MFA Fashion
Course overview
Start date
September 2021
Subject area
Fashion
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Learning
On campus, dual delivery
Course summary
You can apply for this course as an MFA or MA. The MFA takes one extra year and you can apply by choosing the MFA option when you click 'apply'.
MA (Master of Arts)
1-year course with a focus on researching, developing creative practice and implementing an interdisciplinary learning project or curriculum initiative with measurable impact within a project environment (e.g. Learning organisation, arts organisation, business enterprise and innovation, design-oriented organisation, social-engaged project context).
6 modules = 180 Credits at Level 7
MFA (Master of Fine Arts)
2-year course with a focus on researching, developing creative practice and implementing an interdisciplinary learning project or curriculum initiatives in year 1 that lead to a larger-scale embedded research project in year 2. The emphasis of the larger-scale research project will integrate several interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary contexts through practice, research and live projects, applying a range of seminal and contemporary theories to project research and development from a number of relevant disciplinary domains (such as design, innovation, business and enterprise).
8 modules = 360 Credits at Level 7
All qualification outcomes involve the same 6 or 8 modules.
The nature of the work for each student will emanate from the context of their practice-based research.
The course can be studied Full Time (1 or 2 years), Part Time (2 or 4 years), or micro-credentialled, with a maximum limit of 8 years.
All modules can be taken individually on a micro-credentialled basis.
Return to campus: dual delivery
In a Covid-secure environment, enjoy learning on our state-of-the-art campuses and flex between online delivery
Find out moreHands-on approach
Our course will give you the chance to develop an innovative and distinct performance practice to set you on the road to success in the world of acting and the performing arts.
Kick-start to your career
We’ll give you the chance to work with a mentor, an experienced professional actor who will offer you support and advice and help you make the step into the professional creative world.
Flexible study
You can study in the evening to allow access for those of you who are working or have family commitments.
What we're researching
Our academic team are dedicated to furthering the knowledge of creative practice and how it impacts on the fashion industry.
One of our research areas is sustainable design within fashion and textiles. In a collaborative project by UEL researchers; we’ve been analysing and identifying new materials and decorative methods. Our BA Fashion Design senior lecturer, Joe Hunter’s environmental design ideology has been ongoing since the early 90s and is reinvigorated with a new soft sculpture, printed with trash and skinned with denim offcuts to create an oversized soft toy designed to initiate kids into environmental preservation.
Additionally, we’re also looking at how new digital technology can transform fashion shopping experience and further increase in-store customer experience. MA International Fashion Business programme leader, Kent Le, is conducting his PhD on the use of Augmented Reality on Fashion Promotion with his research being presented in international conferences such as International Conference on Contemporary Marketing Issues. Our BA Fashion Marketing senior lecturer, Dr Gokhan Aydin, is a research expert in online consumer behaviour, luxury marketing and brand equity and has published on various impactful journals. Our Head of Department and Course Leader for BA Fashion Design, Beatrice Newman, is an entrepreneur and has launched her own brand, Korlekie, which specialises in unique made to order clothing that has been worn by the likes of Alesha Dixon, Rita Ora, Ellie Goulding and Tiwa Savage from Nigeria. Her specialist area of research surrounds building a sustainable fashion business with emphasis towards the development and preservation of craftsmanship using heritage hand craft and digital technology.
Making a difference
UEL is one of the UK’s leading modern research universities. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), 17 per cent of our overall research submission was classified as ‘world-leading’ for its quality and impact – almost double our previous REF score. A further 45 per cent of our work was considered ‘internationally excellent’.
Beatrice Newman
Head of Department, Fashion
With a diverse student body that come to UEL from all over the world, students will be able to grow their network on campus whilst experiencing what London has to offer.
Students will have the opportunity to work with clients and industry professionals as part of their MA/ MFA Fashion degree at UEL, allowing students to sharpen their skills in design and business, developing outcomes towards further research and innovative enterprises.
Fees and funding
£10,280 to fund your Masters Programme under the Postgraduate Loans (PGL) scheme
Postgraduate Loans (PGL)
The Postgraduate Loan (PGL) provide non means-tested loans of up to £10,906 to taught and research masters students. It will be paid to students as a contribution towards tuition fees, living costs and other course costs.
Applications are made directly through Student Finance England
Eligibility
Whether you qualify depends on:
• if you’ve studied on a postgraduate course before
• your course
• your age
• your nationality or residency status
Full eligibility can be found here
Please take a look at the Postgraduate Loans for an overview of the new funding.
The scholarship is open to full-time and part-time UK and EU students of taught postgraduate courses. *Exclusions apply.
Find out more about full eligibility criteria and how to apply.
Terms and conditions apply.How we can help you
Did you know that with a postgraduate qualification you can expect to earn more than someone who only holds an undergraduate degree?If you want to build new skills, change career paths, or further your career prospects, a postgraduate degree can help you. Our range of scholarships and bursaries will make financing your education that much easier. Below is some of the funding available to support you in your studies:
- Alumni Discount – up to 15% fee waiver *exclusions apply. Please see Alumni Discount page for information.
