Who’s it for?
The 12-month, full-time course is aimed at those interested in a career in the business of fashion, and attracts a mix of UK and international students, with an average class size of 36. Previous graduates have secured employment in brand management, market analysis, buying and merchandising, marketing communications, direct marketing and media planning.
What’s included?
The course blends academic theory with practical insights, giving students the ability to analyse relevant academic theories and apply models, tools and techniques to real fashion-marketing situations. The programme has been designed in consultation with the industry to ensure that students have the knowledge and skills needed to make a difference in the international fashion-marketing arena, covering integrated fashion communications, global marketing and brand management.
There are regular opportunities to attend masterclasses by marketing practitioners and leaders in the industry, while major fashion brands provide live briefs, enabling students to put theory into practice.
And another thing...
The final element of the programme is the dissertation, which provides students with an opportunity to design and undertake a piece of original research in a selective area of brand management.
Jessica Frost finished the course in 2012 and works as a visual operations co-ordinator for Miss Selfridge and Evans at Arcadia.
"This course combined my love of marketing and international business, and stood out due to the breadth of subjects and hands-on approach to learning; all the lecturers have extensive experience in the industry. The learning environment encourages you to make independent choices and decisions with all the facts, which helps build you as a sound business professional. This lent itself very well to my personal development.
As the course was internationally focused, the most challenging aspect was learning, understanding and considering all elements of the supply chain. This is affected by political and economic influences, lead times, fashion life cycle and demand. Working in the industry requires an appreciation of all these factors and how all the functions support one another.
The biggest learning curve on the course was gaining a better sense of myself and my own ability. It developed a drive within me and taught me that anything is possible. With the right planning, consideration and determination, anything can be achieved in the fashion industry.
The long nights were often a killer, but I would recommend the course to anyone looking to develop their love for either fashion or marketing on a big stage. It is ideal for someone who is fiercely motivated."