Program Overview

MSc Fashion Buying and Merchandising Management

The MSc Fashion Buying and Merchandising Management programme provides an opportunity for students to develop specialist knowledge of fashion buying and merchandising from a managerial perspective and the skills required to thrive successfully within this fast-paced, competitive, global industry.

Course Overview

This programme takes a vocational approach with a strong academic underpinning, whilst encouraging creativity. Industry-related briefs, supported by local and international fashion businesses, will expose students to live situations where they'll make real-world decisions and learn to communicate effectively at all levels and across language barriers.

Key Features

• Flexibility: Select from a range of topics in assessments to tailor studies to interests and career aspirations.
• Fashion Community: An international and culturally diverse city, Manchester hosts global brands in addition to a flourishing independent fashion economy and creative industries.
• Expertise: Staff are researchers and industry specialists, covering the breadth of the fashion world from design, supply chain, and production to marketing, merchandising, and management.
• The Future of Fashion: Students will be equipped with the essential knowledge and key skills needed to help evolve the fashion industry to become more environmentally sustainable, socially progressive, and ethically conscious.
• Industry Links: Connected with over 400 industry partners, ensuring programmes are shaped to meet the needs of an ever-changing sector through live projects, external visits, and networking opportunities.

Accreditations, Awards, and Endorsements

• The programme is accredited by The Textile Institute, the leading professional body for promoting professionalism in the textile industries.

Year 1

Core Modules

• Range Planning and Development: Critically examines the processes implicit in developing and planning a commercial fashion range for a specific market.
• Brands and Consumer Culture: Exposes students to the concepts and theories of branding and the relationship between brands, consumers, and culture.
• Fashion Enquiry: Introduces research, critical analysis, and academic writing skills required for developing students’ ability to produce outputs at an appropriate postgraduate level.
• Sourcing and Supply Chain Strategy: Explores strategies for developing agile, responsive, and commercially viable apparel supply chains.
• Masters Project: Students propose, negotiate, and produce a substantial piece of original project work in an appropriate professional format.

Study and Assessment

• Study: 25% lectures, seminars, or similar; 0% placement; 75% independent study.
• Assessment: 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination.

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of 2:2 Honours degree is required.
• Equivalent EU/international qualifications are also accepted.
• Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification.

Fees and Funding

• UK and Channel Island students: Full-time fee £10,250 per year.
• EU and non-EU international students: Full-time fee £20,000 per year.
• Additional costs: Compulsory estimate £250 - £450; Optional estimate £400 for IT and digital, and £50 for other costs.

Careers Support and Prospects

• Alumni of the previous MSc in Fashion Buying and Merchandising Management are employed globally within an extremely competitive environment in which strategic buyers and merchandisers are highly sought after.
• The course aligns itself with successful and forward-thinking businesses and professionals, working collaboratively to produce high-quality graduates who progress quickly within their career.

Related Courses

• MSc International Fashion Marketing
• MSc International Fashion Business Management
• MSc Luxury Fashion Management

Disclaimers

• The programme undergoes an annual review and major review (normally at 6-year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the latest online learning technology.
• The University is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS), the independent regulator of higher education in England.