Course Overview
* Price per academic year
Course summary
Our Fashion Business Management BA is designed to create the buyers and merchandisers of the future for the fashion, business, and retail industries.
We develop your interpersonal, creative, technical and commercial skills while giving you an academic grounding in strategic business management, in order to help you to progress quickly upon graduation to employment in the retail and fashion industries.
Using a combination of academic theory, creative skills, industry knowledge and direct business experience, our course is designed to provide the skills and knowledge required to buy, develop, build ranges and trade within the retail industry.
Our four-year course includes a full year industry placement and the opportunity to study abroad for one semester.
The focus of our course is both home and global, to reflect the nature of the fashion and retail industries. You'll have the option to choose to develop your global business and cultural awareness by combining your year of placement with an international exchange programme, with one of our academic partners in America, Canada or Hong Kong.
We put a strong emphasis on real-world experience and you’ll benefit from an extensive and high calibre programme of guest speakers, industry-driven projects and a tutor team with considerable industry experience.
You'll also benefit from all of the resources that London has to offer, including retailers, suppliers, museums as well as key shows, lectures and events, which you'll be encouraged to attend.
Top reasons to study with us
- Experience London – Our vibrant Harrow Campus is just a 20-minute train ride into London
- Get ahead before graduating – A year of business placement will provide you with practical commercial experience
- Industry-experienced tutors – You'll be taught by tutors who have real-world experience of the retail and fashion industries
- Get global experience – Our four-year course includes the opportunity to study abroad for one semester
- Excellent course reputation – The University of Westminster's fashion courses have an excellent reputation within the industry.
Course structure
This is a modular course with interactive sessions covering the academic, practical and applied elements of fashion business management.
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Subjects of study include:
- Career Planning
- Fashion Marketing
- Fashion Trends and Consumer Culture
- Garment Technology
- Introduction to the Fashion Industry
- London Fashion
- Study Skills for Fashion Business Management
- The Role and Processes of Buyers and Merchandisers
Credit Level 4
Subjects of study include:
- Digital Trading
- Fashion Promotion
- Merchandise Planning and Trading
- Preparing for Work
- Range Design and Concept Development
- Range Planning and Trading
- Supply Chain
- Textiles and Product Development
- Visual Merchandising and Styling
In addition, Level 5 students complete the Business Placement.
Credit Level 5
Our four-year course includes a full year industry placement and the opportunity to study abroad for one semester. You can elect to begin your placement year in the January of your second year (Level 5) or the June of the same year. You'll need to choose the earlier placement opportunity in January of your second year in order to study abroad (subject to grades achieved) in January of your third year. We offer a UK pathway option for those who choose the January option for placement but do not wish to study abroad. You'll need to complete 46 weeks in one or more places of work. Your placement will be tutor-supported throughout and assessed. All students on the course will start their fourth year and Level 6 at the same time, i.e. September of your fourth academic year.
Subjects of study include:
- Commercial Skills and their Application
- Consumer Behaviour
- Fashion Brand Management
- Fashion Entrepreneurship
- Future Trends and Insight
- International Buying and Merchandising Negotiation
- Major Project
- Sustainable Fashion
- The Changing Business of Fashion
Credit Level 6
Programme Specification
For more details on course structure and modules, and how you will be taught and assessed, see the programme specification.
To request an accessible version of the programme specification, please email [email protected]
Careers
Career development is embedded in our course. Students can work part-time, on placements and enjoy work-related learning across all three years of study.
With a growing global network of 3,000 employers, our Careers and Employability Service is here to support you to achieve your full potential.
Support through placements
You’ll be given substantial support both in securing your placement and during your placement year.
95-100%
Graduate employment
Fashion Business Management BA is a new course, combining two previous courses: 100% of our Fashion Merchandise Management BA students are in work and/or further study six months after graduation, as are 95% of our Fashion Buying Management BA students.
(Source: Discover Uni - site accessed in January 2020)
Strong industry links
We have long-standing relationships with many excellent retailers who recruit both placement students and graduates every year
Industry links
We have long-standing relationships with many excellent retailers who recruit both placement students and graduates every year, and you’ll be given substantial support both in securing your placement and during your placement year.
Work experience
Our course includes a full-year industry placement and the opportunity to study abroad for one semester.
Destinations for students on our two previous courses (Fashion Merchandising Management BA and Fashion Buying Management BA) in 2019-20 included:
- ASOS
- Boden
- Charles Tyrwhitt
- Net a Porter
- Selfridges
- Uniqlo
- Monsoon
- Karl Lagerfeld Amsterdam
- Ralph Lauren
- Urban Outfitters
- Michael Kors China
- H&M Stockholm
- LVMH
- L'Oreal
In Year 1, students are supported and encouraged to take part-time work or short-term work experience across all the sectors and roles within the fashion or related industries.
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles such as buyers and merchandisers for the fashion, business, and retail industries.
