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MA Fashion Styling

  • High Profile industry Speakers
  • Live Industry Project
  • Styling & Production Focused

At a glance

  • Duration: 1 year (Full-Time)
  • Location: Bedford Square, London
  • Overall course fee: £24,950 (UK) | £29,950 (Non-UK)
  • Start date: 30 September 2024

Early Action Deadline: March 1, 2024

Regular Decision Deadline: May 1, 2024

If you are an international student who will need to secure a visa for the UK, you are advised to submit your application before the Regular Decision Deadline. 

Our MA Fashion Styling programme offers a unique, industry-centred experience, immersing students in the art of fashion styling, production, and image-making. Rooted in the profound expertise of Condé Nast, this programme is a dynamic blend of structured academic learning, hands-on practical workshops, self-driven research, and captivating masterclasses led by esteemed industry leaders. Together, these elements unravel the multifaceted world of styling across print, digital, and experiential fashion media.

Situated within the College’s postgraduate Fashion Media portfolio, which also includes master’s programmes in Fashion Media Strategy, Fashion Journalism, and Creative Direction for Fashion Media, by pursuing our MA Fashion Styling you will share some taught sessions and projects with your counterparts in other Fashion Media master’s programmes. This collaborative approach ensures that you acquire a holistic and dynamic understanding of the fashion media industries.

At its core, this programme is all about empowering you to become proficient practitioners in the realm of fashion styling and image creation within the fashion and media sectors. It unlocks avenues for you to grasp the intricacies of concept development and research for creative practice, master creative, conceptual, commercial, and critical dimensions of fashion styling, acquire technical production skills, cultivate collaborative prowess, and harness digital design skills tailored for fashion styling. Additionally, you will gain insight into audience dynamics through a diverse range of learning opportunities. The key focus of MA Fashion Styling is on visual content creation, image-making and styling for both still and moving images.

Notably, Condé Nast College boasts unparalleled access to industry luminaries, including the editorial and business teams behind iconic publications such as VOGUE, GQ, Glamour, Tatler, House & Garden, World of Interiors, and WIRED. This unique advantage allows us to combine academic rigour with outstanding industry connections, creating an educational environment like no other.

Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design stands as a beacon of industry preparation. The programme’s ultimate goal is to facilitate a seamless transition from academia to professional employment by meticulously weaving theory and academic study into the fabric of industry practice. As a student on this course, you will be intimately acquainted with real-world industry scenarios, equipping you to continually elevate your knowledge and understanding, and to cultivate new skills to an exemplary level post-graduation. You will also be offered a golden opportunity to engage in a four-week immersive work experience as a vital component of your professional development journey during the programme.

Programme Schedule*

Induction Week 30 September 2024 – 04 October 2024
Autumn Term (Term 1) 07 October 2024 – 13 December 2024
Winter Break  16 December 2024 – 03 January 2025
Winter Term (term 2) 06 January 2025 – 14 March 2025
Reading Week 17 March 2025 – 21 March 2025
Spring Term (Term 3) 24 March 2025 – 11 April 2025
Spring Break  14 April 2025 – 25 April 2025
Spring Term (Term 3) 28 April 2025 – 13 June 2025
Reading Week 16 June 2025 – 20 June 2025
Summer Term (Term 4) 23 June 2025 – 29 August 2025
Graduate Exhibition w/c 15th Sept 2025 TBC

*All dates subject to change

Award

This MA is an internationally recognised qualification validated by the University of Buckingham, and is worth 180 credits at QCF level 7.

The programme is structured as four 10-week terms. The first three are taught and the final term is dedicated to independent study to complete the final projects and a thesis. The programme structure consists of modules that are shared across all Fashion Media programmes, which focus on research skills and building critical awareness of current issues as well as developments in the fashion, media and luxury industries along with programme-specific modules that enable you to acquire technical and practical skills aligned with your career goals.

