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Introduction
Why choose this course?
Key features
We are recognised as one of the country’s most sustainable fashion and textiles schools (Green Gown Awards, 2021) and one of the best fashion schools in the world for 2022 (CEOWORLD, 2022).
Understand the key elements of fashion business and management including product innovation, intellectual property law, business planning and entrepreneurship.
Develop key buying skills such as range planning, range building, negotiation and range analysis to produce a profitable and commercial fashion range.
Explore contemporary issues within the global fashion market place including consumer behaviour, segmentation, online and off-line fashion promotion.
Develop entrepreneurial skills and learn how to write your own business plan for a product or business idea, considering marketing strategies, launching the product and financial forecasting.
Our strong links with industry provide opportunities including guest lectures, work experience, placements and live projects.
Recent graduates have had successful careers at global retailers such as Urban Outfitters, O’Neill, Next, Marks & Spencer, River Island, and Selfridges.
The award-winning Vijay Patel Building provides both the space and the facilities to foster creative thinking, where ideas can develop and flourish for all of our art and design students.
Overview
This programme is designed to offer students, from a wide variety of backgrounds, the opportunity to realise their creative and individual potential within Fashion Management and learn the key skills needed to pursue a career in this dynamic and exciting industry.
The focus of the programme is on fashion business and management, and you will learn about fashion buying, marketing, innovation and entrepreneurship to equip you with a thorough understanding of the product development management process from product conception to point of sale. The curriculum concludes with an individual industry-focused major research project, with the flexibility to tailor your project towards either Marketing, Management, Buying or Trend in order to pursue your own area of interest.
This top-up programme is designed for Level 5 students who have completed education to an HND level (Level 5) in the UK or hold an international equivalent qualification in an Art & Design or Business subject, wishing to gain a BA (Honours) qualification in Fashion Management in one year.
Completing this programme will give you the chance to progress to the Fashion Management with Marketing MA at DMU, gaining two degrees in two years.
Modules
Block 1: Fashion Buying Management
This module examines the process of buying and selling product from a variety of angles to include both the retailer and customer's perspective. You will consider the changing face of the industry in relation to the impact of technology and sustainable business practices.
The module encompasses the buying cycle and explores the buying function in more detail, as well as the relationship with merchandising, technology and commercial practice. An appreciation of the role of visual merchandising is also explored through a combination of practical and theoretical exercises. You are also introduced to global sourcing and the relevant ethical and environmental implications.
You will develop key skills associated with the role of buying including costing, negotiation, strategy and range planning.
The ethos of responsible design and the relevant United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will be reflected in this module.
Assessment: 100%.
Block 2: Fashion Marketing
As consumers and markets evolve, retailers have to adapt to remain successful. The degree of change can be minimal, or could involve a complete transformation. For example: Chelsea Girl to River Island, Tom Ford's re launch of Gucci or Christopher Bailey's launch of Burberry's 'Ready to Wear' collection.
The first part of this module is based on research to review and establish new innovations in global retailing, visual merchandising, promotional techniques and new directions in consumer demand. The impact of external factors on retailing will also be considered and you will develop your skills in computer aided design (CAD).
From this research you will recreate a strategy for a relaunch of a particular store or brand. This could include new market positioning, new direction towards consumers and in store concepts from the product direction to the design of the interior space.
Assessment: 100%.
Blocks 3 and 4: Fashion Business
Fashion Business explores the impact of sustainability and design innovation within the context of new product development within the fashion industry. A combination of theory and practice will be used to develop a contextual understanding of how new and innovative fashion products are conceived, developed and ultimately brought to market.
A crucial stage in the new development process is design protection and copyright law. You will gain an appreciation of the scope and value of design protection and how intellectual property law can be used to protect innovative products. You will be required to conduct research in order to identify an innovative fashion product. You will critically analyse the product against sustainability and innovation criteria, drawing upon taught material within the module to make recommendations for further enhancements.
As the module progresses, you are given the opportunity to synthesise learning through a simulated entrepreneurial task with a focus on design innovation and sustainability. You will research and identify an original, innovative and sustainable product idea and formulate a business plan around their concept to include product design, product strategy, sale and marketing strategies and financial forecasting. The module concludes with you partaking in a ‘pitch deck’ style presentation whereby you will present your product idea and justify your required level of funding.
Assessment: Presentation, 40%. Business plan, 60%.
Research Project
This module is the culmination of your studies to date and will develop your research skills and experience. The project will take the form of a dissertation based on original research in an area of your choice from; trend, fashion buying, fashion business or fashion marketing.
We will support you through lectures and seminars on areas such as research methods, data collection, analysis, reporting methods, presentation, citation and referencing. You will also have regular meetings with your supervisor.
Note: All modules are subject to change in order to keep content current.
Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.
Entry Criteria
ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.
IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Entry criteria
Typical entry requirements
This is a top-up programme available to students who have already completed a:
Year two (Level 5) of a Fashion, Textiles or Business - related degree course; or
HND course in Fashion, Textiles or Business; or
Foundation degree in a related Fashion or Textiles discipline
We welcome applications from mature students with non-standard qualifications, providing they have relevant experience to complement their qualifications.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band (or equivalent) when you start the course is essential.
English language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
Career Opportunities
DMU Global
This is our innovative international experience programme which aims to enrich your studies and expand your cultural horizons – helping you to become a global graduate, equipped to meet the needs of employers across the world.
Through DMU Global, we offer a wide range of opportunities including on-campus and UK activities, overseas study, internships, faculty-led field trips and volunteering, as well as Erasmus+ and international exchanges.
Graduate careers
This course is designed for those who are aiming for a career in fashion buying, and also offers broader career options which include fashion merchandising, product development, product management, sourcing and fashion marketing. It will also prepare you to work in a retail head office as well as sourcing offices and the extended supply base. The entrepreneurial skills gained on the course will provide an excellent platform to launch your own fashion business or product idea.
You will also have the opportunity to go onto study Fashion Management with Marketing MA at DMU, gaining two degrees in two years.
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