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Postgraduate

MA Fashion Curation and Cultural Programming

MA Fashion Curation final project, Xinyi Li 2018-19
MA Fashion Curation final project, Xinyi Li 2018-19
College
London College of Fashion Start date
September 2024 Course length
12 months

This postgraduate fashion curation course explores both theoretical and practical aspects of curating contemporary fashion and historical dress.

Course summary

Applications closed 2024/25

We are no longer accepting applications for 2024/25 entry to this course. Applications for 2025/26 entry will open in Autumn 2024.

Re-approval

Please note that this course is undergoing re-approval. This is the process by which we ensure the course continues to provide a high quality academic experience. During re-approval there may be some changes to the course content displayed on this page. Please contact us if you have any questions about the course.

Applying for more than 1 course

You can apply for more than 1 postgraduate course at UAL but we recommend that you apply for no more than 3. Find out more in the Apply Now section.

Why choose this course at London College of Fashion

  • Career opportunities: previous graduate roles have included Fashion or Art and Design Curator, Arts and Events Management Assistant and Administrator or Consultant.
  • Unique course: this is the only MA in the world exclusively focused on Fashion Curation.
  • Facilities and resources: students have access to the unique archives at LCF and UAL.
  • Institution links: students will have the opportunity to learn through linked institutions such as the V&A, British Film Institute, Rambert Dance Company and Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Course overview

MA Fashion Curation and Cultural Programming engages with the study of international fashion exhibition-making and related museological practices, ranging from the detailed investigation of objects to the processes and techniques of their display and dissemination through cultural and commercial interventions. 

The course centres on investigation into the practices and theories of fashion curation and cultural programming, through critical engagement with historic and contemporary examples and discourse, to reveal the diverse contexts driving the evolution of fashion museology.

To complement enquiry into fashion exhibition-making and cultural programming, you’ll examine the cultural value and interpretation of objects, fashion, textiles, and the body, through processes of research, archival discovery, practices of collecting and the classification of collections.

Fusing curatorial activities of collecting and exhibition design with cultural programming, the course promotes the concept of curation as a form of ‘storytelling’ in its broadest sense. You are encouraged to explore and value your positionality and to embrace the role of ‘curator’ or ‘cultural programmer’ as an activist - committed to co-curating with communities and moving beyond the walls of the gallery or museum to activate sites in the public realm.  

Teaching, and related assessments throughout the course, will support and encourage you to develop your own curatorial practice within this dynamic discipline.  

What to expect 

  • A flexible, dynamic curriculum: Engage with contemporary topics (such as the rise of brand-driven exhibitions and events, the potential of digital media (AR, VR and online exhibitions and events), the expansion of ‘curation’ into spaces beyond the museum, the politics and power of ‘the curator’ and the challenge of adopting – and sustaining - ethical and sustainable practice). 
  • Expert teaching team: Keep abreast of latest developments in the fast-evolving Fashion Curation and Cultural Programming  discipline through contact with academics and industry professionals active in the field. (These include academics from the Centre for Fashion Curation, independent curators and cultural programmers, private archives and commercial collectors, professionals from National and regional museums and practitioners staging events and interventions in spaces beyond 'the museum’).
  • Practical workshops: Your learning will be complemented by practical workshops in which you will develop the skills required for object handling, mounting dress for display, digital collection and exhibition strategies, event planning and management, and designing text and layouts for displays, exhibitions, and interventions. 
  • Unique learning environment – As the only MA in the world that focuses exclusively on the cultural context and impact of fashion curation and cultural programming, you’ll benefit from the course’s affiliation with the Centre for Fashion Curation (CfFC) and LCF Cultural Programming team. 

Research at MA Level 

Research is core to the curriculum and pedagogical approaches for the course. The development of effective approaches towards research enquiry is central for the emergence of a critically reflective and culturally aware practitioner/learner. An iterative approach highlighting the crucial interrelationship between theory and practice, and the value of interdisciplinary modes of interrogation for the potential generation of new knowledge is prioritised. Throughout the course, an understanding of the processes and methodologies of research will be developed within the discipline and situated within a broader cultural arena.   

The integration of theoretical and/or philosophical frameworks provide ways to look at the world in relationship to project work. A systematic approach to research is supported, including the shaping of ethical and achievable research questions and prototyping (of ideas) that may lead to new insights, connections and understanding. Through the course core research capabilities are developed, tested, and extended to underpin progressive cycles of reflexive practice. The application of research and critical perspectives in both theory and practice using a range of techniques and research methods are evaluated through formative and summative assessment. This helps to identify areas for potential improvement and development appropriate to your professional aspirations and advanced research potential that culminate in the proposition and independent pursuit of the Masters Project.   

