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Postgraduate

MA Fashion Entrepreneurship and Innovation

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Digital model facing varying directions with pink background
Work by MA Fashion Entrepreneurship and Innovation student, Fernanda Bernardi.
College
London College of Fashion Start date
September 2022 Course length
12 months

MA Fashion Entrepreneurship and Innovation equips fashion creatives and entrepreneurs with the essential skills and toolkit to launch and scale new businesses effectively and offers unrivalled networks across all sectors of the fashion industry.

Based on ‘learning by doing’ principles, the course offers a dynamic and immersive entrepreneurial experience. Team entrepreneurs learn through experimentation, by testing and validating their ideas in the ‘real world’, supported by dedicated and experienced team coaches. Bootcamps and International collaborations offer valuable insights into fashion business strategy and operations, leadership and team working in fashion-tech, fashion clothing and social enterprise, in the UK and global fashion markets.

Why choose this course at London College of Fashion

  • Learn real-world skills: Learning by doing and team learning increases your self-confidence and understanding of real-world business skills and empowers you to build and scale a fashion business.
  • Coaching and peer support: Experienced team coaches and peer coaching support you to identify action plans to work continuously towards establishing and attaining your individual and team professional goals.
  • Industry and Alumni links: Working with an extensive network of UK and international alumni, academic and industry partners across the fashion industry provides opportunities for you to develop long lasting relationships and your own network of contacts.
  • Where graduates have gone on to work: Our alumni and partner network includes: Stella McCartney, Inditex, Swarovski, Holition, LN-CC, Institut Français de la Mode (Paris), Mondragon Team Academy (Bilbao).

Location

This course is based at John Prince’s Street, Oxford Circus. Find out about the local area, including Marylebone, Mayfair and Soho, in our local area guides on the Student Life pages.

LCF’s move

London College of Fashion is planning to move to a new single campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in 2023. This is part of a new development for London, prioritising culture, education and innovation, known as East Bank. Some students studying this course from September 2021 may start their studies in Mare Street and transfer to LCF’s new site in East London to complete them. Please see LCF’s move to the Olympic Park for more information about the College’s relocation.

Chartered Management Institute

The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) is recognised by Royal Charter as the professional body for managers in the UK, with qualifications designed to support the development of management and leadership skills and enable learners to identify the links between coaching, mentoring and the achievement of business goals. In line with the key teaching and learning strategy of team coaching, MA Fashion Entrepreneurship and Innovation has been accredited by the CMI giving you the opportunity to graduate with an additional qualification: the CMI Level 5 Award in Management Coaching and Mentoring.

Fashion Business School Summit 2017

Fashion Business School Summit 2016

Latest news from this course

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.

  • Business facilities at JPS and High Holborn

    Business facilities at High Holborn

    Take a tour of lecture theatres and tutorial rooms across our central London sites.

  • Mare Street Canteen

    LCF's social spaces

    Explore our social spaces, for collaborative study and breaks, across our six sites in London.

Course overview

The MA Fashion Entrepreneurship & Innovation forms part of a portfolio of postgraduate courses in the Fashion Business School, London College of Fashion. Building on London College of Fashion’s world-renowned reputation for industry aligned programmes, this pioneering course was established to support the development of new businesses and corporate ventures in the fashion sector.

MA Fashion Entrepreneurship & Innovation is aimed at graduates with a distinct vision of innovation in fashion who want to construct their own entrepreneurial venture or intrapreneurial project within a larger fashion organisation. In a highly competitive, global fashion marketplace, entrepreneurs generate new business models and seek to disrupt and challenge the market status quo by creating value through state-of-the-art products and services in the fashion industry. Micro, small and medium sized enterprises are the catalysts for economic growth and employment. These enterprises require effective teamwork and entrepreneurial leaders who are resilient, skilled at handling uncertainty, measuring progress and building viable businesses through continuous innovation.