Programme Structure

MA Fashion Styling
Term 1
Autumn Term
Fashion Media Futures
30 credits
Critical Research: understanding Audiences
30 credits
Term 2
Winter Term
Styling Toolkit
30 credits
Term 3
Spring Term
Fashion Narratives
30 credits
Final Masters Project
60 credits
Term 4
Summer Term

Modules

This programme is suitable for individuals with both a creative or commercial eye for fashion, styling and production, and a desire to collaborate with other creatives. Modules on the programme are:

Critical Research: Understanding Audiences

The purpose of this module is to provide you with an overview of the range of research methods, approaches and tools that are vital for developing an insight into audiences. The module will cover the philosophy of research, ethics, primary and secondary research methods, and how to analyse, evaluate and disseminate research findings. The module will consider research in a range of contexts relevant to the media industries and enable you to understand the relationship between theory and practice.

Fashion Media Futures

In order for fashion media to stay agile, it is important that companies, brands, publications and indeed individuals are aware of the issues as well as opportunities relevant to the industry now and in the near, as well as distant, future. As part of this, you will be introduced to skills in evaluating societal, technological, political and economic change and how these impact fashion media. In teams consisting of students from different Fashion Media programmes, you will collaboratively respond to emerging trends and create new solutions that capitalise on this.

Styling Toolkit

During this module, you will learn about professional skills in styling, production and image-making. As part of this, you will examine the evolving role of the stylist, working across multiple professional, commercial and creative contexts in creating and communicating identities. You will be encouraged to experiment with fashion styling and image-making practices, finding your professional voice and style; whether working on a project for an industry client, fashion brand or for your own portfolio. You will also be introduced to identity and brand theories relevant to fashion styling.

Fashion Narratives

The purpose of this module is to enable you to continue to develop practical skills in fashion styling and image-making and apply learning to develop creative concepts to professional standards. Here, fashion styling is situated within the contemporary ecosystem of fashion media, encouraging you to consider the balance between creative and commercial concerns of creating content. Collaboration is an important part of this module and you will be encouraged to work with photographers, film-makers and creative directors as part of this project in creating, among others, fashion editorials and moving images.

Final Masters Project

During this module, you will create a practical outcome aligned with your programme specialism and identified career focus. You will also inevitably approach this as an opportunity to create or enhance a portfolio of work, initiate a live or simulated industry project or take an entrepreneurial approach by creating a project that you might continue to pursue after finishing the degree.

A written thesis will underpin the practical element, allowing you to identify a clear connection between academic theory, scholarly research and genuine industry practice. The aim is to consolidate and enhance previous learning on the programme, providing the opportunity to develop an individual research proposal in any area of interest relevant to the programme’s content.

This project aims to provide you with an opportunity to conduct live research on a topic of interest to you, developing skills in project management and engaging with professional development planning.

 To view more detailed Programme Specifications click here.

To view Programme Handbook click here.

Exceptional ideas and eye-opening perspectives are sought after from individuals interested in learning about the fashion and media industries and having something valuable to contribute to the future of fashion. To be eligible for this course, individuals must be at least 18 years old on 1st September at the start of the academic year in which they intend to begin their studies, and must meet the following entry requirements:

Academic Entry Requirements | UK Applicants

Applicants will need to have achieved an undergraduate degree at 2.2 or above in, ideally, a design/visual-based subject such as Fashion Design, Visual Communication, Fashion Promotion, Fine Art and other related fields. Applicants who have an undergraduate degree in an unrelated subject but are able to demonstrate a commitment to and an understanding of the course subject are encouraged to apply.

Academic Entry Requirements | International Applicants

Applicants will need to have achieved an undergraduate degree, equivalent to a UK 2.2 classification or above in, ideally, a design/visual-based subject such as Fashion Design, Visual Communication, Fashion Promotion, Fine Art and other related fields. Applicants who have an undergraduate degree in an unrelated subject but are able to demonstrate a commitment to and an understanding of the course subject are encouraged to apply. If international applicants are unsure whether they meet the requirements, they can contact us for clarification.

If we do not have a good enough understanding of an international qualification, we may ask an applicant to obtain a Statement of Comparability from UK ENIC

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)

Exceptional applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements may still be considered through APEL if they can demonstrate the skills and capacity necessary for academic study at this level. Sometimes experience is as beneficial as what is learnt in a classroom. The admissions and academic teams will consider applications that show exceptional strengths and alternative evidence, which may include:

  • Work experience
  • Non-accredited courses
  • Extensive reading and research
  • A brilliant, relevant and credible personal statement
  • An exceptionally strong academic or professional reference
  • OR a combination of these.

