Course units
Block 1
Theoretical Approaches (20 Credits)
This unit introduces key theories and concepts for the critical study of fashion, dress, and storytelling. Drawing on cultural studies, sociology, gender studies, philosophy, anthropology, economics, politics and art history, it explores key theoretical approaches that have shaped Fashion Studies and related fields. Through reading, discussion, and writing, you will examine how theory can be used to interpret fashion histories, cultures, and narratives, and how stories about fashion are shaped by power, representation, and context. The unit supports you in developing an independent analytical voice and a strong foundation for postgraduate research and writing.
Research in Practice (20 Credits)
This unit focuses on the ethical, collaborative and socially engaged dimensions of carrying out fashion research with institutions, individuals, and communities. Working with peers and, where appropriate, with cultural or industry partners, you will respond to a live or set brief through research in action. The unit introduces a range of methods appropriate to professional and public-facing contexts, and supports you in developing research for different audiences. It emphasises collaboration, critical reflection, project management and communication, while encouraging you to consider how storytelling can be used to shape, share and apply fashion knowledge.
Fashion Narratives: Histories (20 Credits)
This unit examines fashion history through the lens of narrative, exploring how histories of dress are constructed, communicated and contested across theoretical and curatorial contexts. Delivered by experts from London College of Fashion and the V&A, you will engage with key moments, objects and frameworks that have shaped the discipline of fashion history, while questioning how and why certain stories come to be told. You will develop a critical historiography to evaluate key disciplinary themes that typify the evolving relationship between fashion, dress and history and you will define an area of personal focus. Running across both the Fashion Curation and Fashion Cultures and Histories pathways, this unit fosters interdisciplinary exchange, critical dialogue, and a shared research culture across the course.
Block 2
Fashion Narratives: Dialogues (20 Credits)
Building on your exploration of fashion histories, this unit engages with emerging and established research and practice across a range of disciplines to explore storytelling in fashion across its multiple iterations. You will consider the centrality of stories to cultures of fashion and dress, and you will evaluate how the framing of cultural narratives shapes our understanding of individual and collective identities. This unit will help you develop a sound understanding of how the stories we tell shape human society and culture, both forming and informing our understanding of historical knowledge. Again, this unit runs across both the Fashion Curation and Fashion Cultures and Histories pathways, fostering critical discourse and a shared research culture across the course.
Research Proposal (20 Credits)
In preparation for your final Masters Project, this unit introduced a range of qualitative and interdisciplinary research methods appropriate to Fashion Histories, Cultures, Fashion Studies, and storytelling. You will consider how research questions are developed, how primary and secondary sources are identified and evaluated, and how methodology influences the kinds of stories research can present. Through proposal development, literature review, and formative writing, you will begin to define the scope, rationale, and methods of your Masters Project.
Elective Units (20 credits)
Students will have the opportunity to participate in an elective unit as part of this course. This is an opportunity for students to collaborate with students from other courses within the college.
The following is an example list of electives that have been previously delivered:
- Creative Decision Making for Fashion Enterprise
- Cultural Programming
- Fashion Politics and Cultures
- Fashion Practices for Social Change
- Fashion Together: Collaboration for Innovation
Please note:
- Elective unit titles and details of the unit may change year to year
- Elective units offered may change year to year, that is, unit listed above may or may not be offered in subsequent years
- Students participate in a bidding process for choosing electives and participation in any particular elective is not guaranteed.
Block 3
Masters Project (60 Credits)
The Master’s Project is the final stage of the course and the culmination of your studies. It provides an opportunity to synthesise the knowledge, methods and skills developed across the programme through an independent, research-led project. You will negotiate the focus and direction of your project with your supervisor and develop a sustained piece of postgraduate work grounded in robust research, critical analysis and clear communication. On this pathway, “practice” refers to research practice, academic practice and, where appropriate, public-facing forms of knowledge dissemination rather than studio-based production. The Master’s Project will demonstrate your ability to make an original contribution to understanding fashion, dress and culture, and to communicate that contribution through a clearly shaped and critically informed narrative.
