MA Fashion lasts 45 weeks full-time, structured in two units over five terms (which may vary in length) commencing in late October.

MA Fashion sits outside the usual postgraduate framework as it normally shows in London Fashion Week on the official British Fashion Council schedule- the only course to do so. For the latest coverage, visit Vogue.com.

Course outline

A feature of MA Fashion is the interrelated nature of the six pathways offered. You will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with other disciplines just as you need to in the professional world. MA Fashion benefits from the special atmosphere created by students from a wide variety of disciplines, backgrounds and nationalities – all of them committed to fashion – working together in close proximity.

Students study one of six pathways:

• Womenswear Fashion
• Menswear Fashion
• Knitwear Fashion
• Textiles for Fashion
• Fashion Journalism
• Accessories 

Course Units

Unit 1 – Diagnostic and Negotiated Phases
During Unit 1 you’ll work on several types of project. There’s a degree of overlap in these projects – you may find yourself working on more than one at a time. All your projects require you to manage your time effectively to meet deadlines.

The Diagnostic Phase develops your work within the context of directed projects. It’s designed to diagnose your abilities, to challenge your assumptions, and to broaden your creative awareness through an expanding knowledge of your pathway and of the international aspects of the fashion industry. As part of this process you’ll develop analytical and interpretative skills and a self-critical approach to fashion. You’ll also undertake appropriate research and apply this to your project work. .You’ll develop your knowledge of the professional designer environment while recognising the value of communication as a working tool. Throughout this diagnostic phase your work will be planned and directed by staff.  You’ll be expected to work as a member of a team in some projects  and to take an active role in project critiques and discussions. All projects during this phase are supported by technical and presentation skills teaching.

The Negotiated Phase of Unit 1 develops your fashion and design awareness and your interpretation skills further. It fosters critical appraisal, self-evaluation, analysis and observation, market awareness, and the ability to anticipate international market trends. You’re expected to be more independent and experimental and to begin to initiate and manage your own projects through negotiation with the staff team. Strong emphasis is placed on creativity, individuality, personal development and enquiry to enable you to realise your full potential and establish your creative identity. Where appropriate you’ll liaise with students from other course pathways in order to discover and explore alternative approaches that support your project objectives.

Unit Two – Independent Major Project
The skills, knowledge and critical perspectives acquired during Unit 1 will support and inform the direction of your self-initiated and self-managed Major Project. You’re expected to take personal responsibility for your Major Project and to organise and pace your work professionally. You’ll consult with staff at all stages, drawing up a coherent project development schedule to be agreed by a due date with theMA Fashion Course Leader and your tutor. You’ll be expected to set clear objectives and to indicate any technical support, special processes and production methods you might need.

Pre-Major Project work
At the beginning of week 26, Design students (Womenswear Fashion, Menswear Fashion, Accessories for Fashion, Knitwear for Fashion and Textiles for Fashion) must deliver a project (this can be a negotiated project from Unit 1) to toile or prototype stage. This may form the basis of your Major Project and must include:

• A portfolio containing research, design development, designs, materials sourcing and developments
• A line-up
• Minimum of four outfits in toiles or prototypes

Fashion Journalism students are required to write a Market Report of 3,500 to 5,000 words. The report, which provides the context for your Major Project, must contain: 

• Your rationale for choosing the intended specific market(s) at which the Major Project is aimed and evidence of research methods and sources
• Where appropriate, research into suitable production methods
• Market analysis
• Picture research and analysis where appropriate

This report must be presented in a typed, bound format and include a bibliography, properly cited references and research sources used.

Major Project Rationale
You’ll meet with the Course Leader and relevant staff to present your rationale plus your research and development work in order to establish the direction of your Major Project, to evaluate the progress of your research and to identify further research sources. Following this presentation you’ll be given a detailed timetable of collection and examination deadlines and the dates for further presentations.

