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Postgraduate

MA Fashion Artefact

Butterfly-shaped wooden eyewear modeled by male in purple suit.
Student work by Yanni Fan | MA Fashion Artefact | London College of Fashion | University of Arts London
College
London College of Fashion
Start date
September 2023
Course length
15 months

This unique masters in fashion product design has an international reputation as a pioneering incubator for the creative designers and practitioners of the future.

Applications closed 2023/24

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course.

Visit the Courses with places available page for a full list of UAL courses that are open for application.

Online/low residency

You can also study a version of this course in an online/low-residency mode.

Why choose this course at London College of Fashion

  • Where graduates have gone on to work: graduates of MA Fashion Artefact have gone on to work in a number of roles within the fashion industry at companies including Burberry Prorsum and Alexander McQueen, Louis Vuitton, Mulberry and Phoebe Philo.
  • Facilities and equipment: MA Fashion Artefact is the only Master’s level course to have factory level equipment that manufacture to industry standards.
  • International recognition: this is the only course nationally and internationally that deals with artefact in its broadest sense. It is internationally recognised by industry leaders for its provocative approach to design, manufacture and the recontextualisation of fashion products for the future.

Open day

The next Virtual Open Event for this course will take place on Wednesday 1 November. Book your place.

Course overview

The MA Fashion Artefact course exists within the Craft Programme, in the School of Design and Technology (SDT) at London College of Fashion. The Programme also includes: MA Footwear BA (Hons) Cordwainers Footwear; BA (Hons) Cordwainers Fashion, Bags & Accessories and BA (Hons) Bespoke Tailoring. The SDT also includes MA Fashion Futures, which closely aligns to the MA Fashion Artefact course’s making and theory elements and provide collaborative opportunities and shared resources.  The course is a globally unique and well-established masters which has developed an international reputation as a pioneering incubator for the creative designers and practitioners of the future.

Climate, Social and Racial Justice

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

Contact us

Register your interest to receive information and updates about studying at UAL.

Contact us to make an enquiry.

Course units

The Course is divided into three 15-week blocks (full-time). The first block is 60 credits and students who successfully complete this block are eligible for the award of a PG Cert. The second block is a further 60 credits and students who complete blocks 1 and 2 are eligible for the award of PG Dip. The third and final block is the Master Project, this is a 60 credit unit and students who successfully complete this block are eligible for the award of an MA. The final award grading is based upon the MA project only. 

Block 1: 

Collaborative Challenge Unit (20 Credits) 
Mastering Studio Methodologies Unit (40 Credits) 

Block 2: 

Research Proposal Unit (20 Credits) 
Analytical Design and Manufacturing Methodologies Unit (40 credits) 

Block 3: 

Masters Project (60 Credits) 

Learning and teaching methods

The learning and teaching strategies focus on individual and small group tutorials and formative and summative assessment points. 

Blended learning environments offer a natural and logic platform for incoming students who have chosen to embark on a personal approach within the four key areas of studio practice that are key to the course philosophy. These four areas are: (1) Regional Craftsmanship and Heritage, (2) Artefact as a political voice, (3) Advanced manufacture and technology (4) Prosthetic design.

The course encourages collaboration allowing students to work with peers from other disciplines, or external partners and to learn critical professional skills to edit and peer reviewing their work and the work of others, in line with the Creative Attributes Framework.

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

  • Lectures; seminars; discussions; tutorials; workshops, demonstrations; critiques; peer review and engagement with the Creative Attributes Framework (CAF).

Graduate Showcase

Explore work by our recent students on the UAL Graduate Showcase

Student and graduate work

  • Jana-Zornik.jpg
  • Maria-Sokolyanskaya.jpg
  • Xiutao-Fu.jpg
  • Yancy-Chen.jpg

MA Artefact graduates at London Craft Week 2021

Why What Who: Ten years of MA Fashion Artefact at London College of Fashion

Latest news from this course

  • MA Fashion Futures student, Kaja Grujic, on her hypnotic dance film, 'Entangled
    Entangled by MA Fashion Futures graduate Kaja Grujic

    MA Fashion Futures student, Kaja Grujic, on her hypnotic dance film, 'Entangled

    MA Fashion Futures graduate, Kaja Grujic, talks about redefining the relationship between humans and nature and combining all her ideas into her hypnotic dance film, 'Entangled'.

  • LCF x Smythson 2023 - A Notebook Collaboration
    LCF x Smythson. Photography by James Rees. Creative Director Rob Phillips. Model Sherin Zavazalova.

    LCF x Smythson 2023 - A Notebook Collaboration

    London College of Fashion and Smythson joined forces to follow 15 artists (students and tutors) through their creative journeys to fill an unlined Smythson Portobello Notebook.

  • LCF x London Craft Week 2023
    LCF x London Craft Week at Golden Lane. May 2023.

