Research Degrees
At Manchester Fashion Institute, we have a thriving research community. Our research takes on new challenges at the forefront of current issues and debates. We have developed an outstanding academic team and built a network of professional connections that allow us to consult and collaborate with some of the industry’s biggest brands, as well as leaders in social and cultural sectors.
Our university has earned a reputation for excellence in fashion research, spanning technical, business and practice-based investigation. Through the Postgraduate Arts and Humanities Centre, we offer research degrees in fashion technology, fashion cultures, and fashion business.
There is the option to conduct your research degree on a full or part-time basis and at Masters or PhD level. We can also accept visiting research students registered with other recognised institutions (full time for a maximum of twelve months).
Our areas of research expertise include:
- Fashion and sustainability
- Eliminating waste and the circular economy
- Advanced functional apparel and sportswear
- Innovative materials, product development, nanotechnology, 3D printing
- Wearable technologies
- Body and clothing
- Dress, youth and identity
- Cultural histories of fashion
- Materiality, memory and dress
- The role of the artisan maker
- Fashion web environment and online retailing
- Fashion communication and marketing
- Fashion buying and merchandising
- Corporate social responsibility in fashion supply chains
- Fashion brands, luxury and community
PROGRAMMES OFFERED
PhD (3 years full time, 6 years part time)
Master’s by Research (1 year full time, 2 years part time)
MPhil (18 months full time, 36 months part time)
PhD by Published Work or Professional Practice (alumni or business partners only)
START DATES
The majority of our students enrol in October to take advantage of our Faculty research training programme.
We offer further enrolment points in January, April and July as appropriate.
DISTANCE LEARNING
Research degrees are available to study on-campus or through distance learning in accordance with the nature of the study.
Postgraduate Research Degrees Fees
Please refer to our Fees page for more information on tuition fees.
Loans for research degrees
Many of our PhD and Professional Doctorate programmes are eligible for the government’s Doctoral Loan Scheme. MPhil and Masters by Research degrees are eligible for a Postgraduate Loan.
Enquiries
Before applying for a research degree, applicants should have a preliminary discussion with a member of staff to discuss their proposed research project. To arrange this please contact Dr Prabhuraj Venkatraman, Research Degrees Coordinator.
For further information on the application process, please contact the Research Degrees Office:
Tel: +44 (0)161 247 5412
E-mail: adhlsspgadmissions@mmu.ac.uk