The Executive MBA (Fashion) is for busy international professionals working at a senior level, who wish to progress to a leadership role.
This EMBA fashion programme combines short face-to-face teaching blocks and networking events in London with accessible, online distance learning. Participants are able to broaden their careers and develop a greater strategic approach. Two study routes are available: Fast Track and Flexible Learning - more below.
Two study routes are available: an 18-month Fast Track option designed to complement full time employment, and a Flexible Learning option, which is a unit-by-unit approach and allows candidates up to 5 years to complete.
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 3 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.
Big Data - Managing the disruptive forces of the fashion industry This first report by the Fashion Advisory Council considers the evolution of Big Data within the fashion industry at a time of immense change and uncertainty. Read it here
Visa information: Please note that students offered a place on this course will NOT be issued with a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies). The Home Office have previously confirmed that the Short-term study visa route is the appropriate one for a distance learning course for students who need to spend short periods of time in the UK. For more information please check: www.gov.uk/study-visit-visa.
Please note that we cannot guarantee that the current immigration rules will remain the same over the period of your study.
Teaching: Various LCF sites and Wallacespace Wallacespace Covent Garden
Contact Denisa Niculescu
emba@fashion.arts.ac.uk or use this register your interest form.
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.
This animation explains the two options for structuring your executive studies 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.
Each term our Executive MBA (Fashion) business minds take an in-depth look at the fashion industry and wider issues that are having a knock-on effect on supply chains, management, cultural changes and […]
London College of Fashion and Clique Brands UK launched a partnership this year that allows students from the Fashion Business School access to their community of industry figureheads in fashion, […]
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, […]
The latest Executive MBA (Fashion) panel discussion focused on leadership and talent management, an increasingly popular topic as navigating the uncertain waters of 21st-century business management enters a global shift towards nationalism […]
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 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, […]
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 3 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 fashion 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 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 evaluative, analytical and problem-solving skills by combining your growing theoretical knowledge with the decision-making challenges faced during your work roles.
Fast track:
Flexible learning:
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 a maximum six days every three months (three days per unit). 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.
Industry visits
Site visits are scheduled for each attendance block, allowing candidates restricted behind the scenes access directly related to the unit of study. Recent site visits have offered candidates the opportunity to visit a working factory at Margaret Howell, and to discuss up to the minute strategies and figures with the HR and Finance Directors in the boardroom at the Superdry Flagship store.
Networking events
Candidates are offered access to exclusive evening industry networking events in the form of panel discussions with high-profile speakers, which are followed by the chance to meet the speakers and academics over drinks and canapés to further discuss points raised during the debate.
Recent events include ‘The Global Menswear Market: Challenges and Opportunities for Growth’ and ‘Global Luxury Consumption: The Future of Exclusivity’, with panel members including Michael Ward, Managing Director of Harrods; Maurice Mullen, Head of Fashion and Luxury at the London Evening Standard; Eric Musgrave, Drapers Editorial Director; Peter Ruis, CEO at Jigsaw; and Eleanor Robertson, Buying Manager at Selfridges.
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.
International fashion city excursion
The Product Portfolio Management unit encompasses an international fashion city excursion to look at global retailing with particular emphasis on design and retail concepts.In June 2016, the excursion was located in Italy’s fashion capital Milan and included dedicated visits to local manufacturing and retailing fashion businesses.
Strategic Financial Management (20 credits)
Attendance dates: Monday 8 January 2018 à Wednesday 10 January 2018
Industry networking evening event: Wednesday 10 January 2018
Consultancy Project Presentations (60 credits)
(only available after completion of all other units)
Attendance dates presentations: Monday 19 March 2018 à Tuesday 20 March 2018
Leadership and Strategic Human Resource Management (20 credits)
Attendance dates: Monday 9 April 2018 à Wednesday 11 April 2018
Industry networking evening event: Wednesday 11 April 2018
Strategic Branding and Marketing Management (20 credits)
Attendance dates: Thursday 12 April 2018 à Saturday 14 April 2018
Industry networking evening event: Wednesday 11 April 2018
Product Portfolio Management (20 credits)
Attendance dates: Monday 9 July 2018 à Wednesday 11 July 2018
International Fashion City Excursion: Thursday 12 July 2018 à Saturday 14 July 2018
Global Supply Chain and Distribution (20 credits)
Attendance dates: Monday 1 October 2018 – Wednesday 3 October 2018
Industry networking evening event: Wednesday 3 October 2018
Global Strategy and the Fashion Organisation (20 credits)
Attendance dates: Thursday 4 October 2018 – Saturday 6 October 2018
Industry networking evening event: Wednesday 3 October 2018
Consultancy Project (60 credits)
(only available after completion of all other units)
Attendance dates: Monday 8 October 2018 – Friday 12 October 2018
Industry networking evening event: Wednesday 10 October 2018
Strategic Financial Management (20 credits)
Attendance dates: Monday 7 January 2019 – Wednesday 9 January 2019
Industry networking evening event: Wednesday 9 January 2019
Consultancy Project Presentations (60 credits)
(only available after completion of all other units)
Attendance dates: Monday 18 March 2019 – Tuesday 19 March 2019
Leadership and Strategic Human Resource Management (20 credits)
Attendance dates: Monday 8 April 2019 – Wednesday 10 April 2019
Industry networking evening event: Wednesday 10 April 2019
Strategic Branding and Marketing Management (20 credits)
Attendance dates: Thursday 11 April 2019 – Saturday 13 April 2019
Industry networking evening event: Wednesday 10 April 2019
Product Portfolio Management (20 credits)
Attendance dates: Monday 8 July 2019 – Wednesday 10 July 2019
International Fashion City Excursion: Thursday 11 July 2019 – Saturday 13 July 2019
The Global Supply Chain and Distribution unit explores vertical integration, alternative supply chain strategies, their impact on critical paths and delivery to market, as well as alternatives 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 on the one hand sourcing and on the other delivery of product to customers, enabling you to evaluate business problems and opportunities arising from buying and merchandising activity across the fashion retailing sector.
