Saxion University of Applied Sciences
Master in Innovative Textile Development
Enschede, Netherlands
Master degree
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
01 Jun 2026*
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 3 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus, Blended
* For EU/EEA students the application deadline is 15 August 2026
** For non-EU/EEA students tuition fee: € 10,560 /year
Fast-track counseling
By contacting the school, you'll get access to free priority counselling for any study and application questions.
Key Summary
The Master in Innovative Textile Development trains you to become an expert in textile innovation and after graduation, you hold a Master of Science degree. The unique feature is a focus on innovation in textiles in the broadest sense: both technical textiles and textiles for clothing. With this, it provides a unique master's program in the Netherlands and Western Europe. It will give an excellent springboard to the international textile market.
This study program is accredited by NVAO
Future perspectives
You can work in a wide variety of positions and roles in which innovation is important. In this master programme, innovation and sustainability are closely intertwined. Innovations should contribute to a more sustainable supply chain and sustainable textile products. When you graduate, you will be optimally equipped to develop new product-market combinations, new products and processes as well as new business concepts. You will be an expert in innovation and textiles in the broadest sense: both technical textiles and textiles for clothing.
Is this the Master for you?
Do you have a bachelor degree in Fashion and Textiles Technologies? Or a bachelor of science in chemical engineering, industrial product design, mechatronics or (electrical) engineering, for example? And are you interested in textiles and keen to put your knowledge to good use to support the industry’s advancement? If so, this master is the perfect programme for you!
For the Master in Innovative Textile Development (ITD) we are looking for students with drive, self-reflection, a talent for innovation and a passion for textile materials. We not only work with a set of minimum educational requirements but also select students based on their motivation and creative, self-reflective and entrepreneurial capabilities.
During your Master's studies in Innovative Textile Development
The duration of this master's programme is 1.5 years. For the first full year, you will study within the School of Creative Technology. You will spend the final half year working on your master thesis, e.g. externally at a company or within the research group Sustainable & Functional Textiles. For more information about this course, check the course content.
After graduating with a Master's in Innovative Textile Development
The Master in Innovative Textile Development trains you to become an expert in textile innovation and after graduation you hold a Master of Science degree. The programme provides thorough preparation for positions in the national/international textile industry and in companies where crossovers with textile-based applications are important. When you graduate, you will be optimally equipped to develop new product-market combinations, new products and processes as well as new business concepts. You will be an expert in innovation and textiles in the broadest sense: both technical and textiles for clothing. This will give you an excellent springboard to the international textile market and opens great job opportunities worldwide. The graduate Master Innovative Textile Development can work in a variety of different positions. You will be equipped to develop new product-market combinations, new products and processes.
Meet Saxion online, on campus or in your home country
We are proud to offer scholarships to talented non-EU/EEA students that apply for a bachelor’s or master’s programme for the September intake.
For first-year students
NL Scholarship (NLS)
A scholarship meant for non-EU/EEA students who pay the full institutional tuition fee, and meet the specific requirements: a GPA of 80% or higher and an IELTS 7.0 or higher. The scholarship amounts to € 5,000. You will receive this in the first year of your studies.
Saxion Talent Scholarship (STS)
A scholarship meant for non-EU/EEA students who apply for a Bachelor programme, pay the full institutional tuition fee and meet the specific requirements: a GPA of 75% or higher and an IELTS 6.0 or higher. The scholarship amounts to € 2,500. You will receive this in the first year of your studies.
The Master in Innovative Textile Development trains you to become an expert in textile innovation and after graduation you hold a Master of Science degree. The unique feature is a focus on innovation in textiles in the broadest sense: both technical textiles and textiles for clothing. With this it provides a unique master programme in the Netherlands and Western Europe. It will give an excellent springboard to the international textile market.
Textiles theory
Each quarter will include coverage of textiles theory, some of which will form part of the project. All textiles theory will be tested in a written exam.
