This is a thorough, challenging and intensive course designed to cover the creative managerial and commercial aspects of the industry. It will equip you with a complete insight to all aspects of the global fashion business.
This course is ideal if you have some knowledge of the industry, from either a creative or business background, but wish to broaden your understanding and build your skill set. The course will examine the practical, theoretical, strategic and creative aspects of the subject area.
The wide range of international fashion industry links in the School of Art & Design, ensures that this course is offered in a truly international context.
Scholarships
The School of Art & Design is offering a number of scholarships for full-time Masters study. To find out more visit our Postgraduate Scholarships webpage.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about the content of this course or admissions, please contact us.
Please note the following information for applicants
Assessment
Assessment for this course includes:
- a case study exam
- short and long business reports
- presentations
- a team business project; and
- an industry focused dissertation or major piece of research.
Course content includes:
- product development and design
- sourcing and supply chain management
- ethics and sustainability
- buying and merchandising
- logistics
- retailing
- branding and marketing
- global strategy and business planning
- finance
- consumer culture; and
- consumer and organisational behaviour.
How you study
You will be taught through lectures, seminars, group discussions, workshops and individual tutorials. You will receive support and guidance from experts, lecturers and industry practitioners.
The emphasis throughout the course is for you to apply your learning, and work experience (where applicable), to real industry situations through case studies and practical workshops.
Expert teaching staff have significant creative and business experience, fashion specialisms and in-depth knowledge of modern visual culture, international marketing and communication.
You will be given a personal tutor at the start of the course who will guide your learning throughout. You will receive support throughout your studies from our excellent teaching staff.
You will have email contact with tutors as well as access to lecture notes and reading material via the University’s virtual learning environment, NOW.
Special facilities
You’ll have access to a wide range of excellent facilities in the School of Art & Design. Our facilities are supervised skilled technicians who will support and advise you.
Learning opportunities
During term one you can choose to undertake a project in association with an established fashion industry organisation.
This study route will enable you to attend the scheduled timetable, and to work on placement for two days a week. If you wish to take this route, you’ll need to source and negotiate a placement.
Study trips are an essential part of the course, to local design, manufacturing and retail business, and international destinations. Recent examples include:
- the Yohji Yamamoto exhibition at the V&A museum in London
- a London study visit with a focus on luxury brands and flagship stores
- a visit to Copenhagen, Denmark to study international branding and design culture in Scandinavia; and
- a trip to the Derbyshire headquarters of prestigious international knitwear design and manufacturing company, John Smedley Ltd.
Career destinations
Graduates of this course will be equipped to undertake senior management roles within all aspects of the international fashion industry, including:
- design
- manufacturing
- supply chain
- retail
- marketing
- buying
- merchandising
- brand managers
- consultancy
- teaching.
Recent graduates have:
- secured jobs with leading fashion brands
- progressed to further PhD and MPhil study
- worked within related careers in the fashion industry
- returned to their previous occupations in a new role, at an advanced level or with renewed focus.
If you are interested in starting your own business, the University provides start-up training and support through The Hive business incubator unit.
Work placements
Although this course does not offer a formal placement, all our courses are vocationally focused and benefit from strong links with industry.
During Term one, students can choose to undertake their project in association with an established fashion industry organisation. This study route enables students to attend the scheduled timetable, and to work on placement for two days a week for the duration of this fifteen week stage. The placement is sourced and negotiated by the student.
How to apply
Applications for this course should be made through our website; apply now for our MA International Fashion Business.
All applicants are required to submit a short report or presentation illustrating your knowledge and perspective on an aspect of the fashion industry prior to interview. Download the report proforma
.
Application deadline
Applications should normally be received by the end of July for entry in September.
Overseas applicants must take into account the time required to apply for a visa (if applicable) before applying for an MA course.
Interviews
Normally, all applicants who meet the required entry standards will be interviewed, which will provide an opportunity to look around the School and meet our staff.
International students may be interviewed by telephone or via the internet.
English language requirements
English language entry requirements for courses in the School of Art & Design, and a full list of all English language qualifications accepted by the University are available on our website.
Pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP)
If you don't currently have the English Language requirements for this course, we offer a range of PEAP courses that will help you improve your language skills.
We offer six to thirty-week courses, according to your current language level. Even if you have achieved the English language requirements for this Masters course, our six week course is highly recommended as it is an ideal preparation and study skills course which is very important for successful academic study.
Find out more about our Pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes courses.
Postgraduate Scholarships
The School will be offering a number of scholarships for students commencing their studies on one of our postgraduate art and design courses. Find out more about these scholarships.
Postgraduate open evenings
Our postgraduate open events are a great opportunity to meet our postgraduate teaching staff and students, visit the University, find out about the courses we offer, bursaries and funding opportunities. Find out more and book your place.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about the content of this course or admissions, please contact us.
