Fashion Management | MSc | University of Lincoln

Amanda Goss - Programme Leader

Amanda Goss is a Lecturer in Fashion Management, on all fashion specific modules. She has extensive industry experience from trend analysis, fashion design, product development sourcing and brand management. She is still actively involved in the fashion industry, offering fashion consultancy services as well as being part of a circular fashion enterprise. Her research is focused on sustainability, the future in the fashion industry.

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Welcome to MSc Fashion Management

This Master's programme is suitable for those wishing to pursue a management career in the globalised fashion industry. Exploring a variety of disciplines in purchasing, forecasting, analysis, and marketing, with sustainability embedded throughout. It enables students to develop the skills needed to pursue their own brand or business idea, or enter into the highly competitive fashion industry.

Covering three disciplinary areas of management, marketing, and fashion, this course aims to produce graduates who are able to analyse consumer and society trends to develop effective purchasing, retail, and promotional strategies. Students have the opportunity to undertake live assessments and gain hands-on experience through the student-as-producer approach.

The programme is taught by a team of international academics and benefits from guest speakers who are professionals in fashion and other business areas.

The course also works in close collaboration with the Fashion BA programme, which provides a unique hands-on experience for students.

Applications are welcome from a broad range of degree disciplines, including design, business, arts, and social sciences.

How You Study

The programme brings together the three disciplinary areas of management, marketing, and fashion, with the aim of equipping students for careers in fashion management. MSc Fashion Management combines generic business and management modules with specialist modules in fashion including fashion buying and merchandising.

The business and management modules enable students to develop their understanding of how to work in teams and how to obtain, interpret, and use financial information for managing budgets. Meanwhile, the marketing modules in consumer behaviour, fashion communication, and digital marketing provide the knowledge and skills needed to build brands and run promotional campaigns.

Students also undertake modules that map out the different sectors of the fashion industry with a focus on buying and merchandising. The taught element of the programme consists of eight compulsory modules and one optional module.

The compulsory modules are:

- Circular Economy - The future in the Fashion Industry
- Consumer Behaviour
- Critical Path Management in the Fashion Industry
- Dissertation
- Fashion sourcing and merchandising
- Marketing Communications
- Research Methods and Design
- The Fashion Industry

The following is an illustrative list of optional modules. Optional modules will run as long as at least ten students select them. Students can only choose one optional module. Timetabling arrangements may limit the availability of modules to some students. As the options reflect staff research interests, they may change over time.

- Brand Management
- Community, Organisation, Sustainability, and Development
- Digital Marketing
- Event Design and Implementation
- Global Procurement and Supply Strategy
- International Entrepreneurship

After the taught element of the programme, students are expected to complete a final dissertation, designed to encourage innovation and diverse pathways to the final assessed product. In this respect, the dissertation is an extended project that can accommodate a range of independent work.

Contact hours

Each module typically consists of two or three weekly teaching hours over a teaching term of 12 weeks. Four modules are usually studied per semester, equating to eight to 12 hours per week. Part-time students will generally study two modules per term, equating to four to six hours of contact time per week. Hours of study may vary from term to term for both full and part-time students and can be spread throughout the week.

Postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. As a general guide, for every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend two to three hours in independent study. For more detailed information please contact the Programme Leader.

