MA Fashion Journalism is unique in its merging of cultural theory with fashion journalism. It is a multidisciplinary framework for independent study that leads to an original body of written and/or visual work. You can choose to position your aspirations and your work on a spectrum from media journalism to theoretical study, for example: a dissertation on the presentation of fashion on television; a book surveying the fashion industry in Canada; a new concept for a fashion magazine; a cultural analysis of the current position of masculinity in society.

The course aims to develop highly articulate and aware fashion commentators who have sound research ability and strong written and visual communication skills. Cultural theory and journalism strands run in parallel through the first stage of the course. Three of the four pathway units are focused on the practice of journalism, a key feature being visiting speakers from industry.

MA Fashion Journalism is unique in its merging of cultural theory with fashion journalism. Students can choose to position their aspirations and their work on a spectrum from media journalism to theoretical study. The course aims to develop highly articulate and aware fashion commentators who have sound research ability and strong written and visual communication skills.

Understanding Writing introduces students to a range of media practice and develops writing skills. The Rationale of Publishing focuses on a variety of media markets and the development of original concepts including market research, production and publishing skills. The third practical unit, Beyond the Grid, specifically focuses on magazine design, combining vocational computer design skills together with a historical and theoretical overview of magazine design - past, present and future. The remaining unit focuses on cultural studies, Approaches to Fashion develops a critical understanding of a range of academic and cultural writings and is based on student led seminars.

The Contextual Studies unit provides breadth to your studies with themes including cultural, historical, design and global business perspectives on fashion futures and combines the talents of the whole MA group. Supporting the development of your work is the Research Methods unit which covers the disciplines underpinning all research work on the course. During the second stage of the course, you will conceive and realise a major project or dissertation in Conceptualising Fashion under the supervision of designated tutors.

Time Required - work/study balance

Postgraduate study is based on a balance between taught contact in seminars, lectures and tutorials and time spent on independent research and study. Full time students are expected to devote four days per week to study, part time students two days per week. In the first stage of the course, course units are held on two to three days and one evening per week (full time) or one day and one evening per week (part time).

Master's graduates have an acknowledged advantage in the employment market, obtaining work in a wide range of vocational and academic fields related to fashion. Previous MA Fashion Journalism graduates are now working in areas such as magazine and newspaper journalism, magazine styling and image making, lecturing in cultural studies and researching and developing concepts for television.

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, in practice or theory or entering into education as lecturers.

You should have

• an honours degree in a related discipline (2:1 or above) or equivalent qualification or a minimum of 3 years industrial experience at an appropriate level
• IELTS level 7 or equivalent if English is not your first language

Related disciplines include media studies, cultural studies, English, fashion, textiles, sociology, philosophy or other relevant humanities subjects.

Applicants should be articulate, able to respond to a challenge, contribute original ideas and have a keen awareness of current issues in many aspects of fashion. Alternatively you must have at least three years professional experience in journalism or other relevant area at an appropriate level, and demonstrate a good command of written English.

Further Information

If you are international student (from outside of the EU), for further information contact the International Administrator:
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7514 7678
Email: international@fashion.arts.ac.uk

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.

• Download application form [PDF]
• Download application form [Word doc]
• Download specific guidelines for this course [PDF]

Alternatively, you can telephone (Automated Voicemail) +44 (0)20 7514 7500 clearly stating the course you wish to apply for.

You can also make an application online via the Prospects website.

International Applicants

Read me: Information for international (non-EU) applicants.

Selection Process

An admissions tutor will review your application and you may be called to interview. Selection is based initially on academic qualifications and/or previous experience, references, essay and your personal statement. At interview you will be required to take a short written aptitude test. From the interview the course team will decide if you are to be selected onto the course. In some cases the offer of a place may be conditional and dependent on you passing required examinations.