Course Overview
Attendance
* Price per academic year
Course summary
Our Fashion Business Management with Professional Experience BA is designed to create future leaders in the fashion, business and retail industries. In our course, you will explore the roles and interrelationships between buying, merchandising, supply chain and marketing.
Using a combination of academic theory, creative skills, industry knowledge and direct business experience, our course is designed to develop your interpersonal, creative, commercial and technical skills while giving you an authentic grounding in strategic business management. We aim to provide the expertise and knowledge to help you progress quickly upon graduation to employment in the retail and fashion industries, gaining a breadth of cross-disciplinary skills.
Our four-year course includes a full-year industry placement and the opportunity to study abroad for one semester. 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, Australia, Canada or Hong Kong.
The focus of our course is to reflect the nature of the diverse fashion and retail industries using inclusive teaching methods and a globally relevant curriculum.
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 and 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
- Westminster is ranked 2nd in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2023 for ‘Research Quality’ in Art and Design
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 Roles and Processes of Buyers and Merchandisers
Credit Level 4
Subjects of study include:
- Digital Strategies in the Fashion Industry
- Fashion Promotion
- Preparing for Work
- Range Design and Concept Development
- Range Planning and Trading for Buyers and Merchandisers
- Supply Chain
- Textiles and Product Development
- Visual Merchandising and Styling
Credit Level 5
Between Years 2 and 3, you’ll undertake a professional placement year in industry. The business placement is an integral part of the course, which will give you essential practical experience and will increase your knowledge and understanding of the business environment. It is a critical factor in ensuring subsequent graduate career progression. Completing a year-long work placement will lead to the award title BA Honours – Fashion Business Management with Professional Experience.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a placement year.
Subjects of study include:
- Consumer Behaviour
- Marketing and Luxury Brand Development
- Fashion Business Simulation Game
- Fashion Entrepreneurship
- Future Trends and Insight
- International Buying and Merchandising Negotiation
- Major Project
- Research Methods
- Sustainable Fashion
- The Changing Business of Fashion
Credit Level 6
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Live chat with us
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Open days
Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
Can't attend? See more open events
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.
Graduate employment
Fashion Business Management with Professional Experience BA combines 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:
- Harrods
- Ralph Lauren
- River Island
- Mulberry England
- Selfridges
- Louis Vuitton
- ASOS
- Matchesfashion
- Whistles
- British Fashion Council
- House of Fraser
- Nike
- Uniqlo
- New Look
- Selfridges
- BrandAlley
- Fortnum & Mason
- Whistles
- Burberry
- M&S
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 Leader
Caroline Curtis
Assistant Head of School
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.
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.
Entry Requirements
A levels – BCC (104 UCAS Tariff points)
T levels – 104 UCAS Tariff points
International Baccalaureate – 104 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme . International Baccalaureate Career-related programme will be considered on a case-by case basis
BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM
BTEC Diploma – D*D
Access – 104 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C - IB grade 4
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component.
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
- International Baccalaureate – 104 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
- If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
What our students say
Heidi Aurelia Tulus
Fashion Merchandise Management BA (now Fashion Business Management with Professional Experience BA) - 2023
I had the privilege of studying abroad in New York for a semester, which was an unforgettable experience. Exploring another fashion capital with its unique creative atmosphere was truly enriching. Additionally, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the distinct student life in the US and connect with inspiring individuals and industry professionals with extensive experience in the fashion industry.
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 Westminster Enterprise Network 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.
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: £17,000 (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 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) 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.
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
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
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
Data from the academic year 2023/24
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
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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