About this course
LJMU's Fashion Innovation MA provides a thorough understanding of industry design, technology and commercial practice within the fashion industry.
- Expand your knowledge of fashion design or communication, and contribute to the wider field of fashion through research-based critical work.
- Develop innovative fashion practice through guidance from academics, businesses and industry entrepreneurs
- Work within an interdisciplinary, flexible and modular programme of study
- Develop your work in state-of-the-art workspaces and facilities
- Benefit from extensive networking and collaboration opportunities in fashion and related industries
- The 2022 Liverpool School of Art and Design MA Online Degree Show
- View and engage with work produced by masters students from the Liverpool School of Art & Design
LJMUs Fashion Innovation & Realisation MA is a programme with collaborative practice and discovery at its core. The programme aims to recruit Home and International students who are ready to challenge the fashion industry socially, ethically, culturally and politically forming individual project proposals which define existing practice and broaden its scope and ambition by addressing real-world issues which extend beyond graduation. Students from both traditional fashion design and communication undergraduate programmes as well as those who have undergraduate qualifications in non-traditional subjects, but have a real passion for fashion are equally encouraged to apply. It is this diverse cohort which provides the rich postgraduate community within LJMU.
The programme aims to raise awareness of practical applications within fashion, and introduce students to resources and workshops which can provide the platform necessary for innovation and the realisation of individual practice and self-initiated project/s. The MA is designed to develop real world skills and establish which area of fashion students wish to focus on as the programme progresses. This allows students to explore Fashion, Innovation and Realisation project briefs in unexpected forms. The MA also aims to outline research which is happening in transdisciplinary areas, and to develop research skills and relevant approaches to practice as well as the critical techniques required to support students final project. Students will, be expected to develop a personal practice that challenges traditional perspectives within fashion disciplines, whilst at the same time engaging with internal and/or external partners. A particular emphasis will, be placed on acquiring and developing existing skills and to provide opportunities to enhance and apply them within an appropriate fashion context.
Read about a recent MA student's experience in establishing her credentials in the sustainable fashion industry
Alongside the current Fashion Innovation and Realisation staff the MA will introduce key industry partners and collaborators of international reputation via the LJMU Luminary Lecture series and UG visiting speaker programme. There will also be a number of opportunities to collaborate with students and staff from the Schools other MAs in Art in Science, Fine Art, Graphic Design & Illustration, Urban Design and Exhibition Studies, particularly during two modules shared by all the postgraduate taught programmes. Learning takes place predominantly through the creative and critical exploration of research focused Fashion Innovation and Realisation projects where the programme will encourage you to work across other disciplines and reflect on previous practice to offer fresh perspectives. Tutorials, seminars and workshops will take place in the John Lennon Art & Design Building (JLADB); a RIBA award winning Art School in the heart of Liverpools Knowledge Quarter. You will benefit from state-of-the-art workspaces and facilities, as well as external key partnerships with Tate Liverpool, Biennial, FACT and cultural organisations such as; Walker Art Gallery, Bluecoat, Baltic and Fabric District.
Additional funding is available for this programme via the Susan Cotton Travel Award and the Michael Pugh Thomas and Julia Carter Preston Legacy postgraduate study awards.
Hear from our students
Hear from two recent graduates who talk about their experiences studying on this unique MA in fashion.
Mihaela's story
Mihaela Giuiu chose to study at LJMU because the course is focused on innovation and encourages collaborations. She thinks collaborations are important and through the course wanted to explore wearable technology and understand how it works. "I wanted to integrate technology in design, more specifically technology to improve security in accessories. I designed a biometric lock for zippers and the application for it - a backpack. Essentially my MA has two projects - a hiking backpack and a biometric lock. The MA has been truly enriching. I had a boost of confidence, got to meet extraordinary people and made invaluable industry contacts and friendships. Importantly, when it comes to wearable technology, a subject I didn't know much about, I came to have a better understanding of it, explore and acquire skills (new software, engineering, research) needed to perform in this new branch of fashion. After all this I think I understand myself as a designer better and I have a better idea of where I want to go. To me this MA was not a course or a project, it was a journey."
Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Research and Practice 2 (Fashion Innovation and Realisation)
30 credits
30 credits
This module builds on the Fashion Research Methods module and develops alongside the Masters Project module, to contextualize your individual programmes of study by demonstrating, through a written text, issues that underpin and impact on practice. Through in-depth research and writing, this module increases and elevates your knowledge of the fashion industry. It aims to:
- provide advanced awareness of historical and contemporary fashion through independent investigation
- enable you to conduct primary and secondary research on a range of related fashion business, market and entrepreneurship subjects
- promote professionalism in written outcomes with appropriate referencing and context
Research and Practice 1
30 credits
30 credits
This module is shared by all students studying on taught postgraduate programmes at Liverpool School of Art and Design and allows you to collaborate across programmes.
- A series of lectures, seminars, tutorials and visits will introduce you to current and emerging practice in relation to a diverse range of historical, theoretical and critical principles
- Guest lecturers will expose you to areas of collaboration
- Seminars and tutorials will require you to share, discuss and evaluate your ideas and practice with others
Studio Practice (Fashion Innovation and Realisation)
30 credits
30 credits
This module ensures that you develop creative and technical excellence in your aesthetic understanding of practical and creative practice. It aims to:
- support you in the sourcing and utilisation of appropriate materials and methodologies to create samples and trials in an appropriate format
- ensure you develop practical and critical skills that demonstrate creativity, individual languages and signatures
Major Project (Fashion Innovation and Realisation)
60 credits
60 credits
The Final Project builds on the research carried out during semesters 1 and 2, and represents the culmination of your proposed plan to execute your final Masters project. It aims to:
- develop a comprehensive understanding of the synergy between relevant theory and professional practice
- support the in-depth development of an innovative, self-directed body of work appropriate to your selected specialism(s)
- support the exploration of entrepreneurial methods and contemporary industrial practices through product development, manufacture and flat design concepts
- develop your ability to communicate sophisticated aesthetic concerns and in-depth knowledge of a personally selected specialism, enhancing your capacity to engage in professional practice
Transdisciplinary Practice
30 credits
30 credits
This module intends to promote in depth investigation into contemporary creative practices and provide, through the possibilities of transdisciplinary participation in live Institute of Art and Technology research projects, an understanding of the social, cultural and economic environment of the city.
Within the module, you will facilitate an engagement with cultural and regulatory institutions and organisations to enrich your experience of the professional environment of contemporary urban art and design.
Through key Institute of Art and Technology projects and partnerships, a range of transdisciplinary projects which challenge the notion of the interdisciplinary practice within the context of contemporary art & design, and which enable you to propose, plan, organise, publish and promote your work and research within the context of The Institute of Art and Design.
Your Learning Experience
An insight into teaching on your course
Study hours
The majority of teaching takes place on Monday and Tuesday, via a modular programme of study.
Teaching methods
This programme offers a blend of theory and practice. It will enable you to focus on your own specialist area of fashion, in disciplines such as communication, editorial, branding, campaign, trend prediction, retail solutions, photography, language, design, garment production, textiles and fabrication development. Teaching is individually tailored around each student. Weeks are divided between tutorials, seminars, studio supervisions and workshops.
Applied learning
The MA has been developed specifically to allow individuals to build relevant real-world projects which challenge and/or find solutions for issues within the broader field of fashion.
You will be encouraged to innovate through a series of self-initiated and taught components - including studio and collaborative practice - before completing a major project around your chosen specialism. You will also have opportunities to undertake field trips to further enhance your learning experience.
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
Where you will study
What you can expect from your School
Liverpool School of art and Design is housed in the RIBA award winning John Lennon Art and Design Building in the Mount Pleasant Campus and offers extensive studio spaces, lecture theatres and a dedicated public exhibition space.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Kayla Owen
Programme Leader
As a PhD researcher, cross discipline aspects of materials, techniques and processes have been central to my work. I am currently working predominantly with leather and non-leather. Exploring the notion of €˜Second Skin: Deconstructing the Fashion Leather Aesthetic' investigating the interface between new advancements in leather production, developments in manufacture processes and the possible impact of these on the fashion leather aesthetic and the sub cultures that have emerged as a result.
As a PhD researcher, cross discipline aspects of materials, techniques and processes have been central to my work. I am currently working predominantly with leather and non-leather. Exploring the notion of €˜Second Skin: Deconstructing the Fashion Leather Aesthetic' investigating the interface between new advancements in leather production, developments in manufacture processes and the possible impact of these on the fashion leather aesthetic and the sub cultures that have emerged as a result.
Kayla is an Academic, Fashion Designer and PhD researcher who has worked in the fashion industry and academia for almost twenty years, both in the UK and abroad. She has designed and manufactured fashion collections, shown on catwalks and exhibited 2D and 3D work nationally and internationally. Most recently presenting a paper on Community ID at the Zonemoda 'Be Cool' Conference, Rimini, Italy.
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Professor
Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
Studying for a postgraduate research degree enhances your employability in a number of ways. It also enables you to focus on specific areas of interest and expand your subject knowledge ready for employment within a range of related sectors within the fashion industry, including freelance and self-employment. Alternatively, there is the option for further study at PhD level, or you could take up a teaching role.
