MA Creative Direction for Fashion and Beauty
Solent University
Program description
MA Creative Direction for Fashion and Beauty
The term creative director originated in advertising agencies, but in the last few years has also become prevalent in the fashion and beauty industries. The role of creative director within fashion and beauty is multi-faceted and varied. Generally speaking, creative directors find themselves responsible for the creative direction and visual identity of a brand, publication, website or event.
Solent’s fashion and beauty programmes have strong links with industry, giving students the chance to work with experienced academics and industry professionals. Students can leverage these industry links when they are looking for work placements as part of the essential work-based learning unit.
Students also benefit from a programme of guest lectures throughout the course, with representatives from fashion, beauty, media, retail and other creative industries coming to campus and sharing their experiences. Recent events have included a guest lecture from professional makeup artist Laura Mercier, as well as visits from representatives of MAC, Illamasqua, Trendstop and Charles Fox.
The course culminates in a final major project, where students can either write a thesis or produce a major practical outcome. Students will have access to a wide range of industry-standard facilities in support of this project. Available facilities include photography studios; film studios; make-up studios; cameras; location lighting kits; ‘infinity cove’ studios and Mac suites with the latest industry software.
Students study a curriculum with a unique focus on the increasingly in-demand role of art director. Students learn how to strategically guide imagery, style and brand to align with overarching creative and corporate directions.
What does this course lead to?
The role of creative director has become prevalent in the fashion and beauty industries in recent years. Generally speaking, creative directors find themselves responsible for the creative direction and visual identity of a brand, publication, website or event.
Who is this course for?
This course is specifically aimed at those currently working in the fashion and beauty industry who are aspiring towards art direction. The course content is ideal for building knowledge in magazine publishing, event production, e-commerce and advertising.
Admission requirements
An honours degree at 2:2 or higher.
- Applicants will be required to send a portfolio and may be contacted by video call.
- Alternatively, applicants may be considered with industry experience in one or more areas of the fashion industry, including retail, management, design or a related field.
We welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds. Applicants who are not in possession of the minimum entry requirements but are able to demonstrate aptitude, enthusiasm and motivation will be considered on an individual basis and may be admitted subject to satisfactory interview and/or portfolio. Please contact us for further details.
English language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 6.5 overall with minimum of 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in reading, listening and speaking
- TOEFL IBT 92 with minimum of 22 in writing and a minimum of 19 in reading, listening and speaking
- or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
The University also offers a Pre-Sessional English Language Course for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
Program content
Year one
Research Methods
The research methods unit prepares students for their MA final project by equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to define a research project, select an appropriate methodological approach and investigate a key research topic utilising secondary and/or primary research.
Professional Practice
This unit will explore and critically analyse the fashion, beauty and creative industries around the world. The unit will equip students with advanced skills to enable them to research the industry they seek to work in and to critically analyse opportunities. Students will be supported to produce a professional development plan - key to this will be an element of work-based learning.
Concept Development
The primary focus of this unit is on developing the wide range of conceptual skills necessary to effectively and innovatively communicate to a consumer audience. This unit provides the opportunity to develop, in response to a range of set briefs, concepts for different outcomes (for example digital, film, print and fashion shows).
Technical Image Design Skills
This unit covers the technical aspects of creative and art direction. Using a range of software students will focus on understanding technical specifications and design problems aligned to producing web, print and time based outcomes.
Masters Project
In this unit students will design, execute and present an individually demanding piece of work that deploys a systematic and in-depth understanding of the skills and debates relevant to their particular discipline of study.
Scholarships & funding
Bursaries and scholarships
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria.
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About this institute
Solent University
Solent University is all about creating opportunities: for its students, for its staff, for its partners. It offers expertise and experiences you couldn’t get anywhere else, opening doors and making introductions. We’re focused on the practical side of higher education...
Contact info
Solent University
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