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Postgraduate

MA Fashion Design Management

View of toile dresses in cabinets
MA Fashion Design Management event. © University of Arts London
College
London College of Fashion
Start date
September 2024
Course length
12 months

This rigorous specialist design management course helps to equip the next generation of creative managers for a dynamic career in fashion design and innovation management.

Course subject to re-approval

Please note that this course is undergoing re-approval. This is the process by which we ensure the course continues to provide a high quality academic experience. During re-approval there may be some changes to the course content displayed on this page. Please contact us if you have any questions about the course.

Applying for more than 1 course

You can apply for more than 1 postgraduate course at UAL but we recommend that you apply for no more than 3. Find out more in the Apply Now section.

Why choose this course at London College of Fashion

  • Career opportunities: Graduates enter careers within design, buying and merchandising, fashion consultancy, supply chain and production management, the craft sector and business start-ups, including work at companies such as Alexander McQueen, Burberry and Net-a-Porter.
  • Industry links: The course has several live projects with industry clients, alongside links with renowned international schools. Students will also be able to take advantage of the regular industry speaker programme.
  • Academic focus: The course focuses on academic depth and rigour, leading to some graduates progressing to higher level research degrees.
  • Specialist course: The course is a specialist Design Management course specifically developed for the fashion industry and this is a unique context for a Design Management postgraduate degree.
  • Textile Institute: MA Fashion Design Management is accredited by the Textile Institute.

Course overview

Introduction

The continuing growth of the creative industries in the UK, has created employment opportunities for fashion design leaders and managers. The high demand for fashion design management is reflected in the career sections of professional networking and employment sites. MA Fashion Design Management prepares future design leaders and managers for a career in the fashion industry.

Effective design management is a key strategy in developing and maintaining the success of global fashion businesses. MA Fashion Design Management will give you a critical understanding of the global impact of fashion design through the lenses of sustainable design strategies, transparent supply chain development and innovation management.

You will develop a range of essential practical management skills alongside a critical understanding of the global impact of fashion design. This will support your development towards a career in further research or in industry where a holistic appreciation of sustainable management is a pre-requisite. This exciting and dynamic course will help you develop a valuable knowledge base through opportunities to work on industry-relevant projects tackling design management challenges in the current global fashion industry.

What to expect

This course takes a holistic approach to draw together business and management from a creative perspective. A diverse range of teaching and learning methods is used and you will have access to a wide range of resources within the University of the Arts including Libraries, Academic Support, and the Language Centre. You can expect:

  • Master classes & industry guest speakers
  • Practice based units & prototype development
  • Individual & group presentations
  • Group work & peer assessment
  • Lectures, seminars & workshops
  • Reflective statements & self-evaluation
  • Formative assessment feed-forward sessions
  • Summative assessment
  • Online digital learning
  • Virtual museum and gallery visits
  • Written assessment including blogs; business reports; case studies and research projects  

Mode of study

MA Fashion Design Management is a full time course which runs for 45 weeks over 12 months. 

Mode of Attendance

Your course starts in October and taught sessions are held over two-three days per week. The emphasis at postgraduate level is on independent study and in addition to taught sessions you are expected to engage in extensive self-directed research and experimentation utilising the libraries and open access facilities.

Credit Framework

The credit framework conforms to the University of the Arts London framework in which the unit of credit is 20 credits (equivalent to 200 hours of student study time). All credits on this Masters programme are at postgraduate level 7.

Organisation of the Curriculum

This course is divided into three 15 week blocks (full-time), each of 60 credits. Students who successfully complete 60 credits are eligible for the award of a PG Cert, while students who successfully complete 120 credits are eligible for the award of PGDip. Once students have successfully passed the first two blocks, they are eligible to progress onto the Master’s Project; this is a 60 credit unit in the final block. Students who successfully complete the Master’s Project are eligible for the award of a Masters. The MA FDM final award grading (pass, merit or distinction) is based upon the Master’s Project only.

Climate, Social and Racial Justice

We are committed to developing ethical Fashion Business practices. To achieve this, we are working to embed UAL’s Principles for Climate, Social and Racial Justice into the course.

