
- UCAS course code
- 3S61
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Overview
- Degree awarded
- Bachelor of Science (Honours)
- Duration
- 3 years or 4 years
- Typical A-level offer
-
Grades AAB in three academic subjects
- Typical contextual A-level offer
-
Grades ABB in three academic subjectsFind out more about contextual admissions.
- Refugee/care-experienced offer
-
Applicants who have been in local authority care for more than three months or have refugee status may be eligible for an offer two grades below the standard requirements.Find out more about contextual admissions.
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer
-
35 overall with 6,6,5 in three subjects at Higher level.
Changes to International Baccalaureate Diploma Mathematics Courses from September 2019, first examination 2021. We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from: Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019.
For this programme of study we will accept either Mathematics: analysis and approaches or Mathematics: applications and interpretation at SL or HL.
- Number of places/applicants
1400 applications for 250 places across all first year courses
- How to apply
Apply through UCAS .
This course is now closed to international applicants for September 2022 entry.
- UCAS course code
- 3S61
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course overview
- This course is accredited by The Chartered Institute of Marketing and The Textile Institute.
- As a BSc, the course enables you to understand the science and technology behind the fabrics and garments you will work with, ensuring that you can create, manage and market commercially viable knitted, woven and printed fabrics and garments worldwide.
- Strong links with industry, including our careers event promoting placements and graduate opportunities from companies such as Next, ASOS and Tommy Hilfiger.
- From September 2022, learn in our brand-new, £400m purpose built engineering and material science building, MECD. See more
Open days
All students who apply to us through UCAS, and who live on the UK mainland and meet our application criteria, are invited to a Virtual Visit Day which will include an interview as part of the application process. These are held from November through to March and will consist of a presentation by the Admissions Tutor and a Q&A session with current staff and students. The interview will be informal and no specific preparation needs to be done for it. Parents / guardians are encouraged to attend the Virtual Visit Day.
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2022 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £28,000 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Contact details
- Department
- Department of Materials
- Contact name
- Department of Materials
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 543 4019
- ug-materials@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.materials.manchester.ac.uk
- School/Faculty overview
-
Our internationally-renowned expertise across the School of Natural Sciences informs research led teaching with strong collaboration across disciplines, unlocking new and exciting fields and translating science into reality. Our multidisciplinary learning and research activities advance the boundaries of science for the wider benefit of society, inspiring students to promote positive change through educating future leaders in the true fundamentals of science. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Compare this course
Entry requirements
A-level
Grades AAB in three academic subjects.
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken.
Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.
AS-level
Unit grade information
The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available. Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application. Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.
GCSE
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language, Mathematics and Science. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
International Baccalaureate
35 overall with 6,6,5 in three subjects at Higher level.
Changes to International Baccalaureate Diploma Mathematics Courses from September 2019, first examination 2021. We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from: Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019.
For this programme of study we will accept either Mathematics: analysis and approaches or Mathematics: applications and interpretation at SL or HL.
Other international entry requirements
Scottish requirements
English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the School directly.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and usually requires two A Levels or equivalent to be included within this.
We require minimum grade A from the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate to be considered for the course.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
European Baccalaureate
The University of Manchester welcomes applicants with the European Baccalaureate. Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications, applications from students studying for this qualification are welcome and all applicants will be considered on an individual basis.
We normally require: 80% average with a minimum of 75% in three academic subjects
AQA Baccalaureate
In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.
The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.
Foundation year
The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:
Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme are required to achieve AAB with grade C in EAP (and nothing below a D). Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year are required to achieve AAB with grade C in EAP (and nothing below a D).
Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the academic School to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.
Pearson BTEC qualifications
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
We will consider the National Extended Diploma for entry to our programme, however this will be dependent on the modules studied within the Diploma. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades DDD
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma
We will consider the National Diploma for entry to our programme, however this will be dependent on the modules studied within the Diploma. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades DD/D*D plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level at grade A/B.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma
We will consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry to our programme, however this will be dependent on the modules studied within the Diploma. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with grades D plus additional level 3 qualifications such as A Levels at grades AA/AB.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate
We will consider the National Extended Certificate for entry to our programme, however this will be dependent on the modules studied within the Certificate. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with grades D/D* plus additional level 3 qualification such as A Levels at grades AA/AB.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the School directly.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma
We will consider the Technical Extended Diploma for entry to our programme, however this will be dependent on the modules studied within the Diploma. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Diploma with grades DDD.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma
We will consider the Technical Diploma for entry to our programme, however this will be dependent on the modules studied within the Diploma. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades DD/D*D plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level at grade A/B.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma
We will consider the Technical Foundation Diploma for entry to our programme, however this will be dependent on the modules studied within the Diploma. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades D/D* plus additional level 3 qualifications such as A Levels at grades AA/AB.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate
We will consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry to our programme, however this will be dependent on the modules studied within the Certificate. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grades D/D* plus additional level 3 qualifications such as A Levels at grades AA/AB.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the School directly.
