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Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising

Female model wearing Dapper Dan sunglasses and scarf with paper bill in the background.
Student work by Paul-Louis Pittet Maurice | BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising | London College of Fashion | University of Arts London
College
London College of Fashion UCAS code
2F32 Start date
September 2026 Course length
3 years / 4 years (with placement year in industry)

Explore the responsibilities of buyers and merchandisers at all levels of the fashion industry, with a focus on sustainability, digitalisation and data analytics.

Course summary

Applications closed 2026/27 

We are no longer accepting applications for 2026/27 entry to this course.

Visit the Courses with places available page for a full list of UAL courses that are open for application.

Students study content which is analytical and numerical whilst being creative and business minded, meaning that graduates are equipped with a varied skill set which is applicable to a wide variety of roles. The importance of adaptability and flexibility is key, allowing students to eventually use their newly developed skills in their final year where they can focus on their topic of choice in their Final Major Project.

Why choose this course at London College of Fashion

  • Graduate destinations: Graduates of this course are highly employable; and have gained roles within the industry at companies such as Yoox, Net-a-Porter, Urban Outfitters, Burberry, ASOS, Selfridges, Liberty, Harrods, M&S, Harvey Nichols, Sweaty Betty, SKP, H&M and River Island.
  • Creative strategy: Master the balance between creative vision and commercial strategy, learning to curate product assortments that align with market demand and consumer behaviour.
  • Expert tutors: Learn from experienced professionals who have worked with leading global fashion businesses, offering valuable industry knowledge and mentoring.
  • Industry connections: Build strong relationships with top fashion retailers and brands through exclusive collaborations, equipping you with key networking opportunities and insights with brands such as Net-a-Porter, Nobody's Child, Levis, Nike, Cos, H&M, Disney and ASOS.
  • Textile institute associateship level accreditation: Students enjoy membership benefits and graduates can apply to join the Textile Institute as Graduate members.

Upcoming Open Days and Virtual Events

Discovery Webinar: Studying at LCF | Thursday 25 June

Undergraduate Open Day | Saturday 4 July

Can't make the Open Day? Join us every Wednesday for a College Tour.

Global experiences

This course offers the opportunity to study abroad for a semester or short-term (subject to meeting requirements). Going abroad as part of your degree is an exciting experience that helps you to build a global network. At LCF we have a range of partners across the world, including the USA, Australia, Italy and more.

Scholarships, bursaries and awards

Use our scholarship search to discover if you are eligible for any scholarships, bursaries or awards.

Course overview

Introduction

BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising prepares you for a wide range of careers at the commercial heart of the global fashion industry, from value and high-street retail to premium, luxury, and emerging fashion businesses. The course explores both the strategic and operational responsibilities of buyers and merchandisers, while providing opportunities to apply learning through work experience and industry-linked projects. Underpinned by a solid foundation in research-based practice and critical analysis, the course equips you with the skills to analyse emerging trends and make informed decisions that resonate with target consumers.

You’ll develop a comprehensive understanding of how fashion products are researched, planned, sourced, priced, and brought to market, while critically engaging with changing consumer behaviour, digital innovation, and sustainability challenges. 

The course provides a broad and commercially focused foundation that extends beyond traditional buying and merchandising roles. You’ll gain insight into key areas such as product and range planning, trend forecasting, supplier negotiation, supply chain management, sustainability, trading, data analysis and retail strategy. This integrated approach supports progression into a wide range of fashion careers including product development, sourcing, wholesale, retail space planning, marketing, brand management, fashion operations, and entrepreneurship. 

What to expect

  • Fashion awareness and commercial insight: You’ll learn the importance of developing fashion awareness and business acumen through the analysis of buying and merchandising practice in both established, and new and emerging organisations. 
  • Business-focused: You’ll explore the strategic relationship between a fashion business and its customers, learning how business can develop through establishing different retail formats and entering new markets. 
  • Types of Study: The course incorporates theoretical, historical and professional study. 
  • Recognised accreditation: The course is accredited by the Textile Institute; enhancing your professional credibility and career prospects. 

Work experience and opportunities 

You’ll be given the opportunity to undertake collaborative projects with other students, simulating industry practice. Industry professionals are an integral part of study, with industry providing guest lectures and student projects.  

