Nottingham Trent University

What you'll study

This programme blends subjects from fashion, business and retail to give a rounded understanding of how international fashion markets operate. Teaching covers fashion marketing and branding, buying and merchandising, product development and sourcing, retail and e‑commerce strategy, trend forecasting, and sustainability in the fashion supply chain.

Course structure typically progresses from core business and industry-context modules in the first year to specialist options and practical commercial projects in later years. Modules you can expect include:

• Introduction to International Fashion Business — industry structures, market drivers and business models
• Marketing for Fashion — brand management, consumer behaviour and communications
• Buying, Merchandising and Assortment Planning — negotiation, range planning and pricing
• Product Development and Sourcing — materials, supplier relationships and ethical sourcing
• Retail and E‑commerce Operations — omnichannel retail, visual merchandising and digital platforms
• Trend Forecasting and Insight — research methods, forecasting techniques and interpretation of cultural drivers
• Sustainable Fashion Business — circularity, lifecycle thinking and compliance
• Professional Practice and Live Industry Projects — briefs with employers, internships or placement activity
• Final Independent Project or Dissertation — business planning, consultancy project or research into a specialist topic

There are practical workshops, case studies, live briefs with industry partners and opportunities for a placement year or study abroad to gain international experience. Assessment typically combines essays and reports, presentations, practical projects and a final major project.

Entry requirements

Admission is based on a combination of academic qualifications, relevant experience and your personal statement. The programme accepts a range of UK and international qualifications such as A‑levels, BTEC, Access to HE diplomas and recognised international equivalents. Applicants may also be considered on the basis of prior work experience or alternative qualifications.

Typical applicants are expected to demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills and an interest in both fashion and business. GCSE passes (or equivalent) in English (and often mathematics) are usually required. International applicants will need to show evidence of English language proficiency. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview or asked to provide further information about relevant experience.

Career prospects

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

• Fashion buyer or assistant buyer
• Merchandiser and assortment planner
• Brand or product manager
• E‑commerce and digital marketing roles
• Retail manager and visual merchandiser
• Product development and sourcing coordinator
• Sustainability or compliance officer within fashion supply chains
• Consultancy, wholesale management or starting your own fashion business

The programme emphasises employability through live projects, industry placements and career support to help build a professional network and practical experience valued by employers across global fashion hubs.

Why study at Nottingham Trent University

Nottingham Trent University offers close links with the fashion and retail industries, combining academic teaching with input from practitioners and regular industry guest speakers. Students benefit from practical facilities, enterprise support and career services that help turn course projects into placements or business ventures.

The university provides opportunities for live briefs, collaboration with brands and work placement options to develop real‑world commercial experience. Based in Nottingham, students can access a vibrant regional retail and creative sector while benefiting from NTU's wider professional networks and employability initiatives.

Teaching is delivered by staff with industry experience and academic expertise, and the programme is designed to develop both the analytical business skills and sector knowledge graduates need to succeed in the international fashion industry.