Organisations and brands frequently need to be refreshed and repositioned as the global competitive environment changes around them. The Global Strategy and the Fashion Organisation 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 bigger an organisation gets and the higher up in the organisational hierarchy an executive is positioned the more he/she manages work flow and delivers results via other people's work outputs. Creating teams, motivating individuals and managing outcomes therefore become crucial in determining strategies. The Leadership and Strategic Human Resource Management unit will enable you to analyse and apply leading-edge thinking in the practice of HR management in the context of leadership and business ethics, employee resourcing, talent cultivation and development/performance management. The unit focuses on exploring the nature of 'leadership' as a personal attribute and the development of skills that are essential for effective management. Communication, negotiation, presentation skills, team building, intrapreneurship and entrepreneurship are some of the areas covered within this unit. You will have the opportunity to reflect on your current skill set, develop a set of personal aims and engage in actively enhancing the skills that support your own chosen aims.
The Strategic Branding and 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.
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 Consultancy Project unit is the capstone of your course. It provides the challenge and opportunity of applying the learning and skills you have gained during the EMBA course to pursue, with tutorial support, a personally directed research project. The research project will be focussed on addressing and solving a problem within a company of your choice. With a tutor to guide the construction of the report and an expert supervisor helping you focus on the theoretical and practical specifics of your enquiry you will explore, accurately diagnose and analyse a problem within a company. You will use available theoretical models, evaluate alternatives and propose effective solutions. In your final submitted project you will need to have demonstrated your competence in evaluating and analysing the complex factors revealed by your project. Having analysed the issues you will then need to explore a range of solutions, demonstrating a clear understanding of their effects in terms of costs and benefits to the company and its market position. You will finally put forward a proposal articulating fully the rationale of your chosen solution. To accompany your written report you will deliver a presentation to a panel of fashion practitioners and academics.
James Clark is Acting 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' full profile (ADD LINK)
Denisa Niculescu is the Executive Education Co-ordinator for Fashion Business School, London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London. 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 Bachelor’s Degree in Economical European Studies. Initially part of the Craft and Product Programme teams, for her current role within London College of Fashion 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.
Liz Gee is is Associate Dean (acting) of the Fashion Business School and a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and as a Chartered Manager is a member of the CMI. Liz has fashion industry financial experience as Treasurer of Debenhams plc and as a Corporate Banker with Barclays plc. Liz completed her MA in Academic Practice at UAL in 2014 with a thesis on the pedagogy of enterprise and employability and recently received a UAL award for Teaching Excellence. Liz’s subject related research interests lie in new funding paradigms for fashion businesses and she is currently writing several chapters of a textbook of Strategic Fashion Management. Read Liz's full profile (ADD LINK)
Kirsty Herd is Lecturer in Retail Management/Operations/Strategy. Kirsty has worked in the fashion industry for over ten years as buyer and then a business development and innovation expert working for Harrods, Lyle & Scott and Gloverall in Europe, the USA and the Far East. Kirsty has extensive experience in fashion retailing from store management and retail operations to buying, merchandising and new business innovations. She is a graduate of Glasgow Caledonian University with a BA in Business and an MSc in Fashion Marketing. Her research interests lie in the future of fashion, with particular interest in how new technologies in both retail and product are engaging, converting and retaining consumers.
Lisa Henderson is a Lecturer in Human Resources Management and studied MSc International Human Resource Management at Kingston University. She is accredited to the Chartered Management Institute as Chartered Manager and is an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. In her twenty year career she has worked globally in the retail Operations specialism developing SME and start-up businesses. Her role as an industry practitioner with experience in leading, managing and developing talent within organisations has led Lisa into higher education teaching where she teaches at under and post graduate level. She has several research interests that include the future of the workforce, women in retail and generational challenges within team work. She has contributed to the Strategic Fashion Management textbook.