"The Liverpool School of Art and Design provides a space for aspiring fashion professionals to evolve and apply their practice in a professionally relevant environment, technically equipped to produce fully formed, relevant and exciting creative contributions to industry."
Kayla Owens, Programme Leader
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees:
- Home fee:
- £17,750
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted at the top of this page cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages.
Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you.
- International fee:
- £17,750
International Scholarships and payment plans
Liverpool John Moores University is committed to supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and flexible payment plans to help students manage their tuition fees.
Scholarships
LJMU provides a variety of scholarships to support international students. Scholarships are available to self-funded students who have accepted their offer and met all the conditions outlined in their offer letter. Students must also demonstrate that they can cover living costs, travel, and other expenses associated to studying at the university. Postgraduate scholarships include tuition fee reductions and are often offered in partnership with external funding organisations.
All self-funded international students are eligible for an automatic scholarship worth up to £4,000. For more details and to view our full list of scholarships, visit the international scholarship webpages.
Deposit
All students must pay a £5,000 deposit before they can receive their CAS letter.
For more information view our deposit page.
Tuition Fee Payment Plan
After paying their £5,000 deposit, students have the option to pay their fees in full or in three equal instalments minus any internal scholarships and discounts. There are two payment options available for international students. You can either pay your tuition fees in full before enrolment or opt for a payment plan. With the payment plan, you can pay your fees in three instalments after making your £5,000 deposit. The first instalment is due before enrolment.
All payments should be made through Flywire. Full details can be found in the How to Pay Guide.
Early Bird Tuition Fee discount
We are excited to introduce a £500 Early Payment Discount to all self-funded international students. Eligible self-funded students who pay their fees by the required deadlines will get a discount which will be automatically deducted from the 1st year of tuition fees.
To see the required deadlines please visit the webpage
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
- a minimum 2:1 in an arts or fashion industry-related subject
Additional requirements
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Interview required
- to attend a Teams interview during which you will provide evidence of your learning capability, study opportunity and commitment to postgraduate study.
We recommend applications are submitted by July to allow sufficient time for these to be considered and for interviews to be arranged before the programme commences. Applications will however be considered up until the end of August.
Further information
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Extra Requirements
- a reference
- a satisfactory portfolio of work - please note we are unable to consider your application until this is received. When applying please attach a PDF portfolio containing 5 images of your own recent artworks. Images must be professionally labelled with details of media, dimensions, date, and title. Artworks made more than 3 years ago may be included if these relate to a direction you wish to focus on during postgraduate study.
If you do not provide a portfolio at the point of application, you will be contacted to submit this to our attachment upload facility.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
- RPL is accepted on this programme
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RPL
- RPL is accepted on this programme
International requirements
IELTS
- IELTS English language requirement: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each component)
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
The application and selection process for each programme depends on its exact requirements and how these requirements are most effectively assessed. You will find the specific information you need for this course below.
You need to demonstrate that you have a sufficient level of knowledge to embark on the programme (including the required linguistic competence) and to complete it within the time limits. You should provide evidence, at the interview stage, of your learning capabilities and commitment to a postgraduate programme of study.
Applications from non-standard applicants are welcomed. In exceptional circumstances applications by mature fashion practitioners without sufficient qualifications will be considered.
Your student experience
There's so much more to university than just studying for a degree.
Postgraduate life at LJMU
See the amazing support you will get from the university, the academic expertise of the staff here, the first-class learning environment, fabulous libraries, excellent career guidance and their ongoing love affair with the city of Liverpool.
Accommodation
As a new student at LJMU, we guarantee accommodation right in the heart of the dynamic city centre, with easy access to the main University campuses.
You can view our approved accommodation to see the halls that we offer to new students.
Your campus
We’re very proud of our campuses. Not only because they provide a modern and inspiring learning space for all our students but also because they’re a place people really want to be.
Living in Liverpool
Liverpool is one of Europe's most dynamic and cultured cities. Come find out why it's a great city to study in.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes.
Sports, societies and lifestyle
Getting involved in sports, clubs and societies at Liverpool John Moores University is a great way to challenge yourself, meet people who share your interests, and feel more connected to the University community.
Talk to our students
Connect with a current LJMU student through Unibuddy for insights and advice on university life, courses, and more.
See what our students are saying
At LJMU we want you to know you’re making the right choice by studying with us. You can see what our students are saying about their experience with us through their reviews on the following websites:
News and views
Browse through the latest stories and updates from the University and beyond
The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.