UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
Programme Specification
This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme
and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and
demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17
1. Awarding Institution / Body
UCLan
2. Teaching Institution and Location
of Delivery
Main campus, UCLan
3. University Department/Centre
School of Creative and Performing Arts
4. External Accreditation
n/a
5. Title of Final Award
MA Fashion Shaping
6. Modes of Attendance offered
Full-time & part-time
7. UCAS Code
n/a
8. Relevant Subject Benchmarking
Group(s)
n/a
9. Other external influences
Reference to National Post Graduate Descriptors for Art
and Design and Tate Liverpool
10. Date of production/revision of this
form
March 2010
11. Aims of the Programme
Specific aims for the MA course:
 To acquire and refine specialist skills, synthesising and applying embodied knowledge to a
specialist practice within fashion, facilitated by reflective learning. (PG Cert)
 To engage in research methods and professional practice that creates insightful awareness
and innovative research within the area of art and fashion. (PG Cert)
 To synthesise and apply embodied knowledge into fashion, art and design practice and
analysis through self awareness and direction. (PG DIP)
 To develop personal approaches and realisation through the synthesis of academic,
professional and subject specific knowledge, in the context of a broad review of cultural,
social and political events. (PG Dip)
 To engage in analytical or experiential self reflective embodied learning as well as
critical/contextual methodological academic study. (MA)
 To acquire refined analytical or practical skills, applying embodied knowledge to specified
areas of fashion, and demonstrating the application through either 3D realisation or written
documentation. (MA)
 To demonstrate through final outcome an ability to develop solutions both practical or text
based, which are at the forefront of the subject discipline (MA)
These aims support the general aims of the programme which are to:
 create a postgraduate learning environment, which stimulates debate and the
exchange of ideas through a multi-disciplinary approach to fashion, drawing on the
Department’s unique position of cross-disciplinary programmes.

develop the students' intellectual, imaginative, creative and problem-solving skills to
an advanced level through the synthesis of theoretical and practical approaches to
learning.

enable students to define and conceptually extend and develop their knowledge and
understanding within their chosen specialism.

develop students’ independence of judgement and foster an inquiring and analytical
approach to the study of fashion in the wider global context of cultural, technological
and economic change.

