Applications are open for 2019/20 entry.
Scroll down to the How to apply section below.
Executive MBA (Fashion) is designed for global management and entrepreneurial professionals who wish to develop their business leadership skills.
The Executive MBA has been created for fashion business executives, managers and entrepreneurs. As a specialist programme uniquely focused on the fashion industry, it facilitates the broadening of careers and businesses beyond existing experiences, develops a greater strategic approach and confidence that can support greater responsibilities, roles and business opportunities.
Teaching: Various LCF sites
Contact Denisa Niculescu
London College of Fashion is planning to move to a new single campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in 2022. This is part of a new development for London prioritising culture, education and innovation, known as East Bank. Students studying this course will begin their studies at various current LCF sites and are likely to be transferred to LCF’s new site in East London, to complete their studies there, from September 2022. Please see ‘4Fashion: LCF’s move to the Olympic Park’ for more information about the College’s relocation.
The CMI is recognised by Royal Charter as the professional body for managers in the UK. For managers who want to sharpen their professional edge and enhance their effectiveness your EMBA (Fashion) provides the opportunity to apply for Chartered Manager, the highest status that can be achieved in leadership and management. As a CMI Approved Centre the Fashion Business School supports students and endorses applications on the Exemption Route to Chartered Manager. Furthermore, as the course is accredited by the CMI you have the opportunity to graduate with the additional qualification, CMI level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership.
Hear from the current cohort at London College of Fashion.
Executive MBA (Fashion) students from London College of Fashion attend a Careers Speed Networking Event followed by a networking evening at the Regent Street Coach store.
Students studying Executive MBA (Fashion) were joined by a panel of fashion industry professionals, observers and advisors last night to discuss the challenges and opportunities of Brexit for the industry, […]
Supply chain management has harvested the fruits of globalisation and technological development to place collaboration between partners at the heart of effective B2B relationships. Such collaboration is multi-faceted: standardised processes, […]
As part of the Executive MBA course, students attended an industry talk at the Hospital Club with Matthew Zorpas about blogging, for their Strategic Branding and Marketing Management unit. Matthew launched […]
Executive MBA (Fashion) at London College of Fashion continued their series of events with a fashion business panel discussion on the divide between creative vision and commercial reality, bringing together a […]
Students on the Executive MBA (Fashion) at London College of Fashion last night attended a panel at the City offices of international law firm and LCF supporters Hogan Lovells to […]
The retail industry appears to be in the midst of profound change, with headlines full of store closures, retrenchment and cash flow issues. The finger of blame is often pointed […]
Take a tour of LCF's world renowned fashion library, ideal for research and study.
Take a tour of the lecture theatres and tutor rooms.
Explore our social spaces, for collaborative study and breaks, across our six sites in London.
The Executive MBA (Fashion) is for fashion business executives, directors, managers and growing entrepreneurs. This specialist programme is uniquely focused on the fashion industry, enabling participants to broaden their careers beyond their own specific experiences, developing a greater strategic approach, confidence and understanding that can equip them for more senior roles and greater responsibilities.
This exclusive blended learning programme is delivered by a combination of 6 day face-to-face teaching blocks in London, followed by online seminars, discussions and peer-to-peer learning, taught by some of the most highly respected professionals that the fashion industry and creative academia can offer.
You will be taught by staff with significant business experience and access to the fashion industry through consultancies and research. LCF maintains close relationships with industry leaders, which underpins the EMBA’s focused content, enabling participants to learn from real-life case studies, projects and from industry specialists.
This unique learning experience will provide you with the opportunity to acquire new knowledge and skills to succeed in the widest variety of fashion enterprises. During the course you will be able to enhance your leadership, evaluative, analytical and problem-solving skills by combining your growing theoretical knowledge with the decision-making challenges faced during your work roles.
To complement your post graduate studies at LCF, the course also provides continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities through its “Leadership portfolio” of career coaching resources. Six online coaching activities delivered in tandem with the six specialism units have been designed to support your progress toward senior leadership positions. At the end of the course these CPD activities will be further supported by a two-day Career coaching workshop to complete your learning journey with us here at LCF.
