BA Fashion Buying & Merchandising

Course description

BA (Hons) Fashion Buying & Merchandising Course
This Fashion Buying and Merchandising degree programme encompass the skills and knowledge that are necessary to succeed as a top fashion buyer or merchandiser in today’s competitive environment. Areas of study include sustainability, trend research, product development, supply chain management and trading, fashion marketing, ethics, the leadership of people and organisations and more. The future of the fashion business is a significant focus.

Available via either Fulltime or Blended learning.

Flexibility to switch to Fashion Management after year 1

This degree offers you career flexibility and the option to change to fashion management should you discover you prefer that area of study. We have designed this degree with the first year common with our BA (Hons) Fashion Management, giving you the option to switch to fashion management at the end of first year.

Learn about the digitalisation of the fashion industry

The digitalisation of fashion companies has had a significant impact on this sector and the required staff skills and competencies. This degree, through the analysis of literature and business practices and creative learning, will support you in attaining skills that will be attractive to major fashion companies. This course prepares you for the challenges that technological changes pose to companies in terms of organisational culture and that our focus on fashion education and training systems must exist to support this new way of working.

Become a fashion buyer and merchandiser

While fashion trends change from season to season the fundamental role of the fashion buyer and fashion merchandiser remains the same. As a fashion buyer, you will play an integral role within the infrastructure of the retail team, tracking and analysing seasonal trends, ensuring production costs are kept within budget and most importantly, ensuring profit and growth for the company. This course covers the key modules for those interested in a career in fashion buying and merchandising.

Here are some reasons to choose to study with Portobello:

Accelerated programme completing your undergraduate degree in three years, getting you out into the world of work faster.
Career focused qualifications – our courses lead to awards that offer you the opportunity of immediate employment upon graduation.
Notable university partners – our university partners are among the top-ranking universities in the UK offering you access to a qualification from a renowned university.
Reputable placements – our work experience placements are with prominent organisations, connecting you with respected employers to build your future career network.
Realistic entry requirements – our entry requirements are reflective of the academic ability needed to successfully complete this course. These are clearly stated and remain static regardless of demand for places.
Individualised support – we fit your learning model with support available when you need it throughout your learning journey.
SMART assessments – we use a range of assessments for each module designed to support a broad range of learning styles, giving you the opportunity to excel.
Industry expert tutors – our tutors are all industry practitioners connecting research and theory with industry practice throughout their lectures.
Condensed scheduling – we value your time by ensuring your timetable is optimised for delivery over the same 2 – 3 days, helping you maintain a part-time job.
Flexible delivery – we deliver theory sessions on-site, online whilst also recording the session simultaneously offering you a choice of when and how you learn.
City Centre Location – Commuting to Portobello is very accessible – the Luas stops outside our door, and we are located within minutes from the major transport hubs.
Affordable payment options – all our courses offer you the option to choose an easy payment plan supporting you to spread the cost out over your learning journey.

Why should I study this course?
The BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising degree covers all the essential elements to turn a creative eye and an interest in fashion into a practical career in an incredibly exciting industry. Putting into practice the skills learned in class is key to gaining employment in the fashion industry.

Strong network of connections

Our graduates have been incredibly successful gaining employment both at home and abroad. Much of this success is due to the established network and strong links with many of the main fashion buying and merchandising departments within some of Ireland’s largest retailers. Full-time students will work on a Professional Practice and Development Portfolio and Fashion Research Project in Year 3.

Accessible, affordable, achievable

There is an easy payment plan designed to make this degree affordable for you. These factors, together with the one to one tutorial support, offer you a course that is accessible, affordable and achievable.

Modules Level 4
Study Skills For HE
Culture and History of Fashion
Fashion Trends and Consumer Behaviour
Managing Global Fashion Supply Chains
Fashion Marketing
Garment Technology
The Principles of Fashion Buying and Merchandising
Modules Level 5
Innovation and Research Methods for Fashion
Financial Decision Making for Fashion Managers
The Practice of Fashion Buying and Merchandising
Garment Production
The Business of Merchandise Planning
Visual Merchandising and Styling
Leading and Managing Diverse Organisations
Modules Level 6
Business Ethics, Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility in Fashion
Strategic Planning and Development for  Buying and Merchandising
Professional Practice and Development
Fashion Research Project