MA Fashion and the Environment
| Course Director | Susan Postlethwaite |
|---|---|
| Course Location | |
| Study Level | Postgraduate |
| Study Mode | Full Time or Part Time |
| Course Length | 15 months (Full time) or 27 months (Part time) |
| IELTS level | 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in any one skill |
| Home/EU Fee | £7,500 (Full Time)
£3,750 per year (Part Time)
A Rector’s Scholarship worth £5,000 is available to UK and EU students on this course – click here for more information. |
| International Fee | £13,800 (Full time) |
| Start Date | September |
| Autumn Term Dates | 17 Sept 2012 - 07 Dec 2012; 23 Sept 2013 - 06 Dec 2013 |
| Spring Term Dates | 07 Jan 2013 - 22 March 2013 |
| Summer Term Dates | 15 April 2013 - 28 June 2013 |
| Application Route | Direct to College |
| Application Deadline | Home/EU: Applications are accepted, and offers made, throughout the year with a deadline of 1 March for applicants who wish to apply for AHRC funding. Early application is advised. International: Please check the International Apply Page |
This course encourages 'design through thinking'; the underpinning of practice work with theoretical models that could include the political, anthropological, scientific, cultural or business. Students will investigate craft and new technologies to evolve innovative solutions for a changing landscape.
It will meet the needs of graduates who have identified a specific interest within fashion. Whether from traditional making backgrounds or less traditional pathways, all students are encouraged to rigorously investigate their own practice and that of the industry.
The course is supported by research fellows from London College of Fashion's Centre for Sustainable Fashion, a leader in sustainable thinking within the fashion industry. This relationship offers opportunities for holistic, interdisciplinary, multi-levelled research which has seen numerous students go on to PhD level. Others have moved into the fashion industry, bringing with them new models of practice and innovative responses that will help to redefine our fashion future.
Course Structure
Full Time mode
Part Time Mode
Year One
Year Two
Outline of the course
Master’s Project Proposal
This unit supports the development of your project proposal. You will be able to work on your initial ideas discussed at interview, through reviewing and revising your focus in line with developing interests synthesised from your work within the specialist units of your MA course. A staged process of development and review culminates in the presentation of the proposal for assessment. Individual and original results must be underpinned by sound research methodologies, and you will be expected to consult a wide range of specialist resources. You will be introduced to a broad range of research methodologies and skills, including presentations, workshops and practitioner case studies. This unit will support you in the completion of your coursework assignments and will prepare you for the development of your Master’s Project.
Contextual Studies
The contemporary fashion and creative industries require multi-skilled and flexible individuals who understand the complexities of the global fashion industry. This unit enables you to appreciate the perspectives of both your own and other disciplines at work in fashion today, and to understand and analyse the complex economic, technical, ethical and business issues that affect the future of the creative industries. The unit is a focal point for all MA students, both full and part time, from all courses. It underpins your specialist studies by providing a common forum for debate on issues arising from the study of fashion. Aspects of design, technology, communication, marketing and the cultural industries are explored, and a programme of visiting speakers from industry and leading researchers supports the unit.
New Perspectives on Fashion
This unit introduces you to the concept of sustainable fashion and sustainable fashion design and development. You will explore the design process, the fashion lifecycle, and the major environmental, cultural and social impacts associated with fashion. You will be encouraged to engage with innovative and emergent ways to approach sustainable fashion solutions to identified issues. Through an introduction to different perspectives on sustainability and different fashion business models you will be able to define a context most related to your personal interests and strengths. The complex nature of the fashion industry will be explored in order to redefine the ways in which fashion can be created and developed in sustainable terms. A review of sustainable approaches by the fashion industry and other disciplines to date will be undertaken. This background will allow you to identify and explore opportunities for personal development of your particular interests.
Sustainability Solutions
In this unit you will undertake a deeper exploration of emerging models of sustainable fashion design and development. You will build upon analysis of key ideas, including efficiency, sufficiency, equity, scale, systems and engagement. This period of experimentation will allow you to develop your research into your identified area of specialist interest, and give you the opportunity to explore issues such as materials development and use, pattern and construction, product development, interaction with the consumer, or closed loop / end of life possibilities.
