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Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Fashion Public Relations and Communication

Student workbook with photos and notes.
Cecilie Bahnsen campaign by Sigita Bendikaite | BA (Hons) Public Relations and Communication | London College of Fashion | University of Arts London
College
London College of Fashion
UCAS code
4T39
Start date
September 2024
Course length
3 years (optional 1 year placement)

BA (Hons) Fashion Public Relations and Communication will immerse students in the evolving communications landscape and enable them to create compelling campaigns targeting press and consumers alike. They will learn the principles of branding and how to respond to crises in an increasingly transparent culture. They will gain an understanding of the fashion industry, its challenges and the diverse sectors that brands operate in. Our graduates will secure public relations or communication roles within the fashion and beauty sector across the globe.

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.

Why choose this course at London College of Fashion

  • Fashion specific skills and knowledge: as the only specialist undergraduate fashion public relations and communication course in the UK, students learn about public relations methods and case studies specific to fashion and beauty. This prepares them with industry-relevant skills and knowledge upon graduating.
  • Industry links: the course is taught by academics with strong experience in the industry, alongside industry practitioners and alumni. Students also work on live industry briefs which allow them to apply theory to practice. Previous clients have included Kit & Ace, Shinola, Camden Markets and the Now Gallery.
  • Work experience: students can improve their professional practice through an industry placement. The majority of students will secure internships in a PR role within the fashion industry, as well as the beauty, well-being and lifestyle sectors.
  • Collaboration: as the course is set in the school of Media and Communication, students are introduced to cross-course collaborations that simulate industry practice and offer networking and community building opportunities.
  • Graduate employability: our graduates are highly employable, with alumni now working at both in-house and agency positions including The Communications Store, Karla Otto, Celine, Vogue, The Woolmark Company, Dior Homme, Bottega Veneta, Hermes and DH-PR. Some graduates have also set up their own communication agencies.

Open days

There are currently no Open Days scheduled for this course, please check back at a later date.

Scholarships, bursaries and awards

Course overview

Introduction 

BA (Hons) Fashion Public Relations and Communication will equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to develop a career in public relations within the fashion industry; by positioning, launching and promoting brands to global audiences. Students will graduate with an excellent understanding of the fashion industry, the evolving media landscape and will bring cultural awareness to their profession. 

What to expect 

  • Content is delivered via lectures, seminars and workshops, which are structured to allow for part-time work and work experience opportunities alongside studies. 

  • Additional technical workshops are made available to all students, including InDesign, Photoshop, styling and moving image. Language support and Academic support is available to all students to help support their academic development.  

  • Students will participate in cross-course collaborative units to experience content beyond their discipline and to collaborate with new students. 

  • You will explore fashion communication in a theoretical, cultural, social and business context as part of the Fashion Cultures and Histories units. 

Work experience and opportunities 

Students will engage with live industry briefs and Knowledge Exchange projects throughout their degree. Students will have an opportunity to undertake an optional short term work placement between the second and final year of the course which will enhance the employability of students by offering valuable experience and contacts within the industry as well as earning an additional Diploma in Professional Studies qualification. 

Mode of study 

BA (Hons) Fashion Journalism runs for 90 weeks in full time mode. It is divided into 3 stages over 3 academic years. Each stage lasts 30 weeks. 

Climate, Social and Racial Justice 

The course is committed to embedding UAL’s Principles for Climate, Social and Racial Justice. 

Course units

Year One 

The first year of the course allows students to familiarise with the key components of fashion communications and introduces them to the global media landscape. All modules are compulsory and in addition to core units, students are provided with technical and academic support to enhance their creative competency and research skills.  

Students will complete year 1 with the necessary skills, networks and knowledge to progress into their second year.  

  • Introduction to Fashion Communication – This unit aims to introduce you to your course and its subject specialism as well as to effective learning and studentship at undergraduate level. 

  • Fashion Cultures and Histories – Here you will be introduced to key concepts and ways of thinking about fashion and its context in society and culture. You will attend lectures, seminars and workshops, and do a significant amount of reading of academic texts in order to complete a formal academic essay.  

