Fashion Business and Promotion - BA (Hons)
Our BA (Hons) Fashion Business and Promotion degree course enables you to explore a range of roles within the fashion industry, beyond the making and production of clothing....
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time
- Location City Centre
- Award BA (Hons)
- Start date September 2022
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Fashion and Textiles
- Faculty Faculty of Arts, Design and Media
Overview
Our BA (Hons) Fashion Business and Promotion degree course enables you to explore a range of roles within the fashion industry, beyond the making and production of clothing.
Guided and supported by a knowledgeable, industry-experienced staff team, you will gain an education across the different fashion sectors and develop skills in order to undertake a number of industry roles, including Buying, Marketing and PR, Trends forecasting and Event Management.
What's covered in this course?
You will learn how fashion roles work together, as well as commercial and consumer and competitive awareness.
You will work on a live project, as well as industry focused briefs across the first two years and benefit from regular industry guest speakers.
Throughout the course, we will develop your business knowledge and language, preparing you for delivering presentations, teamwork, writing reports and build skills in creating both paper and digital visual work with the aid of CAD packages.
In your final year, you will work on projects that support your independent interests and develop your self-promotion skills ready for industry. There will also be the chance to showcase your final-year work to industry leaders, at events such as Graduate Fashion Week in London.
This course allows you to gain a greater understanding of retail principles and practices as it delves deep into the inner workings of the industry from all levels. Personally, I have acquired invaluable knowledge and insight of multiple sectors not just fashion and feel confident to step into a successful career in the future.
Mae Al Mousa
Jessica McEwan
Since starting at Birmingham City University, Jessica has celebrated a number of great achievements. During her first year of study, Jessica successfully landed a placement with George ASDA and won a prize fund of £150 for her sustainable suggestions at the annual SHIFT Fashion conference.
Read in fullWhy Choose Us?
- 92% of students are satisfied with the learning opportunities on this course (National Student Survey 2021).
- The course helps you become as versatile and dynamic as the industry itself.
- Unlike other courses, we cover a variety of fashion business modules to ensure you gain a broad perspective of the fashion industry.
- The course provides creative and visual fluency, equipping you with the toolkit to operate in the competitive, international fashion market place.
- Our academic staff all have industry experience, teaching and researching their specialist subjects, ranging from trend forecasting to branding and international retailing.
- Integrated work placements provide you with the essential experience needed to get ahead in their sector.
Similar Courses
Studying with us during the Covid-19 pandemic
The University has put in place measures in response to Covid-19 to allow us to safely deliver our courses. Should the impact of the pandemic continue in future years, any additional or alternative arrangements put in place by the University will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
Open Days
Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to explore our campus and facilities in person. You'll be able to hear more about your chosen subject area in our course talks.
Next Open Day: Saturday 25 June
Entry Requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
Essential Requirements
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112 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level with a minimum of 2 A Levels. |
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| LEVEL 2 QUALIFICATIONS | ||
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| GCSE |
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| Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) | See level 3 entry under Irish Leaving Certificate for full details | |
| Scottish National 5 |
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| IELTS | 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band. | |
| Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) Qualifications | ||
| A Level and Advanced VCE |
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| AS and AS VCE | Considered with a maximum of 3 other Level 3 qualifications (AS Levels must be in different subject to A-Levels) to obtain 112 pts | |
| Access to HE Diploma |
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DMM | |
| Foundation Studies (Art and Design, and Art, Design & Media) |
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| IBO Certificate in Higher Level |
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| International Baccalaureate Diploma |
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| Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers) | Pass the Irish Leaving Certificate with a minimum of 112 tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects. This must include English Language and Maths taken at either Ordinary Level (minimum grade O1-O4 (or A-C/A1-C3)) or Higher level minimum grade H1/H7 (or A-D / A1-D3 up to and including 2016. | |
| OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma | DMM | |
| Scottish Advanced Higher |
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| T-Levels | Merit overall | |
| UAL Extended Diploma in Art & Design | Merit overall | |
| UAL Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology | Merit overall | |
| UAL Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts | Merit overall | |
| Other qualifications | ||
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If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. |
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Additional information for EU/International students
| Essential | ||
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In addition to qualifications, International applicants will also need a good digital portfolio. EU applicants will not be required to submit a portfolio as part of their application. Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In addition to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require the qualifications detailed in this table. |
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| EU/Non-EU (International) Qualifications | Requirements | |
| IELTS |
6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band. If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information. |
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| International Baccalaureate Diploma (or equivalent, including internationally accredited Foundation courses). |
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International students who cannot meet the direct entry requirements can begin their degree studies at Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC).
