International Fashion Business BA (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
A students fashion photography book open with a ring binder

This course aims to produce future business professionals with a broad understanding of fashion, who innovate and collaborate to drive the global fashion industry forward with a new, responsible directive.

Year of entry

2023-24

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

Course code

W23B

Start date

September 2023

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
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Course overview

This course is designed to appeal to students that are passionate about the global fashion business and are looking to explore and develop creative and intellectual skills needed to enter the dynamic fashion industry.

  • The course nurtures individual creativity, business acumen and future employability aspirations/goals.
  • Learn about the role that fashion brands play not only in world economies (and in particular emerging markets) but also the importance of applying ethics and sustainability in a global fashion industry.
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Global Ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities
human silhouette teaching in front of a blackdoard

Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
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Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

  • The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing our BA (Hons) Fashion, Brand and Communication and BA (Hons) Fashion courses, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.
  • The BA (Hons) International Fashion Business course is a hands-on, creative course. Fashion theory and Business Studies are embedded throughout module activities, whilst work you undertake is creative in its content and approach. Students on this course are able to apply sound knowledge of Fashion Business in a practical, applied manner; setting them apart from their counterparts.
  • You will benefit from being able to access the industry standard facilities in the newly refurbished Art & Design buildings, planned to open in 2023. You will also benefit from access to industry appropriate software to ensure you develop skills relevant to graduate roles within Fashion Business4.
  • Beyond the shared first year, collaboration is key throughout this course. You will be encouraged to work alongside peers in other subject areas as well as external practitioners and organisations to experience real world challenges and propose real, viable solutions2.
  • This course, along with others in the suite of Fashion courses is highly internationally focused. You benefit from a wealth of international experience established by the course founders; who are passionate about ensuring global collaboration and industry readiness and who seek opportunities to develop solid international awareness and experience where possible. Themes included within course modules embrace this global approach and you are encouraged to consider diverse perspectives and references from the start of the course.

What you'll study

This course has a common first year.

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn. 

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first year courses

  • Fashion BA (Hons)
  • Fashion Brand and Communication BA (Hons)
  • International Fashion Business BA (Hons)

In the first year, the curriculum is shared across related courses allowing you to gain a broad grounding in the discipline before going on, in the second and third years, to specialist modules in your chosen field.

Modules

  • This module introduces you to the processes and approaches to learning that you’ll apply throughout your studies. As part of this introduction, you will be guided through the University support network and introduced to systems and teams which will accompany your learning journey.

    This experience will be contextualised by an introduction to the fashion industry and a range of specialisms, stakeholders, communities of practice and opportunities in the evolving sector. You will also be introduced to a range of key concepts and theories relating to the changing sector with particular reference to inclusivity, sustainability, ethical and technological practices.

    Compulsory

  • This module will provide you with the opportunity to gain professional experience and reflect on your personal, professional and learning development. You will consider subject-specific skills, as well as professional skills and independent progress during the module. You will be challenged with different tasks and activities to develop your practice and will consider links between your experience and what you are learning about the fashion industry. This module encourages you to become professional, independent practitioners, and provides opportunity to work as part of a team, to network and collaborate. You may have the opportunity to undertake an internship with a second or final-year student, an industry collaborator or work as part of a student group recording, analysing and reflecting on their experiences2.

    Compulsory

  • This module will offer you an opportunity to develop experimental fashion artefacts in their broadest definition. You will explore a range of technologies and will investigate innovative practices within the fashion industry. Through hands on technical experimentation and application, you will work to develop bold and original pieces which reflect your industry at its most exploratory, as well as the future demands of the consumer / user. You will be supported in the production of a body of work suitable for portfolio presentation, articulating your ideas appropriately to the fashion industry standards.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to enable you to develop innovative and sustainable fashion products for tomorrow’s global consumer. This involves developing your critical understanding of the constantly changing political, economic and social environments and how these impact on consumer behaviours and practitioner responsibilities. You should learn how to identify consumer trends in a shifting landscape to satisfy the demands of the consumer of the future.