  • PR & Branding in the Fashion Industry - Through exploring the theories and principles behind public relations and branding, students will have an opportunity to develop in a group, a brand concept for a specific sector and target audience.  Individually you will produce a communication campaign in order to launch the new brand.    

  • Better Lives - This unit is optional and will explores the subjects of diversity, social responsibility and sustainability. You will have the chance to work on projects outside of your own discipline. The emphasis is on how you apply your thinking across these important themes to your practice and embrace the opportunity to collaborate with your peers from other courses and learn new skills.  

  • Contemporary Communication Campaigns – This unit will explore how brands are developing their communication tactics in response to the advances in digital technology. You will gain an understanding of how fashion brands deliver their key messages through their own digital platforms as well as through external channels. 

Year Two 

Year 2 focuses on the development of professional skills and provides the opportunity for students to consolidate their skills gained at university in an industry context.  

  • Critical Issues in Fashion Research: Here you will be able to study an option of your choice that will broaden or deepen your learning of areas relating to your interests in your chosen field. Options cover the broad cultural context of professional practice in media and communication.  

  • Crisis Communication and Brand Reputation: Here you will gain an understanding of how current topics of cultural relevance impact on the fashion industry and how fashion brands integrate these topics into their communication strategies. You will also develop the necessary skills through media training workshops to produce a response to a hypothetical crisis, that minimises the impact on the brand and corporation.   

  • Inside the Industry:  This unit provides an opportunity to gain insights into critical issues, innovations and challenges within the global fashion, media and communication industries, through a series of panel discussions with industry practitioners, and seminar sessions. The unit will also help you to identify relevant areas of professional conduct and prepare you for working in an industry context. 

  • Situating Your Practice unit Work Placement/Industry Project. In this unit, you have an option to undertake a professional work placement, or remain at university and undertake a project with industry. Both options will foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of professional practices, principles, roles and responsibilities to help you define your career ambitions.  

  • In terms of the Work Placement, students are supported by LCF Graduate Futures who provide career guidance and one to one opportunities, to help you plan ahead and prepare for your work experience.  
     
  • Innovative Communication Tactics: You will explore how brands develop their communication strategy and put them into practice through the implementation of tactics. Through lectures and workshops, you will acquire knowledge of producing a range of communication tactics across different mediums that are core to your discipline, from concept stage to realisation.  

Optional Diploma Year

CCI Creative Computing

Between years 2 and 3, you can undertake the year-long Diploma in Creative Computing. This will develop your skills in creative computing alongside your degree. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate degree, you’ll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Fashion Public Relations and Communication (with Creative Computing).

CCI Apple Diploma 

Between years 2 and 3, you can undertake the year-long Diploma in Apple Development. This will give you an opportunity to become an accredited apple developer alongside your degree. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate degree, you’ll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Fashion Public Relations and Communication (with Apple Development). 

Industry DIPS 

This optional diploma can be taken between years 2 and 3. With support from your tutors, you’ll undertake an industry placement for a minimum of 100 days/20 weeks. As well as developing industry skills, you’ll gain an additional qualification upon successful completion. 

Enterprise DIPS 

This optional diploma can be taken between years 2 and 3. With support from your tutors, you’ll undertake an enterprise placement year where you will explore a business idea from proposal to minimal viable product (MVP). As well as developing enterprise skills, you’ll gain an additional qualification upon successful completion. 

Year three 

Year 3 focuses on student’s individual practice and prepares them for the transition from student to industry practitioner.   

  • Cultural and Historical Studies Dissertation: The dissertation provides you with an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the critical and analytical perspectives developed within cultural and historical theory and your ability to apply those perspectives in a specific study. You will undertake a substantial piece of primary and secondary research that engages with cultural issues and which reflects on the critical debates and concerns addressed in your course. 

