Applications are open for 2019/20 entry.
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This fashion journalism masters course equips students with the skills to become an articulate and aware fashion writer in the current media landscape.
MA Fashion Journalism is a unique course in its merging of cultural theory with fashion journalism. Students can position their aspirations and work on a broad spectrum, from media journalism to theoretical study. This well-evolved course positions graduates for a successful career in the rapidly changing world of journalism.
The course is based at High Holborn. Find out about the local area, including Lincoln’s Inn Fields and Clerkenwell, in our local area guides on the Student Life pages.
Manchester-raised Nateisha Monique Scott is just about to graduate from her MA Fashion Journalism degree at London College of Fashion. The talented writer has used her LCFMA18 project to celebrate women of […]
MA Fashion Journalism graduate Eleonora Garofalo created a magazine that explores emerging Italian talents to the industry with business focus for her final project. We spoke to Eleonora as part of the LCFMA18 […]
Shannon Chan from MA Fashion Journalism created a magazine called PersonA for her final project. She spoke to us as part of the LCFMA18 graduate spotlight series and told us […]
Five London College of Fashion media students recently worked with ELLE for a special magazine insert that was included in the June issue. The students that worked with ELLE’s Editorial team were Ella […]
Students from Media and Communication courses at LCF explored the current climate of print journalism at a symposium with speakers including Vogue’s Lucinda Chambers, Ben Freeman from Ditto Press and Anja Aronowsky […]
MA Fashion Journalism graduate Fiona Wing Shuen Ma created a magazine that explores the unorthodox relationship between people and their homes for her LCF MA17 Final Major Project, which will be […]
Take a tour of LCF's world renowned fashion library, ideal for research and study.
Take a tour of our media facilities from photographic studios to darkrooms.
Explore our social spaces, for collaborative study and breaks, across our six sites in London.
The course aims to develop highly articulate and aware fashion commentators who have sound research ability and strong written and visual communication skills.
Cultural theory and journalism strands run in parallel through the first stage of the course. Three of the four pathway units are focused on the practice of journalism, a key feature being visiting speakers from industry.
15 months, 3 terms, level 7, 180 credits
Term 1
Undressed: The Fashion Media Exposed (40 credits)
Research Methods (20 credits)
Term 2
The Rationale of Publishing (40 units)
Collaborative Unit (20 credits) - find out more
Term 3
Masters Project (60 credits)
The renowned London College of Fashion library is at our John Prince’s Street site, and you will need to travel to this site, and possibly others, during your course to use the library, which is open seven days a week in term time, and for tuition and special events.
The information outlined is an indicative structure of the course. Whilst we will aim to deliver the course as described on this page, there may be situations where it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, for example because of regulatory requirements or operational efficiencies, before or after enrolment. If this occurs, we will communicate all major changes to all applicants and students who have either applied or enrolled on the course.
Please note that due to staff research agreements or availability, not all of the optional modules listed may be available every year.
In addition, the provision of course options which depend upon the availability of specialist teaching, or on a placement at another institution, cannot be guaranteed. Please check this element of the course with the course team before making a decision to apply.
We will update this webpage from time to time with new information as it becomes available. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact a member of the course team.
The Undressed: The Fashion Media Exposed unit gives an overview of the fashion media through the medium of developing journalistic skills, with a specific relationship to the fashion industry. It will examine the current fashion marketplace through linking appropriate genres of journalism to key events during the fashion calendar, as well as ensuring that you have a broad underpinning of appropriate industry knowledge. The unit specifically looks at different types of journalism, including consumer and business publications related to the fashion industry, and considers the role of stylist and fashion editor. Writing skills will be combined with visual media throughout the course, culminating in a series of written and visual pieces that enable you to combine sound journalistic practice with fashion awareness and to develop an individual voice. The unit also contains an element of presentation skills and portfolio building techniques so that you can establish a body of work during the course, as well as work on live projects (wherever possible) or self-motivated freelance work that sees your writing enter the public domain.
The purpose of the Research Methods unit is to introduce you to the range of research methods, approaches and tools that are available to you in order to conduct your Masters Project. The unit will cover philosophy and ethics in research, primary and secondary research methods, including quantitative, qualitative and visual research methods, and how to analyse, evaluate and disseminate research findings. The unit will consider research in a range of contexts relevant to the cultural and creative industries and enable you to understand the relationship between theory and practice.
The Rationale of Publishing unit analyses the importance of the publishing industry as the backbone which supports book-based, magazine-based and online fashion literature. It also addresses the visual aspects of fashion coverage, dissecting the fashion image and graphic design through a number of different contexts. Over the course of the unit, you will analyse the relative successes and failures within recent international magazine publishing, the financial realities driving consumer titles, both in terms of editorial stance and magazine design, plus advertising revenue and physical costs involved through production. Running parallel to the commercial aspects of the unit, you will examine how media is marketed to the consumer in English-speaking markets, both prior to and after a new launch. This will involve aspects of market research, and an analysis of new publishing trends within the marketplace, including issues of ethical and sustainable production. This unit will address the role of magazine design within fashion media, by considering various approaches to page layout and design, from both historical and contemporary perspectives. You will look at the capacity of certain key computer graphics packages through project work, and dissect the power of the fashioned image alongside its appeal to the consumer within the fashion industry, within a number of markets and contexts.