This is a blended learning course, which is delivered through a mixture of face to face attendance and online distance learning.
Face to Face teaching
Candidates will be required to attend in person for six day teaching blocks (three days per unit) three times in their first year. Classes will include a mix of tutor and student-led seminars, group and individual presentations, individual and team responses to case studies, and lectures. Lectures will be supported by guest speakers from fashion and related industries. Case studies will form a further focus for student-led seminar and workshop activity.
Candidates will be required to attend in person for five day teaching blocks two times in their second year.
Industry visits
Relevant site visits are scheduled, allowing candidates restricted behind the scenes access directly related to the unit of study. Recent site visits have offered candidates the opportunity to visit the Net-a-Porter distribution centre and the denim manufacturer Blackhorse Road Atelier.
Networking events
Candidates are offered access to a blend of exclusive industry networking events. These can take the form of panel discussions with high-profile speakers, network events or bespoke executive training sessions. These are followed by the chance to meet the speakers and EMBA contacts over drinks and canapés to network and develop industry contacts.
Online distance learning
The advanced virtual learning environment offers candidates the opportunity to engage with tutor-led live seminars, discussion forums and chat room facilities. This blend of learning provides an accessible, inspiring and flexible space in which to gain this EMBA degree.
Candidates are expected to engage frequently in self-directed peer communication. The latter will help strengthen the strong networking opportunities afforded by the programme.
Global Strategy (20 credits)
Face to face attendance dates: 30 September to 2 October 2019
Strategic Financial Management (20 credits)
Face to face attendance dates: 3 October to 5 October 2019
Product Portfolio Management (20 credits)
Face to face attendance dates: 13 January 2020 to 15 January 2020
Strategic Branding and Marketing Management (20 credits)
Face to face attendance dates: 16 January 2020 to 18 January 2020
Innovative Business Management (20 credits)
Face to face attendance dates: 27 April to 29 April 2020
Global Supply Chain Management and Distribution (20 credits)
Face to face attendance dates: 30 April to 2 May 2020
Consultancy Project Presentations (60 credits)
(only available after completion of all other units)
Face to face attendance dates 1: 7 October to 11 October 2019
Face to face attendance dates 2: 18 to 22 March 2020
The Strategic Theme
The premise whereby the business and its collection of goals, resources and structures is linked via a strategy to the industry and environment is well established within theoretical and practical strategic management thinking. The Global Strategy unit provides the opportunity to understand the principles of strategic management and apply these principles within the twin contexts of a global competitive environment and the innovative forces that are re-defining the fashion organisation. In considering these the unit will provide tools and perspectives available to organise analysis, identify strategic challenges and design an organisational response. These issues will be explored through a global lens where diversities within cultural, legal and operational still exist and where technology has the ability to disrupt existing organisational convention. The unit will engage with these issues through the use of case studies, input from key speakers and from your own business perspectives.
The Strategic Financial Management unit introduces candidates to the financial aspects of running a business and how the management of various forms of capital is critical in the formulation of successful strategies. It is important to trace different kinds of decisions from the strategic to the operational by reviewing and being able to interpret financial statements, budgets and the impact that these different decisions may have on the financial bottom line. You will examine how finance and accounting interact and learn how to tackle the main financial problems you may encounter. You will also be able to understand and analyse the accounts of different fashion companies.
The Fashion Theme
Fashion products are by nature cyclical and ever-changing, subject to trends and wider socio-economical influences. Yet a fashion company needs to manage the creation of a product line in a strategic way that transcends short-term fluctuations and reflects a conscious longer-term direction. In parallel to this, the complex nature of the fashion industry will be explored to re-define ways in which we create and develop fashion using flexible collaborative networks for global markets. The Product Portfolio Management unit explores how 'Product' (be it an entirely new design concept, the development of a whole range or even a service) needs to be created in a manner that is congruent with corporate objectives and values, whilst fashion ranges can be viewed as a portfolio of investments yielding varying returns according to desirability and demand.