  • Research for Independent Project: PR & Communication: In this unit, you will choose a brand that will be the focus of your Independent Project. Developing the primary research skills you have acquired already, you will be expected to conduct rigorous research into a brand of your choice.  The focus of this research is to identify specific challenges, and potential communication opportunities for the brand, that y will define the direction of your Independent Project.  

  • Independent Project: Based on research undertaken in the previous project, you will now develop a 12- month PR and communication campaign for your chosen brand. Embracing recent developments in how brands communicate with their audience and stakeholders, you will produce a compelling campaign that is contemporary and relevant to your brand.  

  • Realising Your Tactics: This unit you will prepare for the transition from study to industry. Through realising one of your tactical concepts formulated in your Independent Project, you will have the opportunity to showcase your work and share your achievements with others. You will also enhance your professional and career development skills in preparation for your future pathways. 

Learning and teaching methods

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

  • Lectures.
  • Seminars.
  • Group workshops.
  • Guest speakers. 
  • Case study presentations.
  • Self-directed study.
  • Screening sessions. 
  • Practical workshops. 
  • Placements.
  • Peer assessment and group critiques.
  • Group presentations. 
  • Learning teams.
  • Panel discussions. 

Graduate Showcase

Explore work by our recent students on the UAL Showcase

  • Versace Reimagined- The Exhibition Book
    Versace Reimagined- The Exhibition Book, Maria Papakleanthous, 2023 BA (Hons) Fashion Public Relations and Communication, London College of Fashion, UAL
  • What Does Vision Smell Like?
    What Does Vision Smell Like?, Ella Vinell, 2023 BA (Hons) Fashion Public Relations and Communication, London College of Fashion, UAL
  • Shu Uemura Presents The Beauty Of Artistry
    Shu Uemura Presents The Beauty Of Artistry, Anna Morelli, 2023 BA (Hons) Fashion Public Relations and Communication, London College of Fashion, UAL
  • In Her Skin
    In Her Skin, Nicole Keith, 2023 BA (Hons) Fashion Public Relations and Communication, London College of Fashion, UAL
  • A Magazine Curated By Helmut Lang
    A Magazine Curated By Helmut Lang, India Rosso, 2023 BA (Hons) Fashion Public Relations and Communication, London College of Fashion, UAL

Student and graduate work

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BA (Hons) Fashion Public Relations and Communication

An introduction to the LCF BA (Hons) Fashion Public Relations and Communications course from students, staff and alumni.

BA (Hons) Fashion Public Relations and Communication

Student work for the brand Fonnesbech.

BA (Hons) Fashion Public Relations and Communication

Student work by Emma Fazakerley.

BA (Hons) Fashion Public Relations and Communication

Student work by Chiana Capacyachi.

Latest news from this course

Staff

Sophia Plessas has been the Course Leader for BA (Hons) Fashion Public Relations and Communication and has taught at LCF since 2013.  She has been a senior academic on a number of courses, specialising in fashion branding and communication for the past thirteen years. Before embarking on an academic career, Sophia worked in the fashion industry as a freelance stylist and producer, styling for a number of international publications.  She possesses extensive branding experience having worked for a leading new product development agency, creating new ideas and concepts for major brands such as Topshop, Oxfam and Virgin, and as a PR executive for the design industry. Sophia Plessas has completed an MA in Arts Administration from City University, London.

Niamh McEnery is a lecturer on the course, and has recently completed a PG Certificate in Academic Practices in Art, Design and Communication at UAL. With over 20 years industry experience, Niamh developed her career in fashion PR working for brands as diverse as Max Mara, Wallis, Red or Dead and Office/Offspring footwear.  Her career has seen her operate in different contexts within the industry; from freelancing to working for boutique fashion agencies in-house, through to the large, award-winning consumer agency, Shine Communications through to being to Marketing Manager for Timberland in the UK, Ireland & Northern Europe. Niamh is passionate and knowledgeable about CSR, employee engagement and business ethics. She continues to share her communications knowledge and skills not only with students but through volunteering for community organisations and charities.

