BA (Hons) Fashion Promotion
Clearing places are still available for this course. Call us on 03455 76 06 06
94% of our BA (Hons) Fashion Promotion students were satisfied with their course. NATIONAL STUDENT SURVEY 2023
Do you want to learn how to create a fashion magazine, plan a digital marketing campaign, style and direct and photoshoot, or launch a brand?
BA (Hons) Fashion Promotion at the University of South Wales teaches you the fundamentals of creative fashion marketing, and specialises in teaching the practical skills, knowledge and theory to enable students to create innovative, creative work through words, images and experiences.
The course enables self-motivated students to develop commercial and conceptual approaches to explore a broad range of techniques in graphics, branding, trend forecasting, consumer behaviour, styling, video, photography, public relations, cultural studies, and creative marketing strategy.
Modules and live briefs are developed hand in hand with expert professionals to ensure the content and teaching is on point and responds to challenges faced by the fashion industry today.
Graduates have launched their careers at House of Sunny, Harper’s Bazaar, Tank Magazine, BBC Wardrobe Department, Bricks Magazine, Topshop, John Lewis and Orwell + Austin, whilst others have carved out enterprising careers as freelancers, business start-ups and with independent brands.
Typical Career Paths Include; Content Creator, Fashion Marketer, Social Media Strategist, Public Relations, Fashion Stylist, Graphics / Branding, Visual Merchandising, Entrepreneur, Further Study e.g. MA, Msc.
Top ten in UK for assessment in Fashion and Textiles (Guardian University Guide 2024)
Top in Wales for teaching and assessment in Fashion and Textiles (Guardian University Guide 2024)
| UCAS Code | Study Mode
2023 |
Duration | Start Date | Campus | Campus Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WN25 | Full-time | 3 Years | September | Cardiff (ATRiuM) | B |
| WNF5 | Sandwich | 4 Years | September | Cardiff (ATRiuM) | B |
| UCAS Code | Study Mode
2024 |
Duration | Start Date | Campus | Campus Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WN25 | Full-time | 3 Years | September | Cardiff (ATRiuM) | B |
| WNF5 | Sandwich | 4 Years | September | Cardiff (ATRiuM) | B |
The course is designed to take you on a progressive learning journey that begins with an introduction to the fundamentals of Fashion Promotion.
During the first year, you will learn how to decipher briefs, and why good research unlocks the door to creativity. The modules are 100% coursework and blend research, theory and creative practice. This provides learners to explore their ideas from an academic platform.
The second-year focusses on developing commercial awareness and professional skills through undertaking short term work placement or a live brief. The power of word and image are explored at a deeper and more complex level via two key modules: Digital Content Creation and Fashion Media PR.
The final year provides an opportunity to create a body of work that reflects your chosen area of interest. Dissertations are offered in written or video formats which we believe give students a modern approach to this traditional academic requirement. The final major project focusses on your personal area of interest and expertise through a highly creative, industry-standard project which demonstrates your knowledge, skills and ability to potential employers.
Year One
- Introduction to Fashion Promotion
- Consumer Behaviour and Trends
- Communication for Fashion (Graphics)
- Fashion Styling & Creative Direction
- Fashion Brand Promotion
- Fashion in Context 1
Year Two
- Digital Content Creation for Fashion
- Marketing Communications for Fashion
- Fashion Media and Public Relations
- Professional Practice
- Fashion in Context 2
- (Employment and Experience diploma – Sandwich Year)
Year Three
- Fashion Concept and Innovation
- Final Major Project
- Professional Practice
- Fashion in Context 3 (Dissertation)
Technical
- Adobe Software Classes
- Photography Workshops
PLUS
- Guest Speaker programme
- Cross-course collaborative opportunities
- Live Briefs
- Industry Competitions
Memberships
- Graduate Fashion Foundation (GFW)
- British Fashion Council
Graduate Attributes
BA (Hons) Fashion Promotion is an industry facing course which prepares students to make the transition to industry by developing the following highly prized personal and professional skills:
- Commercial Awareness
- Digital Literacy
- Communication Skills
- Innovation & Enterprise
- Leadership Qualities
- Project Management
Teaching
You will study in a creative environment, with dedicated studios and experienced, committed staff. You will learn through a mixture of lectures, specialised guest lectures, seminars and studio workshops, with an emphasis on practical engagement with the subject.
The focus is on developing transferable skills such as research, analysis, communication, visual presentation, professional presentation, style and editing, enterprise and reflective practice. There is a strong focus on working with social media and its professional application with fashion businesses and enterprises.
Assessment
Assessment is 100% coursework. There is a mixture of structured peer-assessment and group-based assessment based upon performance and self-assessment allowing reflective opportunities. The mix of assignments includes practical investigation through studio, workshop and group activities, case study investigations and follow-up investigations after industrial visits and projects. All assessments are underpinned by key theories and academic research.
