Fashion Marketing BA
Year of entry 2023
2024 course information- UCAS code
- W231
- Start date
- September 2023
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 3 years full time
- Work placement
- Optional
- Study abroad
- Optional
- Typical A-level offer
- ABB (specific subject requirements)
- Typical Access to Leeds offer
- BBC at A Level and a Pass in the Access to Leeds module.
Full entry requirements - Contact
- designundergrad@leeds.ac.uk
Course overview
Studying fashion marketing will intellectually and creatively challenge you. The course, which blends a combination of reading, writing, and creating, will refine your skills and enable you to become a critical and creative thinker.
Understanding contemporary and historical discourse combined with in-depth research will underpin your creative thinking. At the University of Leeds, your final year dissertation is as important as your final year project.
Throughout your studies, you'll learn how to factor in issues of sustainability, diversity, inclusion and employability whilst planning, researching and producing work.
Your project choices could involve:
- Devising a new brand strategy for a fashion label to trend forecasting.
- Developing ideas for innovative fashion products.
- Delivering an exciting PR or social media campaign.
Our guest industrial speakers and optional Year in Industry will help to equip you with the expertise needed to enter the world of the creative industries.
Throughout the course, you’ll also have the opportunity to choose optional modules in the School of Design in a range of related subjects in addition to Discovery modules from across the University. These include popular subject choices such as business management and sustainability.
The School of Design also offers all our students the opportunity to participate in the Study Abroad scheme or our very successful placement year (Year in Industry) between seconds and third year. For many students, the placement year is an ideal opportunity to experience the reality of fashion marketing.
Specialist facilities and support
Take a virtual tour of our facilities.
The School of Design offers excellent facilities and technical support for developing your creative skills. We have dedicated practice studios, workshops and specialist facilities: 3D Art & Design Studio; 2D Art & Design studios; Fashion Design studios; Knit and Weave studio; Graphic and Visual Communication studio; Photography and Film studio; Digital print studio; Laser cut studio; traditional printing studio; Design workshop; 3D workshop with 3D printing; computer clusters.
The School also provides a range of other support to enhance the student experience and prepare students for the workplace: essential learning materials; essential studio and workshop materials; dedicated software (Adobe CC; PointCarre, Solid Works, Cinema 4D, Lectra, etc.); cameras and video recorder on loan; free entry to Inside/Out lecture series; compulsory field trips part of assessment; part of curriculum subscriptions (eg LSN, Special journals and periodicals); costs of Degree Show (infrastructure, course catalogue and exhibition set-up); external promotion (eg New Designer, AD&D, Graduate Fashion Week); Yorkshire Fashion Archive and Membership to the ASBCI (Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing students); Visiting Speakers, who are well known figures from industry or other institutions around the world.
Course details
Fashion Marketing is approached differently at the University of Leeds. We believe the best marketers develop their creative expertise by critically engaging with real-life ideas and problems and using essential research and analysis skills.
Our students and staff benefit from understanding the context that underpins creativity. We love to push ideas and skills to the limit with that knowledge.
During your first year, you'll develop research and analysis skills whilst learning about the history, culture, and technology of fashion, marketing and communication. You'll also produce reflective essays that respond to contemporary and historical design perspectives.
You'll benefit from a holistic understanding of the fashion environment and the external drivers of fashion and consumer behaviour through the exploration of key moments in fashion history.
In addition, you'll examine how contemporary issues, such as inclusivity and sustainability, are shaping the modern fashion industry.
Essential principles of fashion marketing will give you a broad perspective of the leading theories and frameworks used by professional marketers to bring products and experiences to the consumer.
In your second year, advance your understanding of the fashion consumer through critical research and analysis of macro and mega lifestyle shifts. You'll be required to evaluate your research findings and produce a creative and targeted trend forecast for a particular market segment.
By focusing on the dynamic nature of fashion communications, you will examine how digital technologies are revolutionising the field to formulate integrated communication and marketing plans.
You will also learn about strategic fashion management, including fashion supply chains and retailing strategies. Your subject knowledge is established through advanced research, critical analysis and writing skills, underpinning and supporting all your design thinking and creative problem-solving.
All of this will prepare you for your final year, applying all the practical and academic skills learned. You'll be expected to undertake a self-initiated creative fashion-marketing project that demonstrates your creative marketing ability, insight, and communication skills.
In addition, you'll need to produce a dissertation that will showcase your in-depth research and analysis of a relevant topic in the field.
Through this course, you will gain the skills employers need now and in the future, including transferable skills such as critical thinking, entrepreneurial thinking, and creative problem-solving.
You will also have the opportunity to showcase your work at our degree show, both in the School and online.
Discover more about School of Design facilities with our online 360 tour.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Year 1 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Principles of Fashion Marketing | 30 |
| Fashion Contexts | 30 |
| Visual Communication for the Creative Industries | 20 |
| Design History, Design Futures | 20 |
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Photography (Digital) | 10 |
| Colour in the Design Process | 10 |
| The Fashion Industry | 20 |
Year 2 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Strategic Fashion Management | 20 |
| Research Methods | 20 |
| Fashion Trends and Forecasting | 30 |
| Fashion Promotion and Creative Communication Strategy | 30 |
Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Design for Sustainability | 20 |
| Photography | 10 |
| Colour: Art and Science | 10 |
| 20th Century Fashion History | 20 |
| Consumer Behaviour and Neuromarketing | 20 |
Year 3 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Strategic Fashion Marketing Plan | 30 |
| Fashion Communications Strategy and Portfolio | 30 |
| Independent Study (Dissertation) | 40 |
Year 3 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Fashion Styling and Photography | 20 |
| Collaborative Marketing and Promotion | 20 |
| Brand Communications | 20 |
| Contemporary Advertising | 20 |
| Time and Image in Contemporary Art | 20 |
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
This degree covers a range of different approaches and disciplines. As a result, you’ll benefit from a variety of teaching and learning styles. Lectures, seminars and tutorials are among the most common, particularly in more theory-based modules, as well as one-to-one contact with tutors in studios and workshops. However, independent study is at the heart of this degree – it builds research and critical skills, and also helps you to develop your individual voice.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
Practical work is assessed using visual presentations and portfolios among other methods, or you may have to submit practical log books or collections of visual ideas. Written exams, essays and other written responses to assignment briefs may also be part of the mix, depending on the modules you choose.
Entry requirements
A-level: ABB including art/design subject or media. Excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking. Will accept Business with task (see below).
If coming through a Business route (rather than art/design) applicants are set a task to assess their artistic skill.
GCSE: 5/6 A-C (or 4+) including English.
Alternative qualification
Access to HE Diploma
Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. An interview and a piece of written work may be required.
BTEC
DDM in art/design
Cambridge Pre-U
M1, M1, M2 including M1 art/design, media or business. If coming through a business route (rather than art/design) applicants are set a task to assess their artistic skill.
International Baccalaureate
34 points overall with 16 at Higher Level including 5 in Visual Arts or Business (if coming through a business route, rather than art/design, applicants are set a task to assess their artistic skill) and 4 in English.
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3 including art/design or media or business. If coming through a business route (rather than art/design/media) applicants are set a task to assess their artistic skill.
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
BB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers OR B in Advanced Highers and AAABB in Highers OR AABBBB in Highers.
Other Qualifications
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBC at A Level and pass Access to Leeds.
Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year
If you would like to study arts, humanities, and cultures at university, but don't currently meet the typical entry requirements for direct entry to a degree, you might be eligible to apply for the Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year course.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
Fees
UK: £9,250 (per year)
International: £24,000 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 2024/25. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 are available on individual course pages.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 will be available on individual course pages from September 2023.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Additional cost information
There are additional costs of study that students need to cover. We estimate that these additional costs could be as described below, but this amount may vary depending on how you decide to respond to university briefs and the range of materials and techniques you decide to adopt.