Stephanie Barker Fry is a fashion communications specialist with a career spanning twelve years. She has developed numerous communications campaigns for both contemporary and luxury fashion brands and honed her experience across a variety of companies including Sonia Rykiel, WGSN, Alberta Ferretti, Swarovski and The Bridge Co. Most recently, as fashion communications executive at Swarovski, Stephanie collaborated with international designers including Mary Katrantzou, Marques Almeida and Rodarte, in managing the communication campaigns for the prestigious Swarovski Collective Programme. Stephanie continues to work in industry, nurturing emerging designers and currently consults with several brands in this sector.

Lucy Finnegan After completing a BA (Hons) Media and Communication Studies, Lucy embarked on a career in PR and marketing. After many years working at various London agencies, Lucy went in-house to head up the PR department for PUMA.   After leaving PUMA, and at only 30 years old, she set up her own agency in Shoreditch – Tea & Cake PR – which she eventually sold in 2015.  Over the years, Lucy has worked across many fashion brands – specialising in lifestyle and streetwear including brands such as Nike, Bjorn Borg, Boxfresh, Le Coq Sportif, and Quiksilver.  Lucy continues to work in PR representing brands such as Havaianas, dividing her time between running an agency and lecturing.

Jane Walton is our most recent addition to the Course Team, having worked in industry over the past 20 years as a PR and Brand Communications specialist. Jane is intent on bringing her experience to our students at a critical time for the global fashion landscape where innovative thinking and communications strategies are paramount in helping to shape the future of the industry.  

Committed to finding creative ways to tell brand stories through a blend of media and communications channels, Jane has led campaigns for many iconic lifestyle brands on local, national and global scales across a diverse range of sectors including fashion, retail, sports & fitness.  Previous clients have included include Triumph, Wonderbra, The FA, Martini, Microsoft, HTC, Heineken, Fenwick, Movember, and Channel 4, and she currently consults for number of independent retailers and designers.  
Jane also sit on a voluntary advisory team for East London’s Fashion District initiative, helping to raise the profile and grow opportunities for start-up sustainable fashion businesses throughout Waltham Forest and surrounding areas.

Associate lecturers

Agatha Connolly has been teaching on the course for the last few years, bringing with her over 10 years of fashion PR, marketing and brand consultancy experience. Agatha began her career with the PR Mandi Lennard, where she worked with renowned fashion designers such as Gareth Pugh, Roksanda Ilincic and Henry Holland. She then went on to join the press office at London College of Fashion, nurturing the next generation of creative talent and re-launching the college's Fashion Space Gallery, building its reputation to an international level with exhibitions such as Warpaint: Alexander McQueen, Make-Up and Mad About The Boy.

Now freelance,  she continues to work with Mandi Lennard on high profile parties for clients such as LOVE magazine and M.A.C Cosmetics. She is Creative Consultant to Ryan LO, and has guided his career from graduate level, cultivating a dedicated following of influential style press. Agatha also works closely with writer and curator Lou Stoppard, directing the communications campaigns for exhibitions such as The Hoodie and North: Identity, Photography and Fashion.

Agatha has a BA in English Literature and Philosophy and an MA in Cultural and Critical Studies, with a particular interest in critical theory. Her MA thesis is titled ‘Kathy Acker and her Legacy: Kraus, Laing and the Politics of Mythmaking’ and explores the role of myth in cultural production. In addition to teaching at LCF, she is also a visiting lecturer at Royal College of Art.

Fees and funding

Home fee

£9,250 per year

This fee is correct for entry in autumn 2024 and is subject to change for entry in autumn 2025.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students.

Home fees are currently charged to UK nationals and UK residents who meet the rules. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£28,570 per year

This fee is correct for entry in autumn 2024 and is subject to change for entry in autumn 2025.

Tuition fees for international students may increase by up to 5% in each future year of your course.

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 minimum entry requirements for this course are:

One or a combination of the following accepted full level 3 qualifications.

