Fashion Management and Communication

If you have creative flair and an interest in fashion management, this course prepares you for a career as a designer manager in the international fashion industry. Through a combination of creative projects and written assignments, you develop strategies for the design, production and sale of fashion products.

On this forward-thinking course, you consider the future of the fashion industry and your place within it. Key areas of study include • fashion communication and promotion • fashion management and marketing principles • digital fashion practices • fashion research and communication skills • the business of fashion • creative marketing and brand communication • fashion communication and new media • concept development.

You explore the wider cultural context of fashion in a global environment with a focus on • corporate social responsibility • ethics • sustainable approaches. You also learn about trend prediction and product lifestyles to prepare you for entry into the industry.

At the end of the course you showcase your abilities with a body of strategic, creative and business-based work for your final project. You graduate with an e-portfolio that demonstrates your ability to deliver market-oriented and original responses to complex design issues, and to push the boundaries of fashion business.

Placements and work experience
In your third year you can choose to complete a placement with leading national and international companies. This allows you to apply your learning, develop your skills and increase your knowledge and experience. Previous students have worked at • Burberry • Paul Smith • Alexander McQueen • Topshop • Animal • Iris Van Herpen.

You also gain valuable experience working on projects with fashion companies. Previous projects have included live client-led briefs, which can lead to work placement opportunities and cash prizes.

You gain exposure by taking part in national and international competitions such as the RSA Student Design Awards and the Fashion Awareness Direct (FAD). This gives you the chance to make your mark in the management and communications side of the fashion industry.

Your studies also involve cultural trips to fashion capitals like London, Paris, New York and Antwerp, where you visit exhibitions, studios and fashion stores. Recent trips have included a behind-the-scenes visit to the Burberry headquarters and flagship store, an exclusive talk from a couturier at the fashion and textile museum, and a tour of Paris ateliers.

Expertise
You are taught by staff with fashion industry experience. Our team of lecturers have worked professionally as designers, product developers, managers, illustrators and stylists with leading designers including John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, Top Shop and Burberry. Many have also developed their own collections and brands.

Our strong links with the fashion industry give you exciting opportunities. We are members of the British Fashion College Council, meaning you could be invited to exclusive workshops, seminars and networking opportunities, and can enter prestigious industry competitions. Four times a year, you also have the opportunity to attend invite-only Burberry catwalk shows in London.

Facilities
You design and create your work in professionally equipped studios and workshops. You also have access to the University’s wider creative facilities, including professional photography studios, screen and digital printing facilities.