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Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Critical Practice in Fashion Media

Close up shot of moulded shapes in a variety of pastel colours
Student interpretation of the digital imprint of social media | BA (Hons) Fashion Media Practice and Criticism | London College of Fashion | University of Arts London
College
London College of Fashion UCAS code
P206 Start date
September 2023 Course length
3 years

On BA (Hons) Critical Practice in Fashion Media, you will study the disciplines of fashion media and communication from a critical, practice-based perspective.

The emphasis of the course is on developing a critical practice of its students through an engagement with the social, cultural and political nature of fashion communication. On the course, you will develop skills in critical writing, moving image, image-making, curation, editorial, socially engaged practice, strategy, prototyping, experiential design, and speculative design. You will also explore intellectual property, law, sustainability, corporate social responsibility, the impact of technology, ethics and the politics of fashion so that you develop a broad social, environmental and cultural awareness.

Why choose this course at London College of Fashion

  • Interdisciplinary Curriculum:  The course strategically integrates multiple disciplines into its programme in order to nurture a holistic and critical understanding of the complex ideas and issues within the fashion communication industry today.
  • Career diversity: graduates are suited for roles in visual communication, strategy, corporate social responsibility, education, policy or innovation.
  • Contribution to critical practices: the course aims to broaden the remit of fashion communication by addressing practices such as criticism, curation, publishing, experiential and speculative design and activism. This means that students have the opportunity to directly influence practice for Centre for Sustainable Fashion and Better Lives initiatives at LCF.

Course overview

BA Critical Practice in Fashion Media is an experimental, inter-disciplinary and practice-led course that positions fashion media and communication as a potent tool through which to critically engage, confront and intervene in the most pressing issues facing us today.

At the heart of this critical practice course is the challenge of the climate crisis. The world in which we live, communicate and interact with each other is becoming increasingly unstable. Accordingly, the course understands critical practice to mean a practice that actively integrates itself in the world in order to transform it. As change-makers of the future, you will develop new forms of critical, creative, and technical skills, enabling you to not only navigate this uncertain terrain but also identify and implement emergent opportunities so as to bring about meaningful change. 

In the first year of the course, you will be introduced to the core skills of critical practice: storytelling and collaboration. The second-year builds on these core skills by inviting you to situate them within an applied context: strategic thinking and speculative design, designing of spatial experiences, and the mobilising and communicating of climate activism. The third-year consolidates these skills and expands them further by enabling you to identify, develop, and realise your own critical practice through an extended practice-led, research-driven project. Finally, you will bring your body of work together as you build your own portfolio.

Working with internal and external partners, the course is delivered through workshops, seminars, lectures and live projects. You will experiment with established and emerging disciplines and media including moving image, photography, writing, AR/VR, audio, strategic and speculative design, spatial and experiential design, collaborative practice, and activism. 

Through this integrated, experimental, and inter-disciplinary approach you will develop your own critical and creative voice that you will be used to push boundaries, and opening up new possibilities for the future of fashion media and communication.

Contact us

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

Contact us to make an enquiry.

Course units

You will be required to complete 360 credits at levels 4, 5, and 6 to be awarded the BA (Hons) Critical Practice in Fashion Media.

After achieving 120 credits at level 4 you can opt to be awarded CertHE.

After achieving 240 credits (to incl. minimum of 120 at level 5) you can opt to be awarded DipHE.

After achieving 360 credits (to incl. minimum of 120 at level 5 and 120 at Level 6) you will be awarded BA (Hons).

Stage 1 (Level 4)

The units you will study in Year 1, Stage 1, Level 4 are as follows:

  • Introduction to Fashion Communication (20 Credits);
  • Hybrid Narratives (40 Credits);
  • Fashion Cultures and Histories (20 Credits);
  • Better Lives (20 Credits);
  • Critical Collaboration (20 Credits).

Stage 2 (Level 5)

The units you will study in Year 2, Stage 2, Level 5 are as follows:

  • Critical Issues in Fashion Research (20 Credits);
  • Speculative Futures (20 Credits);
  • Inside the Industry (20 Credits);
  • Situating Your Practice (20 Credits);
  • Critical Climate (20 Credits);
  • Spaces of Experience (20 Credits).

Stage 3 (Level 6)

The units you will study in Year 3, Stage 3, Level 6 are as follows:

  • Research and Development for Critical Practice (20 Credits);
  • Cultural and Historical Studies Dissertation (40 Credits);
  • Critical Practice (40 Credits);
  • Portfolio (20 Credits).

A 20‐credit unit is approximately equivalent to 200 hours of learning time, which includes a mixture of taught time, independent study and assessment.

All students are entitled to a tutorial package that consists of:

  • three personal tutorials per year for the duration for their course of study at LCF;
  • unit tutorials as required;
  • unit group tutorials as required;
  • an appropriate level of confidentiality. 

