ABOUT THE COURSE

A fashion creative director's main role is to establish what designs should be created, what will appeal to the target market, and how the concepts will be applied and distributed in collaboration with fashion designers who are responsible for creating the clothing and fabrics.

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 module.

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.

Core Modules

• Research Methods

The research methods module 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 module will explore and critically analyse the fashion, beauty and creative industries around the world. The module 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 module is on developing the wide range of conceptual skills necessary to effectively and innovatively communicate to a consumer audience. This module 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 module 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 module 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.

Requirements

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.

• Duolingo English Language Test - 110 overall with minimum 90 in each component.

• 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.