The course focuses on applied entrepreneurship and actionable theory in a real-world context. The ‘learning by doing’ ethos of the course is underpinned by teamwork and an innovative, self-determined approach to learning. The ‘team entrepreneur’ (student) sets personal and team objectives, builds strategic networks and creates viable fashion ventures. Inspired by the international success of Team Akademy, Finland, this course uses team coaching techniques to support team entrepreneurs in building the skills, mindset and practical experiences needed to define and achieve their own and their team goals in entrepreneurship. The Master’s Project provides the opportunity for you to develop an extensive research project in entrepreneurial practice that may lead to the launch or scaling of a viable fashion business or company project, and demonstrates the academic rigour appropriate to Master’s level work in entrepreneurship and innovation.

Contact us

For queries relating to the Coronavirus outbreak, read our Coronavirus guidance for prospective students.

To register your interest and receive information and updates about studying at UAL, please complete this form.

If you can’t find the information you’re looking for or to ask a question, please contact us.

Postgraduate Preparation Guide

Download the Postgraduate Preparation Guide (3.54)

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 PGDip. The third and final block is the Masters Project, this is a 60 credit unit and students who successfully complete this block are eligible for the award of a Masters. The final award grading is based upon the Masters Project only.

Learning and teaching methods

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

Course content is delivered through a blend of face-to-face and online methods providing an accessible and flexible space to interact with course and school activity. Team and individual coaching, shared training sessions, learning through practice, action learning sets, lectures and seminars, peer review, hackathons, bootcamps, workshops, discussions; critiques, PPD activities, and brainstorming sessions take place across a variety of campuses, with academics, practitioners and visiting lecturers. Business Pitching, presentations, numeracy and media skills, research and collaborative learning experiences focused towards start-up businesses, freelancing and consultancy are integrated across the School and with industry and academic partners.

Assessment methods

The following assessment methods are employed to support the integrated aims of the course outcomes:

Final summative assessments are supported by a range of formative, holistic feedback points: peer assessment, team and individual coaching sessions. Teamwork and collaborative practice is encouraged alongside one-to-one provision as valued principles of MA study. Individual development and progression is monitored through face-to-face and online coaching sessions, which are also a first contact for pastoral support. Language and study support systems are also offered to maintain our quality of learning. Course assessments include a blend of individual and group reflective statements and reports, business pitches and verbal presentations. Collaborative projects and team-working form the backbone of the course and enhance the learning by doing methodology and experiential learning of Enterprise Culture.

Staff

How to apply

Opportunities for all

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.

Entry requirements

The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:

  • An Honours degree at 2.1 or above in a related discipline. Applicants with a degree in another subject may be considered, depending on the strength of the application;
  • OR equivalent qualifications;

APEL (Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning)

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:

  • Related academic or work experience (minimum of three years)
  • The quality of the personal statement
  • A strong academic or other professional reference
  • OR a combination of these factors

Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

English Language Requirements

IELTS level 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Please check our main English Language Requirements .

Selection criteria

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

The  course seeks to recruit students who can demonstrate:

  • A clear academic and practical interest in constructing an entrepreneurial project within the fashion sector through entrepreneurship (for-profit as well as social enterprise) and a multidisciplinary approach.
  • Awareness and relevant experience of fashion and the fashion industry at large.
  • Appropriate knowledge and skills commensurate with planned entry in the course.

Making your application

Home International

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.

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.

Essay (500 words)

Write a short essay (excluding references/bibliography) on the following topic:

‘Identify and evaluate the contribution of a leading entrepreneur in the creative industries, who has inspired you.’

Portfolio (optional)

There is no requirement to submit a portfolio for this course. However, if you wish to include a portfolio or other evidence to support your application, a digital portfolio can be submitted.
You may include examples of:

  • Fashion Apparel
  • Accessory Design
  • Illustration
  • Styling
  • Artefacts / window displays

You may include a URL link to your portfolio within your CV.

