Fashion MA

Degree and/or experience:

• Candidates will normally hold a BA(Hons) or recognised equivalent in an art or design subject and have the required making skills. Prior achievement or equivalent professional experience in lieu of formal qualifications will also be considered. We welcome applications from candidates from non-traditional backgrounds who demonstrate appropriate levels of intellectual and creative potential for study at masters level and who can demonstrate a creative ability in fashion design and/or an appropriate level of garment-making skills

English Language Requirement:

• Overseas applicants must meet the above entry requirements, and additionally have proven competence in written and spoken English at an appropriate level of fluency (equivalent to an IELTS 6.5 overall and 6.0 in writing).

Personal statement
Through a personal statement (500 words submitted with the application form), applicants must demonstrate a clear rationale for wanting to study on the course, outline personal areas of interest and identify potential areas for research.

Interview
Candidates will usually be asked in for interview, where they will be expected to discuss their practice/design background and articulate the area of study they want to explore as set out in their personal statement. For overseas students, a Skype interview can be arranged if required after the submission of the statement and electronic portfolio.

At interview the panel will consider:

• the potential to study at masters level
• evidence of creative potential and innovation in the portfolio of work with a demonstrable track record in making
• creative and intellectual engagement in the subject area
• appropriate skills to undertake the research proposal.

Research Skills and Training
Through an initial series of interdisciplinary lectures and seminar groups with active researchers, you will explore the value of research within a practice-based design context. You will develop research skills, an understanding of different research methodologies and how research can be used as a design tool.

Fashion Design Manifesto
Here you will investigate various aspects of the fashion design process. You will have the opportunity to engage with contemporary design debates, theories and practices as you analyse and challenge the ideas and issues that sit at the core of fashion design practice. You will develop an individual portfolio of research – accompanied by a body of creative studio work – which clearly states an individual position and the design principles and approaches that inform your work.

Fashion Design Practice
This module aims to deepen your experience of an individual creative practice and the traditional processes associated with the subject. Complemented by lectures, workshops and masterclasses, it provides a reflective environment and framework in which you will further develop your personal research and design methodologies.

M-Level College Options Module
Taking advantage of the wide range of subjects and learning experiences available from across level seven (masters level), this options module allows you to tailor your study and learning experience to complement your specific area of interest. Learning alongside students from various disciplines, you will be able to explore areas of personal interest from subjects including design history, sustainable design, professional practice, and historical and critical studies.

Fashion Design Masters
This is a rigorous investigation into a personally defined area of interest to produce a refined and fully resolved final body of work. The project will demonstrate the synthesis of the knowledge and technical abilities you have acquired.

You will discuss research possibilities with your personal tutor, but they could potentially include a garment collection, series of prototypes, business research analysis, proposal of new practice or business models, or investigative thesis. All of these would be supported by both practical work and a written component, and would ideally explore the potential of fashion representation and communication beyond the conventional catwalk display.