Course units

Block 1

  • Collaborative Challenge (20 credits)
  • Design Management Principles (20 credits)
  • Sustainable Design Thinking (20 credits)

Block 2

  • Design and Innovation Strategy (20 credits)
  • Leading Design Practice (20 credits)
  • Research Proposal (20 credits)

Block 3

  • Masters Project (60 credits)

Learning and teaching methods

The following teaching and learning methods are employed to support the integrated achievement of the course outcomes: 

  • Lectures, seminars and workshops
  • Individual and group presentations
  • Briefings, tutorials and feedback
  • Collaborative group project work
  • Research methods and academic skills workshops
  • Peer learning
  • Library induction
  • Online learning
  • Virtual museum, gallery and other visits

Jeanne Langford | Course leader | MA Fashion Design Management

Marie Jones | Lecturer | MA Fashion Design Management

Postgraduate Mentoring Network

Student and graduate work

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  • MAFDM_GALLERY_Inspiration-board_Aurora_Garbarini_Fabova.jpg
  • MAFDM_GALLERY_Inspiration-board_Una-Yang.jpg
  • MAFDM_GALLERY_Kinship-mood-board_Christina-Joseph.jpg
  • A-recent-animana-feature-in-Harper-Bazaar-Argentina.png

Course trips

  • IMG_0063-1.jpeg
    MA Fashion Design Management | Walk through Camden, London with students | London College of Fashion | University of Arts London
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    MA Fashion Design Management | Christopher Raeburn studio tour | London College of Fashion | University of Arts London
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    MA Fashion Design Management | Walk through East London with students | London College of Fashion | University of Arts London
  • IMG_0662.jpeg
    MA Fashion Design Management | Christopher Raeburn studio tour | London College of Fashion | University of Arts London
  • CR-Studion-Tour-4.jpeg
    MA Fashion Design Management | Christopher Raeburn studio tour | London College of Fashion | University of Arts London
  • IMG_3859.JPEG
    MA Fashion Design Management | Walk through Camden, London with students | London College of Fashion | University of Arts London

Student Eika Sada | MA Fashion Design Management

Student Swati Nair | MA Fashion Design Management

Alumni Matan Gluck | MA Fashion Design Management

Latest news from this course

Staff

Jeanne Langford is the course leader for the MA Fashion Design Management course. Having begun her academic career in 2012 as an external examiner, she now teaches across a wide range of   units including product development, supply chain management and sustainability. She is a graduate of London College of Fashion with a BA (Hons) in Fashion Buying and Merchandising and holds an MSc in Purchasing and Supply Chain Management. Her current research interest includes block chain technology implementation within fashion supply chains. Previous experience has involved managing critical paths, working with suppliers in India, China and Europe and a specialisation in design and product development of accessories at   companies including Friis & Co, Lily Gardner and Hackett London.

Marie Jones has worked at the heart of the fashion industry for over 30 years, holding Design Director and Head of Design roles for some of the UK’s leading retailers, such as Arcadia, House of Fraser and M&S. She is currently Lecturer in Fashion Design Management at London College of Fashion. Marie holds a BA (Hons) in Fashion & Textiles, and an MA with distinction in Fashion & Sustainability from London College of Fashion, and her research revolves around disrupting the paradigms surrounding fast fashion, consumerism, and the disposal of clothing. She holds  a PG cert Academic Practice: Art, Design and Communication, and is  a Fellow with the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). Alongside her  academic work, Marie is co-founder of Hendy & Jones, a sustainable  fashion brand which uses traditional and modern patch working techniques to upcycle preloved menswear.

Ronit Zilkha, a British fashion designer, studied fashion design in London, after which she launched her eponymous collection. Her unique designs, including inspired eveningwear and daywear, have been worn by members of the Royal family, celebrities, stars and fashion editors the world over, showcasing at London Fashion Week for 15 consecutive years. The Ronit Zilkha label achieved international recognition and success, as well as the eighteen independent Ronit Zilkha stores, and concessions in Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and House of   Fraser. With 27 years’ experience in the fashion industry. Ronit is an Associate Lecturer at the London College of Fashion in the MA Fashion Design Management, Grad Dip Fashion Management, BSc Fashion Management & MSc Strategic Fashion Management, Introduction to the Study of Fashion and BA Fashion Marketing courses, leading masterclasses, lectures and workshops whilst contributing to curriculum development.