    Compulsory

  • This module requires you to develop innovative responses to a series of ethical and sustainable themes, these could be ‘live’ projects or competitions. You should consider the wider context for your approach to problem solving, how your decisions will impact stakeholders, from producers through to the market. The challenge is to develop Fashion outcomes that are desirable whilst ethical and sustainable.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to enable you to develop an understanding of fashion process from the perspective of your specialist subject area. You will investigate successful sustainable brands within the marketplace and produce visual research demonstrating an understanding of brand values, ethics, target markets and customer profiles. You will be introduced to trends in innovation and cultural diversity and their relationship to global product development, you will be expected to develop fashion outcomes for a given season. By the end of the module, you should evidence an understanding of the role of branding in the production of fashion outcomes and the impact of trends on the fashion industry.

    Compulsory

In year two, you will continue to develop the skills and knowledge you’ve learned. We do this by embedding the following four principles into the curriculum and developing your:

  • Technical skills – digital fluency, backed with the right academic knowledge.
  • Study skills – to be an adaptive, independent and proactive learner.
  • Professional skills – to have the behaviour and abilities to succeed in your career.
  • Global awareness – the beliefs and abilities to be a resilient, confident and motivated global citizen.

You will develop more advanced knowledge and skills to do with: brand engagement, the global marketplace, and the international buying cycle, amongst others.

Modules

  • The aim of this module is to provide you with an overview of the global marketplace and an insight into how to identify new opportunities within emerging markets in order to develop your entrepreneurial skills. You will respond to and harness the challenges faced by managers and marketing professionals when considering ventures into potential new markets. You will have the potential to implement innovative business concepts to positively impact the industries of the future.

    This module covers global trend traditions and transformative strategies, that challenge you to identify new opportunities and develop sustainable business concepts, that foster unique selling points to give you a competitive advantage.

    Compulsory

  • The fashion industry is embracing all things digital in order to provide meaningful customer experience and brand engagement. This module examines the fast-paced changes of the next decade and the new age of digital, which is causing the push for frictionless “phygital” experiences that maximise both the digital and physical elements within the marketplace.

    You will look at blended super societies and radical resets that are driving exponential change in the way consumers interact with brands and products.

    Compulsory

  • The module focuses on planning ahead and considering career and personal ambitions. You should identify and explore your preferred area of the industry and formulate aims for your own future. You are expected to evidence awareness of steps required to achieve your aims; this should include reference to opportunities offered within the course (including placement, and / or study abroad options2) as well as extra-curricular prospects to improve your professional outlook.

    Compulsory

  • In an increasingly digitally-sophisticated and digitally-demanding society, strategically communicated global campaigns are crucial to successful fashion businesses; future fashion brands increasingly use social media to market their products to consumer groups from Generation Y through to Gen Alpha. Digital marketing spans the globe and tomorrow’s digital brands, and entrepreneurs will not be held back by physical location. This module aims to develop your critical and creative practice in the field of global campaign communication through the integration of theory and practice. You will analyse marketing, advertising and branding campaign case studies, and strategic pre-production promotion in order to engage with ‘live project’ networking, digital campaign launches and online marketing strategies.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to explain how the pandemic has shifted consumer perspectives and expectations, product origin, societal and corporate responsibility. As the concept of circularity meets digital, the future success of a business will be dependent on the practices it incorporates; with an emphasized focus on traceability and transparency, sourcing and manufacturing; unethically and unsustainable process will become a thing of the past, with corporate resets and shifts becoming the norm for companies to compete within the marketplace. You will analyse how innovation and technology are changing traditional views on how to build a sustainable supply chain, focusing on farming practices, right the way through to designing out waste. You will be challenged to rethink the traditional value chain system and address the product lifecycle with the aim of reducing the environmental footprint.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to introduce you to existing models of the international buying cycle, sourcing routes and production management. It considers how these have evolved over the last 20 years in constantly changing political, economic and social environments that have forced companies to shift sourcing and production around the globe in order to remain viable businesses. You will reflect on the importance of supply-chain management and logistics within the fashion industry, an area very often overlooked by designers who focus on trend, product and the consumer.

    Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

  • This module2 provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

    Optional

  • This module2 provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

    Optional

Year three aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from Year one and two.

Modules

  • Future fashion business graduates will need to have a broad understanding of the world around them, cultivating innovation and collaborative approaches, to the industry forward with a new responsible directive. This module requires forward thinking in the development and communication of ideas building upon your previous years of study, and or a professional/ international experience2 to enhance your confidence in decision making, project management and delivery. You will respond to an industry-linked brief and will be encouraged to network on a global, national and local community scale to produce innovative and creative outcome to projects.

    Compulsory

  • In this module you will consider the concept of Personal Branding and will use skills developed in previous modules to enable you to present yourself to the Fashion Industry as International Fashion Business Graduates. Self-branding is essential in the digital creative age, and you will consider personal branding as a holistic package that represents you as an individual. You will produce traditional promotional items such as CV’s and business cards, and will look at technological developments within Fashion recruitment, marketing and business to develop a consistent online presence and social media personality, that communicates your style, ethics, skills, potential and personality.

    Compulsory

  • This module offers you the opportunity to appraise your individual strengths and abilities in preparation for your Future Fashion Project graduation showcase. You will be expected to engage with and apply strategic thinking and problem-solving skills learned in previous modules to activate your full potential in preparation for your final project. You will be encouraged to build on previous experience and focus on an area of creative business development appropriate to your career intentions and suitable for any future fashion-related employer, business or self-employment practice.

    Compulsory

  • This triple module offers you the opportunity through negotiation with staff and mentors from the fashion industry, where appropriate, to select a suitable format in which to produce a portfolio of work demonstrating your professional potential. You will be required to identify, research and define independently your areas of interest relevant to the global and contemporary fashion arenas. You will be expected to evidence your engagement with business and your understanding of the needs, desires and demands of the marketplace. You may choose to exhibit your work in the form of a business launch, fashion event, public relations campaign or other negotiated forms of presentation. You may also select to work within a professional environment. You will be encouraged to work with independence, initiative and confidence in preparation for graduation and employment. You will be expected to apply business skills, organisational skills and independent critical thinking.

    Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

The School of Art and Design’s teaching and learning mirrors the needs of the Creative Industries ensuring that our graduates are equipped with the skills and attributes to become industry specialists, leaders and innovators to drive social responsibility and design global change.

Our studio and workshop culture seeks to you are socially responsible in our creative community and develop critical thinking in research and ‘make’ processes. Our global initiatives aim to give you skills to become collaborative communicators and make you culturally competent in the ever-changing world of Art or Design.

As the creative arena is an ever-evolving space, being curious and adaptable learners is key to our school’s graduates. You will learn how to recognise your strengths and learning needs, how to self-reflect and grow. You will identify your personal development and drive your projects for ambitious career aspirations.

Teaching contact hours

We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which can include:

  • On campus lectures, seminars and workshops
  • Group work
  • Self-directed learning
  • Work placement opportunities2.

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 12 contact hours per week in the first and second year dropping to around 10-12 contact hours per week in the third and final year as you become a more independent learner.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 15 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

Part of university life is undertaking self-directed learning. During a typical week you will have time that allows you to work independently to apply the skills and knowledge you have learnt in taught or facilitated sessions to your projects or assignment briefs. This self-directed learning allows you to use your research skills, consolidate your knowledge or undertake collaborative group work.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2023/2024 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

You will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending upon the module. In the School of Art & Design we design our assessment methods to replicate the creative industry ways of working. This ensures that you have the chance to learn skills for future career opportunities.

Assessment methods may include reports, practical coursework and presentations as part of individual assignments or group work elements.

International experience opportunities

Throughout the course a range of optional study visits will be offered. Past visits undertaken by courses within the Fashion suite have included Paris - to attend Premiere Vision (the World’s Premiere Textile Trade Fair), Berlin to attend Fashion Week and London to attend leading fashion exhibitions. Visits have also been arranged for students to undertake location fashion shoots and have included London, Bristol, The Yorkshire Sculpture Park and Weston-super-Mare2.

