About this course
Develop essential career skills and industry knowledge on this master’s degree in Fashion Marketing and Branding course at the University of Southampton. You’ll gain in-depth understanding of the modern fashion world and learn from our academics’ research excellence and knowledge of the sector. You’ll be based in an art school, so you can put your skills into practice through collaborative projects with fashion design students.
This UK master’s course is ideal if you’re a business, management or marketing graduate who wants to specialise in fashion. It’s also a great opportunity if you’ve studied a creative subject and want to build your business skills. If you’re already working in the industry it could help you gain new specialisms to advance your career.
On this MA you’ll develop knowledge of issues and trends in the modern fashion world such as:
- globalisation
- technological advances
- fast fashion
- sustainability
Our professional links and proximity to London mean you’ll benefit from industry exposure right from the start, with guest lecturers from famous brands and study visits to London fashion events.
Optional modules allow you to personalise your course to suit your interests or career ambitions. An individual project and report will give you the chance to demonstrate your research skills and industry insights.
We place a strong emphasis on employability, with lectures and workshops aimed at helping you move into your chosen job role. After completing this course you’ll be in the perfect position to enter the global fashion marketing and branding industry, or follow your research interests at PhD level.
Our graduates have gone on to careers with major high-street brands, in journalism, and in international advertising.
Course lead
Your course leader is Mike Bastin. His research focuses on the cultural, social and personal influences of fashion brand consumption. Read Mr Bastin’s staff profile to find out more about his work.
Course location
This course is based at Winchester.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
You'll need a 2:2 degree in a relevant subject, such as fashion, marketing, PR or communications.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Recognition of professional experience
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
This is a full-time 1-year master's course.
The taught part is split into 2 semesters, and is made up of 7 modules, 1 of which you’ll choose from a range of options.
In the last 12 weeks of the course you’ll work on your final project.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2022-23
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
On this module you will acquire knowledge of key fashion marketing and branding principles and academic theories that will enable you to gain advanced understanding into fashion brand consumer behaviour and fashion marketing and branding strategies. On a ...
This module addresses key theories and models in relation to strategic marketing practices for fashion brands. The module seeks to inform your thinking in relation to the challenges of leading and managing creativity in global contexts and the macro and m...
On this module you will develop an advanced insight into key issues and trends facing the fashion industry and fashion consumers. Your learning will, at all times throughout this module, be led by the latest fashion industry developments and fashion consu...
On this module you will draw on ALL the skills and knowledge gained throughout semesters 1 and 2. You will determine a suitably current and important fashion marketing and branding issue or trend and you will then carry out thorough, investigative researc...
This module is one of the compulsory modules taken by all students in the creative management programmes at WSA. While the learning outcomes are the same across programmes, the content will be delivered with reference to your subject specialism and your...
This module is one of the compulsory modules on your programme that provide you with a deeper engagement with the academic and professional skills to support the preparation of your Final Project work. The module encourages you to engage directly with...
You must also choose from the following modules:
The module been designed for the purpose of promoting and developing creative thinking and problem solving (CTPS) skills and addresses the need for individuals and teams who can ‘think outside the box’, and apply fresh thinking to practical, ‘real world’ ...
Digital Cultures is an elective module covering a broad range of topics relating to the encounter with digital environments, audiovisual content and the aesthetics and politics of media technologies in historical and contemporary contexts. This module int...
The module enables you to recognise entrepreneurial traits and behaviours and apply elements of these to the real world. With a strong orientation towards the future, realised through forecasting in both finance and marketing, the module will provide ...
The consideration of what publishing actual means today remains a relevant question for any creative practitioner. Over the past few years we have seen a huge rise in self-publishing, print on-demand services, tweeting and social media, from post-digital ...
The module provides thematic examples of the theories and practices of visual presentation and display explored through interdisciplinary and critical contexts appropriate to the MA pathways. It offers a number of critical “tools”, enhanced through refere...
The module seeks to advance your knowledge on key issues of globalization and changes to marketing approaches that have taken place due to internationalisation.. The module situates the concepts and terminology of global marketing in a range of different ...
This module addresses critical perspectives in relation to sustainability and its impact in art, design and the creative industries. The module seeks to inform your thinking in relation to sustainability issues, be they environmental, social or economic, ...
We live in a world that is saturated by images, from the far reaches of space to the sub-atomic level and just about everything in between. Images seem to have a special power in our lives, playing a part in the constructions of who and what we are and t...
Learning and assessment
Learning
You’ll learn through a combination of:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- independent study
- group exercises
- guest lectures
- study visits
Assessment
Assessment methods will vary according to your choice of modules, but could include:
- individual and group presentations
- essays
- reports
- final project
- digital and visual assignments
You'll complete a final project that puts the research and analytical skills you’ve developed into practice. You might choose to look at a practical issue affecting a real organisation, including your own company, or undertake a more general academic study on a relevant topic.
At the end of the project, you’ll write a report – including a series of recommendations – intended to demonstrate your powers of critical analysis and original thinking.
Previous final projects have looked at:
- celebrity endorsement
- the influence of social media on fashion consumers
- brand strategy across cultures
- ethical issues in fashion
You’ll be allocated a personal supervisor for support and guidance throughout your final project.
Academic Support
We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.
Careers
With this degree you’ll be in an excellent position to enter the global fashion marketing and branding industry. Potential roles include:
- brand manager
- marketing communications manager
- journalist
- forecaster
- analyst
- marketing consultant
- entrepreneur
- merchandiser
Our graduates have gone on to a variety of careers, including merchandising at Next, fashion journalism, and working for an international advertising agency in Shanghai.
You'll also be in an ideal position to pursue a research career at PhD level.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £23,000.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Make sure we receive your application at least 4 weeks before the start of the course. This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available.
International students
Make sure we receive your application at least 6 weeks before the start of the course.
This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available. It will also give you time to apply for a visa if we offer you a place.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, or if you're applying for a PGCE course via UCAS, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll aim to get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
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