Adam Rose is an independent consultant who also supports LCF in a Practitioner role across several buying and merchandising focused courses. He has gained over 30 years of retailing experience at Debenhams and his specialism is Merchandising - however having worked at Trading Director level and led large scale transformation projects he also has a wealth of valuable insight into a number of disciplines and product types and so is well placed to offer expertise across a broad spectrum of areas. In an industry in constant change, Adam is passionate about developments in technology and sustainability as well as understanding how best to manage and harness new thinking and approaches impacting people, processes and systems.

Dr Francesca Bonetti is a Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in Marketing at the London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London, and a Visiting Lecturer at universities across Europe, the USA and Asia. She is currently a Visiting Scholar at USC Marshall School of Business, conducting a research project on technological innovation in the fashion and creative industries across the USA, UK and Europe. Her research interests focus on   business technological innovation across cultures in the fashion and creative industries, and the digital transformation of retailing. Her PhD (University of Manchester, UK, 2020) explored the adoption of consumer-facing technologies in fashion retail settings from a managerial perspective. Her interests also include luxury fashion retailing in China and the consumption of fashion goods by Asian consumers. Her work is published in academic journals such as the Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services and the International Journal of Technology Marketing, among others, and in a number of   books. She has international industry experience in marketing communications and retail and business development in the fashion and apparel sector. She currently consult for fashion brands, retailers and startup companies on distribution strategies, communications strategies and the use of   consumer-facing technology.

Fees and funding

Home fee

£13,330

This fee is correct for 2024/25 entry and is subject to change for 2025/26 entry.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students on courses lasting more than one year. For this course, you can pay tuition fees in instalments.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£28,570

This fee is correct for 2024/25 entry and is subject to change for 2025/26 entry.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students on courses lasting more than one year. For this course, you can pay tuition fees in instalments.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

Scholarship search

Entry requirements

The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:

  • An Honours degree at 2.1 or above in a related discipline
  • OR Equivalent qualifications;

APEL (Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning)

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:

  • Related academic or work experience (minimum of three years)
  • The quality of the personal statement
  • A strong academic or other professional reference
  • OR a combination of these factors

Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in every case.

English Language Requirements

IELTS level 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Please check our main English Language Requirements.

Selection criteria

The course seeks to recruit students from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds and welcomes applications from mature students.

The course team seeks to recruit students who can demonstrate:

  • the potential to develop their practical and critical abilities through academic study;
  • critical knowledge of a subject area;
  • a capacity for intellectual enquiry and reflective thought;
  • an openness to new ideas and a willingness to participate actively in their own intellectual development;
  • initiative with a developed and mature attitude to independent study.

Apply now

Application deadline

Deadline

Round 1:

13 December 2023 at 1pm (UK time)

Round 2:

3 April 2024 at 1pm (UK time)

Video task deadline

Round 1:

16 January 2024

Round 2:

16 April 2024

Decision outcome

Round 1:

End of March 2024

Round 2:

End of June 2024

Round 1
Round 2
Deadline
13 December 2023 at 1pm (UK time)
3 April 2024 at 1pm (UK time)
Video task deadline
16 January 2024
16 April 2024
Decision outcome
End of March 2024
End of June 2024

All applications received by 3 April will be treated equally. If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Read more about deadlines

Apply now

Application deadline

Deadline

Round 1:

13 December 2023 at 1pm (UK time)

Round 2:

3 April 2024 at 1pm (UK time)

Video task deadline

Round 1:

16 January 2024

Round 2:

16 April 2024

Decision outcome

Round 1:

End of March 2024

Round 2:

End of June 2024

Round 1
Round 2
Deadline
13 December 2023 at 1pm (UK time)
3 April 2024 at 1pm (UK time)
Video task deadline
16 January 2024
16 April 2024
Decision outcome
End of March 2024
End of June 2024

All applications received by 3 April will be treated equally. If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Read more about deadlines

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How to apply

Follow this step-by-step guide to apply for this course

Step 1: Initial application

You will need to submit an initial application including your personal statement, CV and study proposal.

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement should be maximum 500 words and include:

  • your reasons for choosing the course
  • your current creative practice and how this course will help you achieve your future plans
  • any relevant education and experience, especially if you do not have any formal academic qualifications.

