15May
PostgraduateCourse summary
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 internships, as part of the essential work-based learning module. On the MA Creative Direction course, students benefit from a programme of guest lectures throughout the course, with representatives from fashion, beauty, media, creative industries, and researchers coming to campus and sharing their experiences. The course includes also two live briefs involving, as industry partners, IBM and a reputable fashion/culture magazine (eg, Beauty Papers, or The Protagonist). The course culminates in a final master's submission, where students can either write a thesis or produce an original creative 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. 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.
Modules
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, shows), which can include also experimental proposals. 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. Master's 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.
Assessment method
Assessment is through projects, reports and a dissertation.
How to apply
International applicants
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 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component • TOEFL IBT minimum 92 with a minimum of 22 in writing and a minimum of 20 in reading, writing, listening & speaking. • Duolingo English Language Test - 110 overall with minimum of 95 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. Please note that we are unable to issue CAS for Student Route Visa's for part time study. Pre-Sessional English programme The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course. Note to all international students requiring a visa: All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office. We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application and visit the Solent University website for further information for international students.
Entry 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.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | IELTS minimum 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in reading, listening and speaking |
Equivalent English Language may be considered
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £7900 | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £7900 | Whole course |
| Scotland | £7900 | Whole course |
| Wales | £7900 | Whole course |
| Channel Islands | £7900 | Whole course |
Additional fee information
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact [email protected].
The 2023/24 other costs are not yet available. For guidance, previous other costs have been:
Optional costs
Hard drive, camera and styling materials: £500
Sponsorship information
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. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Provider information
Solent University (Southampton)
East Park Terrace
Southampton
SO14 0YN