Mature Applicants
Applications from mature students (21+) with alternative qualifications and/or considerable work experience will be considered on their merits.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation based on the Retail Prices Index and the additional costs we incur each year to deliver our courses, maintain and develop our infrastructure and provide a range of support services, or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2022
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £9,250 per year
- Apply via UCAS
- Full Time
- 4 years (with Professional Placement)
- Show fees
- Apply via UCAS
- Study Year (2022/23) £9,250
- Placement Year £1,650
Professional Placement Fees
Full-Time courses with a Professional Placement incur a fee during the placement year. The costs for those years when you attend the university for study, and the cost for the placement year are shown here.
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation based on the Retail Prices Index and the additional costs we incur each year to deliver our courses, maintain and develop our infrastructure and provide a range of support services, or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2022
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £13,500 per year
- Full Time
- 4 years (with Professional Placement)
- Show fees
Professional Placement Fees
The fee for your first year of study at the university is shown above. Full-time courses with a Professional Placement also incur a fee during the placement year. The fee for your placement year will be the same as the tuition fee that would be payable for your third year of study.
If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead.
Guidance for UK students
UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
Applying through UCAS
- Register with UCAS
- Login to UCAS and complete your details
- Select your course and write a personal statement
- Get a reference
- Pay your application fee and submit your application
Guidance for International students
There are three ways to apply:
1) Direct to the University
You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.
2) Through a country representative
Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.
3) Through UCAS
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.
Portfolio Guidance
If you are an International student and your application is progressed, you will be asked to submit a portfolio of your creative work. Your portfolio is your opportunity to show us examples of your work and creative interests to support your application.
Please see our international portfolio guidance page for guidance on how to create and submit your portfolio.
Please note that if you are a UK/ EU student you will not be required to submit a portfolio.
Personal statement
UK / EU students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.*
The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
- Course choice - Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
- Career plans - If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
- Work experience - Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
- School or college experience - Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
- Non-accredited skills or achievement - eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Worried about Personal Statements?
If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.
*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.
Course in Depth
Year one
The course is module-based and delivered one at a time – you will be taught in a classroom and lecture hall-style rooms to help you engage in lectures topics, discussions and class activities to support the module.
You will receive workshops in Visual Communication across pages such as InDesign and Illustrator.
All modules will be supported with weekly tutorials in groups or individually, of which you are expected to come prepared with work to show and questions.
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
20 credits
Fashion Business Context will introduce you to an understanding the fashion industry, sectors and topical issues. This module considers the global picture of fashion and discusses the important issues which have defined or are defining this area. Whether it is social, political, economic, environmental or technological factors effecting the industry and consumers. You will be researching a sector and producing a visually creative piece of work that evidences your findings.
40 credits
Trend Forecasting is the process of translating information across historical, cultural, social, technological, political factors into a visual direction for the future. This project is about understanding the process of trend forecasting, by identifying key drivers and their impacts and the consumer tribes. Student will develop a visual aesthetic to reflect the trend, which you will then apply to a chosen sector/client of the fashion industry.
40 credits
This module will introduce you to the buying and merchandising principles, and the roles and responsibilities of a buyer and merchandiser, in relation to the fashion industry. You will understand how the buyers and merchandisers work together, within different retail formats.
20 credits
The visual merchandising project explores the current shift within retail environments to that of curated spaces, and acknowledges the new creators who are shaping the future of retail design. As retailers look to deepen engagement with customers, this module defines and promotes the understanding of visual communication and retail design as a key factor in the evolution of bricks and mortar. The module will introduce you to the challenges and exciting developments within the retail sector with particular focus on innovative visual communication methods and visual merchandising strategies.
Year two
The course is module-based and delivered one at a time – you will be taught in a classroom and lecture hall-style rooms to help you engage in lectures topics, discussions and class activities to support the module.
You will receive workshops in Visual Communication across pages such as InDesign and Illustrator.
All modules will be supported with weekly tutorials in groups or individually, of which you are expected to come prepared with work to show and questions.
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
40 credits
This module will advance students skills in the world of PR and Marketing. Students will learn about techniques on persuasion, sales, segmentation and communication across market sectors. Utilising theories and innovative thinking students will develop and execute a Marketing and PR strategy.
20 credits
This module is designed to understand the nature of internationalisation and to critically evaluate strategies applied to the business sector. The module will enable students to address a variety of key issues in international retailing.
40 credits
The purpose of this module is to enable you to undertake an in-depth project exploring the event industry. This module looks at different types of events, and explores key factors affecting their planning, it enables you to understand how funding and sponsorship work, and the importance of maintaining a healthy budget. You will explore and understand how to plan and organise a team, and find key suppliers and participants to make the event happen.
20 credits
The purpose of this module is to enable you to develop professional attributes and subject skills through experience in the work place, and to critically reflect upon your learning in that context. You will normally be expected to arrange your own placement, with support from academic staff and ADM Careers+.
Year three
The course is module-based and delivered one at a time – you will be taught in a classroom and lecture hall-style rooms to help you engage in lectures topics, discussions and class activities to support the module.
You will receive workshops in Visual Communication across pages such as InDesign and Illustrator.
All modules will be supported with weekly tutorials in groups or individually, of which you are expected to come prepared with work to show and questions.
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
40 credits
The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and theoretically informed research project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. It is important that we can support you appropriately, so you will be guided towards choosing a research topic which is relevant to your discipline and in which your lecturers have expertise. The outcome may take the form of a written dissertation or a practice-based portfolio.
60 credits
The Independent Final Project is an opportunity to focus on a specific area related to future career aspirations, and develop a piece of work that reflects this. It could include creating a magazine or digital publication, developing a branding concept, a brand extension opportunity or a communication strategy. This will be grounded in extensive research both primary and secondary, with industry insight, innovation and justification.
20 credits
The aim of this module is to critically reflect on good practice and experience and prepare you for the progression into industry and relevant opportunities. Self-branding and Self-promotion are key in preparing to enter the creative industries. Portfolio preparation, interview prep, online branding and applications all offer a need to present yourself appropriately, confidently and succinctly.
The first two years of the course allow you to explore the multi-faceted disciplines that are integral to the way that the fashion business operates.
The third year then allows you to refine your expertise through negotiated projects and tailor your work to become an expert in your chosen field.
Guest speakers have included buyers from George and River Island, social media and PR experts from Missguided, marketing and PR industry managers and fashion bloggers.
You'll gain commercial awareness through a series of live industry projects, industrial placements and opportunities for competitions.
Projects
We have previously linked with Selfridges in Birmingham to help understand the scale of visual merchandising in a department store. Students applied trends and key drivers to new concepts and presented their ideas to the store manager.
Buying and Merchandising module, worked with Whistles to focus students on their core consumer. They gained an insight into how to profile the consumer and interpret the fashion trends into a range. This was supported with Illustrator workshops and Whistles’ head office buyers.
