MSc International Fashion Retailing (Entrepreneurship and Innovation) / Course details
Year of entry: 2024
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Course description
The International Fashion Retailing (Entrepreneurship and Innovation) 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 Retailing and our MSc in International Fashion Marketing.
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 (Entrepreneurship and Innovation) master's course is delivered jointly by the Department of Materials and the Masood Enterprise Centre in the Alliance Manchester Business School. This dynamic course considers the links between business strategy, the external environment and innovation which are vital for both established and start-up retail businesses in the global fashion industry.
The course will equip you with the essential tools and knowledge to help launch your career in fashion retailing. We use theoretical frameworks and real-world examples, driven by industry, to evaluate how successful fashion retail companies stay relevant and innovative. Find out how nascent entrepreneurial ventures can increase their chance of success in a fast-moving business environment and stay ahead of their competitors. You will also discover how entrepreneurial start-ups and established firms fit within their wider economic, social, political, technological and environmental context, helping you to better understand the landscape of the industry.
You will explore the impact of external factors on a firm's access to raw materials and knowledge , as well as gaining an understanding of its design process and interaction with consumer insights. You will also consider how changes in the external environment have provided positive opportunities, for example launching new creative and original firms and product ranges.
Crucial to the competitive success of fashion businesses is how companies recognise and respond to external opportunities and threats. Upon successful completion of the course you will understand these key factors and real-world issues that shape innovation in fashion retailing companies and will be equipped to implement what you've learnt in your future ventures and career. You will also develop valuable skills including team-working, leadership, negotiation and project management techniques.
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 programme aims to:
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Equip students with the knowledge, understanding and skills to enable them to take a leading role in the continued success of fashion businesses by addressing the challenges facing the fashion industry
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Provide an in-depth understanding of the role and importance of entrepreneurship and innovation within a business setting
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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
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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.
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Provide an intellectually challenging and stimulating learning environment, involving both independent and collaborative online learning activities
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Support employability in the fashion industry, with a strong focus on developing commercial awareness and a wider understanding of global citizenship.
Teaching and learning
Find out more by visiting the postgraduate teaching and learning page.
Coursework and assessment
We will assess your progress using:
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written reports
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oral presentations
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examinations
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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.
| Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fashion Consumer Behaviour | MATS61411 | 20 | Mandatory |
| Research Methods | MATS61441 | 20 | Mandatory |
| Contemporary Issues in Fashion and Textiles | MATS61452 | 20 | Mandatory |
| Dissertation | MATS65000 | 60 | Mandatory |
| External Environment | MCEL62101 | 20 | Mandatory |
| Innovation Methods | MCEL62202 | 20 | Mandatory |
| Retail Marketing | MCEL62302 | 20 | Mandatory |
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.