The International Fashion Retailing (Entrepreneurship and Innovation) master's course is delivered jointly by the Department of Materials and the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre in the Alliance Manchester Business School. This dynamic course considers the links between business strategy, the external environment and innovation which are vital for both established and start-up retail businesses in the global fashion industry.
The course will equip you with the essential tools and knowledge to help launch your career in fashion retailing. We use theoretical frameworks and real-world examples, driven by industry, to evaluate how successful fashion retail companies stay relevant and innovative. Find out how nascent entrepreneurial ventures can increase their chance of success in a fast-moving business environment and stay ahead of their competitors. You will also discover how entrepreneurial start-ups and established firms fit within their wider economic, social, political, technological and environmental context, helping you to better understand the landscape of the industry.
You will explore the impact of external factors on a firm's access to raw materials and knowledge, as well as gaining an understanding of its design process and interaction with consumer insights. You will also consider how changes in the external environment have provided positive opportunities, for example launching new creative and original firms and product ranges.
Crucial to the competitive success of fashion businesses is how companies recognise and respond to external opportunities and threats. Upon successful completion of the course you will understand these key factors and real-world issues that shape innovation in fashion retailing companies and will be equipped to implement what you've learnt in your future ventures and career. You will also develop valuable skills including teamwork, leadership, negotiation and project management techniques.
This course is suitable for students from most academic backgrounds and equips graduates with the necessary management skills vital for a career in the fast-paced world of international fashion retailing.
MSc International Fashion Retailing (Entrepreneurship and Innovation) is one of three MSc Fashion Business courses offered by the Department.
MSc International Fashion Retailing (Entrepreneurship and Innovation) focuses on how fashion businesses respond to change through entrepreneurship, innovation and strategic adaptation in a rapidly evolving global environment.
Depending on your interests and career aspirations, you may also wish to consider , MSc International Fashion Retailing which focuses on retail management, strategy and customer engagement across physical and digital channels, and international business operations or MSc International Fashion Marketing , which explores marketing strategies, consumer engagement and brand communications across both traditional and digital channels. On all these courses you will develop your skills for research, critical thinking, analysis, problem solving and effective communication in the context of fashion business.
Please note that applicants should apply for only one of these Fashion Business courses.
2.1 UK Honours degree or equivalent. Applications from candidates with academic backgrounds in Marketing, Management, Arts, Fashion and Social Science (combinations of English, History, Languages, Politics, Psychology) related disciplines (minor or major) are particularly welcomed. Other academic backgrounds are also considered, including Accounting, Finance, Science and Engineering. All backgrounds must contain substantial management, marketing or social science content.