Course units
The MBA is a full-time course. The emphasis at post graduate level is on independent study and in addition to taught sessions students will be expected to engage in extensive self-directed learning and research and to utilise the library resources and open access facilities. The credit framework conforms to the University of the Arts London framework in which the unit of credit is 20 credits (equivalent to 200 hours of student study time). All credits on the MBA are at postgraduate level 7.
Block 1
International Business Strategy, Management and Leadership (20 credits)
Offering a critical and forward-looking exploration of visionary, purpose-led strategy and transformative leadership within the global fashion industry, this unit grounds strategic theory, transformational value creation, and humanistic management. It explores how fashion enterprises can achieve sustainable success while contributing positively to people, society, and the planet.
The unit focuses on transformation through strategic management, purposeful leadership, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to navigate the dynamics of interconnected global fashion ecosystems. It examines how strategy and leadership align purpose with practice, embedding values such as Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, and ethical responsibility into core decision-making.
Fashion Product Development and Global Sourcing (20 credits)
The responsible sourcing and development of commercially viable products is core to fashion business. This unit will explore the operational issues relevant to developing, sourcing, and manufacturing fashion products. You'll critically evaluate the importance of corporate social responsibility, climate emergency, environmental, social and governance standards and compliance in fashion product development and procurement.
The unit draws on current research and operational practice to develop understanding of fashion product development and supply chain management, enabling working knowledge of end-to-end systems and digital integration. You’ll apply taught content to prepare for and execute a team negotiation in the resolution of business objectives and key performance indicators (KPI) delivery.
Fashion Marketing and Consumer Insights (20 credits)
This unit examines the relationship between fashion brands and consumers in an increasingly innovative and demanding market. You’ll explore social dynamics, brand perceptions and purchasing behaviours of fashion consumers furthered by empowered ‘prosumers’ who engage through digital platforms.
Industry engagement will improve your understanding of contemporary issues and will help you develop creative marketing strategies. It will also support you in articulating convincing and targeted solutions using appropriate media to industry standards.
Block 2
Finance and Risk Management (20 credits)
This unit delivers comprehensive knowledge of domestic and international financial operations, financial risk management, corporate finance as well as the practical skills in financial and analytical techniques and their use in fashion. You’ll explore the main financial management tools of analysis such as valuation, financial statement analysis, capital budgeting, cost of capital, and capital structure.
The unit will build knowledge of how financial markets operate and of risk management to protect brand value, while also exploring aspects of green finance and the implications for the fashion sector.
Serving Fashion Markets (20 credits)
In this unit, you’ll explore the models, technologies and systems of procurement using buying and merchandising theory and practice. You’ll look at market attractiveness, market entry strategies, changing retail formats and channel optimisation across different geographies to develop knowledge of business to business (B2B) and business to consumer (B2C) models.
It explores operational management to build cross functional awareness relevant to outbound logistics considering ESG impact, inventory management, distribution, delivery, reverse logistics, last mile and end of life strategies.
Innovation and Fashion Business Futures (20 credits)
This unit identifies and critically evaluates the trans-disciplinary innovation strategies for starting and transforming fashion businesses. It facilitates the appraisal and iteration of generic change management, market disruption, and crisis management frameworks within the contemporary fashion ecosystem.
You’ll synthesise contemporary retail management thinking and thought leadership strategies in the application of change management and digital transformation. The aim is to re-create and/or re-format strategies for fashion business formats and service evolution through critical analysis. You’ll also future proof proposals aligned to emergent models of consumer behaviour and fashion business management thinking to foster a toolkit for sustainable fashion business innovation.
Block 3
Project Management and Consultancy (60 credits)
The final unit is a self-led, consultancy project of choice that provides the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired over the course with a tailored project management element embedded in the delivery. You’ll undertake rigorous research synthesising practical and academic issues, which may reflect any of the subject areas covered over the course.
The work must demonstrate a systematic understanding of contemporary academic knowledge, complex problem solving and professional thinking in management and leadership, with advanced application of skills and theory. The outcome will provide sector-relevant recommendations / solutions. The professional development digital portfolio will continue and conclude during the consultancy project.