Access to HE Diploma
We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.
The specific course requirements are: Pass 60 credits overall with 45 credits awarded at Level 3, 30 credits must be awarded at Distinction and 15 at Merit in an academic subject
Cambridge Pre-U
We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken.
Candidates taking Pre-U principal subjects in conjunction with A levels are expected to achieve a combination of D3/M1 in the Pre-U certificates and grade A/B at A level in three distinct subjects.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview.
We may be able to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places become available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.
Core Maths
The University recognises the value of Level 3 Core Mathematics qualifications. Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer we make. However, if a student choses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider a student's application, particularly for courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element that does not require A Level Mathematics. Academic Schools may also choose to take a student's performance in Core Mathematics into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.
Where a course requires applicants to have at least grade 6/B or higher in GCSE Mathematics we would be likely to consider a pass in Core Mathematics at a minimum grade C or B as an alternative way to fulfil this requirement. Where an A Level in Mathematics is required then Core Mathematics will not be accepted in lieu of an A Level.
A Level and GCSE Mathematics requirements for our courses vary according to subject so we advise students to contact the academic School, who will clarify whether a student's portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry onto the chosen course.
Home-schooled applicants
Non-standard educational routes
Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences. Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest. There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.
The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates. If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to. Further information for mature students can be found here ( http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/mature-students/ )
English language
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
- GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade C, or;
- IELTS 6 with no subtest less than 5.5 , or;
- An acceptable equivalent qualification.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.
Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here .
English language test validity
Application and selection
How to apply
Apply through UCAS .
This course is now closed to international applicants for September 2022 entry.
Advice to applicants
How your application is considered
Skills, knowledge, abilities, interests
Interview requirements
All students who apply to us through UCAS, and who live on the UK mainland and meet our application criteria, are invited to a Virtual Visit Day which will include an interview as part of the application process. These are held from November through to March and will consist of a presentation by the Admissions Tutor and a Q&A session with current staff and students. The interview will be informal and no specific preparation needs to be done for it. Parents / guardians are encouraged to attend the Virtual Visit Day.
Overseas (non-UK) applicants
Deferrals
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
Re-applications
Course details
Course description

Learning a lot about consumer behaviour has helped me to get to where I am today: just sort of understanding how to word things or display things so it might inspire people more.
And learning all about marketing and retailing and understanding all of that; like how PR teams and marketing teams work, and also digital marketing. There are loads of things I learnt here that I¿m still using today.
Victoria Magrath / Editor and Director of Fashion, Beauty, Travel and Lifestyle blog Inthefrow
This programme has a strong focus on the unique way in which fashion products are marketed. Key marketing theory is studied with specialist emphasis on the interface between design/ creativity and the commercial imperative. Fashion marketing theory is about understanding and satisfying consumer needs. There is a focus on developing an understanding of the fashion consumer, consumer behaviour, segmentation, targeting and positioning. Internal and external influences on individual and organisational decision making are also considered. Fashion marketing considers the fashion product, the nature of pricing (with costing and global economics in mind), the way the product is branded, communicated and promoted to consumers and the environment in which it is sold. The global nature of the fashion industry and its impact on marketing is considered. A key feature of fashion marketing in these programmes is the opportunity to study multimedia Computer Aided Design packages in the context of brand concept, communication and application. The concepts of marketing most relevant to fashion, for example visual merchandising, public relations, social media and multi channel marketing are given particular emphasis in the programme.
Aims
To produce highly employable graduates with an enthusiasm for fashion and a critical appreciation of its technical underpinnings who are thoroughly grounded in all aspects of retail theory and its practices in different fashion contexts; to immerse students of the programme in an intellectually stimulating and satisfying learning experience.
Special features
For study abroad, exchange partners are offered through the Erasmus Exchange scheme in Europe and the Worldwide Exchange scheme. For more information about the Study Abroad Programme please consult the following: http://www.manchester.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/studyabroad/
Students wanting to take the Industrial placement pathway are responsible for finding their own placement. They will work closely with the careers office and both the placement tutor and administrator to find a suitable placement. They also have access to former placement providers who often take students each year.
We're getting ready to move into a £400million Manchester Engineering Campus Development. Learn more
Teaching and learning
Coursework and assessment
If you choose to take the four-year pathway with industrial experience, your year in industry is assessed through a written report, appraisal by the host organisation and an oral presentation contributing 20% towards your final mark.
