Central Saint Martins

College of Art and Design

MA Fashion
Course Information

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

Course Director
Professor Louise Wilson OBE

Course Length
1 year and 2 terms (45 weeks)

Course Starts
September

Course Location
Charing Cross Road
Course 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

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.

The pathways offered are:

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

The Accessories pathway was created as a result of industry demand. The pathway
responds to students needs, both those whose creative direction changes at the end of
their undergraduate studies and wish to express their ideas through accessories and
those who would join the course from a traditional accessories back ground and
transform themselves through the high level core fashion approach.

On each pathway 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 designer or
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.

MA Fashion Design – January 2010 – page 2

Course Structure
The Course duration is 45 weeks full-time, structured in three units over five terms
(which may vary in length) commencing in late October. The course 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.

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 and 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.

Career prospects
MA Fashion graduates have established notable careers as designers, directors and
journalists worldwide, some have chosen to build reputations under their own labels.

Womenswear pathway graduates work in 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, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Marni,
Nike, Prada, Pringle, Puma, Roberto Cavalli, Sonia Rykiel, Stella Mccartney, Top Shop,
Versace. Own Labels Include: Alexander Mcqueen, Ashish, Basso And Brooke, Bora
Aksu, Christopher Kane, Marios Schwab, Michael Van Der Ham, Peter Jensen, Richard
Nicoll, Roksanda Ilincic and Sophia Kokosalaki.

Menswear pathway graduates work in the following companies: Adidas, Balmain,

Balenciaga, Burberry, Carol Christian Poel, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Jil Sander,
Lanvin, Levis, Missoni, Neil Barrett, Phillip Lim, Puma, Versace, Yves Saint Laurent,
Topman. Own labels include: Kim Jones, Peter Jensen, Griffin and Christopher
Shannon.

MA Fashion Design – January 2010 – page 3

Knitwear pathway graduates work in the following companies: Banana Republic,
Chloe, Gucci, Issey Miyake, John Smedley, Liz Claiborne,Marks & Spencer plc, Ralph
Lauren, Sonia Rykiel, Stella McCartney, Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent. Own labels
include: Louise Goldin and Mark Fast.

Textiles pathway graduates work in the following companies: Chanel, Dries van Noten,
Ghost, Louis Vuitton, Puma, Top Shop, Ungaro, Valentino, Versace. Own label include:
Basso & Brooke, Eley Kishimoto Jonathan Saunders, 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

Students have benefited from collaboration with companies worldwide. They are
expected to establish their own network of contacts and develop collaborations within
industry as part of their project work whilst on the course.

Open Days
An open day for MA Fashion

2pm – 3.30pm
107 – 109 Charing Cross Road WC2
January 14th 2010

Booking is essential, call 020 7514 7022/7023 or email info@csm.arts.ac.uk

To confirm your booking, please include your name, email address (if applicable), full
postal address and telephone number.

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.

How to apply
You can down load an application form by clicking on the link:
http://www.csm.arts.ac.uk/docs/application/ma-fashion-application.pdf
or request an application form from our Information Office +44 (0)20 7514 7022,
info@csm.arts.ac.uk. The application form contains detailed information on the
application process. Please return your completed application to: The Registrar,
School of Fashion and Textiles, Central Saint Martins, 107 – 109 Charing Cross
Road, London WC2H 0DU.

MA Fashion Design – January 2010 – page 4

When to apply
Due to the popularity of the Course 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.
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 2010.

Portfolio advice
If you are applying for Womenswear Fashion, Menswear Fashion, Knitwear Fashion,
Accessories or Textiles for Fashion you will be 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.

Interviews
While we appreciate that all applicants will be anxious to learn the progress of their
application we regret that, due to the volume of applications, it is not possible to answer
individual queries. The Registrar will notify you when you are to be called for interview
and as soon as a decision has been made.

