BSc Fashion Marketing

Overview

This course has a strong focus on the unique way in which fashion products are marketed. Key marketing theory is studied with specialist emphasis on the interface between design, creativity and the commercial imperative. Fashion marketing theory is about understanding and satisfying consumer needs. On this course, students develop an understanding of the fashion consumer, consumer behaviour, segmentation, targeting and positioning. Internal and external influences on individual and organisational decision making are also considered.

Fashion marketing considers the fashion product, the nature of pricing (with costing and global economics in mind), the way the product is branded, communicated and promoted to consumers and the environment in which it is sold. Students also consider the global nature of the fashion industry and its impact on marketing. A key feature of fashion marketing in this course is the opportunity to study multimedia Computer Aided Design packages in the context of brand concept, communication and application. The concepts of marketing most relevant to fashion, for example visual merchandising, public relations, social media and multi channel marketing are given particular emphasis in the course.

Course Description

Learning a lot about consumer behaviour has helped me to get to where I am today: just sort of understanding how to word things or display things so it might inspire people more.

And learning all about marketing and retailing and understanding all of that; like how PR teams and marketing teams work, and also digital marketing. There are loads of things I learnt here that I’m still using today.

Victoria Magrath / Editor and Director of Fashion, Beauty, Travel and Lifestyle blog Inthefrow

Entry Requirements

A-level

• AAB in three academic subjects.
• Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken.
• Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.

A-level Contextual Offer

• ABB from three academic subjects.
• Contextual offers are available for applicants who:
  • live in the UK and will be under the age of 21 on 1 September of the year they will start their course;
  • live in an area of disadvantage or with low progression into higher education;
  • have attended a UK school or college for their GCSEs or A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) that has performed below the national average over multiple years.

UK Refugee/Care-Experienced Offer

• BBB in three academic subjects.
• UK refugee/care-experienced offers are available for applicants who:
  • have been looked after in care for more than three months;
  • have been granted refugee status by the UK government or have been issued a UK visa under one of the Ukrainian schemes (Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme or Ukraine Extension Scheme).

International Baccalaureate

• 35 points overall with 6,6,5 in three subjects at Higher Level.
• We will accept either Mathematics: analysis and approaches or Mathematics: applications and interpretation at SL or HL.

GCSE/IGCSE

• Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of literacy and numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C/4 in GCSE/IGCSE English Language, Mathematics and Science.
• GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.

Other Entry Requirements

• Other entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.
• Scottish requirements
• Welsh Baccalaureate
• Foundation year
• Pearson BTEC qualifications
• OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
• Access to HE Diploma
• T Level
• Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Fees and Funding

Fees

• Fees for entry in 2026 have not yet been set. For entry in 2025 the tuition fees were £9,535 per annum for home students, and are expected to increase slightly for 2026 entry.

Policy on Additional Costs

• All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme.
• Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application.

Scholarships/Sponsorships

• The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students.
• We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.
• For information about scholarships and bursaries please visit our undergraduate student finance pages and our the Department funding pages.

Application and Selection

How to Apply

• Apply through UCAS.

Advice to Applicants

• Factors contributing to a successful application include:
  • past academic performance;
  • predicted academic performance;
  • enthusiasm for, and realistic grasp of, chosen degree programme;
  • evidence of interpersonal skills and non-academic interests/achievements.

Home-Schooled Applicants

• If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying.

Non-Standard Educational Routes

• Mature applicants who are returning to studies after a break from formal education will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

How Your Application is Considered

• Applications are considered on the basis of the UCAS form.
• Strong examination results are the main factor in admitting students to our courses.
• We consider other information to ensure we admit students with the most outstanding potential.

Course Details

Course Description

• This course has a strong focus on the unique way in which fashion products are marketed.
• Key marketing theory is studied with specialist emphasis on the interface between design, creativity and the commercial imperative.

Special Features

• Students may apply to extend this degree to four years, and spend their third year either on industrial experience or studying abroad.
• For study abroad, exchange partners are offered through the Erasmus Exchange scheme in Europe and the Worldwide Exchange scheme.
• For more information about the Study Abroad Programme please consult the following:

Teaching and Learning

• If you choose to study textiles at Manchester you will enjoy great facilities.
• Our laboratories include textile chemistry, materials testing, manufacturing technology, information technology and computer aided design.
• We also have dedicated creative design studios and state-of-the-art multimedia learning packages.

