Art and Design

Master of Science in Apparel and Fashion Design

The Master of Science in Apparel and Fashion Design is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in fashion design, apparel production, and fashion marketing. The programme combines design theory with textile science and marketing application.

Core areas include fashion design, textile science, apparel production, fashion marketing, digital marketing, entrepreneurship, quality control, research methods, and thesis. Students engage with both design theory and practical fashion application through coursework and research.

The programme is offered by Kenyatta University and the University of Eldoret. Both are public universities offering the programme over two academic years through full-time modes of study.

Students develop competencies in fashion design, textile science, apparel production, fashion marketing, digital marketing, entrepreneurship, quality control, and research methods. The programme includes coursework, examinations, and a research thesis or project.

KU charges approximately KES 295,800/year. University of Eldoret charges approximately KES 152,500/year (KES 305,000 total). Entry requires a Bachelor's degree with Second Class Honours Upper Division in fashion design, textile technology, clothing technology, art and design, or related fields from a recognised university.

Graduates pursue careers as fashion designers, apparel production managers, fashion marketers, textile technologists, fashion entrepreneurs, and lecturers in fashion design across fashion houses, textile companies, retail, and academic institutions.

Skills Required

Fashion Design and Illustration
Textile Science and Fabric Technology
Apparel Production and Garment Construction
Fashion Marketing and Brand Management
Digital Marketing in Fashion
Quality Control in Apparel Production
Fashion Entrepreneurship and Business Management
Pattern Making and CAD in Fashion
Research Methods in Fashion Design
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Fashion Design and Illustration
Textile Science and Fabric Technology
Apparel Production and Garment Construction
Fashion Marketing and Brand Management
Digital Marketing in Fashion
Quality Control in Apparel Production
Fashion Entrepreneurship
Research Methods in Fashion Design
Pattern Making and CAD
Thesis Research

Certifications

KEBS Textile Quality Certification
IFFT Fashion Technology Certification

Specializations

Fashion Design

Focuses on fashion design, covering design process, illustration, collection development, trend analysis, and managing fashion design.

Textile Science

Examines textile science, covering fabric technology, textile testing, fibre science, textile chemistry, and managing textile science.

Fashion Marketing

Covers fashion marketing, covering brand management, fashion retail, consumer behaviour, fashion promotion, and managing fashion marketing.

Apparel Production

Focuses on apparel production, covering garment construction, production management, quality control, supply chain, and managing apparel production.

Digital Fashion

Examines digital fashion, covering digital design, CAD, e-commerce, digital marketing, 3D modelling, and managing digital fashion.

Fashion Entrepreneurship

Covers fashion entrepreneurship, covering business planning, enterprise development, brand creation, venture management, and managing fashion enterprises.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 295,800
Private, up to: Ksh 249,800
Job market: Moderate

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Fashion Design and Illustration
Textile Science and Fabric Technology
Apparel Production and Garment Construction
Fashion Marketing and Brand Management
Digital Marketing in Fashion
Quality Control in Apparel Production
Fashion Entrepreneurship
Research Methods in Fashion Design
Pattern Making and CAD
Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Advanced Fashion Design and Illustration
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines design process, illustration, collection development, trend analysis, colour theory, and managing fashion design.
Textile Science and Fabric Technology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers fabric technology, textile testing, fibre science, textile chemistry, fabric properties, and managing textile science.
Research Methods in Fashion Design
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, ethical issues, and conducting fashion design research, preparing students for their thesis.
Apparel Production and Garment Construction
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines garment construction, pattern making, production management, quality control, supply chain, and managing apparel production.
Fashion Marketing and Brand Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers brand management, fashion retail, consumer behaviour, fashion promotion, merchandising, and managing fashion marketing.
Digital Marketing in Fashion
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines digital design, e-commerce, social media marketing, digital branding, online retail, and managing digital fashion marketing.
Quality Control in Apparel Production
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers quality standards, testing methods, inspection, QA/QC, compliance, ISO, and managing quality control in apparel.
Fashion Entrepreneurship and Business Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines business planning, enterprise development, brand creation, venture management, financial management, and managing fashion enterprises.
CAD and Digital Fashion Design
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers computer-aided design, digital pattern making, 3D modelling, design software, technical drawing, and managing digital design.
International Marketing and Distribution
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines international trade, fashion export, distribution channels, global sourcing, AGOA, and managing international fashion marketing.
Creative Textile Crafts and Innovation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers creative textile crafts, surface design, textile innovation, sustainable textiles, craft development, and managing textile crafts.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis or project on a fashion design topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and fashion design knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Fashion Design
Focuses on fashion design, covering design process, illustration, collection development, trend analysis, and managing fashion design.
Textile Science
Examines textile science, covering fabric technology, textile testing, fibre science, textile chemistry, and managing textile science.
Fashion Marketing
Covers fashion marketing, covering brand management, fashion retail, consumer behaviour, fashion promotion, and managing fashion marketing.
Apparel Production
Focuses on apparel production, covering garment construction, production management, quality control, supply chain, and managing apparel production.
Digital Fashion
Examines digital fashion, covering digital design, CAD, e-commerce, digital marketing, 3D modelling, and managing digital fashion.
Fashion Entrepreneurship
Covers fashion entrepreneurship, covering business planning, enterprise development, brand creation, venture management, and managing fashion enterprises.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc in Apparel and Fashion Design programme combines lectures, studio sessions, practical workshops, field visits, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover fashion design, textile science, apparel production, fashion marketing, and digital marketing. Fashion design sessions examine design process, illustration, collection development, trend analysis, colour theory, and managing fashion design. Textile science sessions cover fabric technology, textile testing, fibre science, textile chemistry, fabric properties, and managing textile science. Apparel production sessions cover garment construction, pattern making, production management, quality control, supply chain, and managing apparel production. Fashion marketing sessions cover brand management, fashion retail, consumer behaviour, fashion promotion, merchandising, and managing fashion marketing. Digital marketing sessions cover digital design, e-commerce, social media marketing, digital branding, online retail, and managing digital fashion. Entrepreneurship sessions cover business planning, enterprise development, brand creation, venture management, financial management, and managing fashion enterprises. Quality control sessions cover quality standards, testing methods, inspection, QA/QC, compliance, and managing quality control. CAD sessions cover computer-aided design, digital pattern making, 3D modelling, design software, technical drawing, and managing digital design. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Studio sessions provide hands-on experience with design projects, garment construction, pattern making, and textile testing. Field visits provide practical exposure to fashion houses, textile factories, retail stores, and design studios. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in fashion and apparel. Guest lectures from experienced designers, textile technologists, and fashion entrepreneurs provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a research thesis or project on a fashion design topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

Growing demand for fashion professionals with expanding textile industry, AGOA exports, local fashion brands, and retail expansion in Kenya.
Programme is offered by two public universities (KU, UoE), providing institutional choice.
University of Eldoret offers competitive fees at approximately KES 152,500/year (KES 305,000 total).
Programme combines design with textile science, marketing, and entrepreneurship, providing versatile skills for fashion and textile industries.

Against it

KU fees are higher at approximately KES 295,800/year.
No private university confirmed offering this programme, limiting options.
Career prospects may be concentrated in urban centres with fashion and textile industries, limiting rural opportunities.
Programme requires fashion, textile, or design background, which may limit access for non-related graduates.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 73 art and design courses

Public163k to 296k

163k at University of Eldoret296k at Kenyatta University

Private161k to 250k

161k at KCA University250k at Daystar University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

UoE 162.6K, KU 295.8K/yr verified. Daystar 249.8K/yr verified. KCA unverified.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. KU may offer postgraduate bursaries for eligible students. EPZA and textile industry associations may provide training support for fashion professionals. Some fashion companies may sponsor staff for postgraduate study.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
KU Postgraduate Bursary
EPZA Training Support

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
KU Postgraduate Bursary
ScholarshipKsh 100,000Kenyan
Kenyatta University offers postgraduate bursaries for eligible students.
EPZA Training Support
GrantKsh 200,000Kenyan
Export Processing Zones Authority may provide training support for textile and apparel professionals.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: Most universities require Upper Second Class Honours in fashion design, textile technology, or related field. Lower Second Division holders with relevant experience are considered. Contact respective universities for specific admission requirements.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, design projects, studio reports, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination40% of the mark
Written examinations covering fashion design, textile science, apparel production, fashion marketing, and quality control.
Studio and Practical Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Practical assessment through studio projects, garment construction, design portfolios, textile testing, and demonstrating fashion design skills.
Research Thesis or Project
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis or project on a fashion design topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and fashion design knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Kenyatta University and University of Eldoret (both public) offer MSc in Apparel and Fashion Design. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in fashion design. Graduates are eligible for KEBS textile quality certification and IFFT fashion technology certification.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Kenyatta University and University of Eldoret (both public) offer MSc in Apparel and Fashion Design. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in fashion design. Graduates are eligible for KEBS textile quality certification and IFFT fashion technology certification.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Fashion Designer
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 450,000
Designs fashion collections, overseeing design process, illustration, collection development, trend analysis, and managing fashion design.
Apparel Production Manager
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages apparel production, overseeing garment construction, production management, quality control, and managing apparel production.
Fashion Marketer
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages fashion marketing, overseeing brand management, fashion retail, consumer behaviour, promotion, and managing fashion marketing.
Textile Technologist
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages textile technology, overseeing fabric technology, textile testing, quality assurance, and managing textile science.
Fashion Entrepreneur
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages fashion enterprises, overseeing business planning, brand creation, venture management, and managing fashion businesses.
Fashion Design Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches fashion design at university or college level, overseeing instruction, research, studio supervision, and academic supervision.

Graduate outcomes

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Adobe Illustrator
SoftwarePrimary
Adobe Illustrator for fashion design, covering fashion illustration, vector graphics, design drawing, technical flats, and managing fashion design.
CLO 3D
Software
CLO 3D for 3D fashion design, covering 3D garment visualisation, virtual prototyping, 3D pattern making, and managing 3D fashion design.
Adobe Photoshop
Software
Adobe Photoshop for fashion design, covering image editing, textile design, print design, mood boards, and managing fashion visuals.
Optitex
Software
Optitex for CAD pattern making, covering pattern design, grading, marker making, 3D fitting, and managing apparel CAD.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Fashion design is just about making clothes.
Fashion design covers comprehensive design theory, textile science, marketing, production management, quality control, and entrepreneurship beyond just making clothes.
This programme is only for those who are artistic.
Fashion design skills are valuable for anyone interested in design, textile technology, production management, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
Fashion design has limited career prospects in Kenya.
With growing textile industry, AGOA exports, local fashion brands, and retail expansion, demand for fashion professionals is increasing in Kenya.
Fashion design is the same as tailoring.
Fashion design covers comprehensive design, marketing, production, technology, and business management, while tailoring focuses on garment construction alone.
Textile science is just about fabrics.
Textile science covers comprehensive fibre science, fabric technology, textile chemistry, testing, and quality assurance.
Fashion marketing is just about advertising.
Fashion marketing covers comprehensive brand management, retail, consumer behaviour, merchandising, digital marketing, and strategic planning.