provide an opportunity for students to develop a personal and professional focus
within their chosen specialism at postgraduate level, through the process of continual
reflection, evaluation and planning.
12. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
A.
A1.
A2.
A3.
A4.
A5.
A6.
A7
Knowledge and Understanding
Source, critically analyse and evaluate information to inform the progress of a self initiated
agreement. (FS4201)
Describe a full range of research methodologies, appropriate to postgraduate study.
(FS4202)
Critically evaluate a range of research information sources, their appropriateness and
application to personal study. (FS4202)
Display an awareness of the social, intellectual and professional contexts within which design
or design related practice is located. (FS4206)
Demonstrate an advanced level of understanding and capability in the management of a
project in a specialist area. (FS4208)
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how the chosen subject explores significant
issues in contemporary visual culture and how issues of place and space are implicated and
negotiated. (FA4010)
Demonstrate the ability to identify and critique an individual curatorial context related to
contemporary visual culture and how the particular issues of the module relate to the wider
context of debate in and around contemporary visual culture. (FA4006)
Teaching and Learning Methods
The modules will be delivered through experiential workshops, peer group discussions, individual
presentations and assignments, supported by lectures, seminars, case studies, visiting speakers and
appropriate practical sessions. These will facilitate the development of knowledge and understanding
of their chosen specialism and allow for a wide range of influences to impact on and inform their
practice, most of which will be at the forefront of their discipline.
Assessment methods
Assessment will be through written submission, individual presentation and practical submission.
Each module is weighted according to the learning outcomes. All assessment is referenced to the
assessment criteria for the programmes
B.
B1.
B2.
B3.
B4.
B5.
B6
Subject-specific skills
Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the contemporary fashion industry, specific techniques
together with a high level of skill in a chosen specialism. (FS4404)
Apply diagnostic and creative skills and exercise professional judgement in the analysis of
research in providing possible solutions to practical problems. (FS4404)
Develop appropriate methods of working to allow an individual approach to research
problems. (FS4404)
Realise a body of work through independent study, which demonstrates an original and
creative approach in the field of either Fashion Design or Fashion and Lifestyle Promotion.
(FS4208)
Demonstrate appropriate research methodologies / practices to illustrate the aims and
objectives of the student initiated module. (FA4010)
Demonstrate the ability to identify and debate appropriate and relevant themes in contemporary
visual culture with appropriate research methodologies/practices for interpreting the critical
issues of the module. (FA4006)
Teaching and Learning Methods
Subject specific skills will be developed through workshops, demonstrations, seminars and individual
tutorials. Skill development will be encouraged and enhanced by the introduction of Atelier sessions
and students will learn through example and practice. This experiential delivery is essential for
disciplines that require a high level of industry relevance as identified through recent Skills Fast
surveys. Peer group presentation will be a valuable tool to facilitate learning and the sharing of best
practice.
Assessment methods
Assessment will be through portfolio submission, written reports and the submission of practical
outcomes and 3 dimensional realisation, weighted according to the module requirements. Power
Point presentations also form part of the assessment process.
C.
C1.
C2.
C3.
C4.
C5
C6.
C7.
C8.
Thinking Skills
Describe an individual professional approach to the development of a research proposal.
(FS4201)
Identify and critically compare research models across disciplines. (FS4202)
Demonstrate the process of in depth reflection, critical analysis and modification in relation to
a post graduate research project. (FS4205)
Illustrate the ability to diagnose, analyze and evaluate a variety of creative solutions to
complex design problems, and communicate through professional presentation. (FS4404)
Demonstrate conceptual understanding that enables the student to critically evaluate current
research and advanced scholarship in the discipline. (FS4208)
Illustrate an ability to consolidate a significant body of data into a fully contextualised
professional report which demonstrates a clear theoretical underpinning. (FS4209)
Demonstrate how particular issues arising in the module relate to the wider context of debate
in and around contemporary visual culture. (FA4010)
Demonstrate the ability to participate, initiate discourse and conclude a module appropriate to
a MA level programme in Fine Art related to an understanding of the particular requirements
of the project assessment, through a thoughtful negotiation of the field of possible responses,
and a critical utilisation of argument to illustrate objectives. (FA4006)
Teaching and Learning Methods
The nature of the subject encourages peer group discussion, questioning and critical analysis, which
are facilitated through lectures, seminar discussion and individual tutorial. Students are expected to
engage with the processes of analysis, reflection and the formulation of idea development and
realisation. Academic report writing allows the student to synthesise the thought process and their
research in order to formulate conclusions, solutions and future fashion hypotheses.
Assessment methods
Assessment will be primarily through written submission, research files, analysis of case studies and
portfolios of evidence, weighted according to the requirements of the modules.
D.
D1.
D2.
D3.
D4.
D5.
D6.
D7.
Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
Develop appropriate methods of reflection and self analysis. (FS4201)