Master’s Project
This unit is the culmination of your work on the course and allows you to concentrate on producing a major piece of work, which will be a focussed and original dissertation. You will consolidate the ideas that have been developing since the beginning of the course, and you will bring to fruition an independently-motivated, innovative and professional body of work, which makes a contribution to knowledge and understanding of an aspect of fashion and the environment.MA Fashion and the Environment graduates apply their skills in a multitude of ways. Recent graduate profiles include setting up a shared space for design, make and participation: Here today, Here Tomorrow. One group of graduates formed a network to create this business, including one graduate who is continuing her studies at PhD level alongside the business. Other graduates are working at various levels of the industry in design and strategy positions, one has recently gained an award from Deutsche Bank to develop her own work. Two of last year's graduates achieved world recognition through awards, at the Earth Awards and The Observer Ethical Awards.
Showing your work
All final year students are given the opportunity to profile their work online via Showtime. London College of Fashion can make no guarantee that your work (either in sum or in part) will be shown, exhibited or profiled in any way as part of your course. All student work appearing in College organised events, catwalk shows, exhibitions and other forms of showcase, is selected by a panel of senior staff and, in some instances, external industry judges.
For details of the wide range of careers support provided for students, please visit our Careers Support page.
Student Selection Criteria
The course seeks to recruit students from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, and welcomes applications from mature students.
Entry to this course is highly competitive: applicants are expected to achieve, or already have, the course entry requirements detailed below.
- An Honours degree at 2.1 or above in a related discipline. Applicants with a degree in another subject may be considered, depending on the strength of the application.
OR
- Equivalent qualifications
OR
- Relevant and quantitative industrial experience for a minimum of three years
Selection for interview will be made on the basis of your application, including the personal statement, the reference, and the supporting written statement. If you are selected for interview you will be asked to bring examples of previous written work and to undertake a written aptitude test.
What We Look For
The course seeks to recruit students who can demonstrate:
- Strong commitment and motivation towards a career in an aspect of the fashion industry
- Awareness and relevant experience of fashion
- Appropriate knowledge and skills commensurate with planned entry into the course
English language requirements
All classes are conducted in English. The level required by the University for this course is IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in any one skill. For more information, read the University's English Language requirements page.
International Applicants
The International Recruitment Office at the London College of Fashion will help to guide you through the application process and answer any specific questions that you may have regarding our courses. This may include portfolio advice, the application process and fee advice. We offer a ‘drop-in’ facility for applicants who may be in London and wish to obtain further course and admissions information. Please contact us for further information on this facility. We can also arrange a tour of our facilities if we are given prior notice.
To find out more about studying in London, please visit the International students section of the London College of Fashion website.
Home/EU Applicants
Applications to study for a Postgraduate course should be made directly to the College using the Postgraduate Application Form, accompanied by two references (one of which should be academic) and a copy of your highest qualification to date.
Most postgraduate courses require you to submit a detailed study proposal and / or essay. Please read the specific guidance notes before applying to this course.
- Download Graduate School Application Form [PDF - 502kb]
- Download Graduate School Application Form [Word doc - 152kb]
- Download MA Fashion and the Environment Guidance Notes [PDF - 87kb]
Alternatively, you can request an application form by calling +44 (0)20 7514 7563 / 7582 / 7344. If you have a question, you can ask us through our Course Enquiry Form.
Please send your completed application form to the following address:
International Applicants
Please apply directly to the College using the International Application Form, accompanied by contact details of two referees (one of which should be academic) and a copy of your highest qualification to date. We will write to your referees and obtain your references. You must also complete and send the Tier 4 Student Visa: UK Immigration History Form Guidance Notes for Students to the LCF International Recruitment Office with your portfolio (if required) and supporting documents.
Most postgraduate courses require you to submit a detailed study proposal and / or essay. Please read the specific guidance notes before applying to this course.
- Download Postgraduate International Application Form [PDF - 200kb]
- Download Postgraduate International Application Form [Word doc - 234kb]
- Download MA Fashion and the Environment Guidance Notes [PDF - 87kb]
- Download Tier 4 Student Visa: UK Immigration History Form Guidance Notes for Students [PDF - 63kb]
Please send your completed application form to the following address:
If you have a question, you can contact our International Recruitment Office by calling +44 (0)20 7514 7656 / 7678 / 7629 or completing our Online Enquiry Form.
Selection
The course team will review your application and you may be called to interview. If you are selected for interview you will be asked to bring examples of previous written work and to undertake a written aptitude test. From this work, the test and the interview the course team will decide if you are to be offered a place on the course.
Applicants have the right to ask for feedback if their application is unsuccessful. Requests must be made in writing to the Student Administrator, and we will respond within 20 working days.