Bachelor of Arts (Hons) - Fashion Communication: Histories and Theories
- 3 years
- Duration
- 30,890 GBP/year
- Price
- September
- Start
- June
- Deadline
- Bachelor
- Degree
- Campus
- Format
- London / United Kingdom
- Location
Program description
The BA Fashion Communication: Histories and Theories pathway is delivered at Central Saint Martins and focuses on the research, writing, and curation of fashion histories, broadening its geographical scope. Drawing from cultural theory and material history, it examines fashion as image, object, and text within relevant social and cultural contexts.
This pathway is deeply connected to the contemporary fashion industry, encouraging students to challenge existing modes of representation and critique. With a global reputation for innovation, the course prepares students for roles as researchers, archivists, curators, and journalists. It is underpinned by core values of social, racial, and climate justice, and actively engages with decolonising the curriculum to promote inclusive and ethical creative practices.
Program structure
Stage 1
- Unit 1: Introduction to the Fashion Programme and to Studying at CSM
- Unit 2: Exploding Fashion Histories
- Unit 3: Contact Zones
- Unit 4: Creative Unions
Stage 1 establishes foundational skills in fashion research, communication, and collaboration, drawing on the diverse backgrounds of the student community. The year focuses on developing both individual and team-based projects, culminating in the cross-disciplinary **Creative Unions** unit, where students collaborate to address real-world social and environmental challenges.
Stage 2
- Unit 5: Positioning and Professional Preparation
- Unit 6: Theories and Approaches
- Unit 7: Fashion Interpretations
- Unit 8: Fashion Critical Studies
Stage 2 builds on the first year by deepening your understanding of the historical methods and theories used to study fashion in global and decolonial contexts. You will analyze how different media - from painting to digital formats - shape the communication and critique of fashion's social and political meanings. The stage also introduces a range of research methods to prepare you for more self-directed study.
Stage 3
- Unit 9: Group Project
- Unit 10: Literature Review
- Unit 11: Thesis
Stage 3 is defined by self-directed learning, where you independently manage the production of a 10-12,000-word thesis while collaborating with peers on a live, often industry-partnered, project. Your final year culminates in a substantial thesis that showcases your specialist research skills, career intentions, and understanding of fashion histories and theories for contemporary audiences.
Optional Diploma Year
Price
Tuition fee:
- 30,890 GBP per year*
*Tuition fees for international students may increase by up to 5% in each future year of your course.
During your studies, you may need to cover extra costs which are not included in your tuition fees. You might need to budget for materials and equipment specific to your course. You may also need a laptop or other digital tech/software.
Requirements for applicants
The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:
One or a combination of the following accepted full Level 3 qualifications:
- 2 A Levels at grade B or above (one of which should be in a humanities subject, requiring essay based answers e.g. History, History of Art, English Literature, Philosophy)
- Pass at Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Level 3 or 4) and 1 A Level at Grade C or above
- Merit, Pass, Pass (MPP) at BTEC Extended Diploma (preferred subjects include Arts or Humanities e.g. Art, Art and Design, History, History of Art, English Literature, Philosophy)
- Pass at UAL Extended Diploma
- Access to Higher Education Diploma (preferred subjects include Arts or Humanities e.g. Art, Art and Design, History, History of Art, English Literature, Philosophy)
- Equivalent EU/International qualifications, such as International Baccalaureate Diploma (24 points)
- And three GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A–C), including one modern European language.
Entry to this degree course is highly competitive. Selection is determined by the quality of your application, indicated primarily in your writing and statement.
Exceptionally applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered.
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 score of 6.5 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speakin
About the university
The University of the Arts London (UAL) produces and encourages the creativity essential for a better future. Its colleges have been at the forefront of innovative education since 1842, creating work with a lasting impact on people and the planet, driven by curiosity, imagination, and purpose.
London is fundamental to UAL's identity, providing a vital context where the university connects and exchanges ideas with individuals from all walks of life. Globally, its creative network influences education, culture, business, and society.
Through innovative research and creative instruction, UAL's faculty and staff bring fresh perspectives to education. The university enables students to build the careers they desire by working with them at every level - from pre-degree to postgraduate, and from short courses to online learning.
UAL's colleges
Ranked second in the world for art and design, UAL comprises six distinct colleges:
- Camberwell College of Arts
- Central Saint Martins
- Chelsea College of Arts
- London College of Communication
- London College of Fashion
- Wimbledon College of Arts
Together, they form a community of creatives, innovators, trailblazers, and storytellers, united in their mission to reimagine the future.
Courses in the visual arts, animation, screen, communication, fashion, media, and performance are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
