MA Fashion Innovation
- Entry year:
- 2026/27
- Start date:
- September
- Study mode:
- Full-time
- Course duration:
- 1 year
- Campus:
- Mount Pleasant
Why study this course with LJMU?
If you are passionate about fashion and are ready to challenge the current landscape the MA Fashion Innovation programme at LJMU is for you. You do not need a fashion background to apply, but you do need ambition and drive to explore Fashion Innovation projects in unexpected forms.
About this course
LJMU's Fashion Innovation MA is designed to introduce students to various research methods, practical workshops, facilities, and experts and is very much a space, tool and springboard for individuals to test, develop and achieve.
- Expand your knowledge of fashion and contribute to the wider field of fashion through research-based critical work
- Develop innovative fashion practice and real-world understanding through guidance from academics and industry experts
- Work within an interdisciplinary, flexible, independent and modular programme of study
- Benefit from networking and collaboration opportunities in fashion and related industries as you decide which area of fashion you wish to investigate as you progress through the programme
- Take advantage of the generous Michael Pugh Thomas and Julia Carter Preston legacy £1000 scholarships offered to postgraduate applicants
- Apply for postgraduate Susan Cotton travel funding and the China Fashion Summer School initiative to expand your research and cultural experience
- This programme is also available in part-time study mode
The Fashion Innovation 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 could 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 projects 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. A particular emphasis will be placed on developing existing skills and building opportunity to enhance and apply them within an appropriate fashion context.
Alongside the current Fashion Innovation staff there will also be several opportunities to collaborate with students and staff from the schools other MAs in Art in Science, Cities, Exhibition Studies, Fine Art, Illustration, and Immersive Media, 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 projects where the programme will encourage you to work across other disciplines 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 Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter. You will benefit from state-of-the-art workspaces and facilities, as well as external cultural organisations such as the Walker Art Gallery, Fabric District, Lady Lever Art Gallery, Liverpool Museum and Galleries Decorative Art Department, and Recreational Wardrobe.
Recent Graduate Testimonial
Graduate Feedback
I applied to this MA course because of its excellent facilities, diverse opportunities, and supportive academic staff.
The programme offers the freedom to develop and produce work that aligns with your personal vision. Its flexible structure and emphasis on independent learning empower students to explore a range of creative ideas. The modules are designed not only to build skills and provide essential insight but also to encourage experimentation, allowing you to tailor your projects to your interests and professional goals. This approach fosters an environment where you can confidently develop and showcase innovative work that truly reflects your creative identity.
Current Student Soundbite
I feel the MA has really guided me to what career I would like once I complete the programme, and it has given me the opportunity to collaborate with people who I would like to work with/ for. I came into this MA with no strict idea what I wanted to do, I had lost my passion. The first semester guided me to create a project proposal which opened the idea of working with my local community, from this research, my dissertation was formed and that led to more ideas of art-based community work and the potential of doing a PhD. What I have experienced so far, I know that by the time I finish my MA I will be ready for the job market.
External Examiner Feedback
The orientation of the power of art, design and cultural heritage to create dialogue or initiate change, is driven by teaching and programme leaders whose support of student practices, and encouraging dialogue has resulted in a selection of submissions that tackle meaningful issues in creative and materially innovative ways.
External Examiner Observation
The orientation of the power of art, design and cultural heritage to create dialogue or initiate change, is driven by teaching and programme leaders whose support of student practices, and encouraging dialogue has resulted in a selection of submissions that tackle meaningful issues in creative and materially innovative ways.
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
Transdisciplinary Practice
30 credits
30 credits
This module is shared by all students studying on taught Art and Design postgraduate programmes.
The Transdisciplinary Practice module concerns the development of your individual practice. It sees you consider, adopt and implement a range of interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary or transdisciplinary methods, to refine, extend, develop and critically reflect upon your own practice. This enables a deeper relationship to one's own practice by seeing it through the lens of other disciplines, and cultivates more sympathetic understanding of the contingencies of other practices and disciplines through the same process.