Each application will be considered on its own merit, although we cannot guarantee every applicant an offer.

English Language Requirements

International applicants will require a CEFR Level B2 in a standardised English language test e.g. IELTS Academic for UKVI Level 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking), and include the appropriate results certificate with their application:

More information on English language requirements can be found on our FAQs page.

Portfolio

Applicants must submit with their application a digital portfolio containing 10-15 pieces that display creativity and intellectual skills, and must include:

  • At least TWO written pieces (800+ words each), one on a relevant fashion or media topic
  • At least TWO creative pieces (e.g., photography, videography, styling)
  •  Applicants are then free to choose further works to complete the total required number of portfolio pieces that best represent their skills, potential, and career aspirations.

We also accept web, blog, or video portfolios; a document with a link to the relevant portfolio format should be submitted as part of the application in place of a PDF portfolio document.

The portfolio should showcase intellectual and creative abilities, originality, and a commitment to fashion, media, and luxury lifestyle. Self-directed projects are welcome where examples of suitable or relevant work do not already exist.

Portfolios should be submitted as one file/body of work, ideally as a PDF with links to any pieces (such as videos) which cannot be displayed within the document, and must be included as a supporting document as part of a course application.

Personal Statement

Applicants are required to submit with their application a 500-word personal statement/statement of purpose that demonstrates their understanding of the focus of the course, the relevance of their background and their reason for applying

What Happens Next?

We will review applications against the entry requirements and asses the examples of work and the personal statement submitted. Please note that any missing supporting documents will cause a delay in an application assessment, and could result in an application rejection.

Those who pass this first application review will be invited to a 20-30 minute online interview to further assess suitability for the course. Please note that, unfortunately, not all applicants will be invited to attend an interview.

When reviewing an application and during an interview, we are looking for applicants to demonstrate their potential and current ability in the following areas:

  • Demonstration of a strong personal identity
  • The potential to benefit from the course
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Evidence of motivation and commitment

A final outcome decision will be sent to applicants within 5 working days following an interview.

How to Apply

UK and Non-UK applicants should apply directly to the College using the Apply button on this page. All applicants MUST ensure that their application contains all supporting evidence before it is submitted:

  • Copy of passport
  • Copies of academic transcript(s) / certificate(s) – (or partial transcript / predicted grades if studies are not yet complete)
  • Suitable standardised English test results certificate (Non-UK applicants only)
  • Portfolio
  • Personal Statement

For further information or any queries regarding entry requirements or admissions, please contact the Admissions Office.

UK & Non-UK Student Tuition Fee

£24,950 (UK) | £29,950 (Non-UK) total course fee.

Deposit Fee – Confirming a Place

In order to confirm and secure a place on this course, applicants holding an offer from us must pay a non-refundable deposit of £3,000.00. Offers must be accepted, with the deposit payment made, within 2 weeks of the offer letter date.

Paying Tuition Fees

Once a place has been accepted and secured with a deposit, students will be required to settle their relevant tuition fees by 15th August in advance of the course start date. International students are required to pay their first instalment from 15th March in order to obtain a CAS for a Student Visa application – this instalment will be due immediately for offers accepted between 15th March and 15th August by international students.

Please note that international students will be required by UKVI to evidence the full course fee amount is accessible to them (in addition to other amounts) before a Student Visa is granted. For more information please see our International Students page, including visa requirements.

All students can request an instalment plan. The total course fee (less the deposit amount) will be payable over 4 termly instalments under this arrangement. Full details and schedule in our Terms and Conditions.

Payment Method

All fees must be paid through FlyWire. FlyWire facilitates credit card, debit card and bank transfer payments. Other local payment methods may also be available in some territories.

Student Loans & Finance

UK students do not currently have access to any loans or grants from Student Loans Company (SLC)

Non-UK students generally do not currently have access to any government student loan schemes or programmes, but this may differ in some countries and may be worth researching in their locations.

Bursaries & Alternative Funding

There are no bursaries available for this course. Students are welcome to explore alternative third-party bursary or scholarship programmes that may be available to them in their locations, such as the Chevening Scholarship.

Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design is proud to work with Chevening, the UK government’s global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations. More details here.

