Ravensbourne’s MA Fashion course is a forward-looking course that has cross-fertilisation and collaboration at its core. The course focuses on the importance of conceptual and commercial research and critical analysis. Ultimately, we foster a creative and entrepreneurial culture that consists of professional thinkers who are dynamic, informed and pro-active.
The cutting edge of the fashion industry
The MA Fashion course provides a unique experience that has embedded within it a multidisciplinary approach to creative solutions for industry, where collaboration is key to forming new methodologies and practices in response to emerging new technologies, especially digital technologies.
“I have been impressed with Ravensbourne’s fashion students, not only do they have a brilliant space and amazing building to work in, but when working with them on a menswear project they excelled in their thought processes, digital skills, and creativity. They’re just what the fashion industry needs!” Claire Malcolm, designer, Hardy Amies
Times are changing
The MA Fashion course has been developed in response to market forces that are shaping industry demand for creative professionals with updated specialist design skills and an in-depth understanding of current and emerging commercial design strategies.
Creating leaders for the future
The development of contextual knowledge, state-of-the-art practical skills and rigorous intellectual enquiry on the MA Fashion course will broaden conventional perceptions of what constitutes fashion product and culture and allow confident exploration into, hitherto, uncharted creative quarters.
The course encourages an international perspective. Globally-focused case studies will broaden perspectives and increase understanding of international design aesthetics and commercial practices.
The MA Fashion course aims to challenge you into experimenting with new ideas and to be innovative in your approach. Throughout the course you will be encouraged to think both expansively for creative solutions and analytically in response to thorough research.
This all works towards a postgraduate experience that prepares you to function confidently at the leading edge of the creative industries.
Who’s it for?
This MA Fashion course is for ambitious professionals starting out on and wanting to progress their career paths and explore new opportunities in the rapidly evolving global creative industries.
The course offers design practitioners advanced knowledge and skills that gives them a significant edge in today’s competitive market place.
It has also been designed to give those with limited experience of working in the fashion industry a dynamic step up the career ladder. In addition, the course aims to support entrepreneurial aspirations that embrace conceptual and technical cross-fertilisation and collaboration.
What you will study
The course develops advanced critical, creative, technical and professional skills with the aim of stimulating innovation in the global fashion industry. The course challenges you to re-examine the methodologies and working methods normally found in creative practice in fashion.
Alongside the development of your creative fashion design project which is central to the course, you will explore the creative use of new technology and innovative business models applied to the creative industries.
You will also be encouraged to push beyond the traditional boundaries of fashion design, practice and manufacture exploring the opportunities offered through new technologies and new ways of working.
Fashion is a worldwide industry and in this context you will be equipped with a comprehensive understanding of the international fashion business and the creative work within it. The course has collaborative arrangements with several international centres including ENSAD in Paris, FIT in New York and Rhode Island School of Design. Your final project work can range from a catwalk collection to an installation, virtual design, product, promotional package, magazine, video or website.
Where will it take you?
The course encourages you to be more entrepreneurial and advanced in your practice, whilst developing and refining digital skills utilising a range of prototyping technologies. You will gain a critical understanding of creative business practises on a global level and are encouraged to take a strong interest in trends coming from key fashion cities. Upon completion you will be able to enter the fashion industry at a more senior level, where you will be able to project manage both fashion teams and cross disciplinary creative teams.
Teaching
Learning is facilitated by permanent teaching staff and supported by sessional staff, all of whom are highly experienced practising professionals in the fashion and related creative industries. Collaborative learning and multi-disciplinary working are positively encouraged with postgraduate peers and with the undergraduate community.
You will interrogate a range of techniques in prototyping labs which will include digital printing, laser cutting and rapid prototyping; you are also encouraged to explore alternative modes of presenting your work and to make use of Ravensbourne’s fully equipped photography, TV and sound studios and media suite.
You will, therefore, be able to develop prototypes as well as creating outcomes that normally sit outside the discipline’s remit, for example 3D fashion film and photography.
Laptops
You are required to own or have access to a laptop from the beginning of your studies. Laptops are an essential tool to support personalised learning and give you access, when and where you want it, to many of the creative tools and educational resources you will encounter during your studies.
Laptops are used extensively in all of our courses. You will need one to access our network, and to research, communicate and collaborate during your studies.
Assessment
Knowledge, understanding and the ability to contextualise your studies are assessed through project work, underpinned by in-depth research and including individual and group presentations.
You will be asked to demonstrate your ability to critically reflect on your practice and to analyse and articulate your research conclusions.
Click here for the full programme specification.
