Course summary

Fashion business professionals drive the tactical and entrepreneurial spirit of a fashion company. They work on production, communication, marketing and retail and must possess a thorough knowledge of the fashion panorama. They are able to identify with great precision which tools they need to successfully position a brand, a collection or even a single product in the fashion and luxury markets. They are experts in the business of fashion. This three year full-time Fashion Business course is a strategic and market oriented blend of the main perspectives in fashion business; covering strategy, budgeting, finance, product development, fashion marketing, communication, branding, retail operations management, global distribution channels, as well as customer relationship management and CSR. Fashion is an industry in constant evolution, therefore both time-tested and contemporary marketing strategies are analysed in order to achieve business goals. Participants learn brand marketing and development strategies, identifying the values that characterise the identity and ‘signature’ of a product or brand. By studying cultural, sociological and historical dynamics in fashion, they understand the influence of trends in different countries and realities and their impact on sales performance. The fashion course looks at current issues in the industry including sustainability and new media digital marketing virtual platforms, e-commerce, social media) working to define a commercial proposal that meets the demands of the fashion industry of today. Key focus is also given to competitor evaluation and analysis techniques. Through the principles of economics and finance, participants are able to measure profitability and ensure compliance with budgets and strategies, and implement specific cost control systems. Taking a fashion collection or luxury product through to wholesale and retail distribution channels needs a mix of both concrete business acumen and creative communication skills in order to successfully complete the process; determining target audience, price brackets, and planning promotion and distribution channels. At the end of the programme, participants undertake a research project resulting in a business plan for a start-up, or for existing brand development. Participants learn real-world skills working in collaboration with international companies on industry projects and case studies, as well as participating in structured company visits, with guest lectures and talks from visiting professionals and experts in the sector. This Fashion Business course forms the base of all three year fashion business study pathways. With fashion business as the core subject, participants select from different pathways to specialise in a chosen area of interest, responding to individual talent, creative flair and passion. This course is also available as a BA (Hons) four year course (including placement sandwich year)-*.