Climate, Social and Racial Justice 

We are committed to ensuring that your skills are set within an ethical framework and are working to embed UAL’s Principles for Climate, Social and Racial Justice.

Contact us

Register your interest to receive information and updates about studying at UAL.

Contact us to make an enquiry.

Postgraduate Preparation Guide

Download the Postgraduate Preparation Guide (3.54)

Course units

Elective Units  

In block 2, students will have an opportunity to take an elective unit. Individual unit descriptors can be found in the Electives Handbook. 

Course Structure:  

Block 1: EXPLORE – aims to support students as they transition to postgraduate level study and acquire foundational skills and knowledge through the following units:  

  • Contextualising Fashion Curation and Cultural Programming (40 credits) 

You will be introduced to the context of fashion curation and cultural programming including collecting and object interpretation, exhibition-making, and public-facing events and interventions.  

Develop a foundational knowledge of the field and the skills required to curate fashion collections and archives, exhibitions, events and interventions. 

  • Critical Approaches to Research and Practice (20 credits) 

Developing effective and innovative approaches to research frameworks is crucial for success in your master’s project studies and in your wider career. Interrogate the practical and theoretical methodologies applied in fashion curation and cultural programming, while actively exploring your own approach to research and practice.  

You’ll analyse and synthesise a range of research methodologies, methods, ethical considerations and techniques specific to the field and draw from relevant areas such as anthropology, digital design, literature and performance. 

On successful completion of these units you are eligible for the award of a Post Graduate Certificate (60 credits). 

Block 2: SITUATE – shifts from the orientation and exploration of the formation and growth of fashion curation and cultural programming to a position of affirming your own interests and development of your practice within the context of the wider field, through the following units: 
 

  • Innovation and Speculation in Fashion Curation and Cultural Programming (40 credits) 

Work alongside industry partners on the development and delivery of creative responses to professional briefs within fashion curation and cultural programming roles. You’ll build on your foundational knowledge of fashion curation and cultural programming contexts to identify, develop and apply inclusive, future-facing concepts and practical skills. You’ll be encouraged to experiment with a range of techniques and technologies. 

  • Electives (20 credits) 

On successful completion of these units you are eligible for the award of a Post Graduate Diploma (120 credits). 

Block 3: INTEGRATE - seeks to synthesise the theory and practice acquired throughout Block 1 and 2 culminating in the realisation of your Master’s Project, a demonstrable outcome contributing to your future research and practice beyond the course. 
 

  • Masters Project (60 credits) 

Synthesise the knowledge and skills you have gained on the course with a self-directed project chosen with support from your supervisor. You’ll communicate your work along with your ability to critically interrogate your practice with robust approaches to research and analysis. Upon completion, you will have generated a quality piece of work to shape your future career and professional development. 

You will also be eligible for the award of a Master’s of Art (180 credits). The final award grading is based upon the results of the Master’s Project only. 

Credit Framework 

The University of the Arts London Credit Framework equates 20 credits to 200 hours of learning time. 

Programme specification

Download course specification (PDF File 433.6 KB)

Learning and teaching methods

  • Lectures; 
  • Seminars;  
  • Discussions; 
  • Tutorials; 
  • Workshops;  
  • Demonstrations; 
  • Critiques;  
  • Peer review;
  • Group-led activities.

Content is delivered by the course team which includes members of the Centre for Fashion Curation, and also incorporates sessions by other LCF and UAL staff, high-profile guest speakers, museum and cultural programming professionals and independent practitioners.  

You will engage with high-level independent study over the duration of the course, culminating in self-directed master’s project research support through regular tuition and support from the course team.

Assessment methods

  • Presentations;
  • Written assignments; 
  • 2D and 3D work.

About MA Fashion Curation

Alumni discuss the course and a career in fashion curation.

