A strong values-based approach underpins the programme, with ethics, sustainability and responsible management embedded across all units and teaching practices. Students build core competencies in consumer insight, business finance, digital and social media marketing, fashion merchandising and sustainable fashion management, before progressing to independent, research-informed practice through a self-initiated major project in the final year. Industry relevance is reinforced through live briefs, interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement with the Arts University Bournemouth Industry Patron Scheme.
The degree is dual accredited with the Chartered Management Institute, enabling eligible graduates to receive a CMI Award. Structured career planning and an optional placement year further enhance graduate employability, preparing students for leadership, entrepreneurship, postgraduate study and management roles across the fashion and creative industries.
Foundation Year (Level 3)
The Foundation Year provides a supportive and accessible introduction to higher education, particularly for students from non-traditional academic backgrounds. It is designed to build confidence and prepare students for successful progression to Level 4 study.
Students develop core academic, analytical and communication skills, including academic writing and research, alongside an introduction to business, finance and management principles relevant to the creative industries. Learning is delivered through a problem-based, project-led approach that encourages creative thinking, collaboration and reflection.
Throughout the year, students explore different perspectives, ethical approaches and real-world creative and commercial contexts, supporting their personal, academic and professional development as they prepare for undergraduate study.
Core units/ modules include:
- Unit 1: Creative Challenge: Identity, Environment, Community (40 credits)
- Unit 2: Creative Challenge: Systems, Story and Change (40 credits)
- Unit 3: Final Major Project (40 credits)
Level 4
At Level 4, students develop core knowledge of the fashion system, consumer behaviour, finance and digital marketing. Units/ modules include:
- CIM401 - Social Media Marketing and Management (40 credits)
- CIM405 - The Fashion System (40 credits)
- CIM403 - Consumer Insights (20 credits)
- CIM404 - Business Finance (20 credits)
Level 5
At Level 5, students focus on sustainability, live industry engagement, merchandising and career planning. Units/ modules include:
- CIM505 - Sustainable Fashion Management (40 credits)
- CIM502 - Live Brief (40 credits)
- CIM503 - Career Planning (20 credits)
- CIM506 - Fashion Merchandising (20 credits)
Optional Placement Year (between Level 5 and Level 6)
Students may undertake an optional placement year in industry, which appears on the final transcript as Placement Year – Pass/Fail.
Level 6
At Level 6, students undertake independent project work and professional portfolio development. Units/ modules include:
- CIM601 - Major Project Proposal (40 credits)
- CIM602 - Major Project Production (40 credits)
- CIM603 - Major Project Evaluation and Portfolio (40 credits)
Mandatory Requirements
- All applicants regardless of the entry route, academic or non‑academic, are required to attend the Prepare for Foundation (PFF) or Prepare for Degree (PDF) admissions assessment and must successfully complete it and submit the full admissions eligibility requirements documents in order to receive the final offer.
- The PFF or PFD assessment will require participation in a variety of activities which will assess your academic ability, engagement, conduct and/or other components related to the course.
- The applicant should demonstrate a genuine commitment and motivation for higher education study in this subject.
Academic and Advanced Entry Routes
- Applicants with Level 3 or equivalent qualification will be categorised as 'Academic Route' when applicants submit evidence of prior learning to support their application. (More information about level 3 qualifications and equivalent qualifications can be found at www.uca.com)
Note: Not all courses at UKMC offer advanced entry, and so the course title will include if the route is a 'top up' or 'foundation year' 4 year route. If you require clarification please contact admissions, or admissions will make an assessment based on the application documentation provided.
Non-Academic and Mature Student Route
- It is expected that some applicants will be mature students with work experience, who wish to further their career development through higher education study.
- These applicants will be processed through the Prepare for Foundation Day (PFF) for Foundation Route (Level 3) applications, or a Prepare for Degree (PFD) activity for Year One (level 4) or above courses. Other specific entry requirements may apply for Level 4 and above courses, or accredited courses, and listed in the Course Specific Entry Requirements.
Note on Awarding Partners
UKMC work with the Awarding University admissions entry requirements and therefore may be updated from time to time.
Note on Fraud Prevention and Verification of Supporting Documentation
Admissions may request further documentation to confirm eligibility and validity of documents at any stage in compliance with the partners Admissions Policy, Partner Requirements, Regulatory requirements, UKMC Admissions Policy available on the Policies and Procedures page, or Fraud Prevention and Verification Statement.
Teaching is delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and studio-based learning, supported by digital resources via Canvas and Microsoft Teams. Learning activities emphasise collaboration, ethical practice and applied problem-solving.
Students engage with industry-informed briefs, practical projects and formative feedback, developing autonomy and professional confidence as they progress through the course.
Assessment methods reflect contemporary fashion management practice and may include:
- Illustrated reports and digital portfolios
- Presentations and professional pitches
- Live brief project outcomes
- Reflective and evaluative written work
Assessments are designed to support academic integrity and professional standards. Feedback is provided electronically and supports students in developing academic, creative and professional capability.
With a strong emphasis on career focused outcomes studying at UKMC in partnership with Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) will help students take their first steps into the business of fashion with confidence. Students who study with us:
- Develop and understanding of how to lead the future of fashion through sustainability and ethical business.
- Work on live industry briefs and real commercial challenges.
- Build skills in fashion strategy, merchandising, finance and leadership.
- Help students develop their career, entrepreneurial mindset and professional brand from day one.
A degree studied at UKMC, developed with and accredited in partnership with AUB can open a variety of possibilities for your future career. Exciting roles like:
- Fashion Brand Management
- Buying & Merchandising
- E-commerce Manager
- Social Media Management
- Fashion Marketing Executive
- Supply Chain Exec
- Sustainability Lead
- Product Management
- Creative Business Entrepreneur
- Retail Management
UKMC in partnership with AUB teaches BSc (hons) Events Management across three locations in the UK, Manchester, Sunderland and Derby
Manchester
In an exciting city like Manchester, with a thriving entertainment sector, large and small events happening every week, nightlife, and corporate events throughout the year, graduates with experience and understanding of Event Management can enjoy career opportunities that a degree from UKMC in partnership with AUB can provide.
The city is home to some of the largest football clubs in the world, world class event spaces from the CO-OP Live to legendary grass root venues the likes of Band on the Wall and the Ritz. In the city music events like the Parklife and Sounds of the City festivals make Manchester an ideal location to study, graduate and work.
Sunderland
On the North East Coast with easy links to Durham, Newcastle and Middlesbrough studying at UKMC Sunderland opens the doors of possibilities in its thriving events scene
Sunderland has a thriving city centre and with that a growing variety of event spaces and venues are emerging throughout the city; From the Fire Station for concerts from up and coming bands to premier league football at the Stadium of Light. Further afield The North East is home to world class venues like the Norman Foster designed Sage, large scale venues like Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, heritage sites like Durham and its cathedral and throughout the Northumberland a variety of wedding venues that require staff with a knowledge of organisation and event management.
Derby
Derby is ideally located within reach of many major UK event hubs the likes of Nottingham, Birmingham, Manchester and Sheffield. Derby itself has a much broader events eco system than many people expect with new venues like Valliant Live recently opening. With several larger venues Derby has become an ideal location for conference and corporate events. Derbyshire is particularly strong for weddings and countryside events with many companies in the area looking for well trained and educated events executives.
Regardless of which UKMC in partnership with AUB location you choose to join us at all our students will have the opportunity to plan, market, and deliver actual fashion events, brand campaigns and collaborate on live briefs from organisations as a part of the curriculum.




