International Fashion Business

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.

Learning 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 week
• Tutorial - 10-20 students per group, 3 hours per week
• Practical class or workshop - 10-20 students per group, 4 hours per week
• Independent Study - 30 hours per week
• Placement / Work Based Learning - Individual, 80 (minimum) over a 4 week period

How 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:

• 6 reports
• 1 dissertation
• 2 portfolios
• 2 project outputs
• 2 oral assessments

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.

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.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology 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.

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.

Job 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:

• Content Manager for Amazon in London
• PR and Events Assistant for Michael Kors in Italy
• Merchandiser for Gucci Group in Hong Kong
• Merchandiser at ASOS in London
• Buyer at Lifestyle Sports in Ireland

What is needed for an MSc in International Fashion Business?

• Applicants normally hold a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or its equivalent in any subject area.
• Applicants with a lower degree classification and / or relevant work experience will be considered on a case by case basis.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.

International Students

International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.

Additional Costs

• £50-£80 dissertation print costs