UAL Showcase

Explore work by our recent students on the UAL Showcase

  • Mediating Methodologies
    Mediating Methodologies, Alexandra Foxwell, 2024 MA Fashion Curation and Cultural Programming, London College of Fashion, UAL

    Alexandra Foxwell

  • Embraced by Nature
    Embraced by Nature, Maxine (Yanli) Wang, 2024 MA Fashion Curation and Cultural Programming, London College of Fashion, UAL

    Maxine (Yanli) Wang

  • Dream Within a Dream: Fashion Beneath the Surface
    Dream Within a Dream: Fashion Beneath the Surface, Jing Sha, 2024 MA Fashion Curation and Cultural Programming, London College of Fashion, UAL

    Jing Sha

  • Embroidery Cross the River
    Embroidery Cross the River, shijing li, 2024 MA Fashion Curation and Cultural Programming, London College of Fashion, UAL

    shijing li

  • See more work by students on this course on UAL Showcase

Student and graduate work

  • C-Reyer.jpg
  • Chenyang-Huang.jpg
  • Chong-Li.jpg

Latest news from this course

  • The State of Fashion Biennale review

    MA Fashion Curation and Cultural Programming student Madison Hough reports on her UAL Global Pathways Grant funded study trip to the State of Fashion Biennale in Arnhem

  • Process drawings for Mapping More Mischief. Designed and illustrated by Rosa Thorlby. Dancing figures of Bow Fair

    How I made it: Mapping More Mischief

    Mapping More Mischief: Rosa Thorlby, a BA Illustration alumnus from CCW designed and illustrated this complex map of intersecting histories and narratives, locating them physically in the geography around the site

  • Mannequins in waiting

    Behind the Scenes of Making More Mischief

    The exhibition is curated by Simon Costin and Mellany Robinson, of the Museum of British Folklore, and Professor Amy De La Haye, Rootstein Hopkins Chair of Dress History & Curatorship and Joint Director of the Research Centre for Fashion Curation at

  • Photo: Eugenie Flochel

    Somers Gallery Exhibition by Louise Thornton

    MA Fashion Curation Alumna Louise Thornton writes about her work on an community project exhibition at Somers Gallery

  • See all stories

Staff

Dr Veronica Isaac

Dr Veronica Isaac is a freelance curatorial consultant, lecturer and writer who specialises in the history of dress and theatre costume. Her research highlights the importance of working with surviving costumes, examining them closely and unpicking the memories and meanings they carry in their fibres.

She spent a decade working in the Department of Theatre and Performance, Victoria and Albert Museum and her PhD focused on the personal and theatrical wardrobe of the actress Ellen Terry (1847-1928). She also currently acts as Book Reviews Editor for Studies in Costume and Performance and recently contributed chapters to Performance Costumes: New Perspectives (2020) and, Scenography and Art History: Performance Design and Visual Culture (2021).

She is committed to promoting a new appreciation of the ‘cultural value’ of costume for performance and to documenting, sharing and preserving the stories of their creators. In pursuit of this aim she is currently working with Dr Jade Halbert, University of Huddersfield on Constructing Costume Histories – a research project that establishes the central role of costume making and costume makers in the long and vibrant history of British performance.

Jeffrey Horsley

Jeffrey Horsley originally trained in Theatre Design completing a BA Drama at Manchester University and a PG Diploma at Croydon College. Subsequently, Jeff worked as curator: design at Manchester Art Gallery and head of exhibitions at Manchester Museum. Jeff returned to education, studying MA Fashion at Manchester Metropolitan University which led to a PhD, completed in 2012, at London College of Fashion. Jeff has been post-doctoral research fellow, Centre for Fashion Curation, LCF, since 2015 where his research interests focus on historic and experimental aspects of exhibiting fashion and fashion exhibitions and biographies. www.jeffreyhorsley.com

Nadia Malik

is the Programme Director for the Performance Courses at London College of Fashion, UAL. She has previously been Course Leader for BA Costume Design and Making at Nottingham Trent University and Costume With Textiles at the University of Huddersfield, Head of Wardrobe at the University of Essex and lectured at various other universities.

Nadia is the Reviews Editor (Exhibitions and Events) for the journal Studies in Costume and Performance, a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, a committee member of the Society of British Theatre Designersand a PhD candidate at Aalto University, Helsinki. Her research work focuses on Knowledge Exchange between academia and industry through experimental pedagogical practice in costume. She holds a BA in Textile Design from Nottingham Trent University and an MA in Costume Design for Performance from London College of Fashion, UAL.

Nadia’s design work has encompassed new and classic writing, opera, folk and contemporary dance, experimental site-specific devised work and live art, including international festivals. With a collaborative approach to performance devising, her work explores the human body, movement, and how costume-led design practice can engage audiences with performance. She has also curated and produced costume events.

Fees and funding

Home fee

£13,330

This fee is correct for 2024/25 entry and is subject to change for 2025/26 entry.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students on courses lasting more than one year. For this course, you can pay tuition fees in instalments.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£28,570

This fee is correct for 2024/25 entry and is subject to change for 2025/26 entry.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students on courses lasting more than one year. For this course, you can pay tuition fees in instalments.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

Additional costs

You may need to cover additional costs which are not included in your tuition fees. These could include travel expenses and the costs of materials. For a list of general equipment needed for all UAL courses, visit our living expenses and additional costs page.

