MA in Fashion and Accessories Design

The MA in Fashion and Accessory Design at HEAD – Genève, Geneva University of Art and Design, trains students to become fully-fledged designers capable of offering new aesthetic impulses within their label or as part of an established design studio. Its program reinforces creative skills and technical expertise and fosters dialogues between practice and theory. The course combines workshops and individual tutoring and adapts its content to students’ backgrounds (fashion, accessories or jewellery design).

The first semester consists of five different workshops, each set up and coordinated by a project leader. A wide range of tutors, professionals and technicians from various sectors of the industry participate in these workshops, covering specific issues related to its overall theme, starting with building intuition, boosting confidence, finding a personal approach, positioning oneself in a broader socio-cultural context, addressing questions of gender and inclusivity, as well as sharpening all the technical aspects of designing and developing a collection.

These five workshops progress from personal creativity to acquiring professional skills and the ability to deal with all aspects of the fashion industry, culminating in the conception and realization of a “Zero Collection”, the pre-collection of the following year’s final Master Collection.

Students are also introduced to ways of thinking about fashion and develop a critical understanding through lectures and writing courses.

The second year of the MA focuses on students’ graduate collection and theoretical essay (MA thesis). Through various workshops, students consolidate their collection projects through styling, scenography, and storytelling. They also learn about the industry with inputs from industry insiders such as buyers, fashion journalists, and sustainability experts. By the end of the course, students can convincingly translate an idea, concept, or universe into a collection and have solid knowledge of the industry.

Throughout the two years, students meet designers, professionals and theorists from the fashion field (but not limited to). Through various conferences and panel talks, students get to confront and exchange ideas and discuss the need for systemic change on several industry issues.

Geneva’s international profile and prime position at the centre of Europe add to the Master’s broad outlook and reach. Guest tutors come from all over Europe and bring diverse perspectives and practices to the programme. The school also benefits from the lively art and design scene and many art galleries, museums and festivals.

The master’s programme is over two years and taught in English. English is a requirement. Full-time, 120 ECTS credits. Teaching language: English.

General requirement
Applicants must have a Bachelor degree or equivalent. For information about admission requirements and how to apply visit here or email admission.head [​at​] hesge.ch / T +41 (0) 22 558 72 90.

Tuition fees
The Tuition fee amount is CHF 575 per semester. Other study-related expenses (books, course materials, study trips, etc.) should be expected. These vary from one department to the next and amount on average between CHF 1,000 and 2,000 per year, sometimes more for the last semester (end- of-year project).

Visas and residence permits, accommodation
Students who are not resident in Switzerland must apply for a visa and residence permit independently in order to move to Geneva. Details on the procedure are available on the website of HES-SO Genève, under the heading Student Affairs.

A list of student accommodation is available on the website of HES-SO Genève, under the heading Student Affairs.