Skip to main content
Postgraduate

MA Footwear

Delicate black, floral show design themed at fairies and witches.
Student work by Nian Liu | MA Footwear | London College of Fashion | University of Arts London
College
London College of Fashion
Start date
September 2023
Course length
15 months

This specialist footwear masters level course gets students to challenge the concept of footwear design and push conventional notions of shoe design.

Why choose this course at London College of Fashion

  • Where graduates have gone on to work: graduates of this course have progressed into a diverse range of roles within the industry at notable companies including Burberry, Celine, Puma, Adidas, Nike, Georgina Goodman, Hunter Boots and have set up their own brands such as Marko Bakovic and Phedre Calvados.
  • Research recognition: this course is recognised for student research into innovative approaches to footwear design and manufacture.
  • Equipment and facilities: students will have access to industry standard equipment and facilities as well as expert technician support.
  • Focus on Cordwainers heritage: building on a wealth of heritage, the course puts an emphasis on the footwear tradition and craft that the Cordwainers heritage embodies and combines this with the latest technology.
  • Sustainability: students are challenged to engage with specific social, political, cultural, and technological contexts that relate to their self-defined area of studies within the area of footwear, in order to develop new approaches to design practice.

Course overview

The MA Footwear course exists within the Craft Programme, in the School of Design Technology (SDT) at London College of Fashion. The Programme also includes MA Artefact, and 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 Footwear course’s making and theory elements and provide collaborative opportunities and shared resources. 

MA Footwear benefits from close links with industry and with other educational institutions and has a strong focus on research. The course is one of only two MA Footwear courses in the UK and has built a unique core curriculum around a conceptual and innovative approaches to footwear, where footwear is defined as any design for the lower extremities.

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 (20 Credits)
Critical Practice and Research (40 Credits)

Stage 2:

Research Proposal (20 Credits)
Actionism in Context (40 credits)

Block 3:

Masters Project (60 Credits)

Learning and teaching methods

The learning and teaching strategies on the course challenge students to develop innovative solutions through questioning and defining form themselves what footwear means.

The course emphasizes integration of learning from different cultural perspectives through knowledge sharing, and problem solving. Learning and teaching methods focus on critical studio practice where students are active participants in determining areas of investigation and deeper research enquiry. 

Students resolve briefs using a range of methods inspired by contextual discourse and participate in a diverse range of experiences, including lectures, seminars, workshops, technical sessions, master classes, peer learning, seminars, individual and group tutorials, self-directed learning, guest speakers, study trips, and formative and summative assessment.

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

  • Dayeon-Park-4.png
    Work by Dayeon Park
  • 11_28_2017_Eliana_Zurlo_Sport_Shoes_501.jpg
    Work by Eliana Zurlo
  • toes-in-color1.jpg
    Work by Hye Kim
  • JIEYI-2.jpg
    Work by Jie Yi
  • 05-060.jpg
    Work by Naomi Adjei

MA Footwear graduates at London Craft Week 2021

Latest news from this course

  • 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.

  • Chhaap: Transforming Indian Classical Dance with Footwear Innovation
    Aditi Sarna wearing Chhaap | Aditi Sarna 2023

    Chhaap: Transforming Indian Classical Dance with Footwear Innovation

    We interviewed MA Footwear graduate on her final project “Chhaap” by delving into the inspiration and background of her collection of shoes designed to promote healthy feet among Indian classical dancers. The footwear aims to preserve the

  • LCF23: Questioning the definitions of femininity and masculinity with Rui Silva
    Brut Masculinities by Rui Miguel Ribeiro Da Silva - MA Footwear 2023

    LCF23: Questioning the definitions of femininity and masculinity with Rui Silva

    Next in our #LCF23 series, we're chatting with Rui Miguel Ribeiro Da Silva, an MA Footwear graduate who has focused their final collection on questioning the true definitions of femininity and masculinity today.

  • 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.

LCF facilities

  • Library, John Princes Street
    Library, John Princes Street Photography by: Ideal Insight
    LCF library and archives

    Take a tour of LCF's world renowned fashion library, ideal for research and study.

  • MA Footwear Students at Work

    Footwear, accessories and jewellery facilities

    Take a tour of Golden Lane's workshops and leather room.

  • Multi-way green loafer prototype with magnetic snap-on accessories.
    Student work by Yvonne Bainton titled 'Sister Ruby: Deco Jubilee' | BA(Hons) Cordwainers Footwear | London College of Fashion | 2021
    Cordwainers

    Discover more about the history of Cordwainers College and the facilities and archives available at LCF.