Additional Course Costs

There is an optional study trip abroad that is not covered by the course fee. This takes place in spring and further information is provided at the outset of the course.

For more information visit Terms and Conditions

Alumni Discount

Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design offers course fee reduction to our alumni. Please refer to Alumni Page for more details.

Living Costs

For information on studying in London and what this could cost, please visit our Living in London webpage.

For information on accommodation while studying at the Condé Nast College, please visit our Accommodation webpage.

We are dedicated to empowering our students to excel in the fashion world. We recognise that a thriving career in this dynamic field requires more than just academic knowledge; it demands practical skills, guidance, and opportunities. Throughout your educational journey with us, we will provide an array of career support options tailored to your needs.

This programme contains modules, experiences and opportunities meticulously designed to equip you with the essential skills, knowledge and practice crucial for a successful fashion career, from personal development to professional practice.

Fashion media professionals now move seamlessly between roles at magazines and positions with major fashion brands and retailers, making the focus of the MA Fashion Styling relevant to an increasingly broad range of job opportunities. Within fashion media in general and styling specifically, the course is suitable for those keen to pursue careers as:

  • Editorial roles
  • Independent fashion, brand or image consultant
  • Styling for either fashion or media brands
  • Styling and image making roles in related industries such as entertainment, music, culture and lifestyle.

During the course, students will examine the roles outlined in magazine mastheads and the increasing roles in digital media. The evolving role of stylist and the new job opportunities available across fashion, media, culture, entertainment and lifestyle will be explored as part of the course. 

Within the course content, there will be many career and professional development elements and activities available to you, including:

  • Alumni Career panel during the induction week
  • Multiple career focussed workshops until your final term
  • Careers Day at the end of the course

You will also have access to our Career Services including, but not limited to:

  • Strengths testing
  • CV & Cover Letter Editing
  • Mock Interviews
  • Optional 1-2-1 tutorial with our Career Consultant

Previous students graduating from our higher education programmes have gone on to work at: Condé Nast, Vogue, Glamour, Aisle 8, Net-A-Porter, Harvey Nichols, L’Oréal, Hayley Menzies, Grazia, HanSpringett LTD (AKA H-Lans), GQ, Harper’s Bazaar Arabia, WGSN, TikTok, Tatler, Louis Vuitton, The Times and many more.

For more information on careers, please visit our Careers in Fashion webpage.

Our Campus

Condé Nast College is situated in a historic building at Bedford Square, in Central London.

The area was built between 1775 and 1783 and is one of the best preserved set pieces of Georgian architecture in London. The square takes its name from the main title of the Russell family, the Dukes of Bedford, who owned much of the land in what is now Bloomsbury. Bedford Square is in the heart of Bloomsbury, an exciting area for academia and the arts; originally made famous by Virginia Woolf and the Bloomsbury Set.

The College is a short walk from the headquarters of Condé Nast, which our students visit as part of their exposure to the professional world.

Who Teaches at the Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design?

During your course, you will be taught by a range of our academic staff as well as Industry Guests and Visiting Lecturers. Previous industry speakers have included Edward Enninful, Victoria Beckham, Nicholas Coleridge, Natalia Gamero del Castillo, Anna Dello Russo, Adwoa Aboah, Miles Aldridge, Bella Freud, Sarah Harris, Tommy Hilfiger, Anya Hindmarch, Henry Holland, Caroline Issa, Lulu Kennedy, Yasmin Le Bon, Natalie Massenet, Tamara Mellon, Suzy Menkes, Roland Mouret, Kate Phelan, Matthew Williamson and many more.

Building Accessibility Notice

Condé Nast College is located in a historic Georgian building at Bedford Square in Central London. Our campus comprises a Grade I listed building dating to the late 18th Century which is currently not fully accessible to wheelchair users. We are committed to improving the accessibility of our premises, and we appreciate your patience and understanding while we work toward this important goal. Some teaching activities may take place at other venues in central London, which have varying levels of accessibility. If you have specific questions about the accessibility of our campus, either as a visitor or prospective student, please do not hesitate to contact us at dione.hyland@condenastcollege.ac.uk

Course Leader

Johannes Reponen

Johannes Reponen is a scholar, critic and consultant who specialises in communication, media and writing.

Emma Bell

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