MA Fashion Design Technology, Womenswear
Cheng Yee Wah Eva, 2013 - view profile
Soo Jeong Park, 2012 - view profile
May Tang, 2012 - view profile
Yirantian Guo, 2013 - view profile
| Course Director | Nigel Luck |
|---|---|
| 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) |
| 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 |
MA Fashion Design Technology Womenswear seeks to recruit ambitious, creative designers who have a long-term fashion focus and wish to work for a key brand or set up their own label. Based primarily in London’s West End at John Prince’s Street and resourced by the specialist equipment at our other central sites, contemporary technology is at the core of this course.
CAD CAM, state of the art knitting machines and facilities for digital print, rapid proto-typing and laser cutting allow students to produce womenswear collections that innovate in the field.
By nurturing creativity and specialist research, the course enables individuals to produce high quality and innovative work through illustration, design, cutting and modern manufacturing.
Students are supported to develop collaborations with industry specialists and international fabric suppliers, a process that not only builds important contacts for the future but one that enriches student experience and refines design sensibility. Using diverse production techniques - from couture craftsmanship to futuristic experimentation - students are able to explore their own perspectives to form the basis of their MA collection. Guided by experienced staff, this also has the potential to incorporate a further specialism such as embroidery, knitwear or digital concepts.
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.
Creative and Technical Development
This unit allows you to develop your skills to the necessary level for you to undertake the practical aspects of the Master’s Project. The group will have varied skill levels, so work will develop individually according to your particular focus and needs. At the same time workshop sessions will introduce you to the full range of supporting facilities available. You will evaluate and improve your technical and practical skills in the relevant areas of design and technology, and will develop your creative work through a personal project. You will also test out your initial Master’s Project Proposal and refine and develop it or explore alternatives with tutorial guidance.
Research, Development and Professional Links
In this unit you will begin to consolidate your area of specialism and deepen your research. You will work through one or more projects linked with a particular level of the industry, and you will be actively encouraged to research and develop your own professional links throughout the unit. By designing for a specific market or client you will experience professional constraints and a realistic brief. It is envisaged that students from Menswear, Womenswear, Footwear and Artefact will work with a wide range of possible collaborators, from small designer craft businesses or technical resource companies, to major international players with a view to developing links and sponsorship. External projects may form part of the unit where appropriate.
Master’s Project
This unit is the culmination of your personal ideas and investigations on the course towards the realisation of an original body of work. The final project may take a variety of forms through negotiation and is assessed by presentation in an agreed format, accompanied by an evaluative commentary on the development of the project. This may include a DVD or CD-ROM or website, if you have or can access the relevant skills.
Masters graduates have an acknowledged advantage in the employment market, obtaining work in a wide range of vocational and academic fields related to fashion. The course provides the industry with graduates who will have the capability to work as part of a creative team as a colleague and an individual. The graduate will have transferable skills for the creative industries including an understanding of high levels of design, time and project management, production and technical knowledge of types of manufacture supported by an aesthetic awareness and academic underpinning.
The course in the past has benefited from constant contact with the industry. External assessors and tutors, leading buying and merchandising teams, stylists and photographers, journalists and editors, entrepreneurs and business consultants show an increasing interest in the emerging talent the course generates. International employers include Alberta Ferretti, Alexander McQueen, Zac Posen, Chloe, Loewe, Pringle, Hussein Chalayan, Roland Mouret, Topman, Savile Row Tailors, Browns Focus, Harvey Nichols, Topman, Savile Row Tailors and Browns Focus.
Graduates from the current MA Fashion Design and Technology have gained employment as innovators within the broad field of fashion design and technology or have identified a fashion house, large corporate company or alternatively choose to build their own identity through the launch of their own design label. Further employment of graduates has included trend prediction, stylist, illustrator, freelance designer or broad aspects of the creative industries.
Further employment opportunities include trend prediction, stylist, illustrator, freelance designer or broad aspects of the creative industries. The MA also provides an excellent preparation for higher level research degrees (MPhil or PhD), with an increasing number of graduates undertaking research in fashion related subjects.
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.
Course Entry Requirements
- An Honours degree at 2.1 or above in fashion or clothing design and/or production. 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, a CD ROM showing examples of your design work, the supporting written assignment and project proposal. If you are selected for interview you will be asked to bring a portfolio of previous work, including developmental work where possible, and two womenswear garments you have made to evidence your skills
What We Look For
The course seeks to recruit students who can demonstrate:
- A 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 defined course, including the ability to design, pattern cut and manufacture clothing.
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.
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.
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 FDT Guidance Notes [PDF - 70kb]
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 - 235kb]
- Download MA FDT Guidance Notes [PDF - 70kb]
- 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 Course enquiry form.
Selection Process
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. From 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.