You will also gain experience of Event Management, working in teams to generate a live event in support of a charity. Previous events have included comedy nights, roller discos, open mic nights and more. You will work with venues and retailers to get a real feel of how to manage, market and deliver an event.
You will engage in discussions and debates and you will look at issues surrounding fashion business, and offer solutions for the next generation.
Student Work
Emily Lehmann, Year 3 student
Final-year student Emily Lehmann worked on a project for ASOS, bringing online media to the high street with a new app that used geotagging. The app sent news feeds that direct the consumer to an open space. Once there, the shopper is then rewarded with discounts and content.
Georgia Griffiths, Year 3 student
Georgia Griffiths created a buying range plan for Whistles, offering a consumer-focused collection with ways to wear, and in-store layout.
Employability
Enhancing your employability skills
Employability and being ready for the world of work is very important to us and the course offers a range of modules that will develop relevant industry skills.
Our aims are to:
- To produce industry-ready graduates, who can creatively contribute to fashion and its related industries in local, UK or global markets.
- To provide opportunities for you to explore, practice and challenge the inter-relationships between the commercial environment, creative thinking and technical practice.
- To employ a range of teaching and learning methods, in which you are able to synthesis theories, concepts and fashion practice within local, national and global market places.
- To develop student confidence and professionalism through fluency in verbal communication, as well as coherent written and visual presentation skills.
- To stimulate commercial awareness and activity through project management, live and team projects, industrial liaison and visits, industrial placement and competition at all levels.
- To instil cooperation, competition and an entrepreneurial approach in all student achievements.
Placements
As is the nature of the industry, our students often get the chance to work in many inspiring and glamorous places. If that’s not a great excuse for a shopping trip, we don’t know what is!
Placements have previously seen students undertake a range of roles, working with leading brands like Topshop, Selfridges, Missguided, River Island and Next, taking on roles in blogging, social media, PR and buying.
Links to industry
We have great links with the visual merchandising team at Birmingham’s Selfridges branch, as well as Claire’s Head Office.
Graduate jobs
Many of our students go on to become buyers or PR assistants, finding opportunities with brands such as Next, Office, Paul Smith, Store 21, Karen Millen and Asos.
Sophie Stronell landed her dream job in 2015 working in PR in Michael Kors in London.
Lizzie Sumners is working for Warehouse as a buyer’s admin assistant and was spotted in Drapers soon after graduation already schmoozing at an industry event.
OpportUNIty
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
International
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here.
- Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies.
- Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country.
- Learn where to find financial support for your studies.
Our international students
Our School is particularly popular with students from China and Malaysia.
Our International Office in Shanghai was established in 2007 and we work hard to develop strong working relationships between both countries.
Facilities & Staff
Our Facilities
You’ll be based in our School of Fashion and Textiles, within The Parkside Building. The Parkside Building is part of our new multi-million pound City Centre Campus development in the heart of Birmingham's Eastside development.
Our staff
Beth White
Course Director BA (Hons) Fashion Business and Promotion
Beth White is the Course Director of BA (Hons) Fashion Business and Promotion and the Collaborative Practice Co-ordinator and School Lead for Enterprise and Employability at Birmingham City University.
Beth has published widely on the impact of intellectual negotiation, and participatory democracy and the importance of collective decision making and the social construction of knowledge, both within the education sector and the wider business environment.
Most recently, Beth has been working alongside colleagues at BCU on an ongoing research project looking at inclusive and equal learning systems for education.
More about BethAlison Rapsey
Course Director - BA (Hons) Fashion Business and Promotion
Alison has over 11 years of teaching experience joining Birmingham City University as a lecturer in Fashion Retail Management in 2006. Following her years of dedication to the department, in 2012 she became Course Director for BA(Hons) Fashion Business and Promotion.
Alison began her work in the fashion industry by working for Arcadia, across Dorothy Perkins and Burton stores in management roles and went on to the role of Ladieswear Manager in a newly opened Emporio Armani in 2000.
More about Alison