Nottingham Trent University

What you'll study

This programme develops practical and strategic skills across fashion, marketing and branding. You study the fashion system from product development and visual communication through to consumer insight, brand strategy and digital promotion.

• Foundations and context – introductions to the fashion industry, contemporary culture, sustainability and ethical practice, and research methods used in fashion marketing.
• Marketing principles – core marketing theory, consumer behaviour, segmentation, positioning and the application of these concepts to fashion and luxury sectors.
• Branding and identity – brand development, storytelling, identity systems, and how to create coherent brand strategies across touchpoints.
• Digital and social media – digital campaigns, content strategy, influencer relations, social analytics and e‑commerce fundamentals for fashion businesses.
• Visual communication and merchandising – fashion imagery, lookbooks, editorial content, visual merchandising and retail display practice to support brand presentation.
• Professional practice – live briefs with industry partners, pitching, portfolio development, PR and event promotion, and enterprise modules to develop commercial awareness.
• Final project – an independent major project or campaign that synthesises research, strategy and creative execution for a real or simulated client brief.

The course typically uses a mix of lectures, seminars, studio workshops, live industry briefs and guest lectures. There is often the option to take a professional placement or year in industry to gain practical experience.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a level 3 qualification such as A‑levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma, T‑Level or an equivalent qualification in any subject. Admissions consider a combination of academic achievement and relevant experience or interest in fashion, marketing or creative industries.

Typical expectations include evidence of the ability to study at undergraduate level and effective communication skills. Applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate English language proficiency through a recognised test or equivalent qualification; programmes usually specify the required level on their admissions pages.

While a creative portfolio is not always mandatory, submitting examples of work or evidence of marketing-related activity (projects, work experience, volunteering) can strengthen an application. Mature students and those with relevant work experience are welcome and assessed on an individual basis.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of roles across the fashion and retail industries. Typical career paths include:

• Fashion brand manager or assistant brand manager
• Digital marketing executive, social media manager or content creator
• Buyer or merchandising assistant in retail and e‑commerce
• Public relations and communications roles within fashion houses or agencies
• Trend forecaster, product developer or retail planner
• Visual merchandiser, stylist or creative producer
• Entrepreneurship and consultancy — starting or advising fashion and lifestyle brands

The course’s industry-facing projects, optional placement opportunities and career support help graduates present practical portfolios and industry-relevant experience to employers across the creative and commercial sectors.

Why study at Nottingham Trent University

Nottingham Trent University is home to an established art and design community with strong links to the creative and retail industries. The university combines practical studio teaching with the business and strategic knowledge required in fashion marketing and branding.

• Industry engagement – live briefs, visiting practitioners and employer links give students direct contact with brands, retailers and agencies.
• Practical facilities – access to photography studios, digital labs, fashion design and making workshops, and presentation spaces to produce professional marketing collateral and campaigns.
• Placement and employability support – career services, placement support and enterprise programmes help students secure work experience and build professional networks.
• Creative city environment – Nottingham’s cultural and retail scene provides opportunities for collaboration, events and work experience with local and national fashion businesses.

Together, these resources and the course’s combination of creative and commercial training prepare graduates to work across branding, marketing and communications in the fast‑moving fashion sector.