International Fashion Business PgCert | PgDip | MSc
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-18 | 2023-05-05 |
Program Overview
This MSc International Fashion Business course at Robert Gordon University covers the creative, managerial and commercial aspects of the global fashion industry. You will learn through projects which are based on case study scenarios, simulate real-life practice, and incorporate group interaction, ensuring you are equipped with the relevant knowledge and skills for a rewarding career.
A key feature of the MSc International Fashion Business course is digital literacy, including, strategic digital communications and analytics. You will also develop an understanding of global fashion brand management, including, luxury branding, and will explore the ways in which consumers respond to fashion and how their needs are anticipated, identified and satisfied.
Specific fashion strategies relating to international distribution, trend forecasting, buying and merchandising, supply chain, marketing, sustainable and ethical issues will also be taught.
Program Outline
Stages 1 & 2
You will develop your knowledge and understanding of the key areas of international fashion business including the fashion business environment, fashion buying and merchandising, fashion internationalisation and brand strategy. You will also gain communication, management and digital strategy skills. A four week period of professional industry experience is undertaken at the end of the taught modules for September starts, or between stage 1 and 2 for January starts.
Stage 3
You will work independently but under tutorial supervision, to undertake research and prepare a 15,000 word dissertation on a fashion related topic within a relevant field. This provides you with the opportunity to integrate and synthesise your knowledge and understanding of fashion management. A practical project or professional consultancy option is available as an alternative to the traditional written dissertation.
Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our
course and module disclaimer
for more information. Detailed module informationLearning Methods
You will learn through a combination of lectures, tutorials and workshop sessions. These comprise of a mix of group study, discussion, simulation and presentations of findings by groups and individuals. You will work as an individual and also as part of a team on case studies, projects, study trips, presentations and discussions.
You will gain experience using industry specific software, such as Lectra’s Kaledo fashion software, Adobe Photoshop and WGSN, the leading online trend-analysis and research service.
Access to our virtual learning environment,
CampusMoodle
, is also provided giving you access from home to learning materials (including videos, e-books and journals).Activity Summary
Lectures
- 10-20 students per group, 3 hours per weekTutorial
- 10-20 students per group, 3 hours per weekPractical class or workshop
- 10-20 students per group, 4 hours per weekIndependent Study
- 30 hours per weekPlacement / Work Based Learning
- Individual, 80 (minimum) over a 4 week periodHow long is an International Fashion Business course?
The International Fashion Business MSc can be successfully completed within 12 - 14 months.
Independent Study
The course requires you to become independent 'open learners' and take responsibility for when, where and how your learning occurs. You will spend approximately 30 hours per week working on your own, undertaking prescribed reading, preparing for group activities and researching and writing course assessments.
Assessment
Typically students are assessed each year:
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.
Staff Delivering on This Course
All the MSc International Fashion Business teaching staff have worked in a variety of roles in industry such as fashion design and garment development, visual merchandising, fabric design, marketing and events management.
All staff have teaching qualifications, including fellowship or senior fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, recognising their practice, impact and leadership in teaching and learning.
Other staff members include fashion industry experts, media technicians and subject experts in supporting disciplines of Communication, Media, Marketing and Management.
Academic Support
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
The Inclusion Centre
Online Learning & Support
All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
CampusMoodle
Study Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
Study Skills Support
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
University Library
Placements
You will undertake a 4 week (generally unpaid) professional placement or consultancy project in a fashion-related company, which will enable you to put into practice the knowledge and skills developed throughout the course. For September starts, this placement opportunity takes place at the end of Term 2. For January starts, the placement takes place between Terms 1 and 2.
You will have access to our Employment and Professional Enrichment Hub, who will support you in sourcing and validating a suitable placement position.
Previous placements include Zara, Hugo Boss, John Lewis, Ferregamo, Johnston’s of Elgin and Debenhams.
PLACEMENTs at RGUJob Prospects
Fashion is a multi-disciplinary business activity and the fashion industry recognises a need for those with both management and digital skills.
On completion of this course, you will be ready to make a valuable contribution within the regional, national and global fashion business sector and its wider community.
Opportunities exist in head office roles, often located in fashion capitals such as London, in fashion buying, financial merchandising and allocation, brand management, marketing and digital content creation.
Is International Fashion Business a good career choice?
Roles held by our graduates include:
