Fashion Marketing BA

Course overview

On BA Fashion Marketing, our mission is to build a better fashion industry, where inclusivity, diversity and sustainability are fully considered from concept to consumer. You’ll become a creative and ethical fashion marketer with a broad range of resilient skills that are adaptable within the ever-changing industry landscape. Our course balances research-led activities and contextual studies with creative practice and focuses on social, ethical and sustainable solutions to inform marketing decisions.

You’ll be working with research-active academics and industry professionals on exciting and authentic future-facing projects. You'll practice research, analysis and critical thinking skills throughout the programme. These skills, when combined with your creativity, are key for the development of innovative fashion marketing strategies, products, experiences and communications. Through a combination of making, reading and writing, you’ll become a creative thinker and a critical practitioner.

Your core subjects include design studies, visual communications, marketing principles, forecasting, branding and fashion management. You’ll also have the opportunity to study areas of personal interest, by selecting from a range of optional modules, for example sustainability, fashion imaging and neuromarketing. There’s also the choice to take Year in Industry or to Study Abroad, providing you with the flexibility to tailor your education experience to reach your ambition.

Specialist facilities and support

Take a virtual tour of our facilities.

We offer excellent facilities and technical support for developing your creative skills. We have a range of dedicated spaces where you can work independently. We also have a number of practical workshop studios and specialist facilities: sculpture programme studio, 2D programme studio, fashion design studio, knit and weave studio, photography studio, print workshop, laser cutting and 3D print workshop, printmaking workshop, XLab for Immersive Technologies and 3D workshop.

We provide access to a team of excellent technicians across the full range of skills who can help you to realise your work to reach its potential.

The School also provides a range of other support to enhance your experience and prepare you for the workplace: free dedicated software, a wide range of technical induction programmes, free access to LinkedIn Learning Tutorials, free camera and video recorder loan, supporting a Degree Show, external promotion, Yorkshire Fashion, visiting speakers from industry or other institutions around the world.

Course details

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

Fashion Marketing Theories and Identities (40 credits) - This module provides you with an in-depth understanding of concepts and theories underlining the global fashion system. In particular, you’ll explore fashion marketing theories through the lens of technology, society and culture. You’ll discover how different contexts influence fashion styling, consumption, and theories from past, present and future perspectives. Through an understanding of both traditional models and state-of-the-art theories, you’ll critically appraise fashion brands practices, and you’ll learn to identify potential drivers of fashion and discuss the implications these drivers may have on fashion brands and consumers.  

Design Studies: Foundations (20 credits) - This module provides opportunities to develop the foundational skills of scholarly research, academic writing and critical thinking. You’ll be immersed in key issues and debates informing the changing values and future of design and consider how these have been influenced by social and historical forces. It will equip you with the skills to read and understand academic texts and apply theoretical ideas to your own design practice. You’ll also be introduced to research methods for finding and analysing texts and images. 

You’ll develop your awareness of the complexity of challenges that design and society faces and an ability to analyse the relevance of and make connections between the contexts, issues and subject fields that will shape your future studies and professional careers. 

Creative Challenges and Communication (20 credits) - This module involves a range of rapid and team-led design jams as you are taught a variety of design thinking skills that are both broad and discipline specific. Being able to visually communicate design solutions in a range of formats is fundamental to this module – principles of type choice, layout and image usage are taught. 

You must take one module (20 credits each) in a defined area of study based on specialisms. These may include modules in topics such as: 

• The Fashion Industry
• Introduction to Information Design

Optional modules

(20 credits each)

• Colour Design and Application

• Creative Thinking

• Introduction to Photography

Year 2
Compulsory modules

Fashion Brand Communication and Trends (40 credits) - This module helps you develop insight, fashion forecasting skills, and fashion communications critical knowledge to devise fashion industry shifts. In-depth research and critical analysis of global mega trends, contextualised micro trends, and consumer preferences and lifestyle choices will allow you to develop insights to inform new brand strategies. The appraisal of fashion promotion and communications theories and practices in a broad fashion-related context will then help you devise communication systems to activate trend informed new directions for brands 

Design Studies: Exploration  (20 credits) - This module will develop your research and analysis skills and show you how these can be used to tackle the complex challenges faced by society today. You’ll learn how to apply a range of different research methods to explore the role design plays in our lives. This module will equip you with an understanding of how you can use design research to create positive change in the world and the confidence to put this knowledge into practice. 

Design for Interaction and Experience (20 credits) - This module teaches skills in planning and designing post digital experiences. Team-based demonstrations introduce you to the potential of emerging technologies that may shape the future of design. You will engage with new media theories that help contextualise your work. Practical principles of designing for physical interaction (such as designing installations or digital experiences) are introduced and you learn how best to present your creative responses using a range of techniques.