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. If you meet these requirements, you will be asked to submit a video task and attend an interview.

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 more information about how to submit your video task and the file types we accept.

As part of your video task, please respond to the following direction:

Please, pitch your business idea/brand or existing business, including proof of market and primary research and analysis.

Interview

The course team will select applicants 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.

Application deadline

12 January 2022 or 13 April 2022

For all postgraduate courses at UAL there are 2 rounds of applications. This is to ensure equal consideration and fairness for all of our applicants. You must apply by 12 January 2022 for Round 1 or by 13 April 2022 for Round 2. We recommend you submit your application as early as possible before these deadlines, to allow the Admissions team to resolve any queries and progress 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, after each application deadline date. This means you won’t hear from us about any next steps 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 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.

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.

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.

Essay (500 words)

Write a short essay (excluding references/bibliography) on the following topic:

‘Identify and evaluate the contribution of a leading entrepreneur in the creative industries, who has inspired you.’

Portfolio (optional)

There is no requirement to submit a portfolio for this course. However, if you wish to include a portfolio or other evidence to support your application, a digital portfolio can be submitted.
You may include examples of:

  • Fashion Apparel
  • Accessory Design
  • Illustration
  • Styling
  • Artefacts / window displays

You may include a URL link to your portfolio within your CV.

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. If you meet these requirements, you will be asked to submit a video task and attend an interview.

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 more information about how to submit your video task and the file types we accept.

As part of your video task, please respond to the following direction:

Please, pitch your business idea/brand or existing business, including proof of market and primary research and analysis.

Interview

The course team will select applicants 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.

Application deadline

12 January 2022 or 13 April 2022

For all postgraduate courses at UAL there are 2 rounds of applications. This is to ensure equal consideration and fairness for all of our applicants. You must apply by 12 January 2022 for Round 1 or by 13 April 2022 for Round 2. We recommend you submit your application as early as possible before these deadlines, to allow the Admissions team to resolve any queries and progress 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, after each application deadline date. This means you won’t hear from us about any next steps 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 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.

Fees and funding

Home fee

£11,220 per year

This fee is correct for 2021/22 entry and is subject to change for 2022/23 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 resident nationals. However, the rules are complex and you can find out more on our tuition fees pages.

From 2021/22 entry, most EU students will be charged the International tuition fee rate, although this may depend on your individual circumstances. If you started your course in October 2020 or earlier, you’ll continue to pay Home (UK) fees for the duration of your course. Read more advice for EU students on our Brexit information webpage

International fee

£22,920 per year

This fee is correct for 2021/22 entry and is subject to change for 2022/23 entry. Tuition fees for international students may increase by up to 5% in each future year of your course. For this course, you can pay tuition fees in instalments.

International fees are currently charged to students from countries outside of the UK. However, the rules are complex and more information can be found on our tuition fees pages.

From 2021/22 entry, most EU students will be charged the International tuition fee rate, although this may depend on your individual circumstances. If you started your course in October 2020 or earlier, you’ll continue to pay Home (UK) fees for the duration of your course. Read more advice for EU students on our Brexit information webpage

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Careers and alumni

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 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

Examples of expected Graduate destinations:

  • A role within a creative service based industry both physical and virtual; start-up or mature.
  • An entrepreneurial role in an existing organisation.
  • A business development role using entrepreneurial thinking to develop and extend business through innovation. This could be in retail, design, production or media.
  • Working in Research and Development in a leadership/management role within service and design-led industries.
  • A leadership/management role within an existing business or group.
  • Establishing a new business venture.

Graduates of MA Fashion Entrepreneurship and Innovation have gone on to work in many roles within the industry, including Innovation team at Swarovski, Future Academy resident at AKQA and VIP Communications at David Morris.

Alumni

London College of Fashion

Contact

Telephone

+44 (0)20 7514 7400
Address
20 John Prince's Street
London

W1G 0BJ