Course content for year 1
Course units for year 1
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 |
---|---|---|---|
Raw Materials for Fashion | MATS11201 | 20 | Mandatory |
Fashion Buying | MATS11301 | 20 | Mandatory |
Fashion Marketing | MATS11402 | 20 | Mandatory |
Fashion Function and Aesthetics | MATS11502 | 20 | Mandatory |
Garment Technology | MATS11602 | 20 | Mandatory |
Management and the Apparel Pipeline | MATS11701 | 20 | Mandatory |
Course content for year 2
Course units for year 2
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 |
---|---|---|---|
Garment Production Technology | MATS21201 | 20 | Mandatory |
Brand Management for Fashion | MATS21402 | 20 | Mandatory |
Fashion Business & Analysis | MATS22002 | 20 | Mandatory |
Fashion Product Development | MATS22031 | 20 | Mandatory |
Operations Management | MATS22601 | 20 | Mandatory |
Buying Communication | MATS21502 | 10 | Optional |
Digital Branding | MATS21702 | 10 | Optional |
Fashion Brand Promotion | MATS21902 | 10 | Optional |
The In-Store Environment | MATS22202 | 10 | Optional |
Commercial Design & Make | MATS22232 | 10 | Optional |
Displaying 10 of 13 course units for year 2 | |||
Display all course units for year 2 |
Course content for year 3
Students may apply to extend this degree to four years, and spend their third year either on industrial experience or studying abroad.
Course units for year 3
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 |
---|---|---|---|
Strategic Marketing | MATS34531 | 40 | Mandatory |
Business Ethics Sustainability & CSR | MATS34502 | 20 | Optional |
Fashion Business in the Digital Age | MATS34511 | 20 | Optional |
Business Project | MATS34542 | 40 | Optional |
Fashion Project | MATS34552 | 40 | Optional |
Technology Project | MATS34802 | 40 | Optional |
Leadership in Action Online Unit | UCIL20030 | 20 | Optional |
Scholarships and bursaries
The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.
For information about scholarships and bursaries please visit our undergraduate student finance pages and our the Department funding pages.
What our students say
I would describe the course as super exciting and interesting as its different compared to other universities. This is because there's the creative fashion side to the degree, but also the marketing and science aspect, which helps distinguish you from other graduates - Kelly Choi
Facilities
We are unique amongst UK Universities in that we have world class facilities for manufacturing textiles, including Jacquard weaving, computerised flat-bed knitting, digital printing and nano-fibre manufacturing.
Manchester's Engineering Campus Development, MECD
Get ready to collaborate, create and innovate in a brand-new £400m purpose-built building which will allow you, our future engineers and material scientists, to come together and make your mark on the world. The Manchester Engineering Campus Development (MECD) will officially open from September 2022 and will include hundreds of flexible teaching and learning spaces with unrivalled world-class research facilities - whatever your inspiration, with MECD the possibilities are endless. Learn more
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
Our graduates leave Manchester with the knowledge, specialist skills and professional attributes applicable for careers within this incredibly diverse and fast-evolving industry, including ethical sourcing, sustainability, brand and operations management, buying and merchandising, garment technology, marketing, technological innovation, and diversity and inclusion. We also prepare students for graduate scheme opportunities with employers from The Hut Group and Uniqlo to M&S.
The University of Manchester is one of the most targeted universities in the UK for top graduate employers. Graduate with a degree from us and you'll be in high demand, according to The Graduate Market in 2021 - High Fliers Research .
Some of the roles our recent graduates have gone on to include:
- Fashion Buyer
- Retail Manager
- Design Manager
- Product Developer
- Merchandiser
- Supply Chain Specialist
- Fashion Marketer
- Garment Technician
- Trend Forecasting
- Data Analyst
- Public Relations
- Fashion blogger/journalist
- Fashion Researcher
Our recent graduates have gone on to work for:
- Urban Outfitters
- Burberry
- NBrown
- Gymshark
- Nike
- WGSN
- Uniqlo
- JD Sports
- Hugo Boss
- Zalando
- Stella McCartney
- Boohoo plc
- Matalan
- Marks and Spencer
- Oasis
- Next
- John Lewis
- Paul Smith
- ASOS
- Pretty Little Things
Throughout your degree journey, we offer a diverse range of events and services that help our students develop their careers knowledge and professional skills.
Industry collaborations
Our Made in Manchester industry insights series allows students to engage with a range of fashion and related brands and organisations. Our network of industry specialists regularly meets with students to discuss graduate and placement opportunities.
Meet the professionals
We regularly hold alumni panel events where our graduates come and talk about their career experiences and progression. The events are a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain invaluable advice and insights into different roles within the fashion, apparel and related sectors, and provide an opportunity to connect with our alumni.
Placement support
We can help you find exciting placement and internship opportunities and support you through the application process. We'll also provide support during the industrial placement year as part of the accredited programme.
Careers Service
We are committed to helping you get the best start after graduation, that's why The University of Manchester's award-winning Careers Service will continue to support you two years after graduation.
Department of Materials Blog
Explore more about our students' experiences, our alumni and where they are now, and our department in our blog .
Accrediting organisations
This programme is accredited by The Textile Institute and The Chartered Institute of Marketing.
The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) is the leading professional body for marketers worldwide and exists to develop the marketing profession, maintain professional standards and improve the skills of marketing practitioners. The University of Manchester has joined forces with CIM to give students the opportunity to gain professional qualifications through the CIM Graduate Gateway. CIM qualifications are highly sought after by employers, and their content is reflected in our own degrees which ensures we are equipping students with the best opportunities for a successful marketing career.