In your second year, you can work with industry or with an entrepreneurial project. An additional optional industry placement year between the second and final year of the course enhances your employability by offering valuable experience and contacts within the industry as well as earning an additional Diploma in Professional Studies qualification.

Mode of study 

BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising runs for 90 weeks in full time mode. It is divided into 3 stages over 3 academic years. Each stage lasts 30 weeks.

Climate, Social and Racial Justice

We are committed to developing ethical Fashion Business practices. To achieve this, we are working to embed UAL’s Principles for Climate, Social and Racial Justice into the course.

Contact us

Register your interest to receive information and updates about studying at UAL.

Contact us to make an enquiry.

Course units

Stage 1

In stage 1 (year 1) you are required to complete 120 credits at level 4 in order to progress to stage 2 (year 2): 

  • Introduction to Fashion Buying and Merchandising (20 credits)
  • The Fundamentals of Buying and Merchandising (20 credits)
  • The Fashion Retail Landscape (20 credits)
  • Product Development (40 credits) 
  • Fashion Cultures and Histories (20 credits)

Stage 2

In stage 2 (year 2) you are required to complete 120 credits at level 5 to progress to Stage 3 (year 3):

  • Supply Chain Management (20 credits)
  • Fashion Data Analysis (20 credits) 
  • Critical Issues in Fashion Research (20 credits)
  • Research Methods for Innovative and Disruptive Practices (40 credits)
  • Applied Professional Practice (20 credits)

Stage 3

In stage 3 (year 3 or 4) you are required to complete 120 credits at level 6:

  • Project Proposal (20 credits)
  • Fashion Buying and Merchandising Strategy (40 credits)
  • Final Major Project (60 credits)

Students successfully completing stage 3 will be awarded the degree BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising.

A 20-credit unit is approximately equivalent to 200 hours of learning time, which includes a mixture of taught time, independent study and assessment.

Optional Diploma Year

Diploma in Professional Studies: Industry (Optional)

This optional diploma can be taken between years 2 and 3. With support from your tutors, you’ll undertake an industry placement for a minimum of 100 days/20 weeks. As well as developing industry skills, you’ll gain an additional qualification upon successful completion.

Diploma in Professional Studies: Enterprise (Optional)

This optional diploma can be taken between years 2 and 3. With support from your tutors, you’ll undertake an enterprise placement year where you will explore a business idea from proposal to minimal viable product (MVP). As well as developing enterprise skills, you’ll gain an additional qualification upon successful completion.

Diploma in Creative Computing (Optional)

Between years 2 and 3, you can undertake the year-long Diploma in Creative Computing. This will develop your skills in creative computing alongside your degree. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate course, you’ll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising (with Creative Computing).

Diploma in Storytelling (Optional)

Between years 2 and 3, you can undertake the year-long Diploma in Storytelling. Enhance your creative voice and discover how to engage audiences and enact change through compelling storytelling - a skill that's in demand across a range of creative industries. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate course, you’ll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising (with Storytelling).

Programme specification

Download course specification (PDF File 961.6 KB)

Learning and teaching methods

The following learning and teaching methods are employed to support the integrated aims of the course outcomes:

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Workshops
  • Tutorials
  • Visiting Speakers
  • Self-directed study
  • Online learning
  • Collaborative learning
  • Group work

Assessment methods

The following assessment methods are employed to support the course aims and outcomes:

  • Individual and group projects
  • Summative testing
  • Self-evaluation
  • Exams
  • Essays
  • Business reports
  • Presentations
  • Industry engagement
  • Final major project
  • Artefact creation

Think Tank 2023

Meet the Course Leader

UAL Showcase

Explore work by our recent students on UAL Showcase

  • RATI
    RATI, Sarah Francis, 2025 BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising, London College of Fashion, UAL

    Sarah Francis

  • Varrshaa Ravindran
    Varrshaa Ravindran, Varrshaa Ravindran, 2025 BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising, London College of Fashion, UAL

    Varrshaa Ravindran

  • Glossier x WNBA Collaborative Apparel Expansion
    Glossier x WNBA Collaborative Apparel Expansion, Hailey Alexis Burdett, 2025 BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising, London College of Fashion, UAL

    Hailey Alexis Burdett

  • Taram: A Re-imagination of Indian Heritage Crafts
    Taram: A Re-imagination of Indian Heritage Crafts, Samskruthi Aluganti, 2025 BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising, London College of Fashion, UAL

    Samskruthi Aluganti

  • Casual Elegance, a Conscious Athleisure Collection
    Casual Elegance, a Conscious Athleisure Collection, Natalia Ruggiero, 2025 BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising, London College of Fashion, UAL

    Natalia Ruggiero

  • See more work by students on this course on UAL Showcase

Stories

  • Students were briefed by NEXT's team at the start of the unit. Image courtesy of Karla Hunter.

    BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising x Next

    For 50 years, NEXT plc have been innovators of the British high street, making them a staple household name. To sustain this legacy, they collaborated with the BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising course at London College of Fashion (LCF), UAL

  • LCF Undergraduate Class of 2023 – Fashion Business School at Protein Studios. Photography by Eilwen Jones.

    LCF23: Fashion Business Breakfast recap

    Recapping LCF23's Fashion Business Breakfast featuring the work from LCF’s undergraduate Fashion Business School courses.

  • LCFMA22 at Victoria House Basement - Photography by Eilwen Jones @eilijonesphotography

    Reflecting on our recent postgraduate showcases

    With LCF Postgraduate Class of 2023 around the corner, we reflect on some of LCF’s previous postgraduate shows.

  • MA Photography work from the MA15 showcase at Victoria House Basement, February 2015. Photography by Emmi Hyyppa.

    Paid opportunity for LCF students to join LCF Newsroom and become Content Creators

    Launching LCF Newsroom, supporting students in building their portfolio, gaining professional experience delivering paid projects to a brief.

  • See all stories

Facilities

Staff

Chloe Mason has a breadth of knowledge of curricular, development, widening participation and learning and teaching co-ordination and personal tutorship. Her previous life was as a buyer for Urban Outfitters, French Connection and George at Asda. Buying across the categories of ladies, men’s and children’s outerwear and underwear has given her the experience to spread her knowledge and help nurture students and enjoy their progress through the 3 or 4 years that they are with the Fashion Buying and Merchandising course.

Nicole Dunlop is the programme director. Nicole's career began with a degree in clothing and management at Manchester University where she was sponsored by Marks & Spencer, this also included a short spell in Paris at the Sorbonne. She started her career with Jaeger, as a member of their buying team, and eventually moved on to become the sourcing manager for Adams. Having gained a qualification for marketing with the CIM (Chartered Institute of Marketing) Nicole moved on to manage various consultancy projects with various retailers throughout Europe including Etam, Graduate Fashion Week, Harrods, Karstadt, La Rinascente, London Fashion Week, Matalan, Tencel, and Wrangler. She ultimately became head of marketing for the Hunter family of brands (best known for their iconic green welly), transforming it from the historic workwear brand into the fashion icon that it is today. Nicole gained a distinction in her Post Graduate Teaching degree and has extensive experience teaching at degree and masters level at several London business Universities, and CIM.

Mikael Persson is fashion lecturer in Future and Innovation, Creative Digital and Visual Communications. He graduated with a degree in Design Technology for the Fashion Industry followed by experience working with brands such as Michiko Koshino and Alexander McQueen and ran a London-based fashion streetwear brand, delivering graphic printed apparels to trend savvy, ethically conscious millennials and Gen Z consumers.

Mikael entered fashion related education as a creative digital specialist to develop a strategy for delivering digital skills to fashion students based on industry demand. In addition to completing a Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) for Post Compulsory Education Mikael has also completed a Post Graduate Cert in Learning and Teaching Art and Design at Higher Education, from which he achieved a 1st.

His ongoing research interests include current and future creative fashion tech, design and visual communication.

Lois Baile is a part-time lecturer in Fashion Buying and Merchandising at LCF. She started her career in the late 1980s through a merchandising route leading to UK and international directorships within major corporate fashion multi channel retailers. She has extensive experience of planning, trading , allocation and replenishment including change management within businesses to effectively prepare for strategic redirection. Her career started within the Arcadia Group and progressed with BHS, Debenhams , House of Fraser, New Look, First Friday ( consulting and training). The last 5 years have been spent abroad working in Italy and Turkey for Global Retailers Bata, LC Waikiki and Defacto.

Fees and funding

Home fee

£9,790 per year

This fee is correct for entry in September 2026  and is subject to change for entry in September 2027.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students.