Focus of the projects year 1
The first year is divided into 4 quarters of 10 weeks each. For each quarter, the student will be part of a project group of approximately 4 students. Each student will perform a different role in each of the 4 quarters. Each project is developed closely with a company, which acts as the client. At the end of the quarter the project team presents their product, process or concept to the expert team, which comprises the client, tutor, textiles lecturer and project lecturer.
Research
You will learn what research is, you will learn more about research methodologies, how to organise a research according to a specific format. These are all individual assignments.
We will use several subjects in the field of research.
- Research design
- Literature research
- Research methodology
- Research perspective
Co-creation
The Master in Innovative Textile Development has been co-created in collaboration with the textile industry. Companies told us about their strong need for graduates at master level who are able to develop innovative materials, products, business models and production processes in a textiles context. Firms including Teijin Aramid BV, Vlisco Netherlands BV, DyeCoo Textile Systems B.V., SPG Prints Group and MODINT, trade association for the fashion, interior design, carpet and textile industry, have all helped to design the programme content.
They all are very enthusiastic about the launch of this unique master:
- Zaki Adda, Training and Development Coordinator at Vlisco
“Co-creation is essential. In order to survive we need to be involved.” - Monica López Lorenzo, Manager New Business Development at Teijin
“We need to co-create. The future of our business lies in working together.” - Jef Wintermans, Managing Director Economic and Technical Business at MODINT
“The master programme has the potential to make valuable contributions in terms of textile-industry innovations on the one hand and solutions to problems in other sectors, through innovation applications for textiles (crossovers), on the other. Hence the programme also clearly helps to achieve objectives in other top sectors, in particular in High Tech Systems and Materials (HTSM) and the creative industry.”
Master thesis project
In the final half year you work on your master thesis project, e.g. externally at a company or within Saxion’s research group Sustainable & Functional Textiles. We can help you to find a placement for your master thesis project at a company from within our extensive network. This can be either in the Netherlands or abroad, in line with your preferences.
This study programme is officially accredited by the NVAO (Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders), ensuring recognised quality and academic standards across Europe.
The Master in Innovative Textile Development has been developed in response to a clear need from within the industry. The programme provides thorough preparation for positions in the national/international textile industry and in companies where crossovers with textile-based applications are important.
Job opportunities
After graduation, you can work in a wide variety of positions and roles in which innovation is important, such as:
- Product Development Manager
- Product Manager
- Innovation Manager
- Sustainability Manager
- Business Development Manager
Choosing where to study is one of the biggest decisions you will make. At Saxion University of Applied Sciences, students from all over the world come together to learn, grow and prepare for their future careers. But what makes Saxion stand out?
Practical education that prepares you for real life
At Saxion, learning goes beyond the classroom. Every study programme is built around real-world experience. You will work on projects with companies, complete internships, and apply theory to practical situations. This hands-on approach helps you develop the skills employers look for and prepares you for a strong start in your career.
Personal attention and support
Saxion is known for its personal and supportive learning environment. Teachers and staff are approachable and genuinely care about your progress. From the first day, you will be part of a close community where you can easily ask questions, get guidance and connect with others.
Smooth landing in the Netherlands
Moving to a new country can feel overwhelming, but Saxion helps you every step of the way. Our onboarding programme helps international students settle in quickly, make friends, and understand Dutch culture. From practical help with housing to fun introduction activities, you will feel at home in no time.
Career counselling and future opportunities
Your future starts here. Saxion offers free career counselling to help you prepare for life after graduation. You can attend LinkedIn workshops, get a free professional photo taken, and learn how to present yourself to employers. With strong links to companies across the Netherlands and Europe, many students find work placements and job opportunities through Saxion’s network.
Affordable housing and save cities
Saxion’s campuses are located in Enschede, Deventer and Apeldoorn, friendly cities with affordable housing and plenty of opportunities for student life. Whether you enjoy a lively nightlife or peaceful nature, you will find both here. Enschede has even been voted one of the best student cities in the Netherlands.