Fashion Buying and Merchandising Management

This module will critically examine the processes implicit in developing and planning a commercial fashion range for a specific market, in the context of a highly competitive and complex fashion trading environment. By exploring the New Product Development Process, market and trend research, textile innovation and the global supply system from different value and brand perspectives, students will build a detailed operational knowledge of the importance of buying and merchandising in the fashion industry.  

This module exposes students to the concepts and theories of branding and the relationship between brands, consumers and culture. It focuses on brands’ marketing and design related strategies to communicate and connect with consumers within mainstream and niche cultures.

In this module, students will identify and define their own individual research specialisms, through exposure and debate around contemporary issues critical to the fashion industry. The module introduces research, critical analysis and academic writing skills required for developing students’ ability to produce outputs at appropriate postgraduate level whilst developing enhanced decision-making skills and professionalism.   

This module will explore strategies for developing agile, responsive and commercially viable apparel supply chains. Students will develop a detailed understanding of global sourcing regions, methodologies and regulatory frameworks. By critically evaluating current supply models, students will question existing practices - considering transition and implementation toward responsible business practice that balances commercial advantage whilst establishing resilient sustainable supply.

Students will propose, negotiate and produce a substantial piece of original project work in an appropriate professional format. The work will demonstrate the culmination of the knowledge and skills developed during the first two terms of study. Rigorous research, commercial awareness, intellectual maturity and technical accomplishment within the synthesis of the work will provide insights into the students chosen specialisms that contribute to the research and knowledge exchange in their subject domain. Support will be provided through individual supervision.