Placements
You can engage with industry through live briefs, industry visits and work placements, giving you valuable industry insight. Previous partnerships have included L’Oréal, Hobbs, Bricks Magazine, Workshy, Motel Rocks, John Lewis, Topshop and House of Sunny.
Lecturers
We regularly revalidate courses for quality assurance and enhancement
At USW, we regularly review our courses in response to changing patterns of employment and skills demand to ensure we offer learning designed to reflect today’s student needs and tomorrow’s employer demands.
If during a review process course content is significantly changed, we’ll write to inform you and talk you through the changes for the coming year. But whatever the outcome, we aim to equip our students with the skillset and the mindset to succeed whatever tomorrow may bring. Your future, future-proofed.
The entry criteria below reflect our standard entry requirements for the course for September 2023. However, all applications received by the University are reviewed holistically and individually. Entry criteria for September 2024 is changing and will be published on ucas.com from 8th May 2023. Entry criteria for September 2024 will be updated on our website from the end of October 2023.
Contextual offers
We may make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, including your background (where you live and the school or college that you attended for example), your experiences and individual circumstances (as a care leaver, for example). This is referred to as a contextual offer and we receive data from UCAS to support us in making these decisions. USW prides itself on its student experience and we support our students to achieve their goals and become a successful graduate. This approach helps us to support students who have the potential to succeed and who may have faced barriers that make it more difficult to access university. Here is a link to our Contextual Admissions Policy.
Other qualifications and experience
We can also consider combinations of qualifications and other qualifications not listed here may also be acceptable. We can sometimes consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or advanced entry to year two or three of a course where this is possible.
To find out which qualifications have tariff points, please refer to the UCAS tariff calculator.
If you need more help or information or would like to speak to our friendly admissions team, please contact us here
Applicants in the UK
Selection for this course is based on a suitable application. If you do not meet the entry criteria you may also be required to attend an interview to help us assess your suitability for the course.
Typical A-Level Offer
BCC - CDD (this is equivalent to 104-80 UCAS tariff points).
Typical Welsh BACC Offer
Pass the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Diploma with Grade C/D in the Skills Challenge Certificate and BC - CD at A Level (this is equivalent to 104-80 UCAS tariff points).
Typical BTEC Offer
BTEC Extended Diploma Distinction Merit Merit - Merit Merit Pass (this is equivalent to 112-80 UCAS tariff points).
Typical Access to HE Offer
Pass the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points
Additional Requirements
GCSEs: The University normally requires a minimum 5 GCSEs including Mathematics/Numeracy and English at Grade C or Grade 4 or above, or their equivalent, but consideration is given to individual circumstances
International Entry Requirements
However, if you have previously studied through the medium of English IELTS might not be required, but please visit the country specific page on our international website for exact details. If your country is not featured please contact us.
English Requirements
We also welcome international applications with equivalent qualifications. In general, international applicants will need to have achieved an overall IELTS grade of 6.0 with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component.
Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits. Once enrolled, the fee will remain at the same rate throughout the duration of your study on this course
August 2023 - July 2024 Fees
Full-time UK: £9000
Full-time International: £14100
August 2024 - July 2025 Fees
Full-time UK: TBC
Full-time International: £14950
Student Perks
At the University of South Wales, you’re investing in so much more than a degree. We strive to provide our students with the best possible experience, no matter what you chose to study. Whether it’s access to top of the range mac books and PCs, state-of-the-art facilities packed with industry-leading equipment and software, masterclasses and events led by industry experts, or a wide range of clubs and societies to meet likeminded people, better tomorrows start with extra perks.
Each course also has their own unique student benefits to prepare you for the real word, and details of these can be found on our course pages. From global field trips, integrated work experience and free course-related resources, to funded initiatives, projects working with real employers, and opportunities for extra qualifications and accreditations - at USW your future, is future-proofed.
Click here to learn more about student perks at USW.
Additional Costs
As a student of USW, you’ll have access to lots of free resources to support your study and learning, such as textbooks, publications, online journals, laptops, and plenty of remote-access resources. Whilst in most cases these resources are more than sufficient in supporting you with completing your course, additional costs, both obligatory and optional, may be required or requested for the likes of travel, memberships, experience days, stationery, printing, or equipment.
* Obligatory
| Item | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Kit (Uniform and Equipment): Materials * | £50 | Materials in Year 1 |
| Other: Printing & Exhibition Costs | £50 - £350 | £50 (Years 1 & 2), £350 (Year 3). |
| Kit (Uniform and Equipment): Materials | £0 - £100 | Years 1 and 2: Sourcing, printing and finishing of outcomes |
| Kit (Uniform and Equipment): Materials * | £0 - £500 | Year 3: Research and printing costs |
Funding
Funding to help pay for (or cover) course tuition fees and living costs
Whilst you’re studying, you’ll have two main financial obligations – tuition fees and living costs. There’s lots of financial help available from the University of South Wales and external funding sources, that may provide loans (which have to be paid back) and grants, scholarships and bursaries (that don't).