The Strategic Branding & Marketing Management unit critically examines the main principles of brand management within a global fashion context. In conjunction with an understanding of the fundaments of consumer behaviour, you will have the opportunity to view the fields of branding and marketing in a holistic manner, examining them both from a strategic and operational perspective. Broader corporate objectives need to be aligned with market positioning and branding strategies so that they maximise performance by using resources effectively. You will have the opportunity to explore the interdependence and impact of these factors on business performance via the use of case studies, analysis of theoretical frameworks and discussions with industry practitioners.
The Management Theme
Within a complex global economy issues of ownership, control and accountability provide the context for corporate governance. This vital element of business organisation aligns interests of various stakeholders such as shareholders, management, employees and external partners to ensure that interests are expressed, aligned and reconciled. These stakeholder relationships are more than an economic exchange. They must also consider social and political interests in people management, legal frameworks and environmental sustainability. As such the Innovative Business Management unit reviews how businesses innovate in the management of the paradoxical relationship between wealth creation and the wider societal context.
The Global Supply Chain & Distribution unit explores vertical integration, alternative supply chain strategies, their impact on critical paths and delivery to market. You will also consider alternative distribution routes, their costs and benefits, and the emergence of e-retailing, ethical issues and sustainability. The development of multiple new routes to market, such as the emergence of e-retailing, has created new levels of complexity in supply chain management that require the simultaneous application of analytical thinking and the delivery of creative solutions. The unit, therefore, is fundamentally concerned with flow of product covering both sourcing and delivery of product to customers, enabling you to evaluate business problems and opportunities arising from buying and merchandising activity across the fashion retailing sector.
The Final Major Project Theme
The Executive MBA (Fashion) Consultancy Project is a significant piece of work that allows you the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired over the course. The project will require you to undertake a rigorous synthesising of practical research activity supported by an academic context. The project focus will reflect a strategic management intervention to current business opportunity and provide realistic implementation recommendations. You may reflect any of the subject areas covered over the course and choose to apply the project to a specific organisation, including your own company or a start-up business. The final submission will need to demonstrate a systematic understanding of contemporary academic thinking and professional problem-solving in the management specialism, with an advanced level of application of both practical skills and theory.
James Clark is course leader for Executive MBA and senior lecturer in buying and merchandising for a number of courses at London College of Fashion. He is the author of Fashion Merchandising: Principles and Practice (Palgrave). James Clark has lectured in buying and merchandising since 2007 and prior to that worked in numerous roles within UK fashion retail businesses such as Debenhams, Viyella and House of Fraser, with his last substantive position being that of head of merchandising. He has consulted with a number of brands including Gant and House of Fraser. Read James Clark's full profile here.
Denisa Niculescu is the Executive MBA (Fashion) and LCF MBA Coordinator for the Fashion Business School at London College of Fashion. She has extensive experience in events and project management and has provided support for a wide range of businesses, from politics and corporate governance to arts and education. Denisa has a BA (hons) in Economical European Studies. Denisa is the first point of contact for Executive MBA candidates, alumni, and potential candidates. She is passionate about providing a rich and bespoke experience to the Executive MBA candidates, ensuring the development of their personal, managerial and leadership skills. Read Denisa Niculescu's full profile here.
Dr Gary Schwarz is a reader at SOAS, University of London. His research focuses on strategy, innovation, and how organisations and individuals can improve their performance. His articles have been published in academic journals, such as British Journal of Management and Public Administration Review. He was the serviceline leader of Performance Management at Deloitte and provides advisory services and management development for numerous organisations around the world. He obtained a Dean’s Award for Excellence in teaching at Harvard University and the Lord Dearing Award for outstanding achievements in enhancing the student learning experience at the University of Nottingham.
Sue Dean brings strong industry experience, coupled with a wide global perspective. Sue progressed from graduate trainee at Miss Selfridge to senior buying and merchandising positions in UK fashion multiples. Since 1990 she has combined consulting to retailers, manufacturers and investors globally, with lecturing at London College of Fashion. UK clients include Marks & Spencer, Arcadia, Debenhams and New Look. International clients include Illum, Copenhagen; Kaubamaja, Estonia; Landmark Group, Dubai; UNIDO, Bangladesh; Commonwealth Secretariat, Sri Lanka and the EU in Turkey. In 2007 she launched Lime Tree Gallery, now an internationally respected art gallery.
