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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 2023 Course length
3 years / 4 years (with placement year in industry)

BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising builds understanding of the global fashion market. The course teaches essential skills to equip students to apply for entry level buying and merchandising roles and those in related areas.  Subjects taught include sustainability, trend research, product development, supply chain management and trading. The future of fashion business is also a significant focus.

Applications closed 2023/24 

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course.

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

Why choose this course at London College of Fashion

    • Where graduates have gone on to work: graduates of this course are now working in merchandising and buying roles at companies including Yoox, Net-a-Porter, Urban Outfitters, Lipsy, Mulberry, The White Company, ASOS, H&M and River Island.
    • Industry links: students will have the opportunity to work with industry on collaborative projects, as well as having the opportunity to undertake an optional placement year. Current students are working for Nike, H&M, Disney, Rixo and ASOS.
    • Textile institute associateship level accreditation: BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising students can enjoy membership benefits and graduates may apply to join the Textile Institute as Graduate members.

Open Days

The next Open Day for this course will take place on Saturday 21 October. Book your place.

Course overview

Introduction

BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising explores the responsibilities of buyers and merchandisers in relation to all levels of the market from value-orientated retailers to luxury brands. 

What to expect

  • You will 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
  • You will explore the strategic relationship between a fashion business and its customers
  • You will learn how businesses can develop through establishing different retail formats and entering new markets  
  • The course incorporates theoretical, historical and professional study
  • The course is accredited by the Textile Institute

Work experience and opportunities 

You will be given the opportunity to undertake collaborative projects with other students, simulating industry practice. International industry professionals are an integral part of study, with industry providing guest lectures and student projects. You have the opportunity to work with industry in your second year as part of the curriculum. 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 Responsible Buying and Merchandising (20 credits)
  • The Fashion Retail Landscape (20 credits)
  • Circular 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):

  • Data Informed Decision Making (40 credits)
  • Critical Issues in Fashion Research (20 credits)
  • Research Methods for Innovative and Disruptive Practices (40 credits)
  • Work Experience Based Learning (20 credits)

Optional Diploma Year

Industry DIPS

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.

Enterprise DIPS

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.

CCI Creative Computing

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 degree, you’ll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising (with Creative Computing).

CCI Apple Diploma

Between years 2 and 3, you can undertake the year-long Diploma in Apple Development. This will give you an opportunity to become an accredited apple developer alongside your degree. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate degree, you’ll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising (with Apple Development).

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.

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

Textile Institute

BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising (BA FBM) 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.

The BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising course 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.

Graduate Showcase

Explore work by our recent students on the UAL Graduate Showcase

BA (Hons Fashion Buying and Merchandising

Think Tank 2023

BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising

Course leader | Zoe Hinton

Latest news from this course

Staff

Zoe Hinton is the course leader. She has an extensive background in retail, having spent almost 15 years in industry across various retailers. She ran buying teams at House of Fraser and New Look, managing the departmental finance to repeatedly deliver record profits. She spent her time in multi-product areas, buying products across categories and working with factories all over the world. She holds an external examiner post at Instituto Marangoni in both London and Paris, and has also taught for both Conde Nast College of Fashion and Milano Politecnico. She has a PGCERT in Academic practice at distinction level, and is a Fellow of the HEA. Zoe has a keen interest in student engagement and digital pedagogy, as well as experimentation with online platforms and interactive sites in order to improve student experience, and has published research regarding this. Read Zoe's interview about the course here.

Chloe Mason's 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.

Ginny Hutt is a lecturer in Buying and Merchandising and started teaching at UAL after a 30 year career in buying. She is a direct sourcing specialist, and has extensive experience working for UK and international brands such as Arcadia, BHS, F&F at Tesco and Ralph Lauren where she was Buying Director. Ginny loves product and has covered most garment types during her career, working across Menswear, Womenswear, Childrenswear, Sportswear and Footwear. Ginny loves to share her experience and knowledge with students. She is the DiPS placement year leader and works with students to support them with their placements.

