Fashion (Fashion Journalism)

Content

MA Fashion is a taught course of international reputation that offers six specialist pathways. The course is designed to broaden and deepen existing knowledge and to give the necessary experience and confidence to practice within the international fashion industry at the highest level. It will stimulate and consolidate imagination and creative identity with the support of an informed knowledge of the international industry. A particular feature is the interrelated nature of the specialist pathways offered and the course's links with the international industry. Graduates have pursued outstanding careers with the world's most renowned fashion leaders and commentators.

Structure

Unit 1 - Diagnostic Phase (Weeks 1-20)

Throughout Unit One you will work on an individual independently managed Fashion research project which aims to develop further your ability to evaluate and apply appropriate research and investigative techniques when analysing contemporary Fashion and its professional and socio-cultural contexts. You will develop skills of analysis, criticism and synthesis in communicating your research outcomes.

Unit 2 - Negotiated Phase (Weeks 1-20)

This Unit has two phases: The Diagnostic Phase has a number of taught programmes which are designed to diagnose your abilities; it seeks to challenge assumptions and broaden creative thinking and awareness by equipping you with a wider knowledge of your specialist pathway and of the international aspects of the fashion industry.

The Negotiated Phase develops from its exploratory approach. Strong emphasis is placed upon creativity, individuality, personal development and enquiry. You will be expected to become more independent and experimental and to begin to initiate and manage your own projects through negotiation with the course team.

Unit 3 - Independent Phase (Weeks 21-45)

The skills, knowledge and critical perspectives acquired during Units One & Two support and inform the direction and choice of your self-initiated and managed Major Project in Unit Three through which you will demonstrate that you have achieved the Unit Learning Outcomes.

Pathway details:

All MA students gain specific knowledge and experience of the fashion industry and develop their skills under the guidance of some of the most eminent and experienced current practitioners.

Emphasis is placed on:

• Research, market intelligence and industry awareness. It is the fundamental philosophy of this course that truly relevant, innovative design is not purely a creative activity involving designers in the artistic process, it has to be allied to the ability to analyse markets, the industry and society in general. The journalist must not only be conversant with the broad fashion context but be able accurately to analyse and diagnose markets, design for or write about them and be able to communicate with colleagues and management.
• Presentation and communication skills. Students must not only create the right product for the market but also be good communicators who will be able to convince colleagues that their ideas are based on a real understanding and mature analysis on the market and the competition.
• Involvement in the debates generated by the Professional Speakers talks, projects and the inter-pathway critiques which formally support the development of critical and communication skills.

Dedication

45 weeks, full-time.