2026/27 Undergraduate Programme Catalogue

BA Fashion Marketing

Programme overview

Programme code
BA-DESN/FNMG
UCAS code
W231
Duration
3 Years
Method of Attendance
Full Time
Programme manager
Dr Alessia Grassi
Contact address
a.grassi@leeds.ac.uk
Total credits
360
School/Unit responsible for the parenting of students and programme
School of Design
Examination board through which the programme will be considered
Relevant QAA Subject Benchmark Groups
Art and Design (2020) Business and Management (2019)

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements are available on the Course Search entry

Programme specification

The programme acknowledges that the best marketers develop their creative expertise by critically engaging with contemporary ideas and problems and by using essential research and analysis skills. Evidence from NGOs and think tanks demonstrates that future employers will require flexible, adaptable and resilient graduates to address the vital fashion marketing challenges of the future. BA Fashion Marketing focuses on issues of digital change, diversity, sustainability and inclusivity to address these challenges.

Social and historical contexts and the need for social change are at the heart of the programmes. Students will learn and co-create with School of Design students across programmes, addressing global challenges through cross-disciplinary design and creative thinking. As well as mastering fashion branding and marketing, students will be able to respond reflexively to change and future challenges, key employability skills across a range of sectors.

During the first year of studies, students will develop research and analysis skills while learning about the: history, culture, and technology of fashion; marketing and communication; creative thinking skills, and visual communication skills in response to rapid creative briefs. Students will work individually and with peers on a range of projects, including reports, blogs, presentations, and critical essays that respond to contemporary and historical design perspectives. Contemporary issues, such as inclusivity and sustainability, will be explored and how these are shaping the future of the fashion industry. Finally, students will develop a deep understanding of how to interpret societal change, technological advances and cultural trends through marketing theories and frameworks. Working to professional standards, creative marketing concepts will be developed to bring brands closer to the consumer.

During second year, students will advance understanding of the fashion consumer through critical research and analysis of trends and lifestyle shifts. They will be required to conduct research and evaluate findings to produce a creative and targeted trend forecast, and to articulate an effective forecast communication through the appraisal of fashion promotion best practices and techniques. Students will also study skills in interaction and experience design to understand how emerging technologies are shaping the creative industries across a range of disciplines. Students will learn about strategic fashion management, including fashion supply chain dynamics in a global context, and they will engage with advanced research practices, critical analysis and writing skills, underpinning and supporting their design thinking and creative problem-solving mindset.

Between level 2 and level 3 the programme offers students the opportunity to take part in the Study Abroad scheme or the successful placement year (Year in Industry). For many students the placement year is a great opportunity to experience the reality of the fashion marketing industry, applying the knowledge and skills they’ve developed on the programme in commercial contexts.

All of this will prepare students for their final year, when they will be free to explore innovative opportunities by applying all the practical and academic skills learned. Students will be expected to undertake two independent projects that demonstrate their creative strategic marketing and branding abilities, insights, research and communication skills.

Through the Fashion Marketing programme, students will gain the skills employers need now and in the future, including transferable skills such as critical thinking, entrepreneurial thinking, and creative problem-solving.

Year 1

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

Compulsory Modules

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
DESN1015Fashion Marketing Theories and Identities40Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)PFP
DESN1221Creative Challenges and Communication20Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
DESN1260Design Studies: Foundation20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

Optional Modules

Candidates will be required to study 20 credits from the following specialist optional modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
DESN1226Introduction to Information Design20Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
DESN1383The Fashion Industry20Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Candidates can choose to study 20 credits from the following optional or discovery modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
DESN1181Editorial Design: Text, Image, Narrative20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
DESN1235Colour Design and Application20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
DESN1245Creative Thinking20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
DESN1416Introduction to Photography20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
DESN1707Drawing Beyond Itself20Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Discovery Modules

Year 2

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

Compulsory Modules

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
DESN2006Fashion Trends and Brand Communication40Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)PFP
DESN2008Design Studies: Exploration20Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
DESN2009Design for Interaction and Experience20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

Optional Modules

Candidates will be required to study 20 credits from the following specialist optional modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
DESN201020th Century Fashion20Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
DESN2014Fashion Management: Issues & Strategies20Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Candidates can choose to study 20 credits from the following optional or discovery modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
DESN2012Designing for Colour20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
DESN2013Digital Photography20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
DESN2015Strategic Marketing for the Creative Industries20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
DESN2018The Art and Science of Cosmetic Products20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
DESN2156Contemporary Illustration20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
DESN2747Collage Culture20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

Discovery Modules

Year 3

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

Compulsory Modules

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
DESN3058Fashion Marketing Major Project60Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
DESN3061Major Research Project40Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)

Optional Modules

Candidates can choose to study 20 credits from the following optional modules or discovery modules:

Social Design - 20 Credits

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
DESN3051AI, Games Design and Ethics20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
DESN3053Collaborative Brand Management20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
DESN3054Consumer Neuromarketing20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
DESN3055Creative Advertising20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
DESN3056Design in Scientific Enterprise20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
DESN3059Fashion Styling and Photography20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
DESN3067Social Design20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

Discovery Modules

Year 4

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

Last updated: 30/04/2026 15:55:37

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