At the beginning of week 27, Design students must present:

• A 1,000 word rationale for your Major Project. This must be typed (double spaced) and include properly cited references, research sources and proposed market
• A portfolio that include extensive research and development work, materials and a collection line-up
• Two toiles or prototypes where appropriate
• Draft of your planned schedule

Fashion Journalism students must present:

• A 1,000 word typed rationale for your Major Project (double spaced)
• Four subjects for feature-length articles with fashion-related themes – the articles will constitute the Major Project
• A paragraph outline of each of the articles
• Draft of your planned schedule

You’ll be given a detailed timetable of collection and examination dead-lines, and the dates for further presentations, at the beginning of Unit 2.

Major Project requirements
Your Major Project must be comprehensive and appropriate for its intended market or audience. It will show clear evidence of design and communication development, research, and market strategy. Requirements by pathways are as follows.

Womenswear and Menswear Fashion

• A coherent and extensive collection of designs on paper or a suitable medium with supporting research and development
• A representative collection of a minimum of six outfits, or the equivalent, must be designed and produced

Knitwear for Fashion

• A coherent and extensive collection of designs on paper or a suitable medium with supporting research and development
• A representative collection of knitted fabrics from which a minimum of six outfits, or equivalent, must be designed and produced

Textiles for Fashion

• A coherent and extensive collection of designs on fabric, paper or a suitable medium with supporting research and development
• A representative collection of fabrics from which a minimum of four outfits, or equivalent, must be designed and produced, normally in collaboration with fashion design students

Accessories for Fashion

• A coherent and extensive collection of designs on paper or a suitable medium with supporting research and development
• A representative collection of a minimum of six complete accessories, or the equivalent, must be designed and produced

Fashion Journalism

• A minimum of four feature-length articles or equivalent, with fashion-related themes, aimed at particular audiences and requiring different research approaches. Each article should be between 2,000 and 3,000 words long

Design students please note:

• The MA Fashion Show does not form part of the assessment at the end of Unit 2
• You do not have an automatic right to be included in the Fashion Show
• The course team will select the work and the show will be curated by the Course Leader

MA Fashion graduates have established notable careers as Design Directors, Designers and journalists worldwide, whilst some have chosen to build reputations under their own labels.

Womenswear pathway destinations include the following companies: Acne Jeans, Aquascutum, Adidas, Alexander Wang, Armani, Balenciaga, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Celine, Cerruti, Chanel, Chloe, Christian Dior, DKNY, Dolce & Gabbana, Donna Karan, Dries Van Noten, Jil Sander, Lanvin, Levis, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Marni, Nike, Prada, Pringle, Puma, Roberto Cavalli, Sonia Rykiel, Stella McCartney, Top Shop, Versace and Viktor & Rolf. Own labels Include Alexander McQueen, Ashish, Basso & Brooke, Bora Aksu, Christopher Kane, David Koma, J JS Lee, Marios Schwab, Maarten van der Horst, Michael Van Der Ham, Palmer Harding, Peter Jensen, Richard Nicoll, Roksanda Ilincic, Simone Rocha, Sophia Kokosalaki, Thomas Tait and Todd Lynn.

Menswear pathway destinations include the following companies: Adidas, Balmain, Balenciaga, Burberry, Carol Christian Poel, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Jil Sander, Lanvin, Levis, Loui Vuitton, Missoni, Neil Barrett, Phillip Lim, Puma, Versace, Yves Saint Laurent and Topman. Own labels include Peter Jensen, Griffin, Shaun Samson, Christopher Shannon and Craig Green.

Knitwear pathway destinations include the following companies: Balenciaga, Banana Republic, Celine, Chloe, Gucci, Issey Miyake, John Smedley, Liz Claiborne, Marks & Spencer, Ralph Lauren, Sonia Rykiel, Stella McCartney, Valentino and Yves Saint Laurent. Own labels include Leutton Postle, Louise Goldin, Mark Fast and Phoebe English.

Textiles pathway destinations include the following companies: Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Chanel, Dries van Noten, DVF, Ghost, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Mulberry, Puma, Top Shop, Ungaro, Valentino and Versace. Own labels include Jonathan Saunders, Basso & Brooke, Eley Kishimoto, Louise Gray and Mary Katrantzou.