To learn about course fees, funding options, and to see if you are eligible for financial support, visit our Fees and Funding pages.
UK students
Apply via UCAS if you are a UK residing applicant, applying for year 1 of a full-time undergraduate degree, Foundation Year, Foundation Degree or HND and you have not applied through UCAS before. If you are applying to study part-time, to top up your Foundation Degree or HND, or to transfer to USW from another institution, please apply directly.
International and EU students
Apply directly to the University if you live outside the UK.
Many students elect to undertake placements or internships to gain vital industry experience, enhance their employability prospects and grow their important professional network. Recent examples include a number of high profile fashion and lifestyle sector in the following specialisms: Content Creation, Fashion Marketing, Social Media Strategist, Public Relations, Fashion Stylist, Graphics / Branding, Visual Merchandising, Entrepreneur, Further Study e.g. MA, Msc.
- Ellesse
- BRICKS magazine
- Estée Lauder / MAC Cosmetics
- Flamingos Vintage
- House of Sunny
- Harvey Nichols
- L’Oreal
- John Lewis
- TANK magazine
- Peacocks
- Primark
- Marc Jacobs
- Next
- St Davids Shopping Centre
- The Sustainable Studio
- Urban Outfitters
- WorkShy
Further Study:
The skills and knowledge gained on this fashion promotion course will equip you for a range of career paths. Students interested in specialising in design thinking, graphic communication, or photography are encouraged and assisted with applications for further study at Masters level.
Industry Partners
Industry partnerships are a key to the course DNA. Over the past few years, we have collaborated with a number of well-known fashion brands such as Next, John Lewis, Harvey Nichols, Ellesse, Topshop as well as many small start-ups and independent brands. We are passionate and proud to be part of the local creative scene in Cardiff. Students enjoy expanding their creative network and expertise through placements and live briefs with companies such as The Sustainable Studio, Cowshed, Flamingos Vintage, Bedroom Athletics, Style of the City and Workshy. Students recently held a fashion show at the National Museum of Wales presenting DIY upcycled fashion looks from surplus uniforms donated by the Welsh Police force.
Testimonials
Pentland
“Partnering with the Fashion Promotion course at the University of South Wales has been mutually beneficial in several ways.
The Career Immersion day hosted at Pentland’s head office in London gave the students an understanding of potential future careers, as well as commercial awareness into how a business and Creative Studio operate”
Pentland love to support the next generation and spending time with the Fashion Promotion students and Tutors has been tremendously rewarding. The visit to your campus to present the brief to the students was inspiring and we’re excited to see their fresh ideas.
The calibre of the Course and Tutors is outstanding, your dedication to ensuring the students are equipped to start their careers is so important and it’s equally important for us to provide these opportunities. Thank you for fostering this partnership and long may it continue.”
Pretty Little Thing
“The theme of this visit was employability and giving the students a real taste of what it’s like to work for a global online fashion business that’s based in the UK.
During the visit the students had the opportunity to meet a few of our driving forces
behind our website and product. Key members of our studio and marketing team gave talks about their career paths within the industry, and offered words of wisdom on how they got started and ultimately how to land their dream job. The students were even treated to a quick photo shoot viewing to get a taste of how we style and get our product to really shine on the website – always a highlight for any visitor to PLT!”
Our Careers and Employability Service
As a USW student, you will have access to advice from the Careers and Employability Service throughout your studies and after you graduate.
This includes: one-to-one appointments from faculty based Career Advisers, in person, over the phone or even on Skype and through email via the "Ask a Question" service. We also have extensive online resources for help with considering your career options and presenting yourself well to employers. Resources include psychometric tests, career assessments, a CV builder, interview simulator and application help. Our employer database has over 2,000 registered employers targeting USW students, you can receive weekly email alerts for jobs.
Our Careers service has dedicated teams: A central work experience team to help you find relevant placements; an employability development team which includes an employability programme called Grad Edge; and an Enterprise team focused on new business ideas and entrepreneurship.
Graduate Stories
Student Stories
Highlight Stories
Our Cardiff Campus is right in the city centre – the perfect home for our creative industries students. We’ve just finished a new phase of campus investment and development, so we can offer even more specialist facilities.
It’s the community and friendships you’ll build that make this place special. Outside your studies you can experience our amazing sport facilities and Students’ Union.
Living in Halls is a great way to meet new people and make friends. We have high quality accommodation in Treforest, Cardiff and Newport.