Accommodation

Find out about accommodation options and how much they will cost.

Scholarships, bursaries and awards

If you’ve completed a qualifying course at UAL, you may be eligible for a tuition fee discount on this course. Find out more about our Progression discount.

You can also find out more about the Postgraduate Masters Loan (Home students only) and scholarships, including £7,000 scholarships for Home and International students. Discover more about student funding.

If you’re based in the UK and plan to visit UAL for an Open Event, check if you’re eligible for our UAL Travel Bursary. This covers the costs of mainland train or airline travel to visit UAL.

How to pay

Find out how you can pay your tuition fees.

Scholarship search

Or view all

Entry requirements

The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:

  • An Honours degree at 2.1 or above in a related discipline. Applicants with a degree in another subject may be considered, depending on the strength of the application;
  • OR Equivalent qualifications;

APEL (Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning)

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:

  • Related academic or work experience

The quality of the personal statement
A strong academic or other professional reference
OR a combination of these factors

Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

English Language Requirements

IELTS level 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Please check our main English Language Requirements.

Selection criteria

The course seeks to recruit students from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, and welcomes applications from mature students.

The course team seeks to recruit students who can demonstrate:

  • clear academic interest in the study of fashion curation and cultural programming practices;
  • appropriate knowledge and skills commensurate with planned entry into the course.

Information for disabled applicants

UAL is committed to achieving inclusion and equality for disabled students. This includes students who have:

     
  • Dyslexia or another Specific Learning Difference
  • A sensory impairment
  • A physical impairment
  • A long-term health or mental health condition
  • Autism
  • Another long-term condition which has an impact on your day-to-day life

Our Disability Service arranges adjustments and support for disabled applicants and students.

Read our Disability and dyslexia: applying for a course and joining UAL information.

Apply now

Application deadline

Deadline

Round 1:

13 December 2023 at 1pm (UK time)

Round 2:

3 April 2024 at 1pm (UK time)

Video task deadline

Round 1:

16 January 2024

Round 2:

16 April 2024

Decision outcome

Round 1:

End of March 2024

Round 2:

End of June 2024

Round 1
Round 2
Deadline
13 December 2023 at 1pm (UK time)
3 April 2024 at 1pm (UK time)
Video task deadline
16 January 2024
16 April 2024
Decision outcome
End of March 2024
End of June 2024

Applications are now closed for 2024/25 entry. Applications for 2025/26 entry will open in autumn 2024.

Read more about deadlines

Apply now

Application deadline

Deadline

Round 1:

13 December 2023 at 1pm (UK time)

Round 2:

3 April 2024 at 1pm (UK time)

Video task deadline

Round 1:

16 January 2024

Round 2:

16 April 2024

Decision outcome

Round 1:

End of March 2024

Round 2:

End of June 2024

Round 1
Round 2
Deadline
13 December 2023 at 1pm (UK time)
3 April 2024 at 1pm (UK time)
Video task deadline
16 January 2024
16 April 2024
Decision outcome
End of March 2024
End of June 2024

Applications are now closed for 2024/25 entry. Applications for 2025/26 entry will open in autumn 2024.

Read more about deadlines

How to apply

Follow this step-by-step guide to apply for this course

Step 1: Initial application

You will need to submit an initial application including your personal statement, CV and written task and a study proposal.

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement should be maximum 500 words and include:

  • your reasons for choosing the course
  • your current creative practice and how this course will help you achieve your future plans
  • any relevant education and experience, especially if you do not have any formal academic qualifications.

Visit our personal statement page for more advice.

CV advice

Please provide a CV detailing your education, qualifications and any relevant work or voluntary experience. If you have any web projects or other media that you would like to share, please include links in your CV. If English is not your first language, please also include your most recent English language test score.

Written task advice

As part of your initial application, please submit a review of a fashion-related exhibition, book, catalogue, podcast or event (750 – 1000 words).

Topics to consider:

  • How the exhibition, book, catalogue, podcast or event relates to other examples which explore comparable ideas, and how it responds to relevant cultural or historical debates?
  • Does it chart new territory or just add to existing knowledge? Consider debates that are under-represented in relevant publications, peer-reviewed books and journals
  • If you’re focusing on an exhibition or an event, consider how the venue impacts the experience? How are any clothes or textiles involved displayed, illustrated and labelled? Are the curator’s or organiser's objectives made explicit? What is the target audience?

