Fashion Buying and Brand Management – BA (Hons)

The BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Brand Management degree 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.

Career

Fashion Buying and Brand Management is a dynamic and fast-moving career choice. With new technologies and social communication media on the rise, the skills covered within this programme are more in demand than ever. During this course you will develop the key skills and understanding required for the fashion business. On successful completion of the course you will have the skills to gain a position in fashion buying and brand management, putting your skills to use in positions in buying, merchandising, sourcing, product development, trend research, product management, marketing, brand development and management and more.

This course has been designed in conjunction with the CIM in order to provide you with an opportunity to gain exemptions from their professional qualification. You will also be able to join the our CIM student chapter which encourages all students to engage in our marketing learning community through organising organise key speakers and managing marketing-focused events. Incorporate dynamic speakers and helpful networking events will enhance your learning experience. Finally, you will be able to engage in entrepreneurial activities such as entering the CIM Pitch.

The option of including a year of experience in industry in year three has been included to allow you to complete the degree with a level of practical experience. This option of practical experience can be incorporated in the three-year degree course undertaking practical work in industry during term time or in holiday breaks during the course.

The aim of the course is that study and practical experience give the best prospect of employability at the end of the degree course. As such, you have the opportunity to graduate with a wide base of marketing knowledge and the potential to be a specialist in strategic use of PR, marketing, digital marketing, integrated marketing communications, branding and global marketing. Furthermore, you will have had ‘real-world’ experience, the chance to engage in our CIM learning community. Cardiff Met Marketing students should stand out for their ability to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical environment.