Demonstrate the ability to professionally communicate ideas through a negotiated
presentation format. (FS4201)
Demonstrate a professional approach to the communication of ideas, concepts and solutions.
(FS4404)
Identify personal styles and attributes to allow the formulation of a well managed plan of
action designed to achieve the final project in the subject area, within a theoretical framework.
(FS4205)
Evaluate a range of issues which impact on art and design, and adopt a critical perspective
which will be articulated through an individual report. (FS4206)
Manage time and resources, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a
professional level. (FS4208)
To demonstrate professionalism and expertise in the production of a creative contextualising
document. (FS4209)
Teaching and Learning Methods
Transferable skills are embedded in the programme curriculum and are intrinsic within each module.
Students are encouraged to develop other/key skills through engagement in seminars, presentations
and individual tutorials. Liaison with outside agencies is both encouraged and expected and through
this professional contact key skills are fostered at a professional level. The management and planning
of individual projects encourages time management and organisational skill development.
Assessment methods
Assessment of these skills will be through the written assignments, project proposals, project
realisation and presentations linked to the module outcomes.
Key skills will be acquired via the visual, written and practical outcomes of individual modules.
Development of key skills will be throughout the programme and students will be encouraged to
develop an independent understanding of which and what to utilise to achieve appropriate solutions to
project requirements.
13. Programme Structures*
14. Awards and Credits*
Level
Module
Code
Module Title
Credit
rating
Level 7
FS4201
Negotiated Agreement 1
20
FS4202
Research Methods and Application
20
Master of Arts Fashion Shaping
Requires a minimum of 180 credits
at Level 7
FS4404
Personal Shaping Research
20
Postgraduate
FS4205
Negotiated Agreement 2
10
FS4206
10
FS4208
Professional Issues in Art and
Design
Final Project 2 Realisation
FS4209
Contextual Report
20
FA4010
Student Initiated Module
20
FA4006
Curating the Contemporary at Tate
Liverpool
20
40
Diploma
Fashion
Shaping
Requires a minimum of 120 credits
at level 7
Postgraduate Certificate Fashion
Shaping
Requires a minimum of 60 credits at
level 7
15. Personal Development Planning
The development of a student’s individual profile and aspiration is embedded in the delivery of the MA
Programme to enable student’s future career aspirations within the Fashion Industry to be realised.
Students are guided through tutorial PDP sessions, delivered primarily through negotiated
agreements, to establish a personal audit of transferable skills against potential project management
and employability in the fields of Fashion.
Students are encouraged through tutorial to set their own PDP targets focusing on targeted
employability, within a professional fashion environment. They are also expected to promote their own
individuality and personal career direction in a professional manner, for employment within the
Fashion, Fashion Promotion and the creative industries.
The Negotiated Agreements are designed to encourage and develop self evaluation, reflection and
critical analysis of individual learning styles. Once this process has taken place students are expected
to continually revisit and refine their agreements in order to maximise their potential in line with, and
according to, their skills development.
PDP is designed to help students acquire the skills needed for a chosen career; and to evaluate
strengths and plan to deploy them in a range of professional situations in the global workplace.
16. Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic qualifications,
together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study. These criteria may be
expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to entry requirements may have
been made after these documents were published and you should consult the University’s website for
the most up to date information.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
A 2:1 or above classification at undergraduate degree level in a fashion or fashion related subject,
evidence of creative thinking/application and a clearly defined research proposal to include a study
plan. Students who are applying for the MA in Fashion Shaping will be considered with a good degree
in the areas of Fine Art or Curating as well as Fashion.
Additionally, an applicant with work experience in the industry or a closely related industry would find
that experience very beneficial and helpful but it is not an essential requirement. Exceptionally an
applicant who did not meet the above academic requirements but who had considerable appropriate
work experience could be considered but would have to also demonstrate their ability to understand
and be capable of fulfilling the academic and theoretical elements of the course. Advice will be given
according to individual needs.
Students applying from overseas with English as a second language require ILETS 6.5 or equivalent
17. Key sources of information about the programme



UCLan website
UCLan prospectus
UClan factsheet
Level
18. Curriculum Skills Map
Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed
Programme Learning Outcomes
Module
Code
Module Title
Core (C),
Compulsory
(COMP) or
Option (O)
Knowledge and
understanding
LEVEL 4
A1
FS4201 Negotiated Agreement 1
Comp
Research Methods and
FS4202 Application
Comp
Personal Shaping
FS4404 Research
Comp
FS4205 Negotiated Agreement 2
Comp
FS4206 Professional Issues
Comp
Final Project 2
FS4208 Realisation
Comp
FS4209 Contextual Report
Comp
FA4006 Tate Gallery Module
Comp
FA4010 Student Initiated Module
Comp
A2
A3
A4
A5
A6
Subject-specific Skills
A7
B1
B2
B3
B4
B5
B6
Other skills relevant to
employability and personal
development
Thinking Skills
C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 C7 C8 D1
X
X
X X
D2
D3
D4
D5
D6
D7
X X
X
X X X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X