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Postgraduate

MA Fashion Communication: Fashion Image

A girl holding a vegetable in front of her face

College
Central Saint Martins
Start date
January 2024
Course length
One year full-time (45 weeks)

MA Fashion Communication: Fashion Image is for image-makers who want to innovate in their specialist field.

Re-approval

Every 5 years we review course content to ensure that what we are delivering is relevant and that our students are benefitting from a high-quality academic experience. During this process, some changes may be made to the course which are not immediately reflected in the content displayed on this page. The page will be updated and offer holders will be informed of any proposed changes prior to enrolment once this process has been completed.  Please contact us if you have any questions about this or the course via study@csm.arts.ac.uk.

MA Fashion Communication is for dynamic students looking to thrive within the industry at the highest level. The course offers three pathways: Fashion Image, Fashion Journalism and Fashion Critical Studies.

This course is part of the Fashion Programme.

Why choose this course at Central Saint Martins

  • Joint projects: The course has opportunities for joint projects with other programmes across the College as well as with international media and fashion brands.
  • Expert teaching: The course team is made up of high-profile academics and industry professionals.
  • Established networks: MA Fashion Communication has extensive links with industry both in the UK and on a global stage.
  • Design in process: As part of the Fashion programme, you will have access to students on MA and BA Fashion, providing first-hand experience of how fashion designers work.

Course overview

Over the last two decades, fashion has broadened its influence across the creative industries and many art forms. In parallel, new technologies have transformed how the fashion sector communicates with consumers. With the industry in this state of transition, it's more important than ever to analyse the impact of new media and to explore the needs of new consumers. 

MA Fashion Communication at Central Saint Martins embodies these paradigm changes. It explores the discipline through new, cutting-edge digital platforms and media as well as more traditional modes of communication. The course helps you to develop the professional skills to join the next generation of fashion theorists, analysts, writers, journalists, image-makers and visual communicators. It also helps you to anticipate and respond to fluid, fluctuating global communication channels.  

MA Fashion Communication offers three pathways. Fashion Journalism focuses on writing, editing and digital media, while Fashion Critical Studies offers an academic approach to the study of fashion. Fashion Image is for innovative photographers, stylists, illustrators, film-makers, set-designers and art directors. This pathway examines new digital platforms, such as interactive magazine design and the ever-changing landscape of mobile technology. You will explore fundamental issues such as authorship and how the industry uses social media channels. 

While much of your time and teaching is concentrated on your pathway study, there are opportunities to work with your colleagues from other pathways and courses. This structure reflects the collaborative approach of the fashion industry. Across all pathways, the curriculum focuses both on the realities of the modern industry as well as fashion theory, ensuring your work is informed by current knowledge and debates in your specialist area.  

Contact us

Register your interest to receive information and updates about studying at UAL.

Contact us to make an enquiry.

Course dates

Spring term
Monday 8 January 2024 – Friday 15 March 2024
Summer term
Monday 8 April 2024 – Friday 14 June 2024
Autumn term
Monday 30 September 2024 – Friday 13 December 2024

Course units

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.  

Learning and teaching methods

  • Student-centred learning 
  • Critiques 
  • Peer learning 
  • Individual studio tutorials 
  • Group tutorials 
  • Research sessions 

Student Perspectives: MA Fashion Communication: Fashion Image

Fashion Communication stories

  • Reflections from our Capri Holdings Foundation Scholars on the BA Fashion Programme.
    Photo by Angela Tozzi

    Reflections from our Capri Holdings Foundation Scholars on the BA Fashion Programme.

    Nearly one year into their studies, we meet seven of our students who joined the CSM Fashion Programme in 22/23 and are supported with scholarships from The Capri Holdings Foundation.

  • Keeping the planet cold: CSM Fashion x Canada Goose
    Installation view, Canada Goose x CSM Fashion: Keeping the Planet Cold exhibition, Lethaby Gallery. Photo by Oscar Lindsey

    Keeping the planet cold: CSM Fashion x Canada Goose

    Displaying outerwear pieces, lifestyle objects and mixed media portfolios, Keeping the Planet Cold introduces a range of outcomes from collaborative projects between Canada Goose and Central Saint Martins (CSM) MA Fashion, BA Fashion Design and BA

  • Grayson Perry Dress Auction on show in the Window Galleries
    Grayson Perry Dress Auction. Photo by Jamie Johnson

    Grayson Perry Dress Auction on show in the Window Galleries

    A chance to see close up a one of a kind collection of dresses custom made by fashion students of Central Saint Martins for Sir Grayson Perry’s infamous alter ego, Claire over nearly 2 decades – as they go up for bidding from Friday 3 February.

  • The White Show 2022: The Playground
    Left to right: Giacamo Goattin, Julia O'Callaghan, Luca Marchese, BA Fashion, The White Show 2022, Central Saint Martins. Photography: Carissa Wong, Martha Wright, Mia Min.

    The White Show 2022: The Playground

    With the Playground as their backstory, BA Fashion and BA Fashion Communication students brought their first term to a close with a showstopping White Show 2022.

Facilities

Fees and funding

Home fee

£13,910

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 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 nationals and UK residents who meet the rules. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£29,330

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 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 nationals and UK residents who meet the rules. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees and determining your fee status.

Scholarship search

Entry requirements

The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:

  • First-class or upper second-class honours degree from similar BA courses in fashion communication or alternatively from associated design courses such as Communication Design, Illustration, Photography and Fine Art
  • Or an equivalent EU/international qualification.

