Global Fashion Management MA

Course overview

Make your mark as you level up your design, business and research skills to become a leader within the global fashion industry.

Today’s fashion world is rife with challenges, including sustainability demands, ethical concerns, economic pressures and shifting consumer habits.

That’s why the industry is yearning for the next generation of agile leaders. With skills in fashion, management and marketing, they’re able to usher fashion brands and retailers through complex global issues.

With the MA Global Fashion Management programme, you’ll be empowered to develop the managerial skills needed to lead multinational fashion companies and brands. You’ll also gain the capacity to shape the future of the industry for the better.

This course, developed in consultation with leading fashion brands and retailers, will enable you to harness your creative strategic thinking. Through academic theory and industry practice, you’ll engage with key global fashion management themes, including contemporary values and systems, creative engagement, data-driven retail, digital transformation, and consumption experience.

You’ll study at two internationally renowned Schools. The School of Design affords you the opportunity to draw artistic mastery, inspiration, and ideas from various creative resources. And studying at the Business School enhances your strategic thinking and business acumen.

Upon graduation, you’ll have the comprehensive knowledge, skills and confidence to take up strategic and senior roles in the fashion industry.

Guaranteed industry experience

While studying at Leeds, you’ll have the chance to work with clients and gain consultancy experience as part of a 2-week online Global Industry Programme.

As well as giving you the opportunity to build key industry connections, you’ll also develop invaluable professional and practical skills that are highly valued by employers.

Why study at Leeds

• Three pillars of learning: Your learning blends retail-systems management, business, and design-thinking research within global fashion, designed to give you expertise from core aspects of the fashion industry.
• Access to local industry links: Get inspired by the Marks & Spencer Archive, as you journey through 140 years of style.
• Get the tools to succeed: Access free dedicated software such as Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Learn in expert facilities: Test your skills with our spaces and professional-grade tools, like our state-of the art equipment for polymer synthesis fibre extrusion, yarn and fabric development, digital printing studio, and laboratory for materials testing and characterisation. Take a virtual tour of our facilities. 

Course details and modules

MA Global Fashion Management is built upon the three pillars of design, business and research.

You will study the three design-led management specialist modules: Contemporary Fashion Management, Fashion Sustainability and Society, and Data Analysis in Mangement. You will also study two business-led modules, Cross-cultural Consumer Psychology and Managing Global Logistics and Supply Chain. Research in Design and Enterprise will provide you with an array of skills to be more ready for your major project and the industry.

The three pillars will help you be more prepared in the future-facing fashion industry and explore its intersections with technology, innovative business models, ethics and sustainability and other global contemporary issues.

The main module of the programme spans semesters one and two. In the first semester, you will explore the fundamental elements of the fashion business by covering the processes of fashion systems, sustainable and ethical approaches, fashion consumers and design thinking in management. The second semester will augment your fashion management underpinning by exploring retail and fashion marketing, data analysis, supply chain and creative research approaches. As you advance, the final semester will allow you to conduct a global fashion management major project, enabling you to showcase the culmination of all you have learnt over your studies.

The Programme Leader for this course is Dr Rubab Ashiq.

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

Learning and teaching

You will gain a breadth of fashion management knowledge along with an expert focus in a specialised field. There will be a significant emphasis on the practical application of specialised knowledge of the fashion industry, and how it operates and interacts with its consumers.

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, crit sessions and tutorials to discuss work in progress.  

Your module tutors have dedicated office hours, which means there’s always the opportunity to ask questions.  

Collaboration with staff and your peers is the foundation of our teaching and learning, giving students active input into their learning journey. Two of your core modules will be studied with students from other design disciplines, where you will benefit from our community of learners, by contributing your diverse perspectives, and encountering those of others, with global industry practices in mind.  

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

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

Specialist facilities

The School of Design offers excellent facilities and technical support for sharpening your creative skills. Have the freedom to work independently in our range of dedicated and inspiring spaces. You’ll also have access to practical workshop studios and specialist facilities, including our:

• sculpture programme studio
• 2D programme studio
• fashion design studio
• knit and weave studio
• photography studio
• digital print workshop
• laser cutting and 3D print workshop
• printmaking workshop
• XLab for Immersive Technologies
• 3D workshop

You can consult our expert technicians who are equipped with the skills that can help bring your work to life.