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.

Katie de Ley is a lecturer in Fashion Buying and Merchandising at LCF.  She has an inherent passion for fashion and the clothing industry having been involved in selecting the clothing range for her family's chain of franchised Benetton stores from a young age.  In her career, Katie has worked as a merchandiser for Etam plc, House of Fraser, Arcadia Group and Mosaic Fashions.

Merchandising is the backbone of the Buying and Merchandising retail environment.  It requires someone who is strategic, analytical and results driven.  The BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising course at LCF teaches you the importance of meeting customer demands whilst balancing budgets and and making profit.  The key role of the Merchandiser is to minimise risks whilst optimising opportunity - the Merchandiser has to ensure the right stock is delivered to the right stores at the right time!

Katie de Ley, lecturer in Fashion Buying and Merchandising

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.

There is such a requirement for developed skills to support the successful global retailers of the future . Courses provided by LCF gives students insight to the ever changing and demanding world of fashion retailing. The College equips students for a greater understanding of the principles and methods employed within the industry and gives them an introduction to the reality of working within successful trading businesses.

Lois Baile, lecturer in Fashion Buying and Merchandising

Fees and funding

Home fee

£9,250 per year

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 entry.

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

£25,970 per year

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 entry.

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.

Scholarship search

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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, with a grade B or 6 for Maths.

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.

Apply now

Home International

Applications closed 2023/24 

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

This section includes all the information you need on how to apply, how your application is considered and what happens next.

You should apply through UCAS – Universities and Colleges Admissions Service – and you will need the following information:

University code:          U65

UCAS Code:                 2F32

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first-served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner. Read our Admissions Policy for details, including how to request a deferral and by when.

Transfers

If you are currently studying somewhere else on a course in an equivalent subject area and would like to transfer to this course, you can transfer to:

  • Year 2 - if you’ve completed 120 credits in Year 1.
  • Year 3 - if you’ve completely 240 credits in Years 1 and 2.

Apply via UCAS and choose Year 2 or 3 for your POE (Point of Entry)

Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and Year 1/Year 2 unit transcripts.

Please be ready to provide an official document (translated into English) from your current university, explaining the learning outcomes of the units you have completed.

Application deadline

We recommend you apply by 18:00 PM (GMT) on  25 January 2023 for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

You can only apply to the same course once per year. Any duplicate applications will be withdrawn. Applications for this course can only be accepted for this year of entry.

What happens next

All application forms, personal statements and references are read and considered by the course team against the selection criteria listed in the Entry Requirements and Selection Criteria sections.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

If you applied through UCAS the result of your application will be communicated to you via UCAS through UCAS Track. You will only receive further communication directly from the College if your application has been successful. This will be in the form of a full offer pack including details of accommodation, fees, and other important information.

Applications closed 2023/24 

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

This section includes all the information you need on how to apply, how your application is considered and what happens next.

There are 2 ways international students can apply to an undergraduate course:

You must apply through UCAS, where you will need the following information:

  • University code – U65
  • UCAS course code – 2F32

Read our immigration and visa information to find out if you need a visa to study at UAL.

You can only apply to the same course once per year. Any duplicate applications will be withdrawn. Applications for this course can only be accepted for this year of entry. Applications for deferred entry cannot be accepted. Read the UAL international application advice for further information on how to apply.

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first-served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner. Read our Admissions Policy for details, including how to request a deferral and by when.

Transfers

If you are currently studying somewhere else on a course in an equivalent subject area and would like to transfer to this course, you can transfer to:

  • Year 2 - if you’ve completed 120 credits in Year 1.
  • Year 3 - if you’ve completely 240 credits in Years 1 and 2.

Apply via UCAS and choose Year 2 or 3 for your POE (Point of Entry)

Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and Year 1/Year 2 unit transcripts.

If you are an International applicant and studying outside the UK, please complete your Direct application and then contact us via your UAL Portal to ask to be considered for Year 2/Year 3.

Please be ready to provide an official document (translated into English) from your current university, explaining the learning outcomes of the units you have completed.

Application deadline

We recommend you apply by 18:00 PM (GMT) on  25 January 2023 for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

What happens next

Immigration History Check

Whether you are applying online via UCAS or through a UAL representative you will need to complete an Immigration History Check to identify whether you are eligible to study at UAL.  Do be aware, if you do not complete the Immigration History Check we will not be able to proceed with your application.

Initial application check

All application forms, personal statements and references are read and considered by the course team against the selection criteria listed in the Entry Requirements and Selection Criteria sections.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

If you applied through UCAS the result of your application will be communicated to you via UCAS through UCAS Track. If you have applied directly or through an agent, we will notify you through the UAL portal. You will only receive further communication directly from the College if your application has been successful. This will be in the form of a full offer pack including details of accommodation, fees, and other important information.

After you apply

After you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal. We’ll use this Portal to contact you to request any additional information, including inviting you to upload documents or book an interview, so please check it regularly.

Once we’ve reviewed and assessed your application, we’ll contact you via UCAS Track or the UAL Portal to let you know whether your application has been successful.

Potential changes to course structure

Please note: the information outlined is an indicative structure of the course. Whilst we will aim to deliver the course as described on this page, there may be situations where it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, for example because of regulatory requirements or operational efficiencies, before or after enrolment. If this occurs, we will communicate all major changes to all applicants and students who have either applied or enrolled on the course. Please note that due to staff research agreements or availability, not all of the optional modules listed may be available every year. In addition, the provision of course options which depend upon the availability of specialist teaching, or on a placement at another institution, cannot be guaranteed. Please check this element of the course with the course team before making a decision to apply.

Webpage updates

We will update this webpage from time to time with new information as it becomes available. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please use this register your interest form.

Careers

All of our undergraduate courses offer career development, so that you become a creative thinker, making effective contributions to your relevant sector of the fashion industry.

LCF offers students the opportunity to develop Personal and Professional Development (PPD) skills while studying through:

  • An on-course work experience or placement year. Please note, this is not available on every course; please see the Course Details section for information about work placement opportunities.
  • Access to to speaker programmes and events featuring alumni and industry.
  • Access to careers activities, such as CV clinics and one-to-one advice sessions.
  • Access to a graduate careers service
  • Access to a live jobsboard for all years.
  • Advice on setting up your own brand or company.

Graduates who wish to continue their education at postgraduate level can progress to suitable courses within the College, the University or elsewhere.

Career paths

Students have gained employment in a variety of roles in Buying and Merchandising with a number of companies including Matches, John Lewis, Marks and Spencers, H&M and Topshop. The transferable skills students have acquired have also seen our alumni progress into aligned roles in areas such as supply chain, visual merchandising, and marketing. This is a new course so we have no graduates as yet. Graduates from the Foundation Degree in buying and merchandising, which is replaced by this course, have gained employment in a variety of buying and merchandising roles with a number of companies including Yoox Net-a-Porter, Phase 8, The White Company, Lipsy, Zalando, Top Shop, JD Sports, Matches, John Lewis, Disney, Whistles, Jigsaw, ASOS, Debenhams, Marks and Spencers, Primark, Ralph Lauren, River Island, Finery, New Look, Harrods, Selfidge’s, Liberty’s, Ted Baker, Jaques Vert, H&M, AllSaints, TopShop, Reiss, Arcadia, Whistles, Jaeger, Burberry and ASOS. Two graduates from that course have moved into the visual merchandising field through the transferable skills they acquired, and are working as visual merchandisers at Abercrombie and Fitch and Urban Outfitters.

London College of Fashion

Contact

Telephone

+44 (0)20 7514 7400
Address
105 Carpenter's Road
London

E20 2AR