Roles held by graduates of our two previous courses (Fashion Merchandising Management BA and Fashion Buying Management BA) include:
- Buying Assistant
- E-Commerce Manager
- Assistant Merchandiser
- Creative Director
- Merchandising Planner
- Junior Demand Planner
- Digital Marketing Executive
- Web Merchandiser
- Product buyer and developer
- Business Development Coordinator
- Buying Administration Assistant
- Assistant Events Manager
- Concept Designer
- Wholesale Inventory Coordinator
- Brand Partnerships Assistant
Graduate employers
Our graduates are sought as professionals working in a number of related disciplines and fields, manufacturing, supply chain management, wholesaling, marketing and promotion and some are working as entrepreneurs in the fashion and retail fields.
As well as setting up their own businesses, graduates from our two previous courses (Fashion Merchandising Management BA and Fashion Buying Management BA) have found employment at organisations including:
- Mulberry England
- PrettyLittleThing
- Selfridges
- Louis Vuitton
- ASOS
- Matchesfashion
- Whistles
- British Fashion Council
- House of Fraser
- Nike
- Uniqlo
- New Look
- Selfridges
- BrandAlley
- Debenhams
- Fortnum & Mason
- Whistles
- Burberry
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leaders
Our graduates are equipped to pursue careers not just in the fashion business but in other product areas from fashion to household, car parts and pharmaceuticals."
Kate Hopkin
Senior Lecturer
Kate worked for nearly 30 years in the retail industry holding senior and trainer positions in a number of well-respected department store businesses, including roles as Concessions Controller at Harrods, Merchandise Planning and Control Manager at Allders, and Head of Retail Systems at Bentalls.
Kate began teaching in 2005 both in the further and higher education sectors before taking up a full-time post at the University of Westminster in 2008. Kate has a particular interest in the development of the individual for the workplace and lectures on Commercial Skills, Entrepreneurship, Learning Skills, Preparation for the Workplace and recent Fashion and social history.
Fashion Business Management BA is a distinct and unique course developed and delivered in close co-operation with the industry.
See full profileCaroline Curtis
Senior Lecturer
With over 25 years’ experience in the retail industry, Caroline’s early career was as a trainee at Harrods and then a fashion department manager at Harvey Nichols and House of Fraser. A move into fashion merchandising with the Arcadia Group and Richards gave her experience at all levels from Allocator through to Senior Merchandiser and Planning Controller. A move to Warner Bros Studio Stores gave the experience of a UK start-up operation and there, as Trading Director, responsibility for buying, merchandising and store operations.
In addition to her work at the University of Westminster, Caroline acts as a consultant to the retail industry specialising in merchandising. In this role, Caroline has worked for companies including Paperchase, Krisp Fashions and NY-Lon Design. Caroline has been at the University of Westminster for more than ten years and lectures in buying, merchandising, retail and innovation at under and postgraduate level.
See full profile
Our course gives you the opportunity to shape your learning in the areas which you're most interested in, be it buying, merchandising, marketing or retail."
Course Team
Our course team is also supported by visiting lecturers and guest speakers all with particular industry experience and skillsets.
Why study this course?
Access to London
Benefit from the retailers, suppliers, shows and events on offer in London, which is just a 20-minute train ride from our vibrant Harrow Campus.
Get ahead before graduating
The year-long industry placement built into our course will provide you with valuable practical commercial experience.
Global opportunities
You have the option to combine your year of industry placement with the opportunity to study abroad.
Online open days
Join us at an online open day or information session and get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster.
You'll get a chance to:
- Speak to our academic staff
- Take a virtual reality tour of our student halls
- Ask us any questions you may have about student finance and accommodation
Entry Requirements
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A levels – BBC to ABB (112 to 128 UCAS Tariff points)
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International Baccalaureate – 112 to 128 UCAS Tariff points from the IB
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BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM to DDM
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BTEC Diploma – D*D*
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Access – 112 to 128 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
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GCSE English Language and Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Pass - IB Pass
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS score overall of 6.0, with 6.0 writing and speaking.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process
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International Baccalaureate – 112 to 128 UCAS Tariff points from the IB
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS score overall of 6.0, with 6.0 writing and speaking.
More information
Learn new skills
Learn a new language
From Arabic to Spanish, you can learn a new language alongside your degree with our Polylang programme.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Creative Enterprise Centre offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your startup projects.
Gain extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2021 on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £14,400 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2021 on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction of £4,500 per year, which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for and what your tuition fees cover.
Teaching and assessment
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course Location
Harrow is our creative and cultural hub.
Home to most of our arts, media and digital courses, it houses state-of-the-art facilities for every discipline, including project and gallery spaces, film studios, creative labs, collaborative learning spaces, and the creative enterprise hub. Harrow Campus is based in north-west London, just 20 minutes from the city centre by train.
For more details, visit our Harrow Campus page.
Contact us
We have an FAQs page if you are applying this year.
Or you can contact the Course Enquiries Team:
Opening hours (GMT): 9am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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