Journalism pathway graduates work in the following companies: ID Magazine, Another Magazine, Dazed and Confused, Self Service, The Guardian, The Independent, The Sunday Times, Marie Claire, The Telegraph, Vogue, vogue.co.uk, Vogue USA, Vogue China.

Industry Links

MA Fashion students have benefited from collaborations with companies worldwide.  They are expected to establish their own network of contacts in London and beyond, and develop collaborations within industry as part of their project work whilst on the course.  Sponsored projects include amongst others Pringle Archive see link and Bally.

For details of the wide range of careers support provided for students, please visit our Careers Support page.

Entry Requirements

A relevant good honours degree or equivalent professional experience; significant creative ability in Fashion Design, Textiles, Knitwear, Accessory Design or, for the Fashion Journalism pathway, a high level of writing skills with a strong interest in fashion. Mature students are encouraged to apply.

Scholarship

Each year all successful Home/EU applicants are considered for one of the course's five Giorgio Armani fees bursaries, three L'Oreal Professionel bursaries and three Puma bursaries. Other bursaries are also available. Go to our scholarships page for further details.

English language requirements

Fashion design pathways: All classes are conducted in English. If English is not your first language, we strongly recommend you send us an English language test score together with your application to prove your level of proficiency. If you have booked a test or are awaiting your results, please clearly indicate this on your application form. When you have received your test score, please send it to us immediately. The standard English language requirement for entry is IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in any one paper, or equivalent. For further information visit the English Language requirements page.
 
Applicants who will need a Tier 4 General Student Visa should check the Visa and Immigration page which provides important information about UK Border Agency (UKBA) requirements. 

MA Fashion Journalism: All classes are conducted in English. If English is not your first language, we strongly recommend you send us an English language test score together with your application to prove your level of proficiency. If you have booked a test or are awaiting your results, please clearly indicate this on your application form. When you have received your test score, please send it to us immediately. The standard English language requirement for entry is IELTS 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in any one paper, or equivalent. For further information visit the English Language requirements page.
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Applicants who will need a Tier 4 General Student Visa should check the Visa and Immigration page which provides important information about UK Border Agency (UKBA) requirements. 

What we look for

The talent to move fashion forward, the skills to ‘realise’ your creative vision and commitment to succeed in this demanding, pressurised and fast-changing industry.

Student selection criteria

Applicants to Womenswear Fashion, Menswear Fashion, Knitwear for Fashion, Textiles for Fashion and Accessories for Fashion are selected on their ability to demonstrate through a portfolio containing a minimum of four projects:

• A strong personal identity
• Extensive research and rough work
• Technical skills
• 3-dimensional sense
• Visual interpretation skills
• Sensitivity to fabrication and colour

Applicants to Fashion Journalism are not expected to provide a portfolio at interview but are required to submit a written piece (2,000-3,000 words) with their application prior to being selected for interview. This must be well presented and on a fashion topic. It must demonstrate:

• ability to develop a critical argument based on research
• analytical and interpretative skills
• ability to present items in a concise and coherent form

The interview for all pathways (for applicants selected following submission of the application form, personal statement and supporting work in the form of a portfolio of work or written work) is used to evaluate the extent to which you demonstrate:

• potential to benefit from the course
• reason for choosing the course
• communication skills
• motivation and commitment

Portfolio advice

If you are applying for Womenswear Fashion, Menswear Fashion, Knitwear Fashion, Accessories or Textiles for Fashion yo're required to bring to interview a substantial portfolio of design work (a minimum of four projects). This should include extensive research and rough work, together with a toile/garment/printed or knitted length or 3D work, as appropriate for your pathway choice.

If you are applying for Fashion Journalism you are not expected to provide a portfolio at interview but you will be required to submit a written piece with your application prior to being selected for interview. This must be a well-presented piece of written work on a fashion topic (2,000-3,000 words). Evidence of research and market segment aimed at must be indicated and illustrations may be included where appropriate. Your piece of written work, application form and personal statement (see section five of the application form) must be sent with the application.