Equipment and material costs
Students need to cover the cost of printing their work during the course, including specialist print workshop costs. Students also need to cover costs of copying and supplying their own basic materials (eg pens, pencils, cutting tools, paper, ruler, etc.) and more course specific materials (eg sketchbooks, specialist papers, specialist fabrics, sculpting materials, specialist tools, etc.), as well as print portfolios.
The approximate cost of these items in recent years has been:
• Level 1 – £50 - £150
• Level 2 – £50 - £200
• Level 3 – £100 - £300
Computers and digital equipment
To ensure you can make the most of your studies at Leeds, you’ll need to make sure your laptop meets the system requirements for your course.
Our course requires the development of work using Adobe Creative and other relevant software. We also use a blended learning model where you’ll need to access course materials and video conference using a computer or mobile device (eg laptop, tablet, smartphone). Costs for a laptop will vary depending on the exact specification. You should expect to pay between £500 - £2,500. You might also consider buying an external drive to back-up your work on a regular basis, which may incur another additional £50 - £150. Alternatively you can choose to store your work using cloud storage or your personal M:Drive, provided by the University.
If you’re buying a new laptop for your studies, then we recommend that you wait until you’re registered as a student so that you take advantage of discounts given to university students (eg Apple, Adobe Creative, etc.). Delaying purchasing also allows you to find out from your programme leader what you need and what you do not need. Depending on your circumstances you can benefit from a laptop loan or further support from our Financial Assistance Fund.
You’ll also have access to further digital equipment in our studios and using our loan scheme. But, you may decide to purchase your own equipment (from Year 1 or as your studies progress) which will result in additional costs. Examples are: Drawing tablet (£50 - £500); Digital camera (£200 - £1500); etc.
Study and field trips
The School of Design pays for all compulsory field trips that are part of the curriculum and/or assessment. There may also be opportunity for optional study trips and the need for individual field-based projects / trips. Costs will depend on the project / courses undertaken, and on the nature and location of each trip, and can therefore range between £100 and £750.
Degree show, extra exhibitions, and competitions costs
Your Degree Show will require extra production costs, which will vary according to individual projects. If you’re given the opportunity to showcase your work outside the School of Design, this will require additional production costs, as well as travelling, accommodation and subsistence costs.
You might also have opportunities to submit to competitions and may want to subscribe to online networks, which may cost up to an additional £100 per year.
Reading materials
You’ll have access to a good supply of books, academic journals, periodicals, etc., that are available in the University libraries. You’ll also have online access to an extensive range of reading resources. You might decide, however, to purchase required books that are recommended on your course.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Applying
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
Read our guidance about applying.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2023
This course is taught by
Contact us
School of Design Undergraduate Admissions
Email: designundergrad@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Career opportunities
This course is industry-focused will develop valuable transferable skills such as business acumen, research, critical and analytical thinking, creative problem-solving, communication, cultural sensitivity, professionalism and planning and organising – all of which are highly desirable to a variety of employers.
As a result you could work in fashion production and manufacturing as a buyer or new product developer, or in retail as a visual merchandiser. You could work as a fashion marketer, directing strategy and identifying opportunities for brand development. You could also go into the media in roles such as fashion stylist, fashion writer or journalist, or pursue a career in PR.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.
Find out more at the Study Abroad website.
Work placements
The industrial placement is particularly popular with School of Design students – it’s great for your personal and professional development. Some students have even been offered permanent roles at their placement companies.
You could work in a range of roles, such as PR, buying, merchandising, product development, trend forecasting and advertising.
Placements have included:
- Harvey Nichols - Menswear buying team
- LK Bennett - Press assistant
- Loreal - visual merchandising assistant
- Marcus Lupfer - Ecommerce and Production intern
Read more about the Year in Industry
Rankings and awards
Student profile: Maisie Clarke
Anyone who has a creative mind-set but doesn’t want to take a practical course should consider fashion marketing. This course opens up so many options regarding career paths.Find out more about Maisie Clarke's time at Leeds