Overview

NABA’s Academic Master in Fashion Design explores alternative approaches to fashion design and how to communicate its meaning. Delivered at the NABA Milan campus in Italian and English, this one-year programme examines the fashion system as a whole, helping students identify its critical issues and develop informed responses through design and experimentation.

Students analyse traditional methods through theoretical and practical work, then explore new approaches to product development and storytelling. Dialogue with professionals broadens their perspective and encourages them to draw connections between fashion and other creative disciplines.

Key areas of study include:

Mapping the fashion system and its supply chain
Brand management
Technical drawing
Fashion culture and semiotics, exploring how fashion communicates meaning
Visual communication
Narrative construction and storytelling
Archive editing

The programme investigates how tradition and deconstruction can inform new design methods, and how contemporary imagery connects fashion with photography and art. Students learn to interpret these visual languages and use them to develop alternative approaches to fashion practice.

Lectures and workshops are complemented by guided visits and an internship. Students also develop a portfolio that presents their skills and creative approach.

Career opportunities include:

Fashion designer
Art director
Product developer
Brand specialist
Communication director
Graphic designer
Merchandise planner
Fashion curator

Upon successful completion, graduates receive a First Level Academic Master Degree worth 60 CFA credits.

Accreditation

NABA’s Academic Master qualifications are recognised by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR), have full legal status and are equivalent to Italian first-level university master qualifications. The credits awarded can support further study at academies and universities in Italy and abroad, subject to each institution’s admission and credit recognition requirements.

Programme Structure

The Academic Master in Fashion Design combines theory and practical experimentation over one year. Its main areas of study are:

Fashion culture: Fashion history, semiotics and the study of images help students interpret contemporary fashion and its visual narratives.
Design and development: Technical drawing, product development, collection design and new design techniques connect traditional methods with alternative approaches.
Communication and archives: Publishing, archiving and graphic identity explore how fashion is documented and communicated, alongside brand management and storytelling.
Professional practice: Lectures, workshops and guided visits bring students into dialogue with industry professionals. An internship provides field experience, while portfolio development brings together their skills and creative approach.

Audience

This course is for graduates who want to question established fashion practices and explore alternative design approaches. It suits those interested in combining practical experimentation with critical research and in developing a practice that connects fashion products with visual communication and storytelling.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-02-01 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.

More details

Non-EU students requiring a study visa must pre-enrol through Universitaly. The visa process usually takes 90 days; start well before your course begins.

Language

English, Italian

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

45

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

36

Schedule a PTE test!

OTE

97

IELTS

5

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Credits

60 ECTS

60 CFA

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Milano, Italy

Disciplines

Fashion, Textiles and Luxury Goods Fashion Design View 62 other Masters in Fashion, Textiles and Luxury Goods in Italy

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

45

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

36

Schedule a PTE test!

OTE

97

IELTS

5

IELTS & PTE Test Preparation

E2 Language Test Prep

Trusted by 7M+ Students

Start Studying Today

Admission to your dream university starts with a high IELTS or PTE score. Earn your target score with E2's guided test preparation.

Study on your own schedule
Live classes with current and ex-examiners
Accurate score assesment, always
E2 Score Guarantee - Get your score or your money back!

Other requirements

General requirements

Applicants need a bachelor’s degree or first-level academic diploma. NABA assesses educational background, relevant skills and motivation against the requirements of the chosen programme.

Applications require a completed form, payment of the fee and:

A CV and motivation letter
A copy of the passport’s photo page
A degree certificate and full academic transcripts in English
A project portfolio, where required
Any programme-specific application tasks
Evidence of proficiency in the teaching language: Italian B1 or English IELTS 5.0, or an accepted equivalent

Submit language certificates within one month before the programme begins; they must be no more than two years old. Exemptions apply to native speakers and, subject to verification, holders of English-taught high school diplomas.

Non-EU applicants requiring a study visa must complete UniversItaly pre-enrolment and the relevant consular procedures.

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

23900 EUR / year

≈ 23900 EUR / year
EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

EU/EEA Nationals

19500 EUR / year

≈ 19500 EUR / year

Additional Details

Academic Master's tuition fees are fixed and do not vary with household income.

Living costs

Milano

Italy

850 - 1450 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Fashion Design.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

Fashion Design

About

About

Overview

Accreditation

Programme Structure

Audience

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

IELTS & PTE Test Preparation

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

IELTS & PTE Test Preparation

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

EU/EEA Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Milano

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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