An Introduction to Your Modules

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Circular Economy - The future in the Fashion Industry 2023-24MGT9652MLevel 72023-24This module is designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of how the fashion industry can operate more sustainably, without lack or choice. The linear and circular systems within the textiles industry are analysed and strategies to implement them are discussed.CoreConsumer Behaviour 2023-24MKT9117MLevel 72023-24This module aims to introduce consumer learning, attitude formation and change, and the complex consumer decision making process, which are illustrated by examples from multiple sectors including retail and tourism.CoreCritical Path Management in the Fashion Industry 2023-24MGT9653MLevel 72023-24This module is designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of how organisations, individuals and countries work in harmony following Fashion's Critical Path Management (CPM). The typical causes of problems, both internal and external, are analysed and strategies to address the CPM are discussed.CoreDissertation 2023-24BUS9036MLevel 72023-24The dissertation provides an opportunity for students with a range of experience and interests to apply and develop their existing skills and knowledge to an independent study project, which affords an opportunity for both the expression of original thought and creativity; together with the application of analytical skills and critical reasoning. Our approach to dissertation is to facilitate innovative approaches and diverse pathways to the final assessed piece of work; in effect the dissertation is an extended research project. The dissertation topic should be aligned to students' subject of study.CoreFashion Buying and merchandising 2023-24MKT9131MLevel 72023-24This module provides students with the opportunity to develop a critical understanding of fashion retail including fashion buying, merchandising, and management of the customer experience. The module focuses on retail formats and strategies in different business environments and examines elements of the customer experience including experimental and sensory information.CoreFashion communication 2023-24MKT9130MLevel 72023-24CoreResearch Methods and Design 2023-24BUS9056MLevel 72023-24This module aims to prepare students for undertaking the research for their Masters dissertation or project, and other assignments. It is designed to introduce students to the core principles of research design, the research methods they are likely to encounter in their research, the basics of research design and the organisation of independent study.CoreThe Fashion Industry 2023-24MKT9119MLevel 72023-24Fashion is a fast growing international industry employing millions of people worldwide. Through this module, students will have the opportunity to develop an understanding of the different elements of the fashion industry and their linkages: (1) the production of raw materials, (2) the design and manufacturing process, (3) retail and merchandising, and (4) advertising and promotion.CoreBrand Management 2023-24MKT9206MLevel 72023-24Brands are ubiquitous in our current world and influence our consumption behaviour in both indirect and direct ways. This module provides students with the opportunity to develop a critical understanding of the different elements of branding including brand value, identity, and associations. The lectures focus on branding theory while the seminars involve case analysis with an emphasis on applying theoretical knowledge to real-life situations.OptionalCommunity Organisation, Sustainability and Development 2023-24BUS9028MLevel 72023-24This module aims to introduce students to a range of non-traditional business models and to challenge established expectations and norms about business ethics, motivations, value-systems and practices. The module presents the notion that enterprises can operate due to motives other than profit-maximisation and that Social Purpose Organisations can exist to fulfil social functions using business models to create an alternative basis for sustainability and development. Students are challenged to think critically about these forms of organisation and their impact on societies (positive and negative). Students are also challenged to consider how issues such as performance management can translate into the operations of community enterprises.OptionalDigital Marketing 2023-24MKT9118MLevel 72023-24This module provides the opportunity to explore how the increasing pressures and opportunities created by new media formats and electronic communication tools are shaping marketing strategy. The module covers themes such as social media marketing, mobile marketing, data analytics, and digital marketing campaigns.OptionalEvent Design and Implementation 2023-24TOU9153MLevel 72023-24This module gives students the chance to develop the core competencies associated with event design and implementation. In addition to providing students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of the theory of event design and management, it also involves event practice. Students are expected to design, host, and evaluate a live event.OptionalGlobal Procurement and Supply Strategy 2023-24LOG9705MLevel 72023-24In order to ensure organisational success, we must seek to manage relationships with upstream and downstream suppliers and customers to deliver increased customer value at less cost to the supply chain overall. It is often argued that an organisation is only as a good as its supply chain and that the global supply chain can be a key source of competitive advantage. In the age of globalisation, many organisations are only as good as their global supply chains. Global supply chains give the organisation access to strategic resources and enable them to compete in global markets. Procurement and Supply Chain Management as a discipline has changed considerably in many companies and organisations in the recent past. Considering the amount of money generally involved in the preparation and execution of procurement and supply decisions, this is not a surprise and it has been argued that an effective and efficient operating purchasing and supply function can make an important contribution to company results and also add significant value. Traditionally, the procurement department has acted as the intermediary which negotiates the agreements and contracts with suppliers and subsequently monitors their compliance to those agreements. However, this traditional role is changing rapidly and procurement and supply chain managers are assuming more strategic roles within organisations, focused on achieving better performance from suppliers though approaches such as more active management of supplier relationships.OptionalInternational Entrepreneurship 2023-24BUS9024MLevel 72023-24Entrepreneurship is an essential skillset in the development at global level of new and existing businesses, social enterprises, and more broadly societies and their economies. Enterprise is defined as the application of creative ideas and innovations to practical situations, combining creativity, ideas development, and problem-solving with expression, communication, and practical action. Entrepreneurship is the application of enterprise skills to creating and growing organisations in an international context in order to identify and build on opportunities. This module draws on the latest UK QAA Guidance on Enterprise and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education and aims to develop, at an international level, enterprise awareness, an entrepreneurial mindset, and entrepreneurial capability, which can lead to entrepreneurial effectiveness which can be applied in a range of contexts.Optional

