MSc International Fashion Retailing (Entrepreneurship and Innovation)

• Specialise in fashion retailing and strengthen your strategic business skills for a career in a substantial, competitive sector.
• Undertake an extensive research project and deepen your knowledge in an area of your interest.
• Learn in our brand-new Home of Engineering and Materials . A purpose-built space for innovation and creativity that is transforming the way our students study, research and shape the world.

The International Fashion Retailing (Entrepreneurship and Innovation) course is one of three MSc Fashion Business courses we offer. Depending on your career aspirations and personal interests, we recommend that you also consider our MSc in International Fashion Retailing and our MSc in International Fashion Marketing.

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.

International Fashion Marketing is a good option if you are interested in advertising, promotions, brand management and any other aspect of marketing. In contrast, International Fashion Retailing focuses more on retail, sales, and operations management. The further option is International Fashion Retailing (Entrepreneurship and Innovation) which is similar to International Fashion Retailing but emphasises how change and innovation can be managed within organisations and is also designed for those who wish to start their own business. Please note: you should only apply for one of these Fashion courses.

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.

Full entry requirements

All applicants will need to demonstrate competency in English language. Applicants who do not already possess an acceptable English Language qualification will need to take a recognised test and attain the required English Language score:

• IELTS: at least 6.5 overall with no sub-test below 6.0.
• TOFEL iBT: at least 90 overall with no sub-test below 20. We do not accept 'MyBestScore'.
• Pearson PTE: at least 70 overall with no sub-test below 65.

Further information on language requirements can be found on our website .

Pre-sessional English

We will consider applicants who do not meet these scores but you may be required to complete a pre-sessional English language course at the University of Manchester prior to the start of the course.

To be considered for a pre-sessional English language course for this programme we require the following minimum IELTS (Academic) scores:

• 6 Week Pre-Sessional Course: Minimum 6.0 overall with no sub-test below 5.5.
• 10 Week Pre-sessional Course: Minimum