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Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising

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 2024 Course length
3 years / 4 years (with placement year in industry)

This course focuses on Buying, Merchandising and associated roles, and suits students that have not only a passion for fashion but also flair for both numbers and product. It is fully aligned with current industry practices, with a focus on sustainability, digitalisation and data analytics.

Critically, this sustainability focus underpins the course and is relevant to all units of study, referencing the UN sustainable development goals throughout to demonstrate commitment to making the planet a better place. This in turn means that Buying and Merchandising students are ready to think more consciously, and gives them the opportunity to make a real difference.

Applications closed 2024/25 

We are no longer accepting applications for 2024/25 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, Libertys, Harrods, M&S, Harvey Nichols, Sweaty Betty, SKP, H&M and River Island.
  • Graduate roles: Graduates have secured roles in areas such as Buying, Merchandising, Product Development, Data Analysis, Marketing, Digital Optimisation and Global Planning amongst others
  • Expert tutors: The course is taught by experienced academics and industry professionals with relevant business and expert knowledge supporting critical thinking.
  • Industry links: students have the opportunity to work with industry on collaborative projects and have regular visiting experts. Examples of this include brands such as Net-a-Porter, Nobody's Child, Levis, Nike, Cos, H&M, Disney 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.
  • Optional Placement: Opportunity to undertake an optional placement year in industry/ study abroad and to obtain an additional qualification (Diploma in Professional Studies).

Open days

The next LCF Open Day is taking place on Saturday 12 October.

Scholarships, bursaries and awards

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.

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

UAL Showcase

Explore work by our recent students on the UAL 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

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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

£9,250 per year

This fee is correct for entry in autumn 2024 and is subject to change for entry in autumn 2025.

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

£28,570 per year

This fee is correct for entry in autumn 2024 and is subject to change for entry in autumn 2025.

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, 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.

Apply now

Applications closed 2024/25 

We are no longer accepting applications for 2024/25 entry to this course. Applications for 2025/26 entry will open in Autumn 2024.

Apply now

Applications closed 2024/25 

We are no longer accepting applications for 2024/25 entry to this course. Applications for 2025/26 entry will open in Autumn 2024.

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

Your personal statement should be maximum 4,000 characters and cover the following:

  • Why have you chosen this course? What excites you about the subject?
  • How does your previous or current study relate to the course?
  • Have you got any work experience that might help you?
  • Have any life experiences influenced your decision to apply for this course?
  • What skills do you have that make you perfect for this course?
  • What plans and ambitions do you have for your future career?

Visit the UCAS advice page and our personal statement advice page for more support.

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. This means that we may request your portfolio and/or video task 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 accepts transfers from other institutions on a case-by-case basis. Read our Student transfer policy for more information.

Alternative offers

If your application is really strong, but we believe your strengths and skillset are better suited to a different course, we may make you an alternative offer. This means you will be offered a place on a different course or at a different UAL College.

Deferring your place

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 2024. 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 granted on a first-come, first-served 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

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.

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.

London College of Fashion

Contact

Telephone

+44 (0)20 7514 7400

Address

105 Carpenter's Road
London

E20 2AR