The School also provides valuable support to enhance your student experience and prepare you for the workplace:

• free dedicated software
• technical induction programmes
• free access to LinkedIn Learning
• free cameras and video recorder on loan
• supporting a Degree Show
• external promotion
• Yorkshire Fashion Archive and Membership to the Association of Suppliers to the British Clothing Industry
• visiting speakers from industry or other institutions around the world

Programme team

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

In the School of Design you will 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 programme: 

• Semester 1:  Assessments will focus on your understanding and acquisition of new knowledge, academic, digital and professional skills.  
• Semester 2:  Assessments will focus more on establishing how well you understand, analyse and apply this new knowledge and these new skills in relation to real-world, local and global settings.    
• Semester 3: Study will become more self-directed major project often being negotiated and agreed with tutors.  

Throughout the year, it is to be expected that you will find that assessments are progressively more challenging. To support you as you navigate assessment, 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; relevant in terms of contemporary contexts and also 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

The school has an excellent code of practice on assessment which is being updated every year. The principles and processes governing assessment and marking were being implemented in accordance. A balance between theory and practice is central to the assessments. In addition to the focus on the learner as a subject, an orientation toward action as a learning medium, is also essential in order to achieve training that is closer to practice (where theories can be practical). The programme also embraces the international and socio-economic diversity of both student and academic community as part of the assessment design. Assessments are constantly being improved to ensure better inclusive and authentic assessments and student success.

Applying

Entry requirements

You’ll need a bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) or equivalent qualification, preferably in a management, marketing, business, fashion or design related degree specialising in one of the following subjects indicated under 'Management, marketing, business, fashion or design related subjects'.

We will also consider applicants with relevant experience, an interest in Sustainability, communications, media, textile, or advertising, or coming from an area of expertise to which Sustainability, communications, media, textile, or advertising is complementary such as the ones listed under ‘Other areas’.

We welcome applicants from a diverse range of subject disciplines so please do not hesitate to apply if your subject is not listed.

All applicants will be required to respond to the questions in the supporting statement section of the online application form to explain why you wish to study this particular course and your career plans. Relevant professional experience may also be considered. We may request additional documentation to inform our decision.

Management, marketing, business, fashion or design related subjects

• Accounting
• Advertising
• Artistic Design
• Banking
• Business
• Business Management
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Economics
• Enterprise
• Entrepreneurship
• Environmental Design
• Fashion Design
• Fashion Marketing
• Finance
• Financial Management
• Hospitality
• Human Resources
• Information Management
• Innovation Management
• International Business
• Law
• Management
• Marketing
• Marketing and Communications
• Operations
• Product Design
• Social Psychology
• Social Sciences
• Sociology
• Sustainability
• Textile Design
• Tourism
• Visual Communication Design

Other Areas

• Anthropology
• Engineering
• Languages
• Maths
• Neuroscience
• Politics

International

Our admissions team are experienced in considering a wide range of international qualifications. If you wish to discuss whether your qualifications will meet the necessary entry criteria, contact the School’s admissions team.

You can also check the accepted qualifications for your country or region.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Business (6 weeks) and Language for Business (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional. 

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Please see our How to Apply page for information about application deadlines

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you intend to apply for funding, we advise you to submit an application for your chosen course as early as possible and at least one month before any scholarship deadline.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information you'll need

• A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying (please submit an official English translation where the original is not in English)
• Your approved English Language test* (if applicable)
• A personal statement in response to the questions asked in the supporting statement section of the application form
• A full up-to-date CV
• Any previous UK CAS, visa and BRP documents if you’re an international applicant who has previously studied in the UK on a Tier 4/ Student Visa.

* Applicants who have not yet completed an approved English language test may apply for a Masters course prior to taking a test.

Personal Statement Requirements

Please summarise your reasons for applying to this particular programme of study. Your response can include details of your previous study/work experience relevant to the programme and career ambitions. Your response can provide us with important information on your suitability for the course, so please complete carefully.

Please explain why you have chosen to apply for this Masters course at the University of Leeds by answering the following questions in separate numbered paragraphs:

• What areas of this course particularly interest you and why? Have you studied these before? Please explain your reasons for applying to this particular Masters course
• Why do you want to study this course at Leeds? Please comment on aspects such as available resources at the University and in the city, research specialisms within the school or academics you would like to work with.
• What potential themes have you considered for dissertation research?
• How will studying for this course help you to achieve your longer term goals?
• Why do you see this course as a particularly valuable subject to study?
• What skills and experience do you have that have prepared you for this course? You may like to give details of any final year work/projects you have previously undertaken, relevant work experience etc.

