Fashion Design PhDs and Practice-Based Research

A doctorate in fashion is a research degree, not a longer training program.

Practice-based and theory-based

A practice-based doctorate combines original creative work, such as garments or collections, with a written component that places it in research context. A theory-based doctorate is written. Some universities also offer professional doctorates for experienced practitioners.

Admission

Admission normally needs a research proposal, a prior master’s degree or equivalent, and a supervisor willing to work with you. Contact the university early and confirm what it requires.

Funding

Funding varies by country and institution and may include stipends, fee waivers or none. Check each university’s own pages.

Listing rule

We list doctoral and research degrees only where an official university page explicitly supports fashion design research or practice.