    LCF x London Craft Week 2023

    London College of Fashion, UAL hosted a public facing LCF x LCW exhibition of footwear, accessories, jewellery, tailoring and fashion artefacts in the home of craft, Golden Lane.

  • Introducing LCF's new public facing Cultural Programme
    Visitors during a recent LCF graduate exhibition. Photographer: © Ana Blumenkron

    Introducing LCF's new public facing Cultural Programme

    LCF is excited to announce that from September 2023, when it opens the doors to its new home as part of East Bank, it will offer a brand-new, free, cultural programme open to the public.

  • Celebrating LCF Postgraduate Class of 2023
    LCF Postgraduate Class of 2023. Artwork by Lauren Chalmers.

    Celebrating LCF Postgraduate Class of 2023

    LCF are excited to introduce LCF Postgraduate Class of 2023, demonstrating how LCF students look beyond the traditional notions of fashion to imagine a new and exciting future.

Staff

Naomi Filmer

Naomi Filmer is course leader and a contemporary jewellery designer / artist. She makes objects about the body rather than to adorn, treating the body itself as a site for continuing aesthetic inquiry. Her early works gained attention on catwalk created for designers Hussein Chalayan, Alexander McQueen and Anne Valerie Hash and others. Subsequent works have featured in design exhibitions, and recognised for her sculptural forms and varied use of materials. Naomi continues to explore recurrent themes of fragmentation and isolation of the body through objects that explore the tension between art and design, using craft and combined media to push the boundaries between art and accessories. Her work is collected and exhibited internationally in the Crafts Council London, Victoria and Albert Museum London, Boijmans von Beuningen Rotterdam, MUDAC Lausanne, MoMu Antwerp, Trienale Design Museum Milan and elsewhere.

Fees and funding

Home fee

£12,700

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 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.

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

£25,970

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 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

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 related discipline. Applicants with a degree in another subject may be considered, depending on the strength of the application;

OR

  • Relevant and quantitative experience.

All classes are conducted in English. The level required by the University for this course is IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each skill. 

Selection criteria

The course seeks to recruit students who can demonstrate: 

  • A strong commitment and motivation towards a career in an aspect of the fashion and creative industries 
  • An awareness, and relevant experience of, fashion or the creative industries; 
  • High-level knowledge and skills commensurate with planned entry into the defined course including the ability to design and manufacture fashion artefacts. 

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

Apply now

Applications closed 2023/24

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course.

Visit the Courses with places available page for a full list of UAL courses that are open for application.

This section includes all the information you need on how to apply, how your application is considered and what happens next.

UK/EU students can apply to a postgraduate course at LCF by completing a direct application.

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first-served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner. Read our Admissions Policy for details, including how to request a deferral and by when.

External Student Transfer Policy

If you are currently studying at another institution and if you have successfully completed 60 credits in the equivalent units/modules on your current PG course and wish to continue your studies at London College of Fashion, you can apply to transfer. The Admissions Tutor will consider applications on a case by case basis, subject to places being available. You must apply directly to the course via the course webpage as early as possible.

Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and transcripts.

Please be ready to provide an official document (translated into English if necessary) from your current university, explaining the learning outcomes of the units you have completed.

Start your application now

Extra information required for applications to this course


When you are submitting your application form, you will also need to provide the following pieces of documentation in support of your application:

Curriculum Vitae

You will be required to submit a Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) in support of your application. This should include your full education and employment history.

Personal statement

The personal statement is your opportunity to tell us about yourself and your suitability for the course that you intend to study.

Some key points to consider:

  • Make sure that personal statement is your own work and is about you.
  • Explain why you want to study the course you are applying to.
  • Try to link your skills and experience required to the course.
  • Demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm for the course and link these with your personality.
  • Make sure it is organised and literate (grammar, spelling, punctuation check).

Study proposal

Your study proposal should be no more than 900 words (excluding research sources, bibliography and appendices).
It should:

  • State briefly the background for the proposal.
  • Determine the precise area of study.
  • Set out clearly and concisely your aims and objectives for the period of study within the course structure.
  • Refer to critical ideas that may underpin your practice.
  • State the form of realisation/ outcome of the study proposal.

Your study proposal should have the following structure:

Introduction
Introduce your work. Briefly outline recent developments prior to application. Describe the anticipated programme of study in detail, demonstrating your knowledge of the historical and contemporary context of your area of study. Focus on specific areas or issues that underpin and frame the proposal.

Programme of study
Outline the sequence of practical, theoretical and research that you intend to follow. This will be vital to your programme of study in the development stage in which the Study Proposal will progress and take shape.
For example, describe in detail the methodologies that you follow and their significance for the design process. (Advice and support will be offered by tutors on the course). Any supporting material should appear in the Appendices at the end of the proposal.

Evaluation
Evaluate your work to date. Draw any conclusions you are able to make.

Research sources
Give details of libraries, exhibitions, museums, galleries and special archives that you have visited as part of your research towards the proposal.

Bibliography
Keep a full record of all original and documentary material consulted. List appropriate material using the Harvard Referencing System.

Appendices
Insert any additional material that you consider relevant but not part of the core of the study proposal. This could include links to notes, drawings and additional research material.

Portfolio

You will be required to submit a digital portfolio with a maximum of 30 images that you consider would help support your application. Submit your portfolio via the university’s digital portfolio tool, PebblePad. More details will be sent to you after you have submitted your application. Label and present any visual work with care, including dates and captions.

Video task


We’d like you to submit a 2-3 minute video to help us learn more about you.

Please speak clearly in English and face the camera. Read our guidance for how to submit your video task and which file types we accept.

Your video task should cover the following topics:

We would like you to identify one project from your portfolio which challenged you and your understanding of MA Fashion Artefact. Explain how this experience has inspired you to apply to MA Fashion Artefact at LCF.

What happens next

All application forms, personal statements and relevant documents are read and considered by the course team against the selection criteria listed in the Entry requirements and Selection Criteria sections.

Depending on the quality of your application, you may be asked to submit a number of images of your work. For this course your portfolio could include: drawings; photographs of realised designs; speculative design; sketch work; process; and photographs. Label and present any visual work with care, including dates and captions.

If the course team wish to consider your application further, you will be invited to attend an interview. If you are selected for interview, these will take place online using Teams from Microsoft – please ensure that you download this software prior to the interview date; this is available as a free download from the Microsoft website. We will send you further details at a later point about how we will connect with you for your interview.

If you are selected for interview you will be asked to bring a portfolio of previous work, including developmental work where possible, and three artefact products you have made to evidence your skills.

If you are successful at the interview stage you will be offered a place. Please note that applicants are not guaranteed an interview.

Please note that if you are unable to attend, the College may not be able to re-schedule.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

The result of your application will be communicated to you through your UAL Portal. If your application has been successful, you will receive a full offer pack including details of accommodation, fees, and other important information.

Applications for this course can only be accepted for this year of entry. Applications for deferred entry cannot be accepted.

Application deadline

19 December 2022 and 3 April 2023

Our equal consideration deadlines have now passed. This course will remain open to applications for 2023 entry until places have been filled. Please be aware that courses can close without notice.

We recommend you submit your application as early as possible to allow the Admissions team to resolve any initial queries about your application as quickly as possible.

When you'll hear from us

If this course requires a digital portfolio as part of the application process, you will be invited to submit this through UAL’s online submission tool, PebblePad. We will request this separately after initial processing of your application is complete. Once we request your portfolio, you will have 7 days to submit it.

Once you’ve sent in your application, this will be sent through to our course teams for review. Find out more about what happens after you apply.

Applications closed 2023/24

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course.

Visit the Courses with places available page for a full list of UAL courses that are open for application.

This section includes all the information you need on how to apply, how your application is considered and what happens next.

There are 2 ways international students can apply to a postgraduate course:

Read our immigration and visa information to find out if you need a visa to study at UAL.

You can only apply to the same course once per year. Any duplicate applications will be withdrawn.  Read the UAL international application advice for further information on how to apply.

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first-served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner. Read our Admissions Policy for details, including how to request a deferral and by when.

External Student Transfer Policy

If you are currently studying at another institution and if you have successfully completed 60 credits in the equivalent units/modules on your current PG course and wish to continue your studies at London College of Fashion, you can apply to transfer. The Admissions Tutor will consider applications on a case by case basis, subject to places being available. You must apply directly to the course via the course webpage as early as possible.

Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and transcripts.

Please be ready to provide an official document (translated into English if necessary) from your current university, explaining the learning outcomes of the units you have completed.

Start your application now

Extra information required for applications to this course


When you are submitting your application form, you will also need to provide the following pieces of documentation in support of your application:

Curriculum Vitae

You will be required to submit a Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) in support of your application. This should include your full education and employment history.

Personal statement

The personal statement is your opportunity to tell us about yourself and your suitability for the course that you intend to study.

Some key points to consider:

  • Make sure that personal statement is your own work and is about you.
  • Explain why you want to study the course you are applying to.
  • Try to link your skills and experience required to the course.
  • Demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm for the course and link these with your personality.
  • Make sure it is organised and literate (grammar, spelling, punctuation check).

Study proposal

Your study proposal should be no more than 900 words (excluding research sources, bibliography and appendices).
It should:

  • State briefly the background for the proposal.
  • Determine the precise area of study.
  • Set out clearly and concisely your aims and objectives for the period of study within the course structure.
  • Refer to critical ideas that may underpin your practice.
  • State the form of realisation/ outcome of the study proposal.

Your study proposal should have the following structure:

Introduction
Introduce your work. Briefly outline recent developments prior to application. Describe the anticipated programme of study in detail, demonstrating your knowledge of the historical and contemporary context of your area of study. Focus on specific areas or issues that underpin and frame the proposal.

Programme of study
Outline the sequence of practical, theoretical and research that you intend to follow. This will be vital to your programme of study in the development stage in which the Study Proposal will progress and take shape.
For example, describe in detail the methodologies that you follow and their significance for the design process. (Advice and support will be offered by tutors on the course). Any supporting material should appear in the Appendices at the end of the proposal.

Evaluation
Evaluate your work to date. Draw any conclusions you are able to make.

Research sources
Give details of libraries, exhibitions, museums, galleries and special archives that you have visited as part of your research towards the proposal.

Bibliography
Keep a full record of all original and documentary material consulted. List appropriate material using the Harvard Referencing System.

Appendices
Insert any additional material that you consider relevant but not part of the core of the study proposal. This could include links to notes, drawings and additional research material.

Portfolio

You will be required to submit a digital portfolio with a maximum of 30 images that you consider would help support your application. Submit your portfolio via the university’s digital portfolio tool, PebblePad. More details will be sent to you after you have submitted your application. Label and present any visual work with care, including dates and captions.

Video task


We’d like you to submit a 2-3 minute video to help us learn more about you.

Please speak clearly in English and face the camera. Read our guidance for how to submit your video task and which file types we accept.

Your video task should cover the following topics:

We would like you to identify one project from your portfolio which challenged you and your understanding of MA Fashion Artefact. Explain how this experience has inspired you to apply to MA Fashion Artefact at LCF.

What happens next

Immigration History Check

After you have applied, you will need to complete an Immigration History Check to identify whether you are eligible to study at UAL. Do be aware, if you do not complete the Immigration History Check we will not be able to proceed with your application.

Initial application check

All application forms, personal statements and relevant documents are read and considered by the course team against the selection criteria listed in the Entry requirements and Selection Criteria sections.

Depending on the quality of your application, you may be asked to submit a number of images of your work. For this course your portfolio could include: drawings; photographs of realised designs; speculative design; sketch work; process; and photographs. Label and present any visual work with care, including dates and captions.

If the course team wish to consider your application further, you will be invited to attend an interview. If you are selected for interview, these will take place online using Teams from Microsoft – please ensure that you download this software prior to the interview date; this is available as a free download from the Microsoft website. We will send you further details at a later point about how we will connect with you for your interview.

. If you are selected for interview you will be asked to bring a portfolio of previous work, including developmental work where possible, and three artefact products you have made to evidence your skills.

If you are successful at the interview stage you will be offered a place. Please note that applicants are not guaranteed an interview.

Please note that if you are unable to attend, the College may not be able to re-schedule.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

The result of your application will be communicated to you through your UAL Portal. If your application has been successful, you will receive a full offer pack including details of accommodation, fees, and other important information.

Applications for this course can only be accepted for this year of entry. Applications for deferred entry cannot be accepted.

Application deadline

19 December 2022 and 3 April 2023

Our equal consideration deadlines have now passed. This course will remain open to applications for 2023 entry until places have been filled. Please be aware that courses can close without notice.

We recommend you submit your application as early as possible to allow the Admissions team to resolve any initial queries about your application as quickly as possible.

When you'll hear from us

This course receives a high volume of applications. We need to make sure that we give all applications equal consideration, so the course team will review them in two rounds. This means that offers won’t be sent to successful applicants until after the relevant application deadline date. Outcomes for Round 1 will be released by 31 March 2022 and outcomes for Round 2 will be released by 30 June 2022.

Remember to check the outcome of your application in the UAL Portal. If you apply in Round 1 and don’t hear back from us, we will consider your application within Round 2.

Find out more about what happens after you apply.

After you apply

After you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal. We’ll use this Portal to contact you to request any additional information, including inviting you to upload documents or book an interview, so please check it regularly.

Once we’ve reviewed and assessed your application, we’ll contact you via the UAL Portal to let you know whether your application has been successful.

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 MA Fashion Artefact will be in a position to gain employment as innovators within the field of fashion design or object based fashion artefacts / accessories and may identify a fashion house, large corporate company or alternatively choose to build their own identity through the launch of their own product/design label. Graduates of MA Fashion Artefact have previously gone on to set up their own labels and work in a number of roles within the industry at companies including Burberry Prorsum and Alexander McQueen. Further employment opportunities include trend prediction, stylist, illustrator and freelance designer.

Masters graduates have an acknowledged advantage in the employment market, obtaining work in a wide range of vocational and academic fields related to fashion. Graduates from the MA Fashion Artefact will be in a position to gain employment as innovators within the fields of fashion design and technology, fashion communications, or management and marketing for the fashion 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, in both practice and theory.