Dr Ana Roncha is a post-doctoral research fellow in Enterprise, Collaborations and Innovation at the London College of Fashion (University of the Arts London, UK). She also lectures in the fields of fashion branding and strategic marketing. Ana holds a PhD in Design and Marketing Management for the Fashion Industry and previous degrees in communication with a focus in Fashion. With over 10 years of experience creating high-impact strategic programs for international fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands, Ana has previously worked in house as a Brand and Marketing Communication Manager in the USA, UK and Portugal as well as on Branding and Communication Studios for brands such as Puma, L'Oreal, MoMa, Salsa Jeans and Guy Laroche.
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 and 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. Sue has delivered training programmes in the UK, Argentina, the UAE, Hong Kong, China and Turkey. In 2007 she launched Lime Tree Gallery, now an internationally respected art gallery.
Matteo Montecchi is (acting) Fashion Management Programme Director. His expertise is strategic marketing for fashion, lifestyle and luxury products, digital and social media marketing for luxury brands and online retailing. He has extensive experience in teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate level, including MBA and executive courses, both in the context of specialist fashion colleges and business schools. Previously Matteo worked at GCU London/The British School of Fashion where he held the position of Senior Lecturer and Course Director of the MBA Luxury Brand Management.
Nathalie Khan teaches fashion history and theory at Central Saint Martins and London College of Fashion. She is also a guest lecturer at Sotheby’s Institute of Art in New York, the University of Bologna and The Condé Nast School of Fashion and Design in London. Khan is a leading theorist and writer on contemporary fashion media and the impact of new technology on the traditional catwalk show and fashion photography. Before pursuing a career in academia Nathalie worked as a brand consultant for Kurt Geiger and as a sales and distribution manager for global brands such as Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Pollini and Prada.
We are committed to making university education an achievable option for a wider range of people and seek to recruit students from diverse socio-economic, cultural and educational backgrounds. We are committed to supporting all our students in achieving their potential both during and after their courses.
This section includes information on how to apply, course entry requirements and selection criteria.
2017/18 entry
Please note, this course has places available for UK and EU applicants only for 2017/18 entry.
2018/19 entry
Applications for 2018/19 entry will open in Autumn 2017.
Both Home/EU and international students can apply for this course using our online application form – the link to this is below. Before you apply, we recommend you take some time to read the following details about the application process, including guidance on the extra information we will ask you to provide.
You will need to enter the following information in the online application form:
Before you can submit the form, you’ll also need to agree to the terms and conditions for how we process your data – these are explained in the form.
Please note, if you’re an international applicant we will need to contact you separately to ask for copies of certain documents (for example, English language qualification/certificate and copies of any previous UK study visas).
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:
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.
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.
Applications are accepted and offers made, throughout the year. Early application is advised.
Apply for Executive MBA Flexible 17/18
Apply for Executive MBA Fast Track 18/19
Apply for Executive MBA Flexible 18/19
The application form can be saved as you fill it out, so you don’t need to complete it all at once. You will also have the chance to review all the information and make any necessary amendments before you submit the application form.
We will send you emails as you progress through the application process, so do check your inbox (and junk folder, just in case). These emails will contain important information about your application, and links to the online forms you should use to submit the extra information required.
Applicants are invited to apply who can demonstrate the following:
AND
Exceptionally, applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered if the course team decides that the application demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by: related academic or work experience; the quality of the personal statement or a combination of these factors.
All classes are conducted in English. If English is not your first language you will be asked to provide evidence of your English language ability when you enrol.
The level required by the University for this course is IELTS 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in any one skill.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and it can be taken in more than over 140 countries.
For more details regarding English language requirements, please visit the UAL Language Requirements page. Please read the information carefully and look at the relevant documents.
What we look for
The course team seeks to recruit students who can demonstrate:
Portfolio and interview advice
All applications will be considered by the course team, and suitable candidates will be invited for interview. You are not guaranteed an interview.
£30,000 (Fast Track)
UAL Home/EU alumni receive a £1,000 discount (Fast Track route only)
£3,340 per 20 credit unit (flexible learning)
£10,020 per 60 credit unit (flexible learning)
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.
UAL Home/EU alumni receive a £1,000 discount (Fast Track route only).
£30,000 (fast track)
£3,340 per 20 credit unit (flexible learning)
£10,020 per 60 credit unit (flexible learning)
The 60 credit Consultancy Project unit can only be taken after the successful completion of all other units, totaling 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.
UAL International alumni receive a £1,000 discount (Fast Track route only).
In addition to tuition fees you are very likely to incur additional costs such as travel expenses and the cost of materials. Please read the information on our additional costs page.
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