If you’re thinking of applying for a Master’s Degree in Fashion or Fashion Business, the initial stages can be entirely overwhelming. It can feel like there are endless options, in different countries, of all prices, offering different opportunities with multiple hoops to jump through and long applications which seem impossible. It is easy to feel overly inundated with information instead of excited about these future opportunities, and can take away from the enjoyment of working towards your future goals. With a little bit of help, your application can be broken down into a few easy stages, demystifying the process and setting yourself up for success!
Step One: Research your courses
The fashion industry is very broad and varied, and the variety of Master’s courses on offer truly reflects this case. From fashion journalism to business to marketing and management, there are a large range of courses available which cover many different parts of the business. The first thing to do is to research these different courses available, to consider which are is of distinct interest to you. You may be entering the field from an entirely different background, or find it a natural progression from a related undergraduate degree. Either way, taking the time to research the different courses available and to ensure that you like the look of the course content and modules is the key first step in the process.
Look out for:
- Different assessment formats: do you do better in coursework, for example?
- Reading beyond the name of the course: make sure to check the modules and options!
Step Two: Check your finance options
Master’s courses can be expensive, but don’t let those numbers put you off! They vary across a huge range of prices, and often are more expensive in certain countries. Don’t be dissuaded if price is a concern, and make sure to look at scholarships and bursaries that might be on offer. Most universities often offer extensive financial aid, and if you need help navigating this, don’t be afraid to get in touch with someone from the university who will be able to guide you.
Furthermore, if you are a UK student, you are able to apply for a UK government master’s student loan. This varies from an undergraduate loan, so make sure to look into the details for this too!
Step Three: Know your dates
Once you’ve decided on a couple of courses to apply to (it is always good to have a few options!), make sure to get all of your key dates organised. These might start with Open Days, whether in-person or online, offering a great opportunity for you to explore the university campus, find out more about the teaching and course, and ask any questions that you might have. After these, you will want to consider your application deadlines. Some courses will have earlier application dates than others, often by a few months or so. Notably, some courses have rolling applications, meaning that the spaces could fill up quickly if you don’t apply within a reasonable time. Get these in your diary so that you can effectively manage your applications and get them in well before the deadlines!
Make sure to remember:
- If you are unsure about any application requirements, don’t be afraid to get in touch with the administration, they are there to help you!
Step Four: Tailor your applications
Many courses will have some similar requirements, such as submitting a CV (or a Resume), and a personal statement. However, these will vary, so it’s good to ensure you have all the different parts of your applications prepared in advance. For example, some might ask for an essay, writing samples or even some sort of portfolio.
When it comes to your CV and personal statement, take the time to tailor these to the specific course, ensuring that you really get into the details. A generic personal statement won’t stand out, and you are less likely to impress if the reader can tell it is the same one you’ve submitted to three other universities!
Step Five: Demonstrate your passion
Throughout the application process, from your writing samples and personal statement to any interviews, be prepared to really show off your passion and interest in your subject. Keep up to date with fashion journals, news and websites, and anything relevant to your subject. Reference to current events in the fashion world will set you apart as a candidate, and your ability to discuss current literature and events will stand you in very good stead throughout the process.
Any work on personal projects, or previous university projects will also be received well, so don’t forget to speak and write about these! Hobbies and extracurricular actives can be selectively highlighted, so don’t assume that these are not important to your applications. Demonstrate that passion that you have, and don’t be afraid to show your excitement about your future and highlight your achievements!
Finally…
Keep calm! There are so many opportunities out there for those interested in the fashion world. Enjoy the process, get excited about your future and stay focused and open to opportunity.
