Course description
MA Fashion Journalism responds to the growth of the fashion media and the changing character of fashion journalism which is creating a demand for multifaceted communicators who are highly articulate, analytical commentators on fashion, style and popular culture, and can demonstrate a broad knowledge of fashion in its cultural context.
What is it?
A multidisciplinary framework for independent study leading to an original body of written and/or visual work proposed and negotiated by the student, for example: a dissertation on the presentation of fashion on television; a book surveying the fashion industry in Canada; a new concept for a fashion magazine; a cultural analysis of the current position of masculinity in society.
Structure
MA Fashion Journalism is unique in its merging of cultural theory with fashion journalism. Students can choose to position their aspirations and their work on a spectrum from media journalism to theoretical study. The course aims to develop highly articulate and aware fashion commentators who have sound research ability and strong written and visual communication skills. Cultural theory and journalism strands run in parallel through the first stage of the course. Three of the four pathway units are focused on the practice of journalism, a key feature being visiting speakers from industry. Understanding Writing introduces students to a range of media practice and develops writing skills. The Rationale of Publishing focuses on a variety of media markets and the development of original concepts including market research, production and publishing skills. The third practical unit, Beyond the Grid, specifically focuses on magazine design, combining vocational computer design skills together with a historical and theoretical overview of magazine design - past, present and future. The remaining unit focuses on cultural studies: Approaches to Fashion develops a critical understanding of a range of academic and cultural writings and is based on student led seminars. The Contextual Studies unit provides breadth to your studies with themes including cultural, historical, design and global business perspectives on fashion futures and combines the talents of the whole MA group. Supporting the development of students’ work is the Research Methods unit which covers the disciplines underpinning all research work on the programme. During the second stage of the course, students conceive and realise a major project or dissertation in Conceptualising Fashion under the supervision of designated tutors.
Time Required - work/study balance
Postgraduate study is based on a balance between taught contact in seminars, lectures and tutorials and time spent on independent research and study. Full time students are expected to devote four days per week to study, part time students two days per week. In the first stage of the course, course units are held on two to three days and one evening per week (full time) or one day and one evening per week (part time).
What are we looking for?
Individuals who can respond to a challenge, are articulate and can contribute original ideas and a keen awareness of current issues in many aspects of fashion. You must have a first degree in a subject relevant to fashion communication and culture such as media studies, cultural studies, English, fashion, textiles, sociology, philosophy or other relevant humanities subjects, and be able to demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of fashion. Alternatively you must have at least three years professional experience in journalism or other relevant area at an appropriate level, and demonstrate a good command of written English.
Prospective students should:
-Have a good Honours degree in a related discipline (2:1 or above)
-or equivalent qualification or a minimum of 3 years industrial experience at an appropriate level
-have IELTS level 7.0 or equivalent if English is not the first language
