A unique Master’s Degree in the field of fashion
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences is the only university of applied sciences in Finland to offer a Master’s degree in the textile and clothing sector. The focus of the degree is in sustainability and circular economy expertise.
The Master’s Degree Programme in Fashion and Clothing (Master of Culture and Arts, Vestonomi, YAMK) enables professionals working in various roles within the textile and clothing industry to develop and deepen their expertise in the rapidly transforming operating environment of the field.
Our students form a diverse network of experts widely representing the fashion, textile and clothing sector in Finland and beyond, from small businesses to multinational corporations, NGOs and educational institutions.
Application information and eligibility are provided in Studyinfo. Studies are in Finnish, but we are looking into turning them bilingual starting from Autumn 2026. We also provide an open UAS course (Master's level, 5 ECTS) in English: Sociology of Sustainable Fashion and Clothing.
The goals of the Degree
The goal of the Master’s degree is to build expertise in circular economy and sustainability. The programme enhances the student’s holistic understanding of current challenges and pressures for change within textile and clothing industry value chains, as well as innovations and networks that support circular economy.
A Master of Culture and Arts (Vestonomi YAMK) graduate can work as an expert in the textile and fashion industry in roles that may include:
- Developing a company’s operational culture
- Assessing environmental and social impacts
- Designing circular economy and sustainability strategies
- Conducting sustainability reporting and communication
- Leading and developing industry processes and projects
- Collaborating with stakeholders
- Employing data-driven and customer-centered practices
After graduation, the student is able to anticipate, develop, and manage processes and projects within the field, and create new kinds of operational cultures in the textile and clothing industry.
Master’s Degree alongside work
The degree can be completed alongside work. Studies consist of in-person and online teaching, independently completed assignments, and group work connected to real-world research and development projects.
The degree is 60 ECTS and it takes 1.5 years to complete it. The curriculum includes mandatory courses (25 ECTS), elective courses (5 ECTS), and a thesis (30 ECTS). Classes are held 2–4 days per month, usually on Fridays from 9 AM ot 3:30 PM. Attendance is possible either remotely or on-site at the Arabia Campus (Hämeentie 135 D, 00560 Helsinki).
The thesis (30 ECTS) included in the Master’s Degree in Fashion and Clothing (Master of Culture and Arts, Vestonomi YAMK) is a practice-based research and development project, the topic of which is related to the textile and clothing sector. Our Master's theses have focused, for example, on developing sustainability communication, the implementation of a digital product passport, the collection of discarded textiles, fashion education, as well as circular economy-based services, business models, and design.
In case the thesis is commissioned by an organization, the commissioner is most often the student’s employer. The thesis provides an opportunity to explore and develop topics that are essential for the company’s business and future as well as benefit the textile and clothing sector more broadly. The thesis process strengthens the student’s analytical and methodological skills to develop and renew organizations within a framework of responsibility and sustainability.
Towards new career paths
A Master’s Degree from a University of Applied Sciences qualifies the graduate for roles that require a higher education degree, thereby enabling the pursuit of new career opportunities. The Master’s Degree in Clothing and Fashion (Master of Culture and Arts, Vestonomi YAMK) provides qualification for various expert, development, and leadership roles in the international textile and clothing sector.
The Degree Programme is involved in RDI (Research, Development and Innovation) activities
The Degree Programme is actively involved in cross-disciplinary research and development projects and applications, collaborating with Metropolia's RDI department, innovation hubs and collaboration platforms, collaborating with other universities across Finland and the globe. Being part of the U!REKA European University Alliance, we closely collaborate with our partners.
Explore some past projects and publications:
Contact the Head of the Degree Programme:
Natalia Särmäkari
Senior Lecturer, Doctor of Arts
+358503027442
Natalia.Sarmakari [at] metropolia.fi (Natalia[dot]Sarmakari[at]metropolia[dot]fi)