Home fees are currently charged to UK nationals and UK residents who meet the rules. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£30,890 per year

This fee is correct for entry in September 2026 and is subject to change for entry in September 2027.

Tuition fees for international students may increase by up to 5% in each future year of your course.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

Additional costs

You may need to cover additional costs which are not included in your tuition fees, such as materials and equipment specific to your course. Typical approximate costs for this course include: ​

  • Laptop or desktop computer
  • Scientific calculator (recommended): £12-£20
  • Adobe Creative Cloud: £42 per year

For a list of general digital equipment you may need (and how you can borrow equipment), visit our Study costs page.​

Accommodation

Find out about accommodation options and how much they will cost, and other living expenses you'll need to consider.

Scholarships, bursaries and awards

Find out more about bursaries, loans and scholarships.

If you’re based in the UK and plan to visit UAL for an Open Event, check if you’re eligible for our UAL Travel Bursary. This covers the costs of mainland train or airline travel to visit UAL.

How to pay

Find out how you can pay your tuition fees.

Scholarship search

Or view all

Entry requirements

The standard minimum entry requirements for this course are:

One or a combination of the following accepted full level 3 qualifications:

  • A Level passes at Grade C or above to total a minimum 112 UCAS tariff points (preferred subjects include Maths, English, Economics, Business Studies, Fashion Studies, Science subjects, IT, Geography, Psychology and Languages);
  • Distinction, Merit, Merit at BTEC Extended Diploma (preferred subjects Art & Design);
  • Distinction at Foundation Diploma in Art and Design;
  • Merit at UAL Extended Diploma;
  • Access Diploma or 112 new UCAS tariff points from the Access to HE Diploma;
  • 112 new UCAS tariff points from a combination of the above qualifications or an equivalent full Level 3 qualification;
  • Or equivalent EU or non-EU qualifications such as International Baccalaureate Diploma;
  • and six GCSE passes at grade A*-C or grade 9-4, to include Maths and English Language.

APEL (Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning)

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:

  • Related academic or work experience, preferably within a fashion retail store environment or a work placement at a fashion retailer;
  • The quality of the personal statement;
  • A strong academic or other professional reference;
  • OR a combination of these factors.

Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer.

English Language Requirements

IELTS level 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Please check our main English Language Requirements.

Selection criteria

The course team seeks to recruit students who can demonstrate:

  • Appropriate knowledge and skills equivalent to the entry requirements for the course; 
  • Clear academic interest in the study of fashion buying and merchandising;
  • Motivation to succeed on the course and work in the fashion industry;
  • The ability to communicate visually, verbally and in writing;
  • An engagement with analytical and evaluative activities;
  • Evidence of intelligent independent thinking;
  • Fashion industry experience.

Information for disabled applicants

UAL is committed to achieving inclusion and equality for disabled students. This includes students who have:

     
  • Dyslexia or another Specific Learning Difference
  • A sensory impairment
  • A physical impairment
  • A long-term health or mental health condition
  • Autism
  • Another long-term condition which has an impact on your day-to-day life

Our Disability Service arranges adjustments and support for disabled applicants and students.

Read our Disability and dyslexia: applying for a course and joining UAL information.

Apply now

Applications closed 2026/27 

We are no longer accepting applications for 2026/27 entry to this course.

Applications for 2027/28 entry will open in Autumn 2026.

Apply now

Applications closed 2026/27 

We are no longer accepting applications for 2026/27 entry to this course.

Applications for 2027/28 entry will open in Autumn 2026.

How to apply

Follow this step-by-step guide to apply for this course

Step 1: Initial application

You will need to submit an initial application including your personal statement.

Personal statement advice

The total character limit is 4,000 characters or less.

When creating your personal statement on the UCAS website, you will need to answer these 3 questions:

  • Why do you want to study this course or subject?
  • How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
  • What else have you done to prepare outside of education and why are these experiences useful?

To find out more about what to put in your personal statement, visit the UCAS advice page. For more information and support with applying to our courses, read our undergraduate application advice.

Step 2: Interview

You may be invited to an interview following our review of your application. All interviews are held online and last 15 to 20 minutes.

For top tips, see our Interview advice.

You also need to know

Communicating with you

Once you have submitted your initial application, we will email you with your login details for our applicant portal.