Learning and teaching methods

The assessment programme is designed to follow the learning and teaching methods which are employed to support the integrated achievement of the course outcomes:

  • Demonstrations, workshop practices;
  • Technical workshops;
  • Lectures;
  • Group discussions and team working;
  • Self‐directed study simulations and work study placements;
  • Group and individual tutorials;
  • Seminars;
  • Critiques;
  • Panel discussions

Student and graduate work

  • Clara-Finnigan-and-Aylin-Delmen-2.jpg
  • Elea-Nora-Kamil-Izuddin_sites.png
    Work by Elea Nora Kamil Izuddin - 'Sites of Intimacy: A Podcast on the Taboo of Sex in Malaysian Communities'
  • Yi-Luo-Urja-Bajimaya_Cocobaby.png
    Work by Yi Luo & Urja Bajimaya - ‘Cocobaby: The Study of Authenticity on Instagram’
  • 2-Elle-x-Ruby-Bell-2.jpg
  • Anastasia-Baker.jpg
  • Capitalism sign
    Work by Ana Viktoria - 'dieinternet.org'
  • Photograph of a student work book
    Work by Ana Viktoria - 'dieinternet.org'
  • Photograph of a student work book
    Work by Cassandra Seidel - 'Unframed'
  • Photograph of a student work book
    Work by Hollie Williamson - 'Dis-tinkt'
  • Jasmine Bee Emily Boni-Ball
    Work by Jasmine Bee Emily Boni-Ball,
  • Veronica Blagoeva
    Work by Veronica Blagoeva,

Ana Viktoria - dieinternet.org

Damara Silva Ingles - We are Burning Out of Time

Daisy Riley - The I

Clara Finnigan and Jessica Wrigglesworth - hookjournal.com

Damara Silva Ingles - Plethora: Bio Avatar

Latest news from this course

LCF facilities

  • Library, John Princes Street
    Library, John Princes Street Photography by: Ideal Insight
    LCF archives and library

    Take a tour of LCF's world renowned fashion library, ideal for research and study.

  • Photo of the 3D effects studio at Lime Grove.
    3D effects studio, Lime Grove | London College of Fashion | University of Arts London
    Media and Communication facilities

    Explore our Media and Communication facilities at Lime Grove.

  • Mare Street Canteen

    LCF's social spaces

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

  • LCF at Stratford Exterior Design
    LCF at Stratford Exterior Design
    LCF's move

    LCF is moving to a new single campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in 2023. Find more information about the College’s relocation.

Staff

Sophie Barr, Course Leader

After enjoying a career of working in London’s film and media industries, Sophie Barr has been steadily building her experience of teaching theory and practice for fashion communication, art and design for over a decade. In her academic approach, Barr focuses on the intersection of arts theory and practice, particularly the ways of contextualising the multi-sensory experiences of contemporary fashion media. Her expression joins the worlds of film, still image, print and installation, with a practice that utilises found and assembled materials in exploring various themes – from climate crisis-era feminism to creative AI and the networked image.

Tina Gorjanc, Senior Lecturer

Recognised for bringing together product design with modern craft and scientific innovation, Tina Gorjanc is a researcher and designer specialising in material exploration through speculative scenario developments. In education, Gorjanc has pioneered learning programmes and developed curriculums that disrupt the fashion industry’s current unsustainable and unethical model. A lecturer across multiple institutions, she is pursuing her research and design work as a form of re-evaluating animal-based material culture.

Carrie Mok, Programme Director

Both as an educator and a creative director, Carrie Mok focuses her work on driving innovation through connection, co-creation and collaboration as well as nurturing creativity in its purest forms. Throughout her career, Mok has worked with leading global brands including Burberry, Louis Vuitton and Gucci, along with major educational institutions. She is also the founder of Soft Launch, a creative community incubator that supports emerging talent through mentoring, thoughtful partnerships and entrepreneurial development.

Fees and funding

Home fee

£9,250 per year

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.

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

£25,970 per year

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 entry.

Tuition fees for international students may increase by up to 5% in each future year of your course.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

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Entry requirements

One or a combination of the following accepted full level 3 qualifications.

  • 112 UCAS tariff points from two or more A Levels (preferred subjects include English, a foreign language and Media Studies);
  • Distinction at Foundation Diploma in Art and Design;
  • Distinction, Merit, Merit at BTEC Extended Diploma (preferred subjects Art & Design);
  • Merit at UAL Extended Diploma;
  • Access Diploma or 112 new UCAS tariff points from the Access to HE Diploma;
  • 112 new UCAS tariff points from a combination of the above qualifications or an equivalent full Level 3 qualification;
  • or equivalent EU or non-EU qualifications such as International Baccalaureate Diploma at 25 points minimum;
  • and Five GCSE passes at grade A*-C or grade 9-4, with grade C (grade 4) or above in English.

Exceptionally, applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered if the course team judges 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; a strong academic or other professional reference; or a combination of these factors. 

All classes are conducted in English. The level required by the University for this course is IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Selection criteria

The course team seeks to recruit students who can demonstrate:

  • a broad interest in fashion, visual culture, and social issues, as well an awareness of technology;
  • an understanding of the need for a critical and analytical approach to the area of study;
  • an intellectually open approach suited to the demands of the course and projected career futures.

