MSc International Fashion Retailing / Course details

Year of entry: 2024

Course description

The International Fashion Retailing programme is one of three MSc Fashion Business programmes. Depending on your career aspirations and personal interests, we recommend that you also consider our MSc in International Fashion Marketing and our MSc in International Fashion Retailing (Entrepreneurship and Innovation).

On all these courses you will develop your skills for research, critical thinking, analysis, problem solving and effective communication in the context of fashion business.

International Fashion Marketing is a good option if you are interested in advertising, promotions, brand management and any other aspect of marketing. In contrast, International Fashion Retailing focuses more on retail, sales, and operations management. The further option is International Fashion Retailing (Entrepreneurship and Innovation) which is similar to International Fashion Retailing but emphasises how change and innovation can be managed within organisations and is also designed for those who wish to start their own business.  Please note: you should only apply for one of these Fashion courses.

The International Fashion Retailing master's course aims to equip the global fashion-retail managers of the future with skills in omni-channel retailing, technology and international business strategy. You will be joining a community of creative innovators who want to challenge their potential and make an impact on the fashion world.

The course focuses on the international scope of fashion business, discovering and understanding new emerging trends that impact upon fashion retail with a focus on real-world issues, such as sustainability, digital and globalisation. You will learn the managerial and subject know-how to enable you to innovate and create original and attractive products and services for an increasingly competitive international market. You will explore the evolution of retail from traditional 'bricks and mortar' stores through to the contemporary omni-channel strategy, and examine growth strategies and innovation in the global fashion and retail industry, including the potential of the metaverse.

The wide range of industry-relevant themes provide you with the opportunity to learn from insider experience including gaining an in-depth understanding of the fashion consumer and fashion retail channels to market.

This course is suitable for students from most academic backgrounds and equips graduates with the necessary management skills vital for a career in the fast-paced world of international fashion retailing.

Aims

The course aims to:

  • Equip students with the knowledge, understanding and skills to enable graduates to take a leading role in the continued success of fashion businesses by addressing the challenges facing the fashion industry.
  • Provide in-depth understanding of fashion retail channels to market focusing on the evolution of retail from traditional 'bricks and mortar' stores through to the contemporary omni-channel strategy, focusing on growth strategies and innovation in the fashion and retail industry.
  • Develop students' capacity for critical thinking and ability to present sound, well justified arguments and solutions to complex problems, recognising the interconnected nature of fashion business practice.
  • Enable students to explore new insights in areas such as sustainable development and strategic management of fashion businesses by drawing on the world-class research, teaching and practical experience of the Department of Materials, together with our excellent links to the industry.
  • Provide an intellectually challenging and stimulating learning environment, involving both independent and collaborative online learning activities.
  • Support employability in the fashion industry, with a strong focus on developing commercial awareness and a wider understanding of global citizenship.

Teaching and learning

The courses are campus-based and are delivered through a blended, flexible model. Students study a mixture of predominantly in-person, con-campus activities, lectures and classes, and recorded video content and other materials from lecturers.

Find out more by visiting the postgraduate teaching and learning page.

Coursework and assessment

We will assess your progress using:

  • written reports
  • oral presentations
  • examinations
  • dissertation project
.

Course unit list

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Fashion Consumer Behaviour MATS61411 20 Mandatory
International Fashion Retail MATS61431 20 Mandatory
Research Methods MATS61441 20 Mandatory
Contemporary Issues in Fashion and Textiles MATS61452 20 Mandatory
Strategic Retail Management MATS61462 20 Mandatory
Omnichannel Retailing MATS61482 20 Mandatory
Dissertation MATS65000 60 Mandatory

Additional fee information

Additional fee information

If you are made an offer, in order to confirm your place you will be required to make a deposit payment of £1,000 on or before the deadline date stated in your offer letter.

We ask for the deposit as competition for places is high and there is limited availability. The deposit amount is then deducted from your tuition fees when you register on the course.

Once we receive your payment, your place on the course will be confirmed.

The deposit is non-refundable, except in the following situations:

  • You fail to meet the conditions of your offer
  • You are refused a visa or entry clearance to enter the UK
  • Your application for government funding has been unsuccessful

Evidence must be provided before a refund will be processed under any of the circumstances above.

If your offer specifies an English Language condition which you subsequently do not meet, the Admissions Team will require the official certificate of an English Language test taken after the date of the offer as evidence that you have attempted to meet your offer conditions. The English language test certificate provided with your application documents is not accepted as proof that you have attempted to meet your offer conditions as it will pre-date the offer.

If your offer specifies an academic condition, the Admissions Team will require official university documentation as evidence that you have not met the condition from the institution at which you studied.

Scholarships and bursaries

Across our institution, we offer a number of postgraduate taught scholarships and awards to outstanding UK and international students each year.

The University of Manchester is committed to widening participation in master's study, and allocates £300,000 in funding each year. Our Manchester Masters Bursaries are aimed at widening access to master's courses by removing barriers to postgraduate education for students from underrepresented groups.

For more information, see the Department of Materials Fees and funding page or visit the University of Manchester funding for master's courses website for more information.

If you are a sponsored student please check the requirements of your sponsorship before registering on a course. If you require further information please contact the Department.

Facilities

The Department of Materials has moved to a brand new, state-of-the-art building, designed to transform the way our students study, research and shape the world. Our new Home for Engineering and Materials boasts a range of teaching spaces, laboratories, lecture theatres, multi-purpose study areas and social spaces.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk