Program Overview

BSc Fashion Buying and Merchandising

Overview

Become a successful fashion buyer by combining creativity and trend-spotting with data analysis, business theory, and textile science.

Key Features

• Study abroad
• Industrial experience
• Scholarships available
• Field trips
• Accredited course

Duration and Year of Entry

• Duration: 3 years or 4 years
• Year of entry: 2026

UCAS Course Code and Institution Code

• UCAS course code: 6G49
• Institution code: M20

Typical A-level Offer

• 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.

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.

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

• 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.

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.

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.

Course Details

• Course description: Fashion buying requires a strong commercial and analytical foundation. The course is designed to provide students with an appreciation of the creative fashion drivers needed to be a successful fashion buyer, as well as a solid understanding of the business acumen required for the products they buy to be a commercial success.
• Special features: Students may apply to extend this degree to four years, and spend their third year either on industrial experience or studying abroad.
• 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.
• Coursework and assessment: Assessment is normally by a mixture of traditional written examination and coursework which includes laboratory reports and practical projects.

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.
• Accrediting organisations: This course is accredited by The Textile Institute and The Chartered Institute of Marketing.