  • LCF at Stratford Exterior Design
    LCF at Stratford Exterior Design
    LCF's move

    LCF is moving to a new single campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in 2023. Find more information about the College’s relocation.

Staff

Eelko Moorer

is course leader and an interdisciplinary designer/maker of interior products, footwear and bespoke accessories offering new perspectives on existing typologies and processes through design. His studio combines an experimental practice rooted in academia with commercial work. The Studio works on a variety of commissions and consultancy with outputs ranging from designs for industry, bespoke and catwalk pieces, installation, performance, to short film. His work has been widely exhibited internationally in places such as The Museum Boijmans van Beuningen, The Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, Saatchi Gallery, London and with the British Council and Design Museum, London.

Georgina Goodman

is associate lecturer and runs the Georgina Goodman footwear brand, which has become synonymous with uncompromising style, clarity of vision and discreet originality. Georgina Goodman the designer embodies that philosophy: twice nominated Accessory Designer of the Year by the British Fashion Council, she has established long standing design collaborations, most famously with Lee McQueen, with whom she created iconic shoes for his catwalk collections and the Alexander McQueen label. Over the past ten years Georgina’s shoes have graced the feet of discerning clients and style icons such as Kate Moss and Thandie Newton, drawn by the subtle luxury, stylish inventiveness and attention to detail Georgina is known for. Recently Georgina's unstinting creativity and desire to explore her chosen craft through other art forms led to collaborative projects with artists and filmmakers. Georgina created wearable glass shoes for the film La Douleur Exquise (2014) by Nick Knight, both subsequently shown as part of the Killer Heels exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum in New York and a following USA tour. Alongside her consultancy work, she has been creating couture and art shoes in her design studio and in 2015 Georgina has entered the commercial shoe landscape again with a new business, new team and reinforced vision. The fresh iteration of the Georgina Goodman brand launched in January 2016 with a new e-commerce project, an online Couture Boutique selling one-off and limited edition pieces alongside the GG’s by Georgina Goodman Slippers.

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 footwear design and/or production. 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. 

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 creative industries; 
  • awareness of contemporary footwear companies and designers, fashion, design, architecture, art and/or culture;
  • transferable skills from other disciplines.

Apply now

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.
  • Demonstrate your interest in design and specifically why you want to do a course in footwear design.
  • 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 titled and no more than 900 words (excluding research sources, bibliography and appendices).

It should:

  • describe the context of the proposal;
  • determine the precise area of study you intend to examine;
  • be self-critical and analyse your studio practice;
  • state the aspiration for the realisation of the study proposal; this could be a minimum collection of 8 fully working pairs of shoes, a site specific installation, performance, a film screening.

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.

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 footwear design. Explain how this experience has inspired you to apply to MA Footwear 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 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, we will contact you to invite you to submit this through UAL’s online submission tool, PebblePad. For Round 1 applications, you will need to submit your portfolio by 9 January 2023 at the latest and by 20 April 2023 for Round 2.

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 2 rounds, after each application deadline date. This means you won’t hear from us about the outcome of your application until after the relevant application deadline date. Outcomes for Round 1 will be released by (at the latest) end of March and outcomes for Round 2 will be released by end of June 2023.

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.

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.
  • Demonstrate your interest in design and specifically why you want to do a course in footwear design.
  • 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 titled and no more than 900 words (excluding research sources, bibliography and appendices).

It should:

  • describe the context of the proposal;
  • determine the precise area of study you intend to examine;
  • be self-critical and analyse your studio practice;
  • state the aspiration for the realisation of the study proposal; this could be a minimum collection of 8 fully working pairs of shoes, a site specific installation, performance, a film screening.

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.

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 footwear design. Explain how this experience has inspired you to apply to MA Footwear 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 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

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 framework 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. Marina Chedel (MA Footwear Graduate 16-17) won the first accessory Award at the prestigious fashion festival HYERES, France: SWAROVSKI FASHION ACCESSORIES GRAND PRIX OF THE JURY, 2017

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.

Students find employment in industry working for footwear consultancy companies, working for brands as well as setting up their own shoe business.  Graduates of the course have gone on to work in many roles within the industry, at companies including Burberry Prorsum, Celine, Alexander Wang, Alexander McQueen and Tom Ford. Further employment opportunities include trend prediction, stylist, illustrator and freelance designer.