Couture
Entrance Year Sept 2024
Programme Code 14108
Stream Code
14108-BNC for MA full-time mode 14108-PNC for MA part-time mode 14108-PGD for PgD
Mode of Study Mixed Mode
Normal Duration
1 year for MA full-time
2 years for MA part-time
1.5 years for PgD part-time
Fund Type Self-financed
Credits Required for Graduation
33 for MA
21 for PgD
Initial Registration Credits
3 for local students
6 for non-local students
Tuition Fees HK$6,500 per credit
Programme Leaders
Chief | Ms Mung Lar Lam (BA, MFA, MPhil) Deputy | Dr Zhimin Chen
Remarks
The first online asynchronous programme in PolyU, with onsite components through international collaborations with prestigious fashion school, Polimoda, Italy, master artisans and top global organisations in fashion.
The primary admission period for the upcoming academic year, applicable to both local and non-local candidates, is scheduled to conclude on 30 April 2024. We urge all interested applicants to expedite the submission of their applications to ensure consideration within this timeframe. It is important to note that our admissions process operates on a rolling basis, which means that applications are evaluated as they are received. Consequently, early submission is strongly recommended to improve your chances of securing a place in the programme. If there are remaining vacancies following the closure of the main admission round, the Programme Leader may consider to review and accept late applications on a case-by-case basis.
Aims and Characteristics
Programme Aims
- To cultivate visionary and innovative design leaders in new heritage and bespoke fashion, emphasising quality and artisanship.
- To merge contemporary concepts with historical techniques to foster innovation and relevance in slow fashion practices while imparting an entrepreneurial mindset.
Programme Characteristics
The MA/PgD in Bespoke and New Couture is uniquely designed for students who possess a deep appreciation for bespoke and slow fashion, customisation, historical influences, meticulous hand techniques, and exquisite craftsmanship as a basis for creativity and innovation. It provides a holistic approach to fashion design from concept and design ideation to visual communication, and artisanal techniques such as leatherwork, passementerie weaving, surface embellishment, tailoring and more.
The programme provides a comprehensive approach to fashion design, prioritising creativity and exceptional workmanship. It offers a distinct advantage through its dynamic mix of students from various corners of the world, providing a unique opportunity for the rediscovery and recontextualisation of global artisanal skills as a basis for conscious design and innovation. By sharing their respective cultural traditions, expertise, and interests, students and faculty can collectively contribute to the preservation and evolution of these heritage techniques into the future.
The onsite component includes a collaboration with Polimoda, Italy’s best school for high fashion, and is recognised by Forbes as one of the leading institutions shaping the future of fashion. Situated in Florence, the most important luxury production hub, Polimoda boasts partnerships with esteemed brands such as Ferragamo, Gucci, LVMH, Bally, Richemont, Vogue, Lineappelle, Tods, the United Nations, and more. This partnership grants exclusive access to artisan studios and small-batch production factories, providing unparalleled learning opportunities for the students.
The MA/PgD in Bespoke and New Couture stands out among the majority of fashion design and artisan programmes worldwide. Unlike most programmes that prioritise either creativity and concepts or artisanal skills, this programme uniquely combines both elements. This distinctive combination of heritage skills and innovative contemporary design thinking offers a unique opportunity that sets us apart.
Programme Highlights
Asynchronous distance learning with self-paced flexibility
In collaboration with Polimoda
The first online asynchronous programme in PolyU, with onsite components through international collaborations with prestigious fashion school, Polimoda, Italy, master artisans and top global organisations in fashion.
Mature students, career changers, and entrepreneurs around the world are welcome.
Asynchronous hybrid programme
In collaboration with Polimoda
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Core Subjects (3 credits per subject, unless specified) |
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Craftsmanship & Culture |
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Historical Research Methodologies |
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Historical Patternmaking |
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Essential Tailoring Techniques & Stitches |
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Fashion Presentation & Communications |
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Capstone Project I |
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Artisan Studio & Production (Polimoda, Italy) |
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Capstone Project II (6 credits) (Polimoda, Italy) |
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Elective Subjects (3 credits per subject) |
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Apprenticeship |
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Couture Embellishment |
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Contemporary Passementerie Design |
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Hand Embroidery |
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Leatherwork Essentials |
Important: PgD award can be completed in 1.5 years with 4 compulsory and 3 elective subjects (excluding Capstone Projects)
- This is for entry of MA/PgD in Bespoke and New Couture, available for applicants with outstanding academic with graduation GPA at 3.8 or above in their bachelor's degree or graduated with 1st class honours award; and non-academic performance such as interview performance and portfolio.
- Merit-based scholarship of HK$50,000 for each recipient.
A student can concurrently hold more than one scholarship administered by the University in an academic year if the total value of scholarships received by him/her does not exceed his/her annual tuition fee payable plus HK$50,000 unless otherwise stipulated. SFT reserves the right to change or withdraw the scholarship at anytime. In case of any dispute/disagreement, SFT’s decision is final.
This programme equips graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in roles such as:
- Costume Designer
- Couture Designer
- Fashion Designer
- Leather Designer
- Leather Production Manager
- Pattern Maker Draper
- Production Manager
- Studio Artist and Manager (embellishments, textiles development, etc.)
- Technical Designer
- Textile Designer
For admission to master’s degree, the basic requirement is a bachelor’s degree from an institution that is recognised by PolyU.
If you are not a native speaker of English, and your bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification is awarded by institutions where the medium of instruction is not English, you are expected to provide one of the following proficiency test results (taken within 2 years) to fulfil the minimum English language requirement for admission purpose:
- A score of 80 or above in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet-based test; OR
- An Overall Band score of 6.0 or above in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module.
Remarks: TOEFL iBT Home Edition, the IELTS Online and IELTS indicator test results will not be considered for meeting the English language requirements for taught programmes.
- A bachelor’s degree (or above) in fashion design, textiles design, costume design, or related discipline. (No working experience requirement, but preferences will be given to applicants with fashion industry experience and background).
- Mature students, career changers, and entrepreneurs will also be considered based on the strength of their skills and portfolio.
- Personal statement
- Transcript/Certificate
- Copy of English examination results such as IELTS or TOEFL (for applicants who graduated from universities where the medium of instruction is not English)
- Postal address in Chinese (for applicants from the Mainland China)
- Selective design work# via online portfolio. Please indicate the URL of your personal website in the online application. The URL should enable reviewers to access and view your portfolio online without the need to download. (Please upload a word document with the above URL via “Others” under the “Additional Document” at eAdmission System.)
- The maximum file size for ALL supporting documents (including academic parchment / transcript / English test proof, etc.) is 5MB.
#Samples of work in PDF format in your online portfolio should include design development, design presentation sheets, pages from sketchbooks and visuals of garments / products / textiles. Should a candidate be selected for interview, further guidelines on preparing the portfolio to be shown at the interview will be provided.
“In a fashion landscape saturated with fleeting trends, the MA/PgD in Bespoke and New Couture takes a deliberate step, not just as a program, but as a movement towards sustainable, intentional design. This unique initiative addresses a crucial gap by cultivating designers who not only appreciate craftsmanship but integrate it into their core ethos while embracing the future.
As the industry grapples with the environmental and ethical consequences of mass production, the program emerges as a beacon for sustainable practices and intentional design. It is a response to the demand for creators capable of transforming raw materials into timeless, innovative fashion — individuals who celebrate design heritage, emphasize craftsmanship, and contribute to the paradigm shift towards quality and slow fashion. The program is not just relevant; it is indispensable in shaping a future where fashion offers aesthetic delight and a responsible, meaningful expression."
Yvonne de Bruyn
Style Director, Fashion Consultancies Peclers Paris
“PolyU's MA/PgD in Bespoke and New Couture program offers a groundbreaking immersive learning opportunity, access to global expertise, and the ideal environment for growing ideas into viable future-ready creative capital.
When the value of creation is central to innovation mindsets, the potential to captain change in fashion is exponential. What it means to be a designer today, and the role of fashion creators has never before been so symbiotic with the ability to apply intention and purpose to the expedition of the past, present, and future. Understanding the invaluable measure of learned heritage techniques passed through generations, having knowledge of handcrafts as unique as the culture they are born from, and the acumen to integrate new cutting edge digital processes and artisanship = tomorrow’s creative leaders by design at PolyU. This program will create an opportunity to pioneer both classic and emerging terrains and transform fashion’s landscape into new frontiers."
Sara Kozlowski
Vice President of Program Strategies, Education & Sustainable Initiatives of the Council of Fashion Designers of America
“I think the programme is unique as it is offering such a 360 view on the world of new couture and design, there are so many subjects that interlink into fashion and this gives you the opportunity to learn about such a wide variety of them.
Embroidery is such an important facet to the wider fashion world. It offers an additional layer of artistic expression through stitch and design. Embroidery brings textural and visual interest into a garment that otherwise would be plain. The use of materials colour and pattern can be used for storytelling and provide cultural and historical references."
Jessica Pile
Embroidery Artist; Former Managing &Production Director of Hand & Lock, London; Author of Fashion Embroidery: Embroidery Techniques And Inspiration For Haute-Couture Clothing
Enquiries
SFT General Office
- Room QT715, 7/F, Core QT, PolyU
- +852 2766 6500
- sft.info@polyu.edu.hk
Enquiries
- Room M101, Li Ka Shing Tower, PolyU
- +852 2333 0600
- ar.tpg@polyu.edu.hk
- https://www.polyu.edu.hk/study
