MA Fashion Communication: Fashion Image

MA Fashion Communication is designed to further progress your specialist skills. The course equips you with the skills needed for employment in the fashion communication industry at the highest level. Strong emphasis is placed on personal and professional development. The curriculum is enhanced by the energy which comes from the fusion of students across the pathways. You will interact with students from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. As part of this, you will be expected to learn and problem-solve from their experience as well as your own.  

At key points in the year, you will interact with students on the MA Fashion course. Together, you will explore and participate in fashion communication projects in a live context. The course responds to external opportunities, integrating them into the timetable when possible. In January and February, the build-up to the MA Fashion show at London Fashion Week will allow you to take part in the organisation, production and communication of an international fashion show and exhibition. In May, there are opportunities to work with the BA Fashion students as they prepare for their degree show and exhibition.  

Unit 1: Investigation 

Unit 1 is devised to challenge your assumptions and broaden your thinking. It will encourage to develop greater knowledge of your specialist subject, as well as the international aspects of the fashion communications industry. You will also study fashion and its histories within the context of art and design theory and practice. This will deepen your understanding of the impact of the social, economic and cultural role of fashion in society. You will explore the disciplines, rigour, operational aspects and the inter-disciplinary nature of the fashion industry. You will acquire a commercial and market awareness in order to gain an international perspective. 

This is complemented by first-hand observation of how fashion collections are created and how fashion designers work. One project in this unit will allow you to work collaboratively with MA Fashion students as they prepare for their show during London Fashion Week. This mutually beneficial project may involve analysis of the designers’ collections and the creation of visual or written content to promote their collections. 

Unit 2: Specialist Major Project – Planning, Preparation and Negotiated Phase 

The skills, knowledge and new approaches you acquire during Unit 1 will support and inform your direction in the planning, preparation and negotiation of your self-initiated major project in Unit 2.  

Unit 3: Specialist Major Project – Realisation and Presentation Phase  

Having completed Unit 2, in the final unit of the course you will fully realise and present your major project. On the Fashion Image pathway, the realisation of your project is made up a body of work alongside a portfolio containing research, development and realisation.  

Mode of study 

MA Fashion Communication is offered in full-time mode which runs for 45 weeks over 12 months. You will be expected to commit 40 hours per week to study, which includes teaching time and independent study.   

Credit and award requirements 

The course is credit-rated at 180 credits.  

On successfully completing the course, you will gain a Master of Arts (MA degree).  

Under the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, an MA is Level 7. All units must be passed in order to achieve the MA but the classification of the award is derived from the mark for the final unit only.  

If you are unable to continue on the course, a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) will normally be offered following the successful completion of 60 credits, or a Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) following the successful completion of 120 credits.