Apply now

Home International

This section includes all the information you need on how to apply, how your application is considered and what happens next.

You should apply though UCAS – Universities and Colleges Admissions Service – and you will need the following information:

University code:          U65

UCAS Code:                 P206

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.

Transfers

If you are currently studying somewhere else on a course in an equivalent subject area and would like to transfer to this course, you can transfer to:

  • Year 2 - if you’ve completed 120 credits in Year 1.
  • Year 3 - if you’ve completely 240 credits in Years 1 and 2.

Apply via UCAS and choose Year 2 or 3 for your POE (Point of Entry)

Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and Year 1/Year 2 unit transcripts.

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

Application deadline

We recommend you apply by 18:00 PM (GMT) on  25 January 2023 for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

You can only apply to the same course once per year. Any duplicate applications will be withdrawn. Applications for this course can only be accepted for this year of entry.

What happens next

All application forms, personal statements and references are read and considered by the course team against the selection criteria listed in the Entry requirements and Selection Criteria sections.

If you have achieved or expect to achieve the standard entry requirements we will invite you to submit a portfolio via PebblePad, our online submission tool, which should include a number of images of your work. You can upload a maximum of 30 images which best shows your work – please note however that you do not have to provide this exact number. PebblePad refers to ‘images’ when you upload your work - think of each 'image' as a page in your physical portfolio.

For this course your portfolio should show evidence of work that reflects your interest in critical practice in fashion media.

The portfolio is assessed by Academic Reviewers who will decide if they are able to make an offer based on the work you have demonstrated. It may be, however, that the tutor wishes to speak with you further about your work and so you will be invited to attend an online interview. At the interview the Academic Reviewer will discuss your portfolio that you submitted in PebblePad; it will be possible to show more of your work during the interview if the tutor feels it necessary for you to do so.

Please note that not all applicants will be invited to attend interview.

If you are made an offer, you will have the opportunity to engage with course teams at a number of planned engagement activities, where you will be able to ask any questions you may have and also speak to current students studying on the course.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

If you applied through UCAS the result of your application will be communicated to you via UCAS through UCAS Track. You will only receive further communication directly from the College if your application has been successful. This will be in the form of 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, how your application is considered and what happens next.

There are 2 ways international students can apply to an undergraduate course:

You must apply through UCAS, where you will need the following information:

  • University code – U65
  • UCAS course code – P206

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. Applications for this course can only be accepted for this year of entry. Applications for deferred entry cannot be accepted. 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.

Transfers

If you are currently studying somewhere else on a course in an equivalent subject area and would like to transfer to this course, you can transfer to:

  • Year 2 - if you’ve completed 120 credits in Year 1.
  • Year 3 - if you’ve completely 240 credits in Years 1 and 2.

Apply via UCAS and choose Year 2 or 3 for your POE (Point of Entry)

Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and Year 1/Year 2 unit transcripts.

If you are an International applicant and studying outside the UK, please complete your Direct application and then contact us via your UAL Portal to ask to be considered for Year 2/Year 3.

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

Application deadline

We recommend you apply by 18:00 PM (GMT) on  25 January 2023 for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

What happens next

Immigration History Check

Whether you are applying online via UCAS or through a UAL representative 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.

Initial application check

All application forms, personal statements and references are read and considered by the course team against the selection criteria listed in the Entry requirements and Selection Criteria sections.

If you have achieved or expect to achieve the standard entry requirements we will invite you to submit a portfolio via PebblePad, our online submission tool, which should include a number of images of your work. You can upload a maximum of 30 images which best shows your work – please note however that you do not have to provide this exact number. PebblePad refers to ‘images’ when you upload your work - think of each 'image' as a page in your physical portfolio.

For this course your portfolio should show evidence of work that reflects your interest in critical practice in fashion media.

The portfolio is assessed by Academic Reviewers who will decide if they are able to make an offer based on the work you have demonstrated. It may be, however, that the tutor wishes to speak with you further about your work and so you will be invited to attend an online interview. At the interview the Academic Reviewer will discuss your portfolio that you submitted in PebblePad; it will be possible to show more of your work during the interview if the tutor feels it necessary for you to do so.

Please note that not all applicants will be invited to attend interview.

If you are made an offer, you will have the opportunity to engage with course teams at a number of planned engagement activities, where you will be able to ask any questions you may have and also speak to current students studying on the course.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

If you applied through UCAS the result of your application will be communicated to you via UCAS through UCAS Track. If you have applied directly or through an agent, we will notify you through the UAL portal. You will only receive further communication directly from the College if your application has been successful. This will be in the form of a full offer pack including details of accommodation, fees, and other important information.

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 UCAS Track or the UAL Portal to let you know whether your application has been successful.

Potential changes to course structure

Please note: 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.

Webpage updates

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.

Careers

All of our undergraduate 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:
  • An on-course work experience or placement year. Please note, this is not available on every course; please see the Course Details section for information about work placement opportunities.
  • Access to 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.

Alumni

London College of Fashion

Contact

Telephone

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

W1G 0BJ