Relevant work experience might include: fashion, management, marketing and communications, advertising, media, sustainability, design.

Next Steps

Where further information to support the assessment of your application is needed, we may ask for a recent sample of written work.

We do not generally request references, unless further information is required to support the assessment of your application.

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 2026

This course is taught by

School of Design
Leeds University Business School

Contact us

Postgraduate Administrator

Email: PGT-Admissions-Design@leeds.ac.uk

Fees

UK: £16,000 (Total)

International: £32,750 (Total)

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

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 also need to cover costs of copying and supplying their own basic materials (e.g. pens, pencils, notebooks). The programme doesn’t require students to provide other materials to complete the programme successfully.

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 Adobe Creative and other relevant software. If required by your programme, the School will provide you with a free Adobe CC account 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 £800–£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 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 will also have access to further digital equipment in our studios and using our loan scheme. But, you may decide to purchase your own equipment which will result in additional optional costs. Examples are Drawing tablet (£50–£500); Digital camera (£200–£1500); etc.  

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.  

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 may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below: 

• Scholarships for International students 
• Scholarships and funding for UK students
• Your subject area may also offer scholarships

Career opportunities

Flexibility, resilience and transferable skills are hugely desirable skills for creative industry professionals.

In the School of Design, you’ll take on expert knowledge from those with strong links to research and industry. You’ll also sharpen your skills, such as sustainable business development, research, creative problem-solving, and communication, for a variety of careers. Design thinking, combined with excellent research and critical skills, are increasingly valued across a wide range of sectors. Therefore, your University of Leeds course opens up a rich potential of opportunities across disciplines and multiple industries.

The multidisciplinary nature of this programme means you have the chance to advance key competencies, knowledge and skills in global fashion management. This will allow you to understand and shape global retail operations by managing multinational fashion organisations, international retail environments, global supply chains, and value chains.

On graduating, you’ll have what it takes to thrive in further study or a diverse range of career paths. The knowledge you’ll have gained will make you especially employable in the fashion industry, including:

• fashion management
• fashion marketing
• fashion public relations
• merchandising and logistics management
• product development process management
• retail or brand management
• product sourcing and supply chain management
• sustainability-focused roles
• e-commerce

Where this degree could take you

Graduates have gone into careers in a number of different fields. Many continue with their professional practice, working for companies such as LVMH Asia, French Connection, Lululemon, or Emotech. Others have entered academia as lecturers or PhD researchers.

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.

Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.

• Dedicated Employability Team – meet with our qualified careers consultants and specialist employability and placements officers, on hand to help you choose the right path and develop the skills to get there. They can support with CV and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile building, mock interviews and navigating AI: get confident with tailored advice and techniques.
• Employability and networking events – get involved in a full range of events, including careers fairs and specialist industry talks with employers who are actively recruiting. You’ll also benefit from mentoring and a supportive careers community, helping you make connections, build your network, and shape your journey as a future professional.
• Skills training – we embed transferable skills training in all our programmes to support your transition to the workplace. Gain expertise employers value, such as communication, problem-solving and research and data analysis.
• MyCareer system —– access a dedicated portal where you can book careers appointments, view helpful resources and browse vacancies and events. Access digital tools, including LinkedIn support, video‑interview preparation, plus global job market and visa guidance. We also offer pre‑arrival support to help you prepare for career planning in the UK and make the most of your time with us.
• Exclusive opportunities – bring your enterprise to market with our award-winning business advice service, Spark. Apply for vacancies only available to our students. And hone your skills further with Leeds University Union, home to volunteering opportunities and over 300 clubs and societies.

Work placements and industry experience

As a Masters student at Leeds, you’ll have the unique opportunity to gain real-world industry experience with our Global Industry Programme.

You’ll develop key professional skills and gain invaluable insight into working in your chosen field, helping to solve a real business problem from a live company brief.

This experience will enhance your CV, helping you to stand out in the competitive graduate jobs market and improving your chances of securing the career you want.

Benefits of the Global Industry Programme:

• Fully online and designed to fit around your studies.
• Opportunities to make professional networks in areas such as digital marketing, business growth, sustainability and funding strategy.
• Gain valuable insight and build consultancy experience with a UK or international organisation, working on a time limited brief.
• Work as part of a team across disciplines to tackle real business needs.
• Advance your experience and hands-on skills by putting the course teachings into practice.
• Improve your employability prospects.
• Make new friends, build confidence and consider your future plans.