2026/27 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

DESN2006 Fashion Trends and Brand Communication

40 Credits Class Size: 120

Module manager: Yiting Duan
Email: y.duan@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2026/27

Module replaces

DESN2347 DESN2348

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module equips you with knowledge and skills in fashion forecasting and brand communication, enabling you to analyse and influence shifts within the fashion industry. In-depth research and critical analysis of global mega trends, contextualised macro and micro trends, and consumer preferences and lifestyle choices will allow you to develop insights to inform new brand strategies. The appraisal of fashion promotion and communications theories and practices in a broad fashion-related context will then help you devise communication systems to activate trend informed new directions for brands.

Objectives

Module Aim:
This module aims to develop your expertise in fashion forecasting and communication to anticipate industry shifts and adapt to evolving consumer trends, and will enable you to create impactful trend-driven communication strategies within a globalised fashion context.

Module Objectives:
1. To equip you with the ability to critically analyse global mega trends and contextualize macro and micro trends to predict shifts in the fashion industry.
2. To develop your proficiency in evaluating and applying theories and practices of fashion promotion and communication within the fashion landscape.
3. To enable you deeper understanding of consumers so to create strategic communication approaches that incorporate trend-informed innovation and enhance brand relevance and consumer engagement.

Learning activities are varied. To achieve Objective 1 and 3, lectures and seminar sessions will provide you with guidance and opportunities to practice critical analysis skills engage in hands-on projects that centre on consumer insights and behavioural analysis.

To achieve Objective 2, practicals, tutorials, group discussions and peer feedback will further refine their understanding, prompting the application of these principles in diverse scenarios within the broader fashion landscape.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:

LO1: Apply a range of trends and communications theoretical perspectives in response to contemporary challenges.
LO2: Examine relevant communications theories and trends to address new fashion directions. 
LO3: Employ and appraise materials to create fashion marketing outcomes in response to a brief. 

Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

LO4: Employ effective communication skills to present a coherent argument. 
LO5. Implement responsible and sensitive approaches to interdisciplinary global contexts in developing projects. 

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Supervision 7 1 7
Lecture 11 1 11
Practical 17 2 34
Seminar 10 2 20
Private study hours 328
Total Contact hours 72
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 400

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress and engagement will be monitored throughout the duration of the module via attendance, participation in classes, and through assessments. In addition, further monitoring will take place through formal formative assessment points as follows:

Three presentations (mid and end of Semester 1, mid Semester 2) to formatively assess project progresses and provide feedback for final submissions. Reflections upon feedback received during presentations would be included in summative assessment to ensure student engagement.

One group tutorial (end of Semester 2) to address any final doubt and query regarding summarise assessment, where industry partner will be invited to comment on student progress.

Tutor/peer discussions in seminar.

Group and individual feedback during practical and workshop.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Coursework Portfolio 40
Coursework Portfolio 60
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list

Last updated: 29/05/2026

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team