- Early Payment Discount – 5% fee waiver
- Asylum Seekers scholarship – 100% fee waiver
- Civic Engagement – £1,000
- Hardship Bursary – up to £2,000
- Sport Scholarships – Up to £6,000
Terms and conditions apply.
• By telephone
• In person at our Docklands or Stratford campus
• Bank transfer
- Apply for a Postgraduate Loan
- Take advantage of UEL scholarships and bursaries
- Ask your employer to sponsor your study
- Study part-time so you can work at the same time (applicable to courses that have a part-time mode)
- Look at UK Research and Innovation funding options
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate
your finances while you're a student at the University of East London.
We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and
university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.
Email: study@uel.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8223 4444
Fees per year:
Year 1 (180 credits) - £9,720
Year 2 (120 credits) - £6,480
If you study the MA or MEd you pay the Year 1 fees only.
EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals starting a course in September 2021, will no longer be eligible for Home fees. However, such nationals benefitting from Settled Status or Citizens' Rights may become eligible for Home fees as and when the UK Government confirms any new fees regulations. Further information can be found at UKCISA.
£10,280 to fund your Masters Programme under the Postgraduate Loans (PGL) scheme
Postgraduate Loans (PGL)
The Postgraduate Loan (PGL) provide non means-tested loans of up to £10,906 to taught and research masters students. It will be paid to students as a contribution towards tuition fees, living costs and other course costs.
Applications are made directly through Student Finance England
Eligibility
Whether you qualify depends on:
• if you’ve studied on a postgraduate course before
• your course
• your age
• your nationality or residency status
Full eligibility can be found here
Please take a look at the Postgraduate Loans for an overview of the new funding.
The scholarship is open to full-time and part-time UK and EU students of taught postgraduate courses. *Exclusions apply.
Find out more about full eligibility criteria and how to apply.
Terms and conditions apply.How we can help you
Did you know that with a postgraduate qualification you can expect to earn more than someone who only holds an undergraduate degree?If you want to build new skills, change career paths, or further your career prospects, a postgraduate degree can help you. Our range of scholarships and bursaries will make financing your education that much easier. Below is some of the funding available to support you in your studies:
- Alumni Discount – up to 15% fee waiver *exclusions apply. Please see Alumni Discount page for information.
- Early Payment Discount – 5% fee waiver
- Asylum Seekers scholarship – 100% fee waiver
- Civic Engagement – £1,000
- Hardship Bursary – up to £2,000
- Sport Scholarships – Up to £6,000
Terms and conditions apply.
• By telephone
• In person at our Docklands or Stratford campus
• Bank transfer
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate
your finances while you're a student at the University of East London.
We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and
university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.
Email: study@uel.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8223 4444
Per 30 credit module
EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals starting a course in September 2021, will no longer be eligible for Home fees. However, such nationals benefitting from Settled Status or Citizens' Rights may become eligible for Home fees as and when the UK Government confirms any new fees regulations. Further information can be found at UKCISA.
As part of the Tier 4 student visa requirements, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) estimate that you will need £1,265* per month to cover your living costs. It includes expenses for accommodation, food and drink, travel within London, text books, entertainment, clothing, toiletries and laundry. Most Tier 4 students are required to show they have sufficient funds to cover the first nine months of the course before they start- a total of £11,385- in addition to the tuition fees. You can find more information about the specific requirements of the Tier 4 student visa here. The amount that you will spend can vary depending on your lifestyle. The UKCISA International Student Calculator can help you plan and manage your money.
* Please note the Immigration Rules are subject to change and this figure is likely to be increased by UKVI year on year. Please therefore check our ISA page for more information at the time of preparing your visa application.International students are required to pay a deposit prior to being issued a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Your remaining balance will be paid in five monthly instalments over your first term. The first of these instalments must be paid when completing your enrolment on arrival at UEL. Please follow the payment instructions here.
After the required payment has been made, you will be asked to complete the online International Student Reply Form to confirm your acceptance of our offer and of our terms of admittance and fees policy.
Our International team at UEL are available for advice and guidance on studying in London, fees, scholarships and visa requirements.
Email: international@uel.ac.uk
Fees per year
Year 1 MFA (180 credits) - £13,860
Year 2 MFA (120 credits) - £9,240
If you study the MA or MEd you pay the Year 1 fees only.
EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals starting a course in September 2021, will no longer be eligible for Home fees. However, such nationals benefitting from Settled Status or Citizens' Rights may become eligible for Home fees as and when the UK Government confirms any new fees regulations. Further information can be found at UKCISA.
Entry requirements
Overall IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in Writing, Speaking, Reading and Listening (or recognised equivalent).
If you do not meet the academic English language requirements for your course, you may be eligible to enrol onto a pre-sessional English programme. The length of the course will depend on your current level of English and the requirements for your degree programme. We offer a 5-week and an 11-week pre-sessional course.
The portfolio is a very important part of the application process. It should reflect broad examples of your work.
How should I send my portfolio?
Please send a portfolio of your current work to support your application. Your portfolio should be a single PDF file (no larger than 10MB in size) or a link to an online site.
Please submit your portfolio to the Postgraduate Admissions team pgadmiss@uel.ac.uk.