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements are therefore not guaranteed2.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

Requirement What we're looking for
A level BBC
GCSE Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 4 / C or above including English
BTEC DMM
IB Diploma 29 points
Access to HE The Access to HE Diploma. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with a foundation year. We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Portfolio

You may be required to attend a portfolio showcase, activity session or audition or submit a portfolio via email (as is appropriate to your course), either virtually or face to face, as is practical to arrange. Invites for these sessions will be sent directly to your contact email.

Each application will be considered on its merits.

Are you eligible for the Fair Access Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background. Find out more about our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international foundation year. Upon successful completion our International Foundation Year - Art, Design and Media will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this undergraduate degree.

Portfolio

You will be required to submit a portfolio via email or alternatively attend a showcase activity session or audition (as is appropriate for your course) which can be virtual or face to face, as is practical to arrange. Invites to send in your portfolio or attend these sessions will be sent directly to your contact email.

Each application will be considered on its merits.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

2023/24 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK £9,250 per year Not available
International £19,850 per year Not available

If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad)

Other additional costs

  • Any optional specialist supplies, such as materials, or equipment not supplied by the course.

  • We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

    If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

The Faculty of Arts and Humanities is joining two of our school’s completely refurbished Art and Design buildings and adding a range of new facilities4. These will include a hyper studio designed for cross-disciplinary projects; immersive studios with cutting-edge virtual reality and mixed-reality technologies. Our aim is to offer you sector-leading facilities in a unique environment. Our refurbished facilities are planned to open in 2023.

Our current digital and industrial workshops are of industry-standard quality and house 3D rapid prototyping, laser cutters and milling machines. These facilities are available to all students on our courses at no extra cost.

Student in fashion studio, working with fabric.

Fashion studios

You will have access all kinds of industry-grade equipment for a range of textiles: from laser cutting, digital embroidery, sonic wielding and screen printing, to manufacturing tools for accessories, embroidery and garments.

Student with model of car.

Digital Design Workshop

Realise digital designs by using our range of milling machines, rapid prototyping and laser cutting machines.

Faculty arts humanities new building illustration

Arts and Humanities Building

We are currently in the process of a major redevelopment of our Faculty of Arts and Humanities buildings. The building will be open to the public, as well as students, and will feature an expansive gallery space.

Careers and opportunities

Employability and graduate skills are of paramount importance throughout the industry focused course. The course has been developed with graduate goals and destinations in mind, beyond undergraduate academic success; therefore, modules at all levels are written to ensure students are graduate, and industry ready.

The course has been developed by staff with substantial industry experience and connections, which helps to ensure the content remains up to date and relevant to the needs of the changing (and ever widening) fashion industry. (Staff is subject to change).

Level 5, your Marketing Futures module directly prepares you to apply for industry placements of interest, and to prepare for post- 2nd year plans.

The optional sandwich year is a real, focused opportunity to gain industry experience and helps refine your graduate goals and ensure a clear direction for your return to studies2.

Level 6, through the Disruptive Futures module you’ll realise an industry facing promotional package demonstrating your employability.

The suite of Fashion courses at Coventry University are geographically located in the golden fashion triangle of the UK. Home to the design hubs of the giant fashion retailers including, George, Next, Sainsbury’s TU, Morrisons Nutmeg, Murray and a plethora of independent fashion brands including Bottle Blonde, Alien Cow, Rosie Billington, Lumpy Coffee, (all Coventry University Fashion graduate start-ups) this course is well placed to offer students and graduates accessible and regional industry experiences, as well as international opportunities2.

Where our graduates work

Previous alumni from our suite of fashion courses have undertaken placements at companies including Francesca Casrellano, MR MARVIS, Ralph Lauren, Common Objective, BStyle Studio, Adidas, Karl Lagerfeld, Sainsbury’s TU, The Future Laboratory, Calvin Klein, POP Magazine, Vogue, Iris Van Herpen, WGSN, Bottle Blonde, among others.

How to apply

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University. 

    1Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

    2UK and international opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

    3Tuition fees

    The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For Home Students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

    For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

    4Facilities

    Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The 2023/24 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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