Fashion Business and Promotion - BA (Hons)
Currently viewing course to start in 2024/25 Entry.
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 2024
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Fashion and Textiles
- Faculty Faculty of Arts, Design and Media
This course is:
Open to International Students
Overview
BCU really stood out to me when I first visited an Open Day. So I got to explore the studio spaces, have a tour around and get to see all the facilities that I could use. And I really like the appeal that the studio spaces were professional and open, and in an environment where I could mix with other creatives as well. It was also really refreshing to know that I could have a career in such a subject and they would help me achieve that.
One of my biggest highlights so far has definitely been my first module where I was able to make my own garment from scratch. This was the first time I was able to transform one of my own designs into a final garment. It felt amazing seeing this modelled on a friend. In my free time, I'm also a lover of second-hand shopping, which has led me to explore second hand and vintage shopping scene in Birmingham. Buying second-hand is really important to me, not only to find really unique pieces for my own wardrobe, but also consider sustainability when shopping.
The Parkside Grow Garden is a great addition to the studio spaces so students can grow plants and flowers to use in natural dyeing processes, which is another sustainable addition. I've definitely grown as a person while being at BCU, and I feel I'm becoming more comfortable as an individual, which I only hope grows as I continue throughout my time here. Fashion has always been my interest since I was young, and it was considered a sort of taboo in my country, but I still have the interest, I still have the curiosity to explore.
As an international student, I came from Nepal to UK and it was a new chapter in my life. When I came to Birmingham, it was sort of alien society to me. But the longer I was here, I've made UK friends, I've made some international friends as well. What I've enjoyed the most about the multitude so far is the wide range of the research areas that we have, the analytic parts of the industry, how things work, and then a deeper dive into what it means working as a team in the fashion industry.
Outside of studying, I've really enjoyed the change of lifestyle. Exploring Birmingham City, Digbeth and the exhibitions that we had. We also went to London for exhibitions and fashion shows. So it was quite exciting coming to BCU and coming to the UK. I think I'm rediscovering my creativity. I found myself just working and not really spending time on myself so I decided to pick up a hobby. I picked up knitting just on a whim and it kind of opened the floodgates for me. So I just did a Google search for textile courses that offered a foundation year and BCU popped up. I was super impressed with all of the facilities and the hands on time.
I cannot talk enough about how enthusiastic and supportive the tutors are. They are always willing to help. They have a depth of knowledge. I got to develop my skills and find my niche within the textile world, and I've made loads of friends and connections with students from all of the creative courses.
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.
Professional Placement Year
This course offers an optional professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, following successful completion of your second year, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.
If you choose to pursue a placement year, you will need to find a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional, and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you are able to secure a placement, you can request to be transferred to the placement version of the course.
Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year.
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.
"The Fashion Business and Promotion course has taught me a variety of transferable skills, from hard skills like Adobe software to boosting my confidence with presenting, networking, and creativity. The course inspires and encourages an innovative and problem-solving approach to the fashion industry which has helped spark my passions and set me up to achieve my future career goals.
"The course is the perfect mix of creativity, academics, and real industry skills, which has allowed me to secure a wide range of internships ranging from marketing and content creation to buying and merchandising. Going into my final year I already feel set up and excited to enter the industry and make my mark!"
Charlotte Butler
Katherine Millward
Katherine Millward is a final year Fashion Business and Promotion student whose final year project, beauty brand ReRooted Beauty, won the New Business Award at Graduate Fashion Week 2023. The brand's concept revolves around using waste from the fruit industry and using it within cosmetics – considering packing – production and marketing.
Read in fullWhy Choose Us?
- In your final year, you will have the opportunity to create something that inspires you and showcase your final work to industry, tutors and the public at Inspired Festival.
- You’ll study a variety of fashion business models to gain a broad knowledge of the fashion industry and work on live projects with fashion brands such as Selfridges and Next.
- 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 working for big brands such as Armani and Burberry.
- Integrated work placements provide you with the essential experience to get ahead in the fashion industry and graduate with valuable experience.
