Full Time 15 months 4 terms level 7 180 credits

Part Time 27 months 7 terms level 7 180 credits                                                                         

Weeks 1-22: Master’s Project Proposal (20 credits); Contextual Studies (20 credits); Future Chic (40 credits)

Weeks 1-12: The Fashion Catalyst (20 credits); 

Weeks 13-22: The Fashion Spectacle (20 credits);

Weeks 23-30: Master’s Project Planning;

Weeks 31-45: Master’s Project (60 credits);                                                                                                                   

Weeks 1-33: Master’s Project Proposal (20 credits); Contextual Studies (20 credits);

Weeks 1-22: The Fashion Catalyst (20 credits); 

Weeks 13-22: Future Chic (40 credits);                                                                                

Weeks 1-3: Master’s Project Proposal (continued)

Weeks 4-9: Master’s Project Planning;

Weeks 1-12: Future Chic (continued);

Weeks 1-22: The Fashion Spectacle (20 credits);

Weeks 10-45: Master’s Project (60 credits);                                                                                                      

MA taught courses may be studied in full time or part time mode, as outlined above, or students can elect to study by Independent Project Mode on either a full time or part time basis. The Independent Project Mode is designed for students whose area of interest lies between, or crosses, subject disciplines. This would be discussed at interview. In addition, for students unable to complete the MA, there may be an opportunity to complete a Postgraduate Diploma.                                                                                                                                                   

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.

Future Chic

This unit provides a framework in which photographic practice is discussed, directed and supported. It stimulates and facilitates the production of practical work within the context of cultural debates and social theory. You have the opportunity to examine areas from conceptual art to contemporary photographic practices, and to position your own work within or outside these contexts and audiences. In the first part of the unit you can develop ideas through new personal practice to produce creative, critically informed, individual photographic work. You will evaluate and improve your conceptual and technical skills through experimentation. During the second part of the unit you will identify issues around the influence of photography and the visual arts in order to extend your personal photographic practice, and you will negotiate a personal project brief with tutors. This will facilitate the generation and development of ideas towards the final project.

The Fashion Catalyst

This unit is designed to stimulate the ‘fine tuning’ of approach and critical reflection on work through a series of master classes from leading practitioners in the field of fashion image-making. Each master class will take a particular focus, and the invited guest will be asked to evaluate their practice from initial brief to finished shoot. Your work will continuously be negotiated and developed alongside the master classes, through having the opportunity to evaluate the work of industry pioneers at the same time as improving your own technical and practical understanding. You will also explore markets and audiences for your own photographic practice with the guidance of tutors.

The Fashion Spectacle

This unit focuses on the ‘fashion archive’ from an image-led perspective, and you will deconstruct performance of the scene and look at the key ways in which curators, archivists and fashion practitioners have approached the subject. You will examine the notion of the fashion photograph as one part of a wider performative culture in which the idea of spectacle is key, and will relate this to the fashion image. You will be expected to attend a number of relevant external events.

Master’s Project

This unit is the culmination of your work on the course and allows you to concentrate on producing your major photographic work, which can take a variety of forms by negotiation with your tutors. You will consolidate the ideas that have been developing since the beginning of the course, and you will bring to fruition an independently-motivated, original and professional body of work, which makes a contribution to fashion image-making, within a specified context and for an identified audience. 

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 photographic 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, a CD of photographic images and supporting work, and the supporting written statement. If you are selected for interview you will be asked to bring a portfolio of additional examples of previous photographic work and to undertake a written test.                                                                                                                                                             

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 fashion photography or fashion media
• Awareness and relevant experience of fashion
• Appropriate knowledge and skills commensurate with planned entry into the fashion photography 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.

Address: London College of Fashion, Student Administration, 

20 John Prince's Street, London W1G 0BJ.

Email: student.admin@fashion.arts.ac.uk;                                                                                                   

Applications are accepted throughout the year with a deadline of 1 March 2012 for applicants who wish to apply for AHRC funding and a final deadline of 5 July 2012. Early application is advised.                                                                                          

Address: London College of Fashion, International Office, 

20 John Prince's Street, London W1G 0BJ.                                                                                            

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.