International students
If you are from outside the European Union contact Central Saint Martins International
Office. Our International Office deals specifically with the needs of students from
overseas. They will be able to assist and advise you on applying to the course,
accommodation, visa requirements and much more:

International Office, Central Saint Martins, Southampton Row, London WC1B 4AP,
tel +44 (0)20 7514 7027, fax +44 (0)20 7514 8013,
international-office@csm.arts.ac.uk

English language requirement

All classes are conducted in English, so you will be required to have a fluent
understanding of the language. If English is not your first language you will be asked to
provide evidence of your English language ability. We strongly advise International
applicants to take an IELTS test as soon as they consider studying in the UK. Minimum

MA Fashion Design – January 2010 – page 5

scores for entry on to all the MA Fashion pathways (except Journalism) are as follows:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): 6.5

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): hand written test: 548-567,
computer based test: 211-225

MA Fashion Journalism:
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): 7.0
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): hand written test: 568-587,
computer based test: 226-240

We provide free tuition in English for international students and regular workshops in
the language of art and design. We also offer a number of short courses that enable
students from overseas to improve their portfolios and English skills before applying to
their chosen course.

Tuition fees
UK/EU £3,260 year 1, £1965 year 2
International £10,775 year £1,7160 year 2
The fees shown above are for students commencing their course in 2009/10. Fees are
subject to inflationary increase and should be used for guidance only.

Scholarships
The GIORGIO ARMANI SCHOLARSHIPS
(applicants from Womenswear, Menswear and Knitwear pathways are eligible).
GIORGIO ARMANI has awarded FIVE ARMANI BURSARIES which aim to offer the
opportunity for postgraduate study to talented and deserving applicants who would
otherwise be unable to finance themselves through postgraduate study.

L'ORÉAL PROFESSIONNEL SCHOLARSHIPS

(applicants from Womenswear, Knitwear and Textiles for Fashion pathways are
eligible). L'ORÉAL PROFESSIONNEL has created THREE BURSARIES which aim to
offer the opportunity for postgraduate study to talented and deserving applicants who
would otherwise be unable to finance themselves through postgraduate study.

The PUMA SCHOLARSHIPS

(applicants from all pathways are eligible). 2007 saw the first PUMA FOOTWEAR
DESIGN COMPETITION for the MA Fashion Course. Sales/royalties from these
PUMA/CENTRAL SAINT MARTINS Footwear Designs have founded the PUMA
SCHOLARSHIPS to offer the opportunity for postgraduate study to talented and
deserving applicants who would otherwise be unable to finance themselves through
postgraduate study.

The UNGARO SCHOLARSHIP

(applicants from Womenswear and Textiles are eligible)

All successful home/EU applicants will be considered for the above eleven bursaries
prior to the start of the course by the course team. No separate bursary application is
required.

MA Fashion Design – January 2010 – page 6

Funding your course
There are a number of publications and sources of information on obtaining funding for
your course. For details of these, please visit the University of the Arts Student
Services website: www.arts.ac.uk/student

If you live outside the UK you can get advice on funding your course from your local
British Council office. See www.britishcouncil.org.uk for a list of British Council offices
worldwide or contact British Council Information Centre:
tel +44 (0)161 957 7755, fax +44 (0)161 957 7762,
general.enquiries@britishcouncil.org

Home / EU applicants may wish to apply for Professional Preparation Masters Scheme
funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). For further advice
please visit: www.ahrc.ac.uk (Please note applications should be made via the
College).

Useful links
http://www.vogue.co.uk
www.alexandermcqueen.com
www.annsofieback.com
www.jane-carr.com
www.jenslaugesen.com

Contact Details
For further information visit our web site at www.csm.arts.ac.uk or contact:
Information Office
Central Saint Martins
Southampton Row
London WC1B 4AP
tel: +44 (0)20 7514 7022
fax: +44 (0)20 7514 7254
email: info@csm.arts.ac.uk

Please note that, whilst every care has been taken to ensure accuracy at the time
of production, the information contained in this leaflet may be subject to change.

MA Fashion Design – January 2010 – page 7