Coursework and Assessment

• Assessment is normally by a mixture of traditional written examination and coursework which includes laboratory reports and practical projects.
• You have the chance to simulate real-life experiences and your final year project gives you an opportunity to do genuine and original scientific research leading to a written dissertation.

Course Content for Year 1

• The first year establishes the fundamentals in fashion business, textile science and technology through the core units of Introduction to Fashion, Introduction to Management, Introduction to Marketing and Retail and Design Management and the core textile science units where students are introduced to fibres, materials, fabrics and textile production processes.

Course Content for Year 2

• The second year builds on the principles introduced in the first year by exploring specific aspects of management and marketing in depth with subjects such as product development, branding and textile technology.
• The specialist focus of the programme in the second year considers various aspects of marketing communications.
• There are some practical textile subjects focusing on clothing technology and a significant characteristic is a group project which integrates textile product design, manufacture and marketing skills.

Course Content for Year 3

• The final year provides an opportunity to consolidate and extend specialist knowledge in areas of marketing studied in previous years.
• You may choose from a range of fashion business options; for example, a computer aided design unit, or a management unit.
• A final year project allows you to specialise in an area of your choice, for example focusing on developing a integrated marketing strategy.
• Alternatively students could opt to take the Business Project which allows you to start up a company for the year.

Careers

Career Opportunities

• Our graduates leave Manchester with the knowledge, specialist skills and professional attributes applicable for careers within this incredibly diverse and fast-evolving industry, including ethical sourcing, sustainability, brand and operations management, buying and merchandising, garment technology, marketing, technological innovation, and diversity and inclusion.
• We also prepare students for graduate scheme opportunities with employers from The Hut Group and Uniqlo to M&S.

Industry Collaborations

• Our Made in Manchester industry insights series allows students to engage with a range of fashion and related brands and organisations.
• Our network of industry specialists regularly meets with students to discuss graduate and placement opportunities.

Meet the Professionals

• We regularly hold alumni panel events where our graduates come and talk about their career experiences and progression.
• The events are a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain invaluable advice and insights into different roles within the fashion, apparel and related sectors, and provide an opportunity to connect with our alumni.

Placement Support

• We can help you find exciting placement and internship opportunities and support you through the application process.
• We’ll also provide support during the industrial placement year as part of the accredited programme.

Careers Service

• We are committed to helping you get the best start after graduation, that’s why The University of Manchester’s award-winning Careers Service will continue to support you two years after graduation.

Department of Materials Blog

• Explore more about our students’ experiences, our alumni and where they are now, and our department in our blog.

University of Manchester

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Overview:

The University of Manchester is a renowned public research university located in Manchester, England. It is known for its academic excellence, research impact, and vibrant campus life.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The University of Manchester offers a diverse and engaging campus experience. Students can enjoy a range of activities, including:

Social events:

The university hosts numerous social events throughout the year, providing opportunities for students to connect with their peers and explore different interests.

Student clubs and societies:

There are over 300 student clubs and societies catering to various interests, from sports and music to academic and cultural pursuits.

Campus facilities:

The university boasts modern facilities, including libraries, sports centers, and student unions, providing students with access to resources and support services.

City life:

Manchester is a vibrant city with a thriving cultural scene, offering students access to museums, theaters, music venues, and a diverse range of restaurants and shops.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Academic excellence:

The University of Manchester is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world, offering high-quality education across a wide range of disciplines.

Research impact:

The university is a leading research institution, making significant contributions to various fields, including medicine, engineering, and social sciences.

Global reputation:

The University of Manchester has a strong international reputation, attracting students and researchers from around the world.

Career opportunities:

The university provides excellent career support services, helping students to develop their skills and secure employment after graduation.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Manchester offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various faculties and schools, including:

Faculty of Humanities:

Arts, Languages, History, Philosophy, and more.

Faculty of Science and Engineering:

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, and more.

Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences:

Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, and more.

Faculty of Law, Economics and Social Sciences:

Law, Economics, Sociology, and more.

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Other:

The University of Manchester is committed to social responsibility and sustainability, actively engaging in initiatives to promote equality, diversity, and environmental protection.