Requests for supplementary documents like qualifications and English language tests will be made through the applicant portal. You can also use it to ask questions regarding your application. Visit our After you apply page for more information.

Visas and immigration history check

All non-UK nationals must complete an immigration history check. Your application may be considered by our course teams before this check takes place. If your course requires a portfolio and/or video task, we may request these before we identify any issues arising from your immigration history check. Sometimes your history may mean that we are not able to continue considering your application. Visit our Immigration and visas advice page for more information.

External student transfer policy

UAL considers transfers from other institutions on a case-by-case basis. Read about how to apply to transfer into year 2 or 3 on our Undergraduate Apply page, and read our Student transfer policy for more information.

Alternative offers

If we are unable to consider you for the course you have applied to but your application is really strong, we may make you an alternative offer on a different course or at a different UAL College. This happens when our admissions tutors have found another course that they believe would be a strong match for your skills and interests.

Deferring your place

We can consider deferral requests if the course can accommodate this. You must apply in the year that you intend to start your course. If you are made an offer and your circumstances change, you can submit a deferral request to defer your place by 1 academic year. You must have met your conditions by 31 August 2026. If you need an English language test in order to meet the entry requirements, the test must be valid on the deferred start date of your course. If not, you will need to reapply. Requests are considered on a case-by case basis.

Contextual Admissions

This course is part of the Contextual Admissions scheme.

This scheme helps us better understand your personal circumstances so that we can assess your application fairly and in context. This ensures that your individual merit and creative potential can shine through, no matter what opportunities and experiences you have received.

Careers

Your future employability is central to all our courses and as a student with us you’ll have access to a wealth of resources to prepare you for your future career in the fashion industry. Graduate Futures is our dedicated employability team who will work with you throughout your time with us to get you ready for employment. There are also a variety of opportunities on the course to enhance your employability.

Industry engagement

Our students engage with the industry in various ways throughout the course. We have longstanding links with the global retail‑market intelligence provider EDITED, who ensure our students gain industry experience through placements and live projects, whilst also offering ongoing support to both students and course teams.

Recently, some of our second‑year students gained an exclusive insight into the industry through a guided factory visit at Fashion-Enter Ltd. Our students worked in small groups to explore production, sustainability, ethical compliance and costings on the factory floor. They attended an in‑depth technical seminar delivered by the factory’s Production Director, covering topics from cutting and stitching to quality‑control processes.

Potential careers

As a graduate of our course, you’ll be equipped with a range of professional skills including analytical and strategic decision-making skills. You’ll also have developed critical thinking skills and gained experience with a range of industry standard technologies and forecasting tools. This will mean you’re ready to pursue a career as an innovative fashion buyer, merchandiser, or product developer upon graduation, as well as transfer your talent into other dynamic sectors within the fashion and retail industries.

Industry accreditations and support

Textile Institute

BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising has been awarded Associateship level accreditation, CText ATI, by the Textile Institute. Internationally recognised, the Textile Institute is the chartered professional body for all the textile, clothing and footwear industries. As a student on this course you are eligible to apply for LTI (Licentiateship) when you graduate and CText ATI (Associateship) after one year working in industry (normally this would take 5 years). This qualification demonstrates to employers that as well as academic knowledge you have the vocational skills needed in the workplace. The qualification is globally recognised and internationally transferrable.

Textile Institute logo

Edited

BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising is supported by EDITED, the leader in Retail Market Intelligence. EDITED helps retailers increase margins, generate more sales and drive better outcomes through AI-driven market data, analytics and research.  Brands like Zara, Puma, John Lewis, Marni and Tommy Hilfiger use EDITED’s suite of Market Intelligence products to create retail strategies and make better assortment, pricing and promotion decisions everyday.

Stylumia

BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising is supported by Stylumia, a global trend forecasting solution company that uses demand sensing machine learning algorithms, augmented with consumer demand signals to predict demand. Students have access to the Stylumia software and datasets, allowing them to gain a deep understanding of the potential of predictive analytics.

LCF alumni

Our graduates have gone on to secure roles across the industry in a range of companies. Many will also start their own businesses. Previous graduates have secured positions at:

  • ASOS
  • Disney
  • Jigsaw
  • John Lewis
  • Marks & Spencer

London College of Fashion

Contact

Telephone

+44 (0)20 7514 7400

Address

105 Carpenter's Road
London

E20 2AR