FA4010 - Fashion Journalism and Photography

What will I learn on this module?

This module introduces you to the role of the fashion journalist and image-maker, and the social, cultural, ethical and commercial context in which they work. You will explore the changing nature of fashion and how it is communicated through print and digital media. In a lecture and seminar series, you will explore the fashion industry’s relationship with the media, and the opportunities and constraints faced by journalists and image-makers working in fashion.

This will inform your own editorial practice, and in practical sessions you will have the opportunity to develop a range of skills associated with media communication, including feature writing, styling and magazine design. You will undertake research into contemporary photographic and creative visuals in order to create imagery to complement and enhance the textual elements of your work. The work of designers, stylists and art directors will be considered and become your informed and creative visual vocabulary. Print and digital visuals will be examined and you will start to develop your visual handwriting as a fashion image-maker.

You will compile a portfolio of practical work, which will include written articles, magazine spreads and photographic tasks. Your portfolio will be supported by a research file and reflective analysis, where you will discuss the ethical and industry context of your work. Industry briefs, guest speakers and the opportunity to take part in national competitions allow you to work with input from industry partners where possible.

How will I learn on this module?

Learning and teaching strategies on Fashion Communication encourage you to acquire a flexible and imaginative approach to problem solving through enquiry-based learning. You will become an active participant in your learning, integrating creative practice with academic and intellectual skills.

Lecturers with industry experience and supporting research will guide you through the module, developing your understanding of professional standards and practice. Guest speakers from the fashion and media industries, including editors, photographers and stylists, will help you situate your own work in a professional context.

You are encouraged to advance your visual literacy and to be aware of current issues and debates. Working in groups, you learn to be flexible and collaborative, to identify and redefine problems in a creative way and focus on solutions that are both relevant and empathetic.

Traditional, new and emerging technologies are used both in the delivery and realisation of outcomes, and you will learn to present your work and ideas using a range of media and communication tools to a variety of audiences in different situations. You will create digital portfolios and presentations, as well as image-based/multimedia submissions.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

• At the beginning of your programme you will be allocated a Guidance Tutor who will be able to provide advice and support in relation to your academic, personal and professional development. Formal guidance tutorials will allow you to reflect on what you have achieved and identify your strengths and weaknesses
• Tutorials with lecturers provide advice on the direction of your work and whether you are meeting Module Learning Outcomes. These will be timetabled, and will help you to progress your ideas.
• Project briefs are introduced via briefing sessions, where the task is fully explored by both staff and students
• Live projects with industry and regional, national and international external partners extend the practical study of the subject area within an industrial context, where possible. They are also designed to support student confidence in their ability to handle professional practice within the creative industries
• Students experience a range of teaching, learning and assessment methods and course work is largely project based
• Modules are delivered through a combination of delivery modes, with guided and independent learning
• Additional study skills materials and workshops are available through Skills Plus at https://library.northumbria.ac.uk/skillsplus/ and Linkedin Learning
• Students are expected to maintain a project plan and are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning
• English language support is provided for international students
• Student Central provide specialist support with personal issues including; DSSR (Disabled Student Support Recommendations) statements; PECs (Personal Extenuating Circumstances) and LAs (Late Approved submission) processes.
• University student services offer specialist support e.g. financial, disability, mental health, international student support etc.
• eLP includes all relevant documentation and learning material, e.g. module briefs, lecture content, video demonstrations, reading lists and weekly tasks, together with meeting spaces, discussion boards and notices
• Visiting professionals support relevant and current practice where possible

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Understand production processes and professional practices within the media, cultural and communicative industries

2. Show a foundational knowledge of the media industry through analysis of a specified magazine

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Evidence your independent judgement in your ability to generate and explore ideas through visual and written fashion communication

Personal Values Attributes
4. Show a fundamental awareness of ethical issues and responsible practice through critical evaluation of your own fashion journalism and photography output

How will I be assessed?

Assessment will be conducted through;

Summative assessment

Magazine analysis (2)

Magazine feature (3)

Research file including photographic and journalistic tasks, evidence of development and 500-word reflective evaluation (1, 4)

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module explores the principles and practice of fashion journalism and photography, and the cultural, ethical and commercial context in which they operate. On a theoretical level, you will debate the key issues in the fashion and media industries, including the close tie-ups between the two and how they target their audiences.

In practical sessions, you will develop the skills associated with fashion journalism and photography, including interviewing, research, feature writing, magazine design, styling and portrait photography. With guidance from guest speakers and tutors, you will build up a portfolio of text, imagery and design appropriate to commercial fashion publications.

Course info

UCAS Code WP29

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Northumbria School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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