You will work as individuals or in groups, or establish new relationships and collaborations to produce innovative, visionary and speculative practical outcomes in the context of one or more disciplinary contexts.
The module enables you to propose, plan, organise, publish or promote your work and research. Outcomes could include proposals for applied creative projects, documentary of work in progress, exhibition of work(s), public presentations in symposiums, websites or printed publications.
Learning is predominantly through lectures, reading groups and seminars. You will be introduced to ongoing inter-multi-transdisciplinary projects in the Institute of Art and Technology (IAT) and in the Liverpool City region through guest speakers who will expose you to new ways of working.
Peer review is a crucial part of the practice-based research experience and this is facilitated through student-led and tutor guided studio activities and critical reviews. At this level it is expected that you will show a high degree of motivation and ability to engage in self-directed study, demonstrating a level of scholarship, initiative and problem solving appropriate to Master's degree study.
Research Inquiry
30 credits
30 credits
This module is shared by all students studying on taught Art and Design, MA Cities and Immersive Media postgraduate programmes.
The Research Inquiry module aims to develop and improve your research and analytical skills. Analysis and problem-solving skills are critical to student employability and subsequent success in most types of careers post MA.
Students are immersed in a range of methodological approaches across the arts and social sciences, and will develop an in-depth understanding and knowledge of contemporary approaches to research in their field of study. This will be crucial in laying the foundation for developing their own subsequent projects.
A series of lectures and seminars will introduce you to current and emerging practice in relation to a diverse range of historical, theoretical and critical principles. Seminars will require you to share, discuss and evaluate ideas and practice with others.
You will read and discuss a range of primary and secondary texts in your chosen field(s) to develop critical thinking together with historical and theoretical knowledge.
The module culminates in the successful preparation and delivery of a professional project proposal and accompanying professional presentation.
Studio Practice - Fashion Innovation
30 credits
30 credits
This module concerns the development of student’s individual fashion practice. The module’s structure fosters an inquisitive individual approach, whereby the focus is on introductory practical skills and ideas formed from contemporary fashion knowledge, to produce projects that replicate and simulate real world interactions for making, research and creative practice.
The module equips students with a grounding of a variety of materials, techniques and processes and an understanding of how this may be applied to challenge existing knowledge within the current fashion landscape. It ensures that students have the resources to engage with current debates and issues within the broader context of fashion and provides students with the framework to develop practical and critical skills that demonstrate creativity, and diverse narratives.
Learning from practitioners, academics and graduates combined with experiential workshops assisted by tutorials and seminars to support students in the sourcing and utilisation of appropriate materials and methodologies to create samples and trials appropriate to their individual MA project proposal and professionally present work in progress.
Critical Discourses - Fashion Innovation
30 credits
30 credits
This module builds on the Research Inquiry module and places emphasis on engagement with current debates and issues within contemporary fashion practice, and the fashion industry, through analysis of concepts, values and topics within the field. This develops alongside the Transdisciplinary Practice module, to contextualise students’ individual programme of study.
Students will produce a designed written project relating to their specific fashion interest. The writing will demonstrate independent investigation of individual concepts/ issues/ awareness/ knowledge of a distinct area of study which underpins and impacts practice/ the broader industry. The subject matter for this piece of work will emerge through discussion, seminars, lectures, and tutorials. Students will be introduced to the idea of practice-led research and theory during the Research Inquiry module, and Critical Discourses enables students to continue to develop their individual practice within a considered theoretical framework, as well as exploring broader issues relating to specifics of fashion and the fashion industry.
Major Project - Fashion Innovation
60 credits
60 credits
This module builds on the research and practice carried out during semesters 1 and 2 and enables students to explore the boundaries of fashion through the realisation and culmination of their individual MA proposed project. This is evidenced through a significant body of work and supported by critical reflection and evaluation.
The module will support the in-depth development of an innovative, self-directed body of work appropriate to students selected specialism(s). This will enable students to plan, organise, and professionally present a final Fashion Major Project, build a comprehensive understanding of the synergy between relevant theory and practice and develop an ability to communicate sophisticated aesthetic concerns and extended knowledge of a personally selected specialism, enhancing their capacity to engage in professional practice.