How you are assessed

The programme is assessed through a combination of traditional coursework and creative assignments such as portfolios and mood boards. Presentations and experiential assessments are used to help develop practical skills and enhance employability prospects.

The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly usually within 15 working days of the submission date.

Fees and Funding

For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.

Programme Fees

Programme-Specific Additional Costs

For each course students may find that there are additional costs. These may be with regard to the specific clothing, materials or equipment required, depending on the course. Some courses provide opportunities for students to undertake field work or field trips. Where these are compulsory, the cost for the travel, accommodation and your meals may be covered by the University and so is included in the fee. Where these are optional students will normally (unless stated otherwise) be required to pay their own transportation, accommodation, and meal costs.

With regards to text books, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that students are required to read. However, students may prefer to purchase some of these for themselves and in this case will be responsible for the cost.

Entry Requirements 2023-24

Honours degree or equivalent.

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/ . These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

Industry Expertise

Lincoln International Business School has an experienced team of staff, which is made up of academically and professionally qualified lecturers with relevant industrial experience and finance experts with wide research interests.

The Business School hosts a series of visiting speakers each year. As part of the School, students will have the opportunity to learn from industry experts. Previous speakers have included representatives from organisations such as Deloitte, Santander, HSBC, Innocent, The Institute of Internal Auditors and Sir David Tweedie (ex-Chairman of the IASB).

Students will also have the chance to build their skills and knowledge further with extra-curricular activities such as joining a society, volunteering, or becoming a Student Ambassador.

Fashion Management Online Showcase

As part of MSc Fashion Management final assessment, students are tasked with putting together a live fashion show using designs from third year BA (Hons) Fashion students.

However, as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw the live show cancelled, the students opted instead to continue to promote the students' work with an online showcase using social media.

Watch a summary of the digital promotion produced by MSc Fashion Management students.

Broaden Your Horizons

Lincoln International Business School students can expand their horizons, visit our partner universities, and see international business in action by joining funded international trips to exciting overseas destinations. Places are awarded competitively to eligible students each academic year.

Find out more about our funded field trip places for students.

Career and Personal Development

From fashion buyer to trend analyst, a career in fashion management can be stimulating and rewarding. Employability is embedded in all fashion-specific modules so that students are equipped with the skills needed to develop their own brands and business ideas or secure a role in the highly competitive fashion industry. Graduates have gone on to work in roles including brand management, managing director, brand ownership, sustainable consultant, and brand consultancy.

The University Careers and Employability Team offers qualified advisors who can work with you to provide tailored, individual support and careers advice during your time at the University. As a member of our alumni we also offer one-to-one support in the first year after completing your course, including access to events, vacancy information and website resources; with access to online vacancies and virtual and website resources for the following two years.

Working in Partnership

Lincoln International Business School works with students and organisations to enhance the contribution of business to society. For students, that means developing their business skills and knowledge to improve their career readiness.

The University of Lincoln is a member of AACSB, a global nonprofit association connecting educators, students, and businesses to achieve a common goal: to create the next generation of great leaders. Find out more.

Postgraduate Events

Find out more about how postgraduate study can help further your career, develop your knowledge, or even prepare you to start your own business at one of our postgraduate events.

Find out More

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Key Information

MSc Fashion Management