  • 112 UCAS tariff points from two or more A Levels (preferred subjects include English, a foreign language and Media Studies);
  • Distinction at Foundation Diploma in Art and Design;
  • Distinction, Merit, Merit at BTEC Extended Diploma (preferred subjects Art & Design);
  • Merit at UAL Extended Diploma;
  • Access Diploma or 112 new UCAS tariff points from the Access to HE Diploma;
  • 112 new UCAS tariff points from a combination of the above qualifications or an equivalent full Level 3 qualification;
  • or equivalent EU or non-EU qualifications such as International Baccalaureate Diploma at 25 points minimum;
  • and Five GCSE passes at grade A*-C or grade 9-4, with grade C (grade 4) or above in English.

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
  • 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 each case.

English Language Requirements

IELTS level 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Please check our main English Language Requirements

Selection criteria

The course team seeks to recruit students who can demonstrate:

  • An interest in fashion public relations and the communication of brands
  • A strong interest in fashion and how it is communicated to audiences, such as consumers and the media
  • An enthusiasm for writing and the potential to enhance their writing skills to the professional level required by a strategic communicator
  • An interest in culture, current affairs, trends and the media in all its forms
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the potential to develop a research-based strategy for the client

Apply now

Application deadline

31 January 2024 at 18:00 (UK time)

If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Apply to UAL

Home students can apply to this course through UCAS with the following codes:

University code:

U65

UCAS code:

4T39

Start your application

Apply now

Application deadline

31 January 2024 at 18:00 (UK time)

If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Apply to UAL

International students can apply to this course through UCAS with the following codes:

University code:

U65

UCAS code:

4T39

Start your application
or

Apply with a UAL Representative

Based across the world, our local UAL representatives can support you with your application from your home country. Check to see if there is a representative available in your country currently.

Find your representative

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.

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement should be maximum 4,000 characters and cover the following:

  • Why have you chosen this course? What excites you about the subject?
  • How does your previous or current study relate to the course?
  • Have you got any work experience that might help you?
  • Have any life experiences influenced your decision to apply for this course?
  • What skills do you have that make you perfect for this course?
  • What plans and ambitions do you have for your future career?

Visit the UCAS advice page and our personal statement advice page for more support.

Step 2: Written task

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

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

Written task advice

Please cover the following topics (500 words)

  • Tell us what your favourite brand is and why?
  • Explain how this brand communicates with their audience and why you think this strategy is effective.
  • Please include any visuals to support your argument. Feel free to be creative with the layout.

For more support on how to upload your written task to PebblePad, please see our PebblePad advice.

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.

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

You must apply in the year that you intend to start your course. If you are made an offer and your circumstances change, you can submit a deferral request to defer your place by 1 academic year. You must have met your conditions by 31 August 2024. If you need an English language test in order to meet the entry requirements, the test must be valid on the deferred start date of your course. If not, you will need to reapply. Requests are granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contextual Admissions

This course is part of the Contextual Admissions scheme.

This scheme helps us better understand your personal circumstances so that we can assess your application fairly and in context. This ensures that your individual merit and creative potential can shine through, no matter what opportunities and experiences you have received.

Careers

All of our undergraduate 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:
  • An on-course work experience or placement year. Please note, this is not available on every course; please see the Course Details section for information about work placement opportunities.
  • 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.
Graduates who wish to continue their education at postgraduate level can progress to suitable courses within the College, the University or elsewhere.

Career paths

Many graduates prefer to seek employment as soon as they have completed their undergraduate studies.

Our students secure jobs as PR and communication specialists across the globe.  Recent examples include: Menswear PR Manager - Dior Homme, London; Fashion Assistant, Vogue, London; Junior Press Officer, Celine, London; Communications Executive, Dazed Media; Global Communications Manager, House of Hackney; Junior Account Executive, Purple PR, London; Digital and Print Project Coordinator, Hello Magazine, London; Marketing Manager, Farah Menswear, London; Communication Assistant, Bottega Veneta, Taiwan; Senior Communication Executive, Alexander McQueen, Shanghai, China; Senior PR Coordinator, Miu Miu, New York; and Communication Assistant, Hermes, Benelux.