Your Learning Experience
An insight into teaching on your course
The 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. The two main teaching days are Monday and Tuesday, and sessions include tutorials, seminars, presentations, studio supervision and workshops. The programme aims to provide a balance of opportunities for you to acquire and develop advanced skills and academic knowledge plus multidisciplinary transferable skills.
The MA has been developed specifically to allow individuals to build relevant, unique and individual projects which shape, redefine, challenge and/ or find solutions for current issues, thinking, standpoints, or culture within the broader field of fashion. You will be encouraged to innovate through a series of self-initiated and taught components - including studio and multidisciplinary practice - before completing a Major Project focused on your chosen specialist area.
Learning on the programme combines experiential elements in studios and workshops with more formal lecture, tutorial and seminar-based delivery. This is a student-centred programme that recognises the need for you to establish a deep and inquisitive relationship with fashion critical theories and practices, the contexts within which they are deployed and the research against which they are evaluated.
Applied learning
As a student on this programme you may become linked to LJMU's Institute of Art and Technology (IAT).
The IAT is a world-leading centre for artistic, technological and transdisciplinary research and hosts inquisitive and creative researchers from around the world: all teaching, all learning, all working together for a better future.
As Liverpool's international flagship for cultural and creative research, the IAT is a collective network of artistic research and technologies laboratories each with a team led by inspiring researchers from four collaborating areas, Art and Design, Creative Industries, Education and Computer Science.
Keep up to date on programme activities by following us on @weare_mafashion
Explore past student research projects available on the degree show website
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.
The Fashion Innovation MA programme offers a range of assessment methods including, proposal, progress review, presentation, group critique, supporting documents, written and practical projects. The high level of seminar and tutorial contact allows for a considerable amount of formative assessment and feedback ahead of the summative assessment for each module.
Where you will study
This programme is based in the Liverpool School of Art and Creative Industries' John Lennon Art and Design building, a purpose-built facility in the Mount Pleasant Campus which encourages interaction between different disciplines and the sharing of ideas and expertise. The building houses state-of-the-art facilities and workshops. You have full use of several libraries within the city, some with 24hr access. During your studies you can also utilise the research Institute of Art and Technology (IAT), which comprises four research labs: including: Contemporary Art Lab, Exhibition Research Lab, Face Lab, City Lab, and the X-Lab.
Course tutors
Kayla has worked in the fashion industry and academia for almost thirty years. She has designed and manufactured fashion collections, presented garments on catwalks and exhibited work nationally and internationally. Kayla is a member of the International Textile and Apparel Association, of the Fashion Research Network, is a Fellow of the Higher Education Authority and co-founder and editor of Sole-Zine, a poster-magazine dedicated to documenting and archiving British trainer culture.
Her practice-based research has been widely published, and has recently been presented at the following institutions: the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York; Universita Iuav di Venezia, Venice; Universita degli Studi di Firenze, Florence; Universita de Bologna; University of Leeds; The Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool; Exhibition Research Lab, Liverpool School of Art and Creative Industries, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, and as part of the Locating Menswear international network which is designed to investigate the cultural and industrial connections between London, Liverpool, Manchester, and Milan, and which is led by Professor Andrew Groves, Director of the Westminster Menswear Archive, University of Westminster.
Kayla’s current ethnographic research investigates the potentiality and interface within the craftsmanship of restoration, customisation and conversion, and the sub-groups associated with these processes. Her Ph.D., Wearer as Designer, Originating a New Approach to Leather Attire, highlights opportunities for the re-alignment of community practice and the preservation of a specific material (leather) and related techniques and processes (restoration, customisation and conversion) which could be harnessed within a fashion garment context to build plural networks which adopt ethical thinking and approaches. The development of archival records as a place to preserve and nurture this artisan craftsmanship is central to this research.
