Two years after the Rana Plaza disaster killed over 1000 garment factory workers in Bangladesh, the Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, UK, has launched a master’s degree in fashion ethics to answer a wider international industry demand for ethical practice and supply-chain based knowledge within the industry.

Directors of studies Dr Sue Thomas said, “The new MSc Ethics in Fashion is a research led, taught programme, focussed on analysing and understanding the industry, whilst mapping the changes in practice, monitoring the voices and diversity of stakeholders in the supply-chain.,” according to the university’s website.

“The programme offers a chance for ethically aware graduates and established professionals to refresh their knowledge and skillset. An escalating need for Ethics in Fashion programme has been identified, and Heriot-Watt University is in a unique position with subject specific research faculty, global industry links, outstanding fashion and textiles facilities and an enviable pastoral location, with strong transport connections,” she said.

The Rana Plaza tragedy is considered the deadliest garment-factory accident in history, as well as the lethal accidental structural failure in modern human history and had a profound effect on the global fashion industry stakeholders and consumers.