AP(E)L – Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning

Exceptionally applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered. 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
  • 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 cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

English language requirements

IELTS level 6.5 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking (please check our main English language requirements webpage).

Selection criteria

We select applicants according to potential and current ability in the following areas:

  • High level of creativity and a clear vision to hone this further
  • Engaging and individual strong visual language
  • Desire to further challenge and investigate Fashion Communication
  • Solid knowledge base of both contemporary fashion and its communication
  • Highly focused visual portfolio of work
  • Appropriate technical skills and knowledge.

What we look for

This course is suitable for both recent fashion graduates and practising professionals.

Apply now

You should apply by clicking on the link to the direct form below. The application form can be saved as you fill it out, so you do not 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.

Start your application now

Deferring your place

This course does not allow offer holders to defer. If you want to start later, please re-apply when applications open for that academic year.

Transfers

If you are currently studying at another institution and if you have successfully completed 60 credits in the equivalent units and modules on your current postgraduate course and wish to continue your studies at Central Saint Martins, 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 unit transcripts.

You will need to provide an official document (translated into English) from your current university, explaining the learning outcomes of the units you have completed.

Before you apply, please take time to read the guidance below. You will be asked to provide the following information when completing the online application form:

General information

  • Personal details (including legal full name, date of birth, nationality, addresses)
  • Current English language level
  • Current and/or previous education and qualification details
  • Employment history

Personal statement

Your personal statement should give us information about yourself and why you want to join the course. (Write between 300-500 words)

  • What are you doing at the moment educationally, professionally, personally?
  • Why do you wish to study on this course?
  • What is your relevant experience?
  • Do you have any relevant skills?
  • Why do you think you are a suitable candidate for acceptance?

We cannot consider your application if you do not provide all the information above.

Communicating with you

After you have successfully submitted your application, you will receive an email confirming we have successfully received your application and providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal.  We will request any additional information from you, including inviting you to upload documents / portfolio / book an interview, through the portal.  You should check your UAL Portal regularly for any important updates and requests.

Please add csm.ukeu@arts.ac.uk to your contacts to ensure that you do not miss any important updates re: your application to UAL.  Also consider altering your spam or junk mail filter to ensure that emails from @arts.ac.uk get through to you.

Application deadline

25 October 2023

We encourage you to apply for this course by 25 October 2023 and all applications received at this point will be considered equally. If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled. We recommend you submit your application as early as possible to allow the Admissions team to resolve any initial queries about your application as quickly as possible.

When you'll hear from us

If this course requires a digital portfolio as part of the application process, you will be invited to submit this through UAL’s online submission tool, PebblePad. We will request this separately after initial processing of your application is complete. Once we request your portfolio, you will have 7 days to submit it.

Once you’ve sent in your application, this will be sent through to our course teams for review. Find out more about what happens after you apply.

There are two ways international students can apply:

If you are applying directly you click on the link to the direct form below. The application form can be saved as you fill it out, so you do not 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.

Start your application now

Deferring your place

This course does not allow offer holders to defer. If you want to start later, please re-apply when applications open for that academic year.

Transfers

If you are currently studying at another institution and if you have successfully completed 60 credits in the equivalent units and modules on your current postgraduate course and wish to continue your studies at Central Saint Martins, 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 unit transcripts.

You will need to provide an official document (translated into English) from your current university, explaining the learning outcomes of the units you have completed.

Before you apply, please take time to read the guidance below. You will be asked to provide the following information when completing the online application form:

General information

  • Personal details (including legal full name, date of birth, nationality, addresses)
  • Current English language level
  • Current and/or previous education and qualification details
  • Employment history

Personal statement

Your personal statement should give us information about yourself and why you want to join the course. (Write between 300-500 words)

  • What are you doing at the moment educationally, professionally, personally?
  • Why do you wish to study on this course?
  • What is your relevant experience?
  • Do you have any relevant skills?
  • Why do you think you are a suitable candidate for acceptance?

We cannot consider your application if you do not provide all of the information above.

Immigration history check

Whether you are applying online or through a UAL representative you will need to complete an immigration history check to establish whether you are eligible to study at UAL.  If you do not complete the check we will not be able to proceed with your application.

We cannot consider your application if you do not provide all the information above.

Communicating with you

After you have successfully submitted your application, you will receive an email confirming we have successfully received your application and providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal.  We will request any additional information from you, including inviting you to upload documents / portfolio / book an interview, through the portal.  You should check your UAL Portal regularly for any important updates and requests.

Please add csm.international@arts.ac.uk to your contacts to ensure that you do not miss any important updates re: your application to UAL.  Also consider altering your spam or junk mail filter to ensure that emails from @arts.ac.uk get through to you.

Application deadline

25 October 2023 

When you'll hear from us

Once you’ve sent in your application, this will be sent through to our course teams for review. Find out more about what happens after you apply.

After you apply

What happens next

Initial application check

We check your application to see if you meet the standard entry requirements for the course.  If you do, you will be invited to submit a portfolio through the UAL Portal.

Portfolio Review

You will need to submit a digital portfolio of up to 20 images with supporting work illustrating your previous experience and practical skills.  It should contain up to 20 images and demonstrate process and research as well as final outcomes.  Following the review of the portfolio we select a small number of applicants to move on to the next stage of the process.  These applicants will be invited to an interview.

Interview

We normally interview applicants online.  The interview focuses on your background and interests.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

You will receive the outcome of your application through the UAL Portal.

Careers

Students from the Fashion Image pathway will have a broad range of career opportunities after graduation. This will include areas such as photography, illustration, image making, styling, digital editors, graphic designers, art directors and filmmakers.