The Liverpool School of Art and Creative Industries provides a space for aspiring fashion professionals to evolve and apply their practice in a supportive and inspiring environment, technically equipped to produce fully formed, relevant and exciting creative contributions to the field. Kayla Owen, Programme Leader.
The programme provides excellent technical support and facilities to help you achieve your desired outcomes. The art school itself boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a supportive team of staff. Moreover, there are numerous opportunities available beyond the art school; for example, I was able to take advantage of the entrepreneurial award offered through the university's business start-up hub, as well as teacher training provided by a short course known as the three I's.
Postgraduate research opportunities
At LJMU, you can take the next step in your academic journey with a PhD or MPhil, available on a full-time or part-time basis. International students also have the option to study remotely.
- PhD duration: Up to 4 years full-time, or up to 7 years part-time
- Funding options: Choose between funded projects (with supervisors already in place) or self-funded study
Our Doctoral Academy is here to support you every step of the way—from your first enquiry through to successful completion—working closely with Schools, Faculties, and Professional Services.
For more details on postgraduate research and full details on how to apply, visit the Doctoral Academy website.
Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 97% of our postgraduates in work or further study fifteen months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2025). 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 students’ employability in several ways. The applied learning techniques and career focus ensures students are prepared for their next steps on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real-world context. The Fashion Innovation MA fosters an entrepreneurial mindset and enables students to focus on specific areas of interest and expand their 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 Ph.D. level or taking up a research or teaching role within academia.
Graduates have gone on to secure a variety of different roles within the creative industry sector, including Translator for Vestiaire Collective, Paris, Fashion Marketing for H&M, Sweden, Menswear designer at Vivienne Westwood, London, Fashion stylist at Matalan, Liverpool, Visual merchandiser at M&S, Leeds etc. Some graduates have progressed their research to Ph.D. study, or secured research assistant and teaching roles at LJMU and worldwide. Others have started their own successful businesses. The MA programme allows, time, focus, and strategic project development, which could aid decision making in terms future planning.
"The MA Fashion programme raises opportunity for engagement with industry experts and networking, aspects which would be instrumental in enhancing my professional development. Also, the support services provided to students—including career guidance and access to a robust alumni network—were significant factors in my decision-making process when selecting an MA programme." Graduate Soundbite (2025).
Tuition fees and funding
- Fee:
- £9,340
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus wifi.
Financial Support
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. The University offers a range of financial support for students. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist financial support pages including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.
Additional Costs
In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:
- Accommodation
- Travel costs and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
- Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire
- 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 postgraduate 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 such as the British Council and Chevening.
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.
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
Minimum 2:1 honours degree in a related subject area (Fashion/ Art & Design) (those with a 2:2, or non-related degree or non-standard background will be considered on an individual basis by the programme leader.)
Further information
-
Extra Requirements
2 x References
1 x Personal Statement
1 x Portfolio of work – approx. 8-12 images of any subject in any media or written work, that demonstrate your own practice and/or interest in Fashion. Please note we are unable to consider your application until this is received. 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.
-
RPL
RPL is accepted on this programme
International requirements
IELTS
IELTS English language requirement: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each component)
Further information
-
Extra Requirements
2 x References
1 x Personal Statement
1 x Portfolio of work – approx. 8-12 images of any subject in any media or written work, that demonstrate your own practice and/or interest in Fashion. Please note we are unable to consider your application until this is received. 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.
-
RPL
RPL is accepted on this programme
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
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.
All applicants should be able to demonstrate a sufficient level of knowledge to embark on the programme (including the linguistic competence) and to complete the programme within time limits. Your personal statement should detail why you wish to study this programme and include personal experience and particular aspects of the programme that you find interesting. Please note: You do not need a traditional Fashion background or qualification to apply.
Additional Information
- Interview not required.
- We recommend applications are submitted by July to allow sufficient time for these to be considered and necessary information and arrangements completed before the programme commences. Applications will however be considered up until the end of August.
Your university life
From accommodation and academic support to clubs and societies. Find out what LJMU has to offer.
Related Links
Talk to our students
Connect with a current LJMU student for advice and guidance 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 news and stories from the university
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.