The subject of your emails should state ‘Portfolio for Fashion’ and include your student reference number (e.g. UEL ref: 1444444).
What to include in my portfolio?
- Evidence of research development into practice using visual development and theoretical analysis
- Understanding of fashion market segment in design work (high fashion, commercial etc)
- Evidence of design development (pattern cutting, sample development, final garment)
- Showcase of illustrative development and CAD skills (Technical drawings)
- Evidence of own projects/ work/ blogs
- Demonstrate an understanding of portfolio layout and presentation
- Showcase of any physical outcomes/ photographs of work
Some useful tips to take into consideration
- Personal statements should be factual and to the point
- Year out and practical work experience is relevant and should be presented.
If you cannot submit a portfolio please contact us otherwise your application may be withdrawn if we do not receive a portfolio.
What you'll study
We consistently review and develop our courses and modules to ensure they are up-to-date with sector and industry graduate skills demands. Course structure, modules and options are subject to change.
- Identify: New Concepts and Technologies (Core)
- Define: Concepts and Technologies (Core)
- Define: Live Industry Project (Core)
- Professional Life: Advanced Fashion Portfolio (Mental Wealth) (Core).
- Consolidate: Concept and Technologies (Core)
- Fashion Consultancy Project/Internship (Core)
- MFA Creative Practice (Core)
- MFA Professional Platform (Core)
Core modules:
- Identify: Concepts and Technologies
- Define Concepts and Technologies
- Define: Live Industry Project
- Advanced Fashion Portfolio (Mental Wealth)
- Fashion Consultancy Project
- Consolidate: Concept and Technologies
- Creative Practice
- Professional Platform
How you'll be assessed
Practical coursework will include: garment construction, technical sewing files, reports and presentations. Theoretical coursework includes essays, research files, sample and development portfolios, practical design development, group and seminar presentations.
The approximate percentages for this course are:
Year 1: 50% coursework, 50% practical
You will have the opportunity to gain feedback from your lecturers, peers and our industry partners. We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
Course specification
How you'll learn
The fashion subject area is made up of industry knowledgeable staff, entrepreneurs and business owners, so you can be sure you will be learning in real time. We believe it is important that your education is consistent with the times and reflects the industry you will progress into.
When not attending timetabled lectures or workshops, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This will typically involve skills development through 3D studio and workshop development, online study, reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects and preparing practical and written coursework assignments and presentations. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, specialist facilities, such as edit suites, the library, the full Microsoft Office software, including MS Teams, and Moodle: our Virtual Learning Environment.
Our academic support team provides help in a range of areas – including learning and disability support.
When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of the academic course team who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at UEL and who will show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer.
Each year you will spend around 200 hours of timetabled learning and teaching activities. These may be lectures, workshops, seminars and individual and group tutorials. Contact hours may vary depending on each module.
The approximate percentages for this course are:
Year 1: scheduled teaching – approx. 300 hours; guided independent study – 1,500 hours
Year 2: scheduled teaching – 200 hours; guided independent study – 1,000 hours.
Your individualised timetable is normally available within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9.00am and 6.00pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.
To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally attracts 10 students a year.
We have our own baseroom for group work and collaborations.
Who will teach on this course
Beatrice Newman
The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.
What you'll learn
The entire programme will be designed around mixed delivery of seminars, workshops, residencies, industry briefs and collaborative interdisciplinary projects and visits to collections, galleries, practitioners, museums and community groups which will ensure the field of study is both global and local.
Knowledge is developed through:
- Practically based design projects developing the key skills (research, design, recording information, exhibiting and presenting work)
- Lectures, seminars and practical demonstrations
- Live client project work and visiting professionals
Thinking skills are developed through
- Reading and Research, both primary and secondary, quantitative and qualitative
- Essays, reports and action plans
- Formulations of judgements with presentations and exhibitions
- Self directed study
Practical skills are developed through
- Working with academic, visiting and support staff
- New technologies, CAD digital media, digital fabric printing, photography and digital imagery
- Competitions, national and international
Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through
- Presentations, individually and in groups
- Industrial placement, working with professionals as part of a team
- Working in teams and group situations in project and assignment work
- Organisational skills and time management
Your future career
We’re proud that our students go on to make their names as designers, design coordinators, pattern cutters, fashion technologists, product developers and retail managers.
As one of our graduates Lucy Johnson, who now owns streetwear label Brahboys, says of the course, “It was a fun and emotional experience that I’d recommend to anyone thinking of a career in fashion."
At Graduate Fashion Week 2016, one of our students, Antonia Nae, won the prestigious Lipsy Red Carpet Award for her sweeping black dress.
The quality of our students’ work is held in such high regard that a
group of our undergraduates were commissioned to create the costumes for a pivotal scene in the hit movie, Absolutely Fabulous.
UEL Fashion and Textiles area has strong links with industry that have been developed over the past 30 years and have worked with companies such as Erdem, Polo Ralph Lauren, Jenny Packham, The Collection, Asos, Marks and Spencer, Timothy Everest to name some. UEL fashion students are in high demand in industry for placement candidates as well as graduate employees due to their high level of skills and professionalism.
Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal
