Textile Design M.A.

In this Master's program, you will dive deep into textile design and discover its many applications. It is not just about designing textiles - it is also about how textiles and other materials can be used in useful and unique ways to create new products, aesthetics and solutions. 

If you have a Bachelor's degree in textile design, apparel design, product design, architecture, interior design, or a related field, this is your chance to expand your expertise: You will master the creation of complex surfaces, develop innovative textile solutions, and generate interdisciplinary solutions.

As a cross-disciplinary field, textile design offers the perfect environment to tackle challenges in functionality, eco-design, performance, and marketability - all with a future-oriented and innovative approach.

In this program, you benefit from Hof University's expertise in design, textile technology, sustainability, and project management. This project-oriented Master's program equips you to thrive in a rapidly changing design industry. You will have the opportunity to specialize in areas that interest you while exploring the versatility of textiles in various professional contexts.

With our strong emphasis on practical experience and excellent industry connections, we are here to support your creative, technical, and artistic goals. The M.A. Textile Design curriculum blends design, content, and technical skills, providing a solid foundation for an innovative and future-ready education. Our holistic approach empowers you to solve complex problems and act effectively throughout your design process.

With this Master’s program, you 

• develop advanced skills in designing textiles and their potential applications,
• gain interdisciplinary knowledge in design, textile technology, sustainability, and project management, 
• specialize in areas that match your personal interests and career goals.

In addition, you benefit from

• a project-focused curriculum that emphasizes practical experience and real-world applications,
• access to a vibrant research environment at campus Münchberg campus with cutting-edge facilities,
• strong connections to the professional world, opening up valuable networking and career opportunities. 

The M.A. in Textile Design is a three-semester program designed to deepen and develop your knowledge and skills by combining traditional and new technologies, strategies and methods, practical and theoretical subjects. 

In addition to the compulsory modules, you will have a wide choice of electives to tailor your studies to your needs. In semesters 1 and 2, you will choose at least one design elective. In total, you will choose three electives per semester. The third semester is dedicated to the master's thesis.

Throughout your studies, you will be individually mentored by your professors, who will help you to develop a profile for your professional success.   

Semester 1:

• Core modules (all mandatory) 
  • Project
  • AI supported Design Strategies
  • Theories of Design

• Electives in Design (choose at least 1)
  • Advanced Textile Design 1
  • Collection Design and Pattern Making 1

• Electives in Management and Sustainability (choose up to 2)
  • Circular Economy, Certificates and Eco Labels
  • Sustainable Project Management
  • Design Management

Semester 2:

• Core modules (all mandatory) 
  • Presentation and Documentation
  • Textile Products and Interior Design

• Electives in Design (choose at least 1)
  • Advanced Textile Design 2
  • Collection Design and Pattern Making  2

• Electives in Management and Sustainability (choose up to 2)
  • Renewable Products for Textile Industries
  • Agile, traditionelle und hybride Methoden im internationalen Projektmanagement (in German language)
  • Innovation Management and Strategies

Semester 3: Master's thesis

• Master course
• Master‘s thesis

The Master's thesis usually consists of a practical part and a supplementary theoretical part. Students are free to choose their topic, which is discussed and developed in consultation with the course lecturers and as part of the Master course. 

Download: Study plan of M.A. in Textile Design

As a graduate, you will be prepared to work in a diverse range of fields, including fashion, sportswear, workwear, eco-design, and accessories, as well as in architecture, temporary architecture, interior design, product design, or even pursue self-employment.

As a graduate, you ... 

• have the skills to work in a wide range of fields, from fashion and sportswear, product and interior to eco-design and technical textiles,
• have a strong foundation in both the creative and technical aspects of textile design, giving you a competitive edge,
• can apply your knowledge of sustainable practices and innovative textile production in various industries,
• are equipped to tackle complex design challenges and adapt to the evolving demands of the market.
• are prepared for leadership roles or entrepreneurial ventures in the textile and design sectors.

You are ready to work as

• Textile Designer
• Product Designer
• Apparel Designer for fashion, sportswear, or workwear
• Eco-Design Specialist
• Interior and Spatial Designer
• Automotive Designer
• Graphic Designer
• Freelance Designer or Entrepreneur in the textile and design industry

Academic requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or similar in design or architecture from an accredited university, at least 210 ECTS or equivalent (depending on home country); minimum grade 2,5 according to the German grading system
• Applicants with less than 210 credits (ECTS) will be accepted, but will have to earn the missing credits by completing an internship with a written report (30 ECTS) before starting their studies at Hof University. 

Program-specific aptitude

Your aptitude for the program will be evaluated through a two-step process conducted by the course lecturers. In the first step, you will submit a self-written project proposal in English for a potential design project, along with a digital portfolio containing 7 to 12 original work samples that demonstrate your artistic skills and suitability for the program. The portfolio can contain work samples from a professional context, a previously completed Bachelor's degree, the Bachelor's thesis, design awards, exhibition participations, results of self-employment and free work.  

In the second step, you will participate in a 30-minute oral examination in English, where you will present your project proposal and portfolio and answer related questions.

Language requirements

• Proof of English language proficiency by either of the following options:
  • TOEFL minimum 90
  • IELTS 6.5 or above
• Proof of basic German language skills for applicants from abroad (Certificate for minimum level A1 according to the Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR))

The application process for the M.A. in Textile Design consists of a creative and an oral part.

For the creative part, you have to submit

• a self-written project proposal in English for a potential design project,
• a digital portfolio containing 7 to 12 original work samples that demonstrate your artistic skills and suitability for the program.

If the creative part is passed with a grade of at least 2.5, you are admitted to the oral part. In this second part of the selection process, you will participate in a 30-minute oral examination in English, where you will present your project proposal and portfolio and answer related questions. The oral part usually takes place as a video call.

All applications must be submitted online via our online application portal Primuss. 

If you acquired your university entrance certificate abroad, uni-assist must assess the certificate before you can send it to Hof University. We advise you to send your documents to uni-assist at least 4 weeks before our application deadline.

The application period is between November 05 and November 30.

The admission committee intensively validates all applications and decides about the final admission. You will receive your Admission Letter approx. 4 weeks after the application deadline.

If you have any questions concerning the application process, please contact admission(at)hof-university.de.