Please provide a bibliography of any text references, citations and quotations used. This will not be included in the word count.

We recommend looking at the reviews published in Fashion Theory for guidance on how to structure your review.

Study proposal advice

Please provide a summary of your study proposal (750-1000 words).

It should:

  • outline your idea for an exhibition proposal
  • set out your aims and objectives
  • outline any recent developments in the field, demonstrating your knowledge of the fashion, curation and exhibition industries
  • highlight any potential areas or issues that underpin and frame your proposal
  • outline the sequence of practical and theoretical steps that you intend to follow
  • list any potential research sources
  • Include any relevant images or visual evidence to illustrate your proposal
  • include a bibliography and an appendix with any supporting material if necessary. This is not included in the word count. Ensure you follow the Harvard Referencing System.

Please note, your proposal serves to inform your application and we understand that your ideas will develop and change throughout your studies.

Step 2: Video task

We will review your initial application. If you have met the standard entry requirements, we will ask you to submit a video task.

You’ll need to submit these via PebblePad, our online portfolio tool.

Video task advice

We’d like you to submit a 2-3 minute video to help us learn more about you. When recording your task, please face the camera and speak in English.

What to include in your video task

  • Tell us why you have applied to study this course.
  • Explain what you hope to focus on during your masters and how this will help you achieve your future career ambitions.

Read our guidance for how to submit your video task and which file types we accept.

Step 3: Interview

You may be invited to an interview following our review of your application. All interviews are held online and last 15 to 20 minutes.

For top tips, see our Interview advice.

You also need to know

Communicating with you

Once you have submitted your initial application, we will email you with your login details for our Applicant portal.

Requests for supplementary documents like qualifications and English language tests will be made through the applicant portal. You can also use it to ask questions regarding your application. Visit our After you apply page for more information.

Applying to more than 1 course

You can apply for more than 1 postgraduate course at UAL but we recommend that you apply for no more than 3 courses. You need to tailor your application, supporting documents and portfolio to each course, so applying for many different courses could risk the overall quality of your application. If you receive offers for multiple courses, you'll only be able to accept 1 offer. UAL doesn't accept repeat applications to the same course in the same academic year.

Visas and immigration history check

All non-UK nationals must complete an immigration history check. Your application may be considered by our course teams before this check takes place. This means that we may request your portfolio and/or video task before we identify any issues arising from your immigration history check. Sometimes your history may mean that we are not able to continue considering your application. Visit our Immigration and visas advice page for more information.

External student transfer policy

UAL accepts transfers from other institutions on a case-by-case basis. Read our Student transfer policy for more information.

Alternative offers

If your application is really strong, but we believe your strengths and skillset are better suited to a different course, we may make you an alternative offer. This means you will be offered a place on a different course or at a different UAL College.

Deferring your place

We do not accept any deferral requests for our postgraduate courses. This means that you must apply in the year that you plan to start your course and you will not be able to defer your place to start at a later date.

Application deadlines

For postgraduate courses at UAL there are 2 equal consideration deadlines to ensure fairness for all our applicants. If you apply ahead of either of these deadlines, your application will be considered on an equal basis with all other applications in that round. If there are places available after the second deadline, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Careers

All our postgraduate courses offer career development, so that you become a creative thinker, making effective contributions to your relevant sector of the fashion industry.

LCF offers students the opportunity to develop Personal and Professional Development (PPD) skills while studying through:

* Access to to speaker programmes and events featuring alumni and industry.

* Access to careers activities, such as CV clinics and one-to-one advice sessions.

* Access to a graduate careers service

* Access to a live jobsboard for all years.

* Advice on setting up your own brand or company.

Career paths

Masters graduates have an advantage in the employment market, obtaining work in a wide range of vocational and academic fields related to fashion. MA Fashion Curation could lead to a breadth of exit profiles including Fashion or Art and Design Curator, Arts and Events Management Assistant and Administrator or Consultant. Graduates of the course have gone on to work in many roles within the industry, at organisations including the British Council, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Fan Museum Greenwich. The MA also provides an excellent preparation for higher level research degrees (MPhil or PhD), with an increasing number of graduates undertaking research, writing and teaching within fashion related subjects.

Graduate Futures

Graduate Futures provides a comprehensive career management service supporting our students to become informed and self-reliant individuals able to plan and manage their own careers.

LCF alumni

Many of our alumni are now impressive, leading industry figures.

Alumni

London College of Fashion

Contact

Telephone

+44 (0)20 7514 7400

Address

105 Carpenter's Road
London

E20 2AR