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)
Entry requirements are subject to regular review. The entry requirements applicable to a particular academic year will be published on the awarding partner website (and externally as appropriate e.g. UCAS)
Entry onto Foundation (Level 3):
All applicants regardless of the entry route, academic or non‑academic, all applicants are required to attend the PFF and must successfully complete it in order to receive the final offer.
Academic Route
Applicants are expected to have achieved either a minimum two A Levels at grade DD/Equivalent;
or BTEC
or T Level Pass;
or A combination of qualifications totalling 48 UCAS points minimum.
or Access to HE Diploma
Non Academic Route
You will be required to attend and pass a compulsory Prepare For Foundation assessment day where you will take part in a variety of activities which will assess your suitability for the course.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate, through activities, and written description of their previous experience and study/career goals, or other admissions processes such as interview for the course.
The applicant should demonstrate a genuine commitment and motivation for higher education study in this subject.
For Students applying without academic qualifications, applicants must have studied or demonstrate appropriate experiences a minimum of two years post GCSE level.
Mature Students
It is expected that some applicants will be mature students with work experience, who wish to further their career development. These applicants will be processed through the Awarding University’s standard admission procedures, which may involve an interview as part of the process, or request of other documents such as detailed above.
UK Management College will conduct any necessary initial interviews and the initial admissions processes to evaluate eligibility.
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.
