MSc Fashion Business Creation

The MSc Fashion Business Creation is a pioneering, distinctive programme, integrating the latest academic research insights in fashion and business generally, with practical experience drawn from high-level connections within the industry.

The programme includes a critical review of the anatomy of a fashion business and examines the process and actions associated with strategy development and implementation within new and developing fashion areas. Students will develop a sound understanding of global advancement strategies, including how to create and market a fashion brand in today’s digitally-focused world.

They will also have the option to deepen further their insight into fashion strategies by completing an internship or industry consultation project thanks to GCU London’s strong links with leading organisations within the fashion industry.

Upon graduation, students will be well positioned to set up and run a successful fashion business enterprise or take an existing business into a new phase of growth and development.

Applicants must go through an interview stage.

Why Choose This Programme

We'll help you develop your intellectual skills together with the contemporary skills and practices needed to excel in the industry. You will also build a wider appreciation of management issues, such as globalisation and sustainability while developing branding and marketing skills.

You will have access to mentorship programmes via our Honorary Professors and be taught in dynamic environments such as Masterclasses and through collaborative industry briefs. There will be a live fashion business on campus, where you will be able to observe a fashion enterprise first hand. You will also be able to attend our career-enhancing Industry Speaker programme, which runs throughout the first and second semester.

Upon graduation, you'll be well positioned to set up and run a successful fashion business enterprise or take an existing business into a new phase of success. You will also have the opportunity to apply for the Retail Trusts interest-free, seed funding prize.

Module Information

Our well-established links with industry together with current thinking and research has shaped the structure of the programme, which consists of 6 modules, plus a Dissertation or Business Plan.

Anatomy of a Fashion Business
Provides you with a critical review of the anatomy of a fashion business; the essential ingredient elements that secure the viability of a new fashion business. In particular, the module considers the role and function of digital technology in the development of a new fashion business.

Establishing a Fashion Business Strategy
Critically examine the processes and actions associated with strategy development and implementation within new and developing fashion businesses. The module will evaluate the mechanisms by which small-scale fashion enterprises, faced with limited business experience and resource capability can secure differentiation, competitive advantage and commercial success.

Global Fashion Branding and Marketing Communications
With an emphasis on digital marketing, you will develop a critical understanding of fashion branding and marketing theory through an examination of key theoretical frameworks relating to brand culture, brand relationships, brand personality and brand identity.

Fashion Growth Strategies and Performance Optimisation
Explores growth strategy opportunities and performance optimisation techniques for fashion businesses and develop an advanced understanding of the key strategic processes and critical success factors of internationalisation for a fashion business.

Research Project: Design and Methods
Introduces students to research approaches and time management skills essential for their research project. The module provides essential knowledge of research design across key areas and adopts a critical perspective in comparing and contrasting alternative research models.

Developing Personal and Professional Competence
Enables students to identify, understand, develop and articulate their key personal abilities in the context of their future career aspirations. Students will be given the opportunity to undertake an internship, volunteer, study abroad or take part in desk-based consultancy. Students will be invited to apply the concepts of personal and professional development to what they are experiencing outside the classroom in order to be better prepared for their personal and professional life.

Dissertation/Project
The final element of the programme is the dissertation, which provides students with the opportunity to create a business plan for their fashion related business or a consultancy project for the industry.