Similar Courses
Open Days
Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to meet us in person. Booking for the next event isn’t open yet. Register your interest below and we’ll email you as soon as booking goes live.
Next Open Day: 23 March 2024
Entry Requirements
These entry requirements apply for entry in 2024/25.
All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.
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. Please note: If you qualify for our BCU Accelerate scheme, you could receive an offer that is two grades below our normal entry requirements. Find out more about BCU Accelerate. |
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| Level 2 qualifications | ||
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| GCSE | GCSE English Language or English Literature and GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests. | |
| Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) | See level 3 entry requirements under Irish Leaving Certificate for full details. | |
| Scottish National 5 | English Language or English Literature and Maths at grade C or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests. | |
| 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 Higher/Advanced Higher |
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| T-Levels |
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| 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 (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2024
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £9,250 in 2024/25
- Apply via UCAS
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 (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2024
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £16,085 in 2024/25
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.
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
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 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.
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.
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.
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
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 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.
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.
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.
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
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 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.
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.
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.
Download course specification
Download nowThe 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.
Within the Buying and Merchandising module we have worked with Next and Superdry to develop a range of products suitable for their profile of the consumer. Applying the fashion trends, considering lead times of the product, critical path and costs and competitive shop. This was supported with Illustrator workshops and feedback guest talks from the head office team.
You will also gain experience of Event Management, working in teams to generate a live event. Students have to consider the marketing of the event, networking with businesses locally for support, negotiation, problem solving and crisis management, all skills relevant to 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
Elizabeth Hudson
A first year module exploring factors affecting the fashion industry for future forecasting, Elizabeth identified post Covid impacts around more localised shopping, wellbeing and the athleisure casual market generated the need for more cocooning, soft, comforting clothes. A soft colour palette and puffer jackets will be key. Using Indesign to present her findings and learning about business theories like PESTLE she helped create a considered and future proof concept.
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 opportunity to undertake 72 hours of work placement at the end of the second year - you will be supported by the Careers team and a series of workshops to help you secure a placement and how to reach out and network. In additional we are offering a professional placement when you may wish to take a year out to carry out more than one longer term placement.
Placements have previously seen students undertake a range of roles, working with leading brands like Superdry, Selfridges and Next taking on roles in blogging, social media, PR and buying.
Links to industry
The College of Fashion and Textiles works with local, national and international businesses to enhance student learning through placements, workshops, live briefs and guest lectures from industry professionals.
We have great links with the visual merchandising team at Birmingham’s Selfridges branch, as well as Next and Superdry.
Graduate jobs
Many of our students go on to become buyers, influencer marketing managers, social media managers, event managers and PR assistants, finding opportunities with brands such as Next, Boohoo, Superdry, Gymshark and Lounge.
Sophie Ordidge works with Superdry in their sustainability team.
Leila Smith set up her own PR company straight out of University.
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
Alison Rapsey
Course Director BA (Hons) Fashion Business and Promotion
Alison has over 17 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...
More about AlisonBeth White
Senior Lecturer BA (Hons) Fashion Business and Promotion
Beth White is a Senior Lecturer on 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...
More about BethAnnette Clarke
Lecturer in BA (Hons) Fashion Business and Promotion
Graduating from De Montfort University with BA(Hons) Fashion & Textiles, the early phase of Annette's career was as a Designer for Christian Dior Lingerie, Paris. Moving into fashion buying she developed extensive buying experience at a senior executive level, managing multi-channel product strategy and product development across a wide...
More about AnnetteDr Bharati Rathore
Lecturer and Researcher
Dr. Bharati Rathore currently holds the position of Lecturer in Fashion Business & Promotions at Birmingham City University's School of Fashion and Textiles. A distinguished scholar in marketing management, Dr. Rathore has earned a strong reputation in the field due to her extensive experience and commitment to teaching, learning, and...
More about BharatiAdam Francis
Lecturer
Adam is a Lecturer in Fashion Business and Promotion at Birmingham City University. He is a fellow of the Higher Education Academy with a background in menswear, fashion visualization and socially conscious messaging that informs a teaching practice.
More about Adam