The Collaborative Unit is designed to enable you to innovate, engage in developmental processes and participate in collaborative working practices. You will be encouraged to develop the professional negotiating and networking skills that you will need in order to be successful in the cultural and creative industries.The nature of this collaboration may be within your own course, with students on other courses or with industry. The project that you undertake will depend upon your discipline and the specific requirements of your course. Further details will be available in your unit handbook.
The Masters Project is an important piece of work which will provide an opportunity for you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in relation to your discipline and chosen project. Throughout the Masters Project, you are guided and supported by tutorials and peer and staff evaluation at interim stages. You will be allocated a supervisor for your project and will complete a learning contract outlining how you intend to develop and deliver your project. The Masters Project may take a variety of forms by negotiation and is assessed by presentation in an agreed format.
All students are advised to set up a profile on portfolio.arts.ac.uk, UAL’s new portfolio platform, which can be done at any point during your time at LCF and will last for up to 12 months after graduation. This platform is often used to source student work for promotional use on the website, social media and for print and can be a great way of getting your work seen. You may also be asked to have a portfolio profile for the selection process when it comes to degree shows.
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 .
When you are submitting your application form, you will also need to provide the following pieces of documentation in support of your application:
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.
Personal statement
The personal statement is your opportunity to tell us about yourself and your suitability for the course that you intend to study.
Some key points to consider:
You will be required to submit two written assignments:
Please select one of the following topics, and write a piece of between 500 and 1000 words in length. Please use Harvard style to cite any research that is relevant to your chosen topic
Please select one of the following topics and write a piece of between 500 and 1000 words in length and write in the journalistic style of your choice, outlining the publication (print or online) you would be aiming your piece at.
Please ensure that your journalistic tone reflects that of your chosen publication and explain why this piece is relevant to the reader of your chosen publication. Please do not write in the first person.
You may submit a digital portfolio of any previous journalism work if you think it will enhance your application; the most important part of your application is the two assignments as detailed above.
You may include a URL link to your portfolio within your personal statement.
If called to interview you may bring additional portfolio items with you.
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:
Your application form is reviewed when you apply to the University. If you have achieved or expect to achieve the standard entry requirements we will invite you to submit a portfolio. The portfolio is assessed by the course team who will select applicants to attend an interview. Interviews may be conducted in person, via telephone or via Skype. 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, 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, 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 the course team wish to consider your application further, you will be invited to attend an interview. Interviews may be conducted in person, via telephone or via Skype.
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.
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.
This section includes all the information you need on how to apply and how your application is considered, 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.
After you have applied, you will need to complete an Immigration History Check to identify whether you are eligible to study at UAL. Do be aware, if you do not complete the Immigration History Check we will not be able to proceed with your application.
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.
Depending on the quality of your application, you may be asked to submit a number of images of your work. For this course your portfolio could include: drawings; photographs of realised designs; speculative design; sketch work; process; and photographs. Label and present any visual work with care, including dates and captions.
If the course team wish to consider your application further, you will be invited to attend an interview. Interviews may be conducted in person, via telephone or via Skype.
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.
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.
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.
£10,890
This applies for the 2019/20 academic year.
UAL Home/EU alumni receive a £1,000 discount.
Course fees may be paid in instalments.
£19,930
This applies for the 2019/20 academic year.
UAL International alumni receive a £1,000 discount.
Course fees may be paid in instalments.
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.
Find out about the accommodation options available and how much they will cost.
There are a number of scholarships and awards available to students on this course. Use our search tool to find out more information.
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:
Master's graduates have an acknowledged advantage in the employment market, obtaining work in a wide range of vocational and academic fields related to fashion. Previous MA Fashion Journalism graduates are now working in areas such as magazine and newspaper journalism, magazine styling and image making, lecturing in cultural studies and researching and developing concepts for television.
The MA also provides an excellent preparation for higher level research degrees (MPhil or PhD), with an increasing number of graduates undertaking research in fashion related subjects, in practice or theory or entering into education as lecturers.
Online Deputy Editor, Harper's Bazaar
MA Fashion Cultures: History and Culture offers students a unique opportunity to study fashion and dress within its historical, theoretical, social and cultural contexts to become informed critics and communicators.
College: London College of Fashion Level: Postgraduate
This postgraduate fashion curation course explores both theoretical and practical aspects of curating contemporary fashion and historical dress.
College: London College of Fashion Level: Postgraduate
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