You must take one module (20 credits each) in a defined area of study based on specialisms. These may include modules in areas such as: 

• 20th Century Fashion History 

• Strategic Fashion Management

Optional modules

(20 credits each)

• Marketing, Creativity and Innovation

• Contemporary Illustration

• Collage Culture

• Contemporary Photography

• Advanced Colour

Year 3
Compulsory modules

Major Research Project  (40 credits) - In your final year, you’ll carry out an academic research project, building on the research and analytical skills developed throughout your studies. You’ll select from a range of project types, enabling you to focus on a subject of specific interest, developing the skills required for your future career. 

Fashion Marketing Major Project (40 credits) - The module consolidates and builds upon knowledge gained at Levels 1 and 2, encouraging focused and autonomous enquiry to formulate innovative solutions to create and promote a new fashion/lifestyle brand. You’ll take ownership of the entire strategic process which will include research, creative and design thinking, reflective practice, concept development, commercial viability assessment, and promotional innovative strategies.

Fashion Futures (20 credits) - This module challenges you to foresee the future of fashion and suggest changes. You’ll research and critically analyse different aspects of the fashion industry, from technological advancements to career paths, from academic research to consumer trends. Further development of creative and innovative skills will then help you devise future recommendations for the sector.  

Optional modules

(20 credits each)

• Contemporary Advertising

• Collaborative Marketing and Promotion

• Fashion Styling and Photography

• Social Design

Learning and teaching

Creative problem solving and design thinking methods are central our teaching in the School of Design. Your learning will be enhanced by a range of contemporary teaching methods which encourage active learning and are underpinned by inclusive and authentic learning activities, including team working, creative sprints and industry-facing scenarios.

We follow a campus-based blended learning approach, you’ll have a range of resources in the virtual learning environment which are accessible at all times, including videos and pre-work to help you prepare. You’ll attend lectures which are carefully designed to invite engagement and participation, seminars enable you to delve deeper into key topics, workshops to learn and practise design making and tutorials to discuss work in progress and receive feedback.

Collaboration with staff and your peers is the foundation of our teaching and learning, giving you input into your learning journey. Two of your core modules will be studied with your peers from other design disciplines, so you will benefit from our community of learners, to contribute their diverse perspectives, and to encounter those of others, with global industry practices in mind. Your module tutors have dedicated office hours, which means there’s always the opportunity to ask questions.

A typical week in your first year may include 8-12 hours of in person and online study, 1-4 hours of specific workshop and studio activities, regular personal tutor sessions and private study.

Private study is important at university and a potentially significant change from the way you have been taught previously. This is time where you can reflect and critique materials from taught session, including further reading, writing, designing and making. You’ll be guided through this process by your tutors to help you develop your knowledge and research skills. The ability to work independently is a key skill to your development as creative professional and thinker.

You’ll also have the ongoing support of your Academic Personal Tutor.

There is an active visiting lecturer programme, formed on industry and academic experts, including School of Design alumni.

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

You’ll be assessed through a variety of methods, these include visual 2D and 3D responses, portfolios of text and image, blogs, short videos, presentations as well as more traditional essays, reports and occasionally exams. Some of your assessments will be based upon collaboration with your peers. This collaboration could be in the development of artefacts, proposals and/or various forms of visual and textual communication in response to problem-based issues.

The nature of assessment will change as you progress through your course:

• at Level 1 assessments focus on your understanding and acquisition of new knowledge and practical, digital, academic and professional skills

• at Level 2 assessments focus more on establishing how well you understand, analyse and apply this new knowledge and new skills in relation to real-world, local and global settings

• in your final year study becomes more self-directed with forms of assessment often being negotiated and agreed with tutors
  

Throughout each year of study, it is to be expected that you’ll find that assessments are progressively more challenging. To support you as you navigate assessment at the different levels of study, we provide formative as well as summative assessment. Formative assessment gives staff an opportunity to give you feedback on personal progress, in good time before a summative deadline. Given the range of assessment types in any one level of study, formative assessment and feedback enables you to reflect upon your personal progress and establish which forms of assessment allow you to play to your strengths.

Authentic assessment means relevant assessment; in terms of contemporary contexts and relevant to your personal interests and your future aspirations. The authenticity of assessment is an important consideration in how we design assignments and project briefs. This means that we think carefully about the relevance of assessment outcomes; not only in academic terms but also in terms of your chosen career path, skill development needs and the future of work in your chosen discipline. Where appropriate, there will be an element of choice in your assessment. Some projects will allow you to choose the focus and format of your submission.

Dialogic teaching methods emphasise in-class discussion and support staff-student debate. This approach to teaching and learning enables staff to hear all student voices. In turn, for some modules, this in-class dynamic may facilitate and inform the co-production of assessment tasks. Co-production of assessment tasks means that staff and students work together to devise fair and inclusive assessment; both formative and summative. This allows staff to consider the requirements of a module alongside opportunities to allow students to harness their strengths.

While remaining considerate of module and programme learning outcomes, where relevant and beneficial, we strive to adopt a flexible approach to assessment design. This flexibility allows us to respond to student voice, maintain an agility that allows us to react to global, social and cultural change and respond swiftly to opportunities to devise projects with our industrial partners. We aim for all assessment to be relevant, meaningful and engaging.

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB including an 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

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 a contextual 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 contextual admissions.

Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year

This course is designed for students whose backgrounds mean they are less likely to attend university (also known as widening participation backgrounds) and who do not currently meet admissions criteria for direct entry to a degree.

The course will give you the opportunity to be taught by academic staff and provides intensive support to enable your development of academic skills and knowledge. On successful completion of your foundation year, you will progress to your chosen degree course. Find out more about the Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year

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: To be confirmed

International: £28,250 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 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 UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.

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) and more course specific materials (eg sketchbooks, specialist papers, specialist fabrics, sculpting materials, specialist tool), as well as print portfolios.

The approximate cost of these items in recent years has been:

• Level 1 – £100 - £170
• Level 2 – £100 - £150
• Level 3 – £200 - £600

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.

Some of our courses require the development of work using industry standard specialist software. As/if required by your course, the School will provide this to you when you arrive. 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 £1000 - £2,500.

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. Delaying purchasing also allows you to find out from your programme leader what you 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 include a drawing tablet (£50 - £500) and a digital camera (£200 - £1500).

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.

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 on our living costs and budgeting page.

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.

We typically receive a high number of applications for BA Fashion Marketing. The number of applicants exceeds the number of places available so, to ensure that we treat all applications fairly and equitably, we may wait until after the UCAS equal consideration application deadline has passed before making a final decision on some applications.

If we put your application on hold for review after the UCAS application deadline, we will send you an email to let you know. Although you may have to wait longer than usual to receive a decision, you will hear from us by mid-May at the latest, in line with the deadline that UCAS sets universities for making decisions on applications submitted by the January UCAS deadline.

Offer decisions are made based on an overall review of applications including predicted grades, breadth of knowledge demonstrated through qualifications, personal statement, extra-curricular and work experience, and contextual information. We look for enthusiastic and talented students who have the potential to succeed in their studies with us and contribute to our community.

Read our guidance about applying.

Documents and information you'll need

If you have not studied art/design at A-level (or equivalent), we may also consider your application based on a high grade at GCSE along with a creative task set by the School of Design. Please contact us for more information about the creative task.

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 Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Design

Contact us

School of Design Undergraduate Admissions

Email: designundergrad@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

Flexibility, resilience and transferable skills are desirable attributes for creative industry professionals. In the School of Design, as well as providing you with research led, industry informed subject-specific knowledge, we aim to equip you with the best possible skills for a variety of careers. Design thinking, combined with excellent research and criticality skills are increasingly valued across a wide range of sectors; therefore, your degree from the University of Leeds opens opportunities across disciplines and multiple industries, as well as in your course-related specialism.

The BA Fashion Marketing course is industry-focused will develop valuable transferable skills such as sustainable business development, 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 graduate of the programme, you’ll be equipped to make changes for the better in the fashion world. You could work as a fashion marketer, directing strategy and identifying opportunities for considered brand development. Other roles include fashion production and manufacturing as a buyer or new product developer, a visual merchandiser for retail, a fashion stylist, fashion writer or journalist, digital content strategist, a career in PR or brand management.

Recent graduates have found employment as: Trends and Insight leadership at WGSN, Digital Production at Urban Outfitters, Marketing Strategist at Planet Marketing, Senior Affiliate and Influencer Marketing Manager at Reiss.

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 about Careers support.

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.

The School of Design has a successful and well-established Year in Industry, with many employers welcoming students from our programmes every year.

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

• L’Oreal - Visual Merchandising Assistant

• Marcus Lupfer - Ecommerce and Production Intern

Find out more about our Year in Industry in the School of Design.

On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

Industrial placements are taken after your second year. This will extend your studies by 12 months. For your work placement in industry, the staff at Leeds will help you with your CV and recruitment process and provide details of organisations.