MA Luxury Brand Strategy & Business

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.

Programme Structure

The first term of this new MA programme explores audience research and investigates shifts in the culture of luxury while also facilitating the development of branding, marketing and communication skills. The knowledge and skills acquired will support and underpin continued study by providing valuable context and awareness of the luxury industry.

The second term aims to engage each student’s aptitude for business thinking and industry foresight – they are asked to investigate a luxury business, questioning what business model they utilise and how they have pivoted their model to adjust with global consumer demands.

The third term develops collaborative skills and ingenuity with the introduction of an industry focused project and also examines and explores some of the complex issues faced by the luxury industry at any given time. A key element of the learning experience is for each student to question their own potential role in the luxury industry and reflect on what and how they can make a positive impact or contribution via their chosen specialist field.

The final term consolidates key aspects of previous study whilst enabling the student to develop their own themes, ideas and luxury business, branding or marketing concepts within their chosen luxury sector. The Final Masters Project presents an opportunity for the student to present a body of work supported by a thesis that demonstrates their academic ability, independent thinking, and creative prowess.

Entry Requirements

Students must be aged at least 18 years old on 31st August at the start of the academic year in which they intend to join this course. An academic year runs 1st September-31st August annually. For the duration of the academic year, a student is considered to be their academic age for admissions purposes, regardless of when their birthday falls within that academic year.

We welcome applicants from a wide variety of subject areas and professional backgrounds, but with a genuine interest in the luxury industry.

The standard entry requirements for this course is a BA honours degree, preferably at 2:2 or above, or an equivalent EU/international qualification.

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 extensively demonstrate the skills and capacity necessary for academic study at postgraduate 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

IELTS level 6.5 or above or equivalent Secure English Language Test (SELT) Full information can be found on our International Students webpage.

Selection Criteria

We select applicants according to 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

How to Apply for the MA Luxury Brand Strategy & Business

All applicants are required to complete the online application form using the “Apply now” button.

You will also be asked to submit a 1,000-word statement that shows your understanding of the focus of the course, the relevance of your background and your reason for applying – there is no requirement for a portfolio.

Successful applicants will be invited to the College for an interview.

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

The Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design has a strong focus on preparation for industry.

The course will explore distinct career opportunities within the luxury industries, appealing to a range of students from different backgrounds. In recent years, technological developments have driven new opportunities in the sector and the course will focus on global and future thinking.

The focus of the MA is also relevant to an increasingly broad range of job opportunities driven by growth in the luxury and luxury experience sectors.

The course will draw upon the expertise of Condé Nast Publications and its wider network of industry partners in fashion and luxury.

Students will be supported to engage with relevant professionals and organisations within the fashion and luxury industries.

The primary programme focus is on luxury brands and businesses that create and sell luxury products and services (e.g. on Condé advertisers rather than on creating magazine content).

The personal and professional development of students is a constant focus throughout the course and is key in the process of securing placements and identifying future careers within the luxury industry.

Career Services

Students on this course will also have access to our Career Services including, but not limited to:

• Strengths testing
• CV editing
• Mock Interviews
• Career path planning

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

Paying the Course Fee

In order to confirm and secure a place on this course, students will be asked to pay a deposit in the amount of £1,200 at the point of receiving an offer from us.

UK students can pay the tuition fee in instalments throughout the year.

International students will be asked to pay their course fee in full in advance of arriving at the College and prior to the issue of CAS.

More information can be found on our International Students webpage, including visa requirements.

For complete fees information visit Terms and Conditions

Bursaries & Alternative Funding

There are no bursaries or funding options currently available for this course.

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.

Alumni Discount

Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design offers course fee reduction to our alumni.

For more information visit Terms and Conditions

Studying & Living in London

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

For information on accommodation while you study at the Condé Nast College, go to our Accommodation page.

You will be studying this course with the only UK fashion education provider that operates from within the fashion industry. This exceptional environment provides you with a unique insight into fashion communication in all its forms and the workings of the creative industries, as well as providing access to numerous unrivalled experts in their fields.

With weekly guest speakers from a broad range of professions within the fashion and creative industries, you will be learning directly from the best in the industry.

The 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 has had many illustrious residents including Lord Eldon, one of Britain’s longest-serving and most celebrated Lord Chancellors, who lived in the largest house in the square for many years. Other famous residents include the second Duke of Devonshire; William Butterfield, an architect; and H H Asquith, a former Prime Minister.

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, as well as Vogue House, which our students visit as part of their exposure to the professional world.

Who Teaches at the Condé Nast College?

The academic team at the College offer an unrivalled knowledge of the fashion sector; they are kept constantly up to date through their unique industry links. Staff encourage students to think independently and critically, and individual students’ skill sets and strengths are nurtured and supported throughout the course.

During your course, you will also be taught by a range of our academic staff as well as industry guests and visiting lecturers.

Visiting Lecturers & Guest Speakers

• Osman Ahmed, senior editorial associate at The Business of Fashion
• Georgia Murray, fashion editor at Refinery29
• Nova Dando, creative director
• Aled John, head of business development at Condé Nast International
• Paul Nesbitt, head of audience research at Condé Nast International
• Dr Kate Nelson Best, fashion and media scholar
• Marcus Agerman Ross, Founder and editor of Jocks&Nerds

Students on the course also have access to the College-wide industry lecture programme that takes place once a week. Previous speakers include Victoria Beckham, Suzy Menkes and Becky Smith to name a few.