Dr Cherie Chen is the subject leader of Finance and Economics and has extensive experience teaching at postgraduate level. She had worked at multinational financial companies such as Standard Chartered Bank, Allianz Assets Management, Zurich Financial Group and Swiss Reinsurance within senior management. Her research area is behavioural finance.
Adrian Guaci has teaching experience in leadership, human resources and business strategy at leading universities. In addition to his contribution to the EMBA at LCF, Adrian lectures management studies at LSE, SOAS and Birbeck College of London. Adrian read a dual MBA in Management and International Business at the Frank G. Zarb School of Buisness in New York, and holds a Masters, Integrated Marketing Communications from San Diego State University and University of Malta. Adrian has led business development teams in New York and London and works in industry consultancy projects.
Dr Shuyu Lin’s expertise lies in value creation and appropriation in the fashion ecosystem. Her research aims to extend the application of network-based strategic management and social capital theories to the discipline of aesthetic innovation. Exploring both structural and relational mechanism in open innovation has been at the centre of her research interest. Following a BA in Journalism, Shuyu pursued her career in the fashion industry as a PR consultant and fashion editor. She then received the degree of MSc in Management with Marketing and PhD in Management from the University of Bath.
Jo Beardsworth's experience and insight in the fashion business spans over 29 years, with roles in senior management and working as an entrepreneur. During this time, she has successfully launched and developed many brands. Over the last four years Jo has focused on personal performance development, to help people grow and manage change. Specialising in leadership, team building, communication, confidence, stress management and motivation. Her style is positive, innovative and commercial. Jo has lectured in business since 2016, creating and delivering modules in leadership, entrepreneurship, personal branding and promotion, strategic management and marketing. Read Jo Beardsworth's full profile here.
Tina Lilienthal is a multi-award winning designer and since founding her own label over 13 year ago has collaborated with major international brands such as Paul Smith, The British Museum, The Museum of Arts & Design NY, Anthropologie and Nordstrom x Nike. Tina has received the Inspirational Speaker Award in the LCF Industry Partner Awards and was twice named Trendsetter in the Professional Jeweller Hot 100 Awards. Her expertise ranges from design, product development, manufacturing, sales, marketing and brand strategy. Read Tina Lilienthal's full profile here.
Julie Dennison is an experienced Senior Lecturer and academic, having extensive experience of teaching and curriculum development at undergraduate and postgraduate level since joining UAL in 2007. prior to her teaching career, Julie worked for over a decade as a Senior Fashion Buyer, specialising in fast fashion and CMT operations for major UK High Street brands such as River Island and Dorothy Perkins. Her research and recent publications have focused on consumer behaviour in digital environments. She holds a BA (Hons) in Textiles and Fashion, a Masters in Strategic Fashion Marketing, a PG Cert in Academic Practice and is a Fellow of the HEA.
We are committed to making university education an achievable option for a wider range of people and to supporting all of our students in achieving their potential both during and after their courses.
We welcome applications from people with disabilities. If you have a disability (e.g. mobility difficulties, sensory impairments, medical or mental health conditions or Asperger’s syndrome) we strongly encourage you to contact us on disability@arts.ac.uk or +44 (0)20 7514 6156 so that we can plan the right support for you. All enquiries are treated confidentially. To find out more, visit our Disability & Dyslexia webpages.
The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:
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:
Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.
IELTS level 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Please check our main English Language Requirements .
Once you have submitted the form, you will receive a confirmation email that includes links to where you should submit the extra information we require for the selection process:
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.
The personal statement is a key opportunity for you to tell us about your suitability for the course.
Key points to consider:
There is no requirement to submit a portfolio for the Executive MBA (Fashion) course. However, if you wish to include a portfolio or other evidence to support your application please note, you may include a URL link to your portfolio within your personal statement.
The course team seeks to recruit students who can demonstrate:
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.
Your application form is reviewed when you apply to the University; it will then be assessed by Academic Reviewers who will select applicants to attend an interview. Please note that not all applicants are invited to attend interview. When you have attended your interview we will advise you of your outcome through your UAL portal.
This section includes all the information you need on how to apply and how your application is considered including entry requirements, selection criteria, making your application, and what happens next.