Top tip - if we have asked for a substantial portfolio, etc. as above it's best to submit just that and not over-edit.

Home/EU and International applicants

Download your MA Fashion application form:

• MA Fashion application form - international [Word, 0.5mb]
• MA Fashion reference form - international [Word, 0.3mb]
• MA Fashion application form - home/EU [Word, 0.5mb]    
• MA Fashion reference form - home/EU [Word, 0.3mb]

Each form contains detailed information about the application process.

Your application must include:

• a completed application form
• copies of your latest qualifications certificates
• a personal statement
• two original references on headed paper, at least one of which should be an academic or professional reference
• *International applicants should include a portfolio of work with their application. (See details below)

Please ensure your application is complete. If you’re sending references separately, please state this clearly. Please send your application by registered mail. Due to the large number of applications we get, we cannot send confirmation that your application has been received. Please do not apply unless you meet the course requirements.

*International applicants portfolio

Please submit your portfolio as a non returnable A4 portfolio, or CD / USB memory stick (images should be arranged in a single PDF or Powerpoint file).  The presentation of between 20 pages minimum and 50 pages maximum, should contain a minimum of four projects and should demonstrate your process and research as well as final outcomes.

Further information for Home / EU applicants

Our website includes all the information you need to apply. However, if you still have unanswered questions about the admissions process, please contact us. Email: info@csm.arts.ac.uk

Further information for International applicants

Our website includes all the information you need to apply. However, if you still have unanswered questions about the admissions process, please contact us. Email: international@csm.arts.ac.uk

The University has a dedicated team to help prepare you for your studies. For help on visa requirements, housing, tuition fees and language requirements visit the University's International section.

The Language Centre offers international students quality language training from qualified and experienced teachers. The Pre-sessional Academic English Programme is available to all international (non-EU) students who have been offered a place on a full time course at the University of the Arts. For further information visit the Language Centre website.

We also offer a number of short courses that enable students to improve their portfolios and English skills before applying to their chosen course. For further information visit our Short Course section.

Home/EU applicants please send your completed application to: Student Administration, MA Fashion, Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design, University of the Arts London, Granary Building, 1 Granary Square, London N1C 4AA.

International applicants please send your completed application to: International Office, MA Fashion, Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design, University of the Arts London, Granary Building, 1 Granary Square, London N1C 4AA.

When to Apply

Due to the popularity of MA Fashion we recommend that you return your application as soon as possible after the 31st of January but by the end of May at the latest for all other applications although we do consider applicants of exceptional talent up until 30^th June.

It should be noted that you can submit your application after the closing date. However, if the Course is full it will be filed as a late application, and you will only be interviewed if and when a place becomes available.

Home/EU applicants who wish to apply for the Arts and Humanities Research Council
(AHRC) bursary should apply to the college before 1 March 2013.

Deferred entry

Entry can only be deferred in exceptional circumstances. Please contact us before submitting your application if you’re considering applying for deferred entry.

What happens next? 

We read and consider all application forms and personal references. Please note we pay particular attention to your personal statement and references.

Subject to your meeting the entry requirements and following consideration of your application form, preliminary selection is based on your personal statement and documentation of work and supporting information. You may then be invited to attend a portfolio review and, if successful, an interview. For candidates applying for external funding, interviews will be scheduled prior to funding body deadlines.

Can't attend the interview?

If you’re a home/EU or international applicant unable to attend for interview, the MA Fashion Course Leader would hope to discuss your application by telephone or email.

In the case of applicants unable to attend for interview and unable to discuss their application by telephone or email, a decision regarding the offer of a place will be made on the basis of a review of the application materials. We keep notes about decisions made following the initial application review and the interview process.

Selection is by two members of staff (normally the Course Leader and one other), and offers of places are made on the basis of our selection criteria. Applicants are informed of the decision via either the Student Administration or the International Office.

Open days

Open days are a great opportunity to meet staff and students and to find out at first hand about courses, teaching and student life. Visit the open day section for dates to book your session. Bookings can only be made online, not by phone or email.MA Fashion reference form - international [Word, 0.3mb]