Visit our personal statement page for more advice.

CV advice

Please provide a CV detailing your education, qualifications and any relevant work or voluntary experience. If you have any web projects or other media that you would like to share, please include links in your CV. If English is not your first language, please also include your most recent English language test score.

Study proposal advice

Please provide a summary of your study proposal (500 words)

It should:

  • describe the area of study that you plan to focus on for your master’s project, including particular text(s), theories and themes that you might want to explore
  • outline the rationale, aims and objectives for your project
  • highlight the proposed methodology that you plan to follow for your project
  • include a bibliography and references if necessary. This is not included in the word count.

Please note, your proposal serves to inform your application and we understand that your ideas will inevitably develop and change throughout your studies.

Step 2: Video task

We will review your initial application. If you have met the standard entry requirements, we will ask you to submit a video task.

You’ll need to submit this via PebblePad, our online portfolio tool.

Video task advice

We’d like you to submit a 2-3 minute video to help us learn more about you. When recording your task, please face the camera and speak in English.

What to include in your video task

  • Introduce the topic of your master's project proposal and explain why you have chosen this subject matter.

Read our guidance for how to submit your video task and which file types we accept.

Step 3: Interview

You may be invited to an interview following our review of your application. All interviews are held online and last 15 to 20 minutes.

For top tips, see our Interview advice.

You also need to know

Communicating with you

Once you have submitted your initial application, we will email you with your login details for our Applicant portal.

Requests for supplementary documents like qualifications and English language tests will be made through the applicant portal. You can also use it to ask questions regarding your application. Visit our After you apply page for more information.

Applying to more than 1 course

You can apply for more than 1 postgraduate course at UAL but we recommend that you apply for no more than 3 courses. You need to tailor your application, supporting documents and portfolio to each course, so applying for many different courses could risk the overall quality of your application. If you receive offers for multiple courses, you'll only be able to accept 1 offer. UAL doesn't accept repeat applications to the same course in the same academic year.

Visas and immigration history check

All non-UK nationals must complete an immigration history check. Your application may be considered by our course teams before this check takes place. This means that we may request your portfolio and/or video task before we identify any issues arising from your immigration history check. Sometimes your history may mean that we are not able to continue considering your application. Visit our Immigration and visas advice page for more information.

External student transfer policy

UAL accepts transfers from other institutions on a case-by-case basis. Read our Student transfer policy for more information.

Alternative offers

If your application is really strong, but we believe your strengths and skillset are better suited to a different course, we may make you an alternative offer. This means you will be offered a place on a different course or at a different UAL College.

Deferring your place

We do not accept any deferral requests for our postgraduate courses. This means that you must apply in the year that you plan to start your course and you will not be able to defer your place to start at a later date.

Application deadlines

For postgraduate courses at UAL there are 2 equal consideration deadlines to ensure fairness for all our applicants. If you apply ahead of either of these deadlines, your application will be considered on an equal basis with all other applications in that round. If there are places available after the second deadline, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Careers

All our postgraduate courses offer career development, so that you become a creative thinker, making effective contributions to your relevant sector of the fashion industry.

LCF offers students the opportunity to develop Personal and Professional Development (PPD) skills while studying through:

* Access to to speaker programmes and events featuring alumni and industry.

* Access to careers activities, such as CV clinics and one-to-one advice sessions.

* Access to a graduate careers service

* Access to a live jobsboard for all years.

* Advice on setting up your own brand or company.

Career paths

Graduates from this course enter careers within design, buying and merchandising, fashion consultancy, supply chain and production management, craft sector and business start-ups.

Recent graduate destinations include Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Net-a-Porter, London Wei Consultancy and London Seoul Creative Fashion Studio.  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.

Industry accreditations and support

Textile Institute

MA Fashion Design Management has been awarded Associateship level accreditation, CText ATI, by the Textile Institute. Internationally recognised, the Textile Institute is the chartered professional body for all the textile, clothing and footwear industries. As a student on this course you are eligible to apply for LTI (Licentiateship) when you graduate and CText ATI (Associateship) after one year working in industry (normally this would take 5 years). This qualification demonstrates to employers that as well as academic knowledge you have the vocational skills needed in the workplace. The qualification is globally recognised and internationally transferrable.

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