Fashion Buying and Brand Management BA (Hons)

Cardiff Metropolitan University

The BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Brand Management at Cardiff Met is designed for students wishing to develop a career within the buying, trend forecasting, merchandising and brand management functions of the dynamic fashion industry. The degree combines the specialisms of Cardiff School of Management, with the creative elements of a fashion programme. The degree has been developed in conjunction with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), to ensure that teaching content is in line with industry expectations. The course has been awarded the CIM ‘Graduate Gateway’ status – this accreditation provides our students with an opportunity to gain exemption from both the CIM Certificate in Professional Marketing and Diploma in Professional Marketing Qualifications. All of our fashion business courses have a renowned reputation for their vocational orientation – meaning you will gain the academic knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in a branding and/or buying career.

The degree has been designed to enable students to develop the skills and ability to think creatively and strategically – focusing on essential topic areas such as market research, trend forecasting, product development, garment sourcing, finance, account management, brand development and supply chain management. There is also a strong focus on innovation and future issues facing the global fashion industry.

This course offers an emphasis on the professional management of brands at all levels, from value fashion, independent labels to sustainable brands and international luxury brands, along with creation of brands in a global fashion marketplace. Creativity is a highly valued attribute in the fashion industry and assignments are designed to develop ideas, encourage risk taking and support the creation of memorable branding materials and range plans. Having a strong brand is invaluable in the modern fashion market as it guides customers understanding of the business and provides a point of authenticity and personality. A key focus will be on developing communication, presentation and problem solving skills along with creative management tools.

We offer this programme with two study options. You can choose three years full-time or four years full-time which would include a one-year professional placement between years two and three that will give you hands-on experience in a real-life working environment. This sandwich year would give you practical skills that many employers seek, giving you a competitive edge upon graduation.