Manchester Sunderland

(Hons) Fashion Management and Strategy with Foundation Year

This degree combines business education with fashion industry knowledge, designed for ethical, innovative and industry-ready leaders for the global fashion and lifestyle sectors.

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This route can be pursued with Student Finance when you meet the official criteria.

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Course Description

This programme combines business education with fashion industry knowledge, designed for ethical, innovative and industry-ready leaders for the global fashion and lifestyle sectors. The course features a values-based approach emphasizing ethics and sustainability, live industry briefs and interdisciplinary collaboration, an optional placement year, career planning support, and problem-based, project-led learning. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops, studio-based learning, digital resources via Canvas and Microsoft Teams, with emphasis on collaboration and applied problem-solving. Assessment is through illustrated reports and digital portfolios, presentations and professional pitches, live brief project outcomes, and reflective and evaluative written work.

What You'll Learn

Values-based approach emphasizing ethics and sustainability in fashion

Dual accredited with Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

Live industry briefs and interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities

Optional placement year for real-world experience

Problem-based, project-led learning with career planning support

Course Structure

Foundation Year
  • Creative Challenge: Identity, Environment, Community (40 credits)
  • Creative Challenge: Systems, Story and Change (40 credits)
  • Final Major Project (40 credits)
Year 1
  • Social Media Marketing and Management (40 credits)
  • The Fashion System (40 credits)
  • Consumer Insights (20 credits)
  • Business Finance (20 credits)
Year 2
  • Sustainable Fashion Management (40 credits)
  • Live Brief (40 credits)
  • Career Planning (20 credits)
  • Fashion Merchandising (20 credits)
Year 3
  • Major Project Proposal (40 credits)
  • Major Project Production (40 credits)
  • Major Project Evaluation and Portfolio (40 credits)

Entry Requirements

Academic Route

  • Minimum two A-Levels at grade DD or equivalent
  • BTEC qualification or T Level Pass
  • Minimum 48 UCAS points
  • Access to HE Diploma

Non-Academic Route

  • Pass Prepare For Foundation assessment day
  • Minimum 2 years post-GCSE study

Mature Students (21+)

  • Standard admission with possible interview
  • Relevant experience considered

Don't have A-levels? No problem.

We accept equivalent European qualifications: Diploma de Bacalaureat (Romania), Matura (Poland), Abitur (Germany), Baccalaureat (France), and more. Career changers and mature students with relevant UK work experience are also welcome.

Job Prospects

This degree prepares graduates for leadership, entrepreneurship, postgraduate study and management roles across the fashion and creative industries. The combination of business education, fashion industry knowledge, and CMI accreditation makes you highly competitive in today's fashion sector. Possible career paths include: Fashion Brand Manager, Sustainability Manager, Fashion Buyer, Merchandising Manager, Fashion Marketing Manager, Retail Operations Manager, Fashion Entrepreneur, Creative Director.

Tuition Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

Foundation Year: £5,760. Years 1 to 3: £9,535 per year

Total available per year

up to £23,297

Tuition £9,535 + Maintenance up to £13,762. You pay nothing upfront.

Don't worry about fees. Your advisor will check your eligibility and help you apply for full funding, including any additional grants you may qualify for.

Estimate your funding →

Career Prospects

Graduates go on to work in high-demand roles across the UK:

Fashion Brand Manager £30-50k
Fashion Buyer £28-48k
Visual Merchandiser £24-38k
Retail Operations Manager £30-50k
Fashion Marketing Manager £30-52k
E-commerce Manager £30-50k
Fashion PR/Communications £26-42k
Fashion Entrepreneur £variable

Salary ranges are indicative based on UK market data. Actual salaries depend on location, experience, and employer.

How You'll Learn

CMI dual accreditation - eligible graduates receive CMI Awards. Live briefs, interdisciplinary collaboration, and engagement with the Arts University Bournemouth Industry Patron Scheme. Optional placement year between Level 5 and 6. Problem-based, project-led learning approach.

Assessment Methods

Illustrated reports and digital portfolios, presentations and professional pitches, live brief project outcomes, and reflective and evaluative written work. No traditional exams.

Schedule

Full-time: weekdays and evenings. Digital resources via Canvas and Microsoft Teams. Multiple intake dates available.

Admissions Interview

Most courses include a short, friendly admissions interview. Before your interview, your UniStart advisor will send you a personalised preparation pack - including a written guide and a video walkthrough - created by our admissions experts specifically for your course.

Students who use our preparation pack have up to a 94% success rate.

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Frequently Asked

Is funding really 100% covered?
Yes, eligible students can receive full funding covering tuition fees and living costs through Student Finance England.
How long does the application take?
Most applications can be completed in 15-30 minutes using our streamlined process and expert guidance.
Can I study part-time?
Many courses offer flexible study options including part-time, evening, and weekend classes to fit your schedule.
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