UK/EU students can apply to a postgraduate course at LCF by completing a direct application.
There are no official deadlines to submit your application. Applications are accepted, and offers are made throughout the year. The course will be closed once spaces are filled so we advise that you apply early.
London College of Fashion does not accept applications for deferred entry. You should therefore apply in the year you wish to study.
All application forms and supporting documents are read and considered by the course team against the selection criteria listed in the Entry Requirements and Selection Criteria sections.
If the course team wish to consider your application further, you will be invited to an interview either in person or via telephone/skype where the course team will look at your portfolio and ask you questions to establish your suitability for the course.
If you are successful at the interview stage you will be offered a place. Applicants are not guaranteed to be asked to upload work, nor are they guaranteed an interview.
Please note that if you are unable to attend interview, the College may not be able to re-schedule.
You will receive the final outcome of your application through your portal. You will only receive further communication directly from the College if your application has been successful. This will be in the form of a full offer pack including details of accommodation, fees, and other important information.
This section includes all the information you need on how to apply and how your application is considered: entry requirements, selection criteria, making your application, and what happens next.
There are two ways international students can apply to a postgraduate course at LCF:
For further advice on how to apply please visit the UAL International Application page.
There are no official deadlines to submit your application. Applications are accepted, and offers are made throughout the year. The course will be closed once spaces are filled so we advise that you apply early.
London College of Fashion does not accept applications for deferred entry. You should therefore apply in the year you wish to study.
All application forms and supporting documents are read and considered by the course team against the selection criteria listed in the Entry Requirements and Selection Criteria sections.
If the course team wish to consider your application further, you will be invited to an interview either in person or via telephone/skype where the course team will look at your portfolio and ask questions to establish your suitability for the course.
If you are successful at the interview stage you will be offered a place. Applicants are not guaranteed to be asked to upload work, nor are they guaranteed an interview.
Please note that if you are unable to attend interview, the College may not be able to re-schedule.
You will receive the final outcome of your application through your portal. You will only receive further communication directly from the College if your application has been successful. This will be in the form of a full offer pack including details of accommodation, fees, and other important information.
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.
2019/2020 entry
£30,000 (Fast Track)
UAL Home/EU alumni receive a £1,000 discount
The 60 credit Consultancy Project unit can only be taken after the successful completion of all other units, totalling 120 credits.
Please note that the unit fee will be adjusted to reflect any changes in the annual tuition fee applicable to the year of study.
2019/20 entry
£30,000 (fast track)
UAL International alumni receive a £1,000 discount
The 60 credit Consultancy Project unit can only be taken after the successful completion of all other units, totalling 120 credits.
Please note that the unit fee will be adjusted to reflect any changes in the annual tuition fee applicable to the year of study.
Postgraduate loans of up to £10,000 are now available for eligible UK and EU students. A full list of eligibility criteria and information on applying can be found on the postgraduate loans webpage.
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:
The Executive MBA (Fashion) offers an opportunity for you to combine the value of a professional education with practical business experience, and is expected to add value to your career as a senior manager by enhancing your capacity to innovate and create by fostering openness of mind, team spirit and responsible behaviour.
Exposure to wider academic life at the College such as access to lectures and research seminars will enrich your understanding of fashion and the industry.
The course is a specialist management programme providing applicants with a tailored qualification that will be of optimum practical use to you in the workplace. We are confident your learning experience on the course will enable you to accelerate your career progression.
Graduates have gone on to work for brands such as Triumph International, John Lewis, Rami Kadi Maison de Couture and set up their own businesses, including Lydia Schoonderbeek, Founder of Source Beauty, Middle East.
This fashion entrepreneurship course develops entrepreneurs who can build and capitalise on the existing strengths in the UK and international fashion industries.
College: London College of Fashion Level: Postgraduate
A fashion retail course aimed at students who wish to pursue a management, or creative, career in omnichannel fashion retailing, to shape current and future international fashion retailing strategy and operations.
College: London College of Fashion Level: Postgraduate
A fashion marketing and management programme with a global reputation for success in launching fashion industry careers.
College: London College of Fashion Level: Postgraduate
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