Stevenson University

Programme overview

This undergraduate programme combines fashion industry knowledge with retail and marketing skills so students can plan assortments, manage merchandise, present products and analyze consumer trends. Coursework typically balances classroom instruction, hands-on projects and opportunities to work with real retail environments or industry partners.

What you'll study

Core study areas focus on product life cycle and the commercial aspects of fashion rather than couture construction. Topics commonly covered include merchandising principles, retail operations, visual merchandising and display, buying and inventory strategies, fashion marketing and promotion, trend forecasting, and the use of industry-relevant software for planning and presentation.

Entry requirements

Admittance is normally through the university's undergraduate application process. Applicants should present a strong high school record; portfolios are not typically required for merchandising degrees but can support an application. Schools often encourage relevant experience such as retail work, internships, or coursework in business, art, or textiles.

Career prospects

Graduates find roles in buying, merchandise planning, retail management, visual merchandising, product development support, fashion marketing and e-commerce merchandising. Career progression can move from entry-level retail and buying assistant positions into category manager, merchandise manager or brand roles within retailers, wholesale firms, agencies and fashion brands.

Scholarships & funding angle

Students should explore institutional undergraduate scholarships, need- and merit-based aid, and department awards that support fashion and design majors. Additional funding sources include internships that offer stipends, industry-sponsored competitions or scholarships from retail and fashion trade associations. Combining campus aid with part-time retail or internship earnings is a common strategy to fund study in this field.