MSc Fashion and Lifestyle Marketing
A future-focused programme exploring the changing fashion industry and the integration of fashion and lifestyle.
The fashion industry is dynamic, wherein some sectors have faced a slowdown in sales as consumers shift their spending towards lifestyle goods and experiences.
To redress this, lifestyle brands have emerged in the marketplace, wherein fashion is sold alongside, for example, tech products, watches and homeware along with in store experiences, such as yoga classes. These brands exemplify products or services that embody an individual’s interests and attitudes and seek to inspire and guide the consumer's way of life.
Capturing these changes, the MSc Fashion and Lifestyle Marketing programme is designed for students who want specialist knowledge in brand development, buying, merchandising, digital and social media marketing communications, staging the retail experience, design and trend decision making and understanding the connected consumer.
Drawing upon the latest research in the field, students will become specialists in design management and trend analysis, branding, experiential retail marketing, consumer behaviour and marketing communications, all within the context of fashion and lifestyle.
Students then have the chance to explore this theory in a practical setting through work experience, industry visits, guest speakers and live projects.
Graduate prospects
On graduating from this programme, students will join the group of British School of Fashion alumni, many of whom occupy a global presence, at senior level in the fashion industry.
Fashion and Lifestyle Brand Lab
Explores developing new brands and introducing them to market. Includes dimensions of brand identity, brand positioning, brand image, brand equity, branding strategies, cross cultural branding; and sustainability in branding.
Fashion and Lifestyle Marketing: Theories and Concepts
Fundamental, strategic and communication elements of marketing. Includes role and consequences of digital technologies, considers the implications, opportunities and challenges faced by marketing practitioners in a digital setting.
Consumer Insights
Explores consumer insight and how it informs marketing practices and its role in marketing decision-making. Models of consumer behaviour are examined in the context of strategic decision-making and consumer behaviour.
Career Planning and Professional Development
Equips students with capability to identify their own skills, values and interests and to match these with the knowledge, skills and abilities required by fashion and lifestyle marketing employees.
Fashion and Lifestyle Retail Experiences
Explores key concepts and theoretical foundations of experiential retail marketing both virtual and physical (for example third place retailing).
Fair Fashion
Covers buying, merchandising and distribution functions and need for need for sustainability in these functions and role of different stake holders for sustainable fashion. Looks at the production/consumption continuum and how this may this may be managed in a more sustainable way. Also explores end-of-life clothing and associated logistics considerations in dealing with recycling.
Trend and Design Decisions
Explores stages involved in the application of design to business. Includes design theory and thinking and managing the design process. Includes trend analysis and introduces students to digital tools (such as InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop).
Introduction to Research 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.
Research Project
The final element of the programme gives students the opportunity to undertake an in-depth research study into students selected area.
Download the Programme Specification for a detailed breakdown of its structure, what you will learn and other useful information.
Study Options
- 2020/21
Study Options
- 2021/22
All entry requirements listed here should be used as a guide and represent the minimum required to be considered for entry. Applicants who are made a conditional offer of a place may be asked to achieve more than is stated.
Typical Entry Requirements
UK honours degree 2:2 (or equivalent).English Language
Academic IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent) with no element below 5.5.
Please note: if you are from a majority English speaking country, you may not be required to provide further proof of your English Language proficiency.
Additional Information
Other academic and vocational qualifications
Each application to GCU is considered on an individual basis. If you do not have the typical academic entry qualifications, but can demonstrate relevant work experience and/or credits from recognised professional bodies, you may be eligible to enter this course via the University's Recognition of Prior Learning scheme.
International Pathways
International students who do not meet the academic requirements may be eligible for the Pre-Masters programme at INTO Glasgow at our Glasgow campus. Successful completion of this INTO course with the required grades means guaranteed conditional offer of a place on the degree programme at GCU London.
If you do not meet the English language requirements, you may be eligible for our pre-sessional English programme which is taught at our London campus.
The tuition fees you pay are mostly determined by your fee status. What is my student fee status?
Annual tuition fees 2020/21
Home (including Scotland and Europe): £8,700
International (outside Europe): £13,500
Annual tuition fees 2021/22
Home (including Scotland): £8,700
International (including EU): £13,500
Part-time and distance-learning tuition fees
For details of part-time and distance-learning fee rates, please make an enquiry today.
Fees are subject to change and published here for guidance only.
Additional costs
As a student at the University, there are additional fees and costs which may or may not apply to you, but that you should be aware of.
Scholarships
We provide high-quality education for a fair price; as the University for the Common Good, we are committed to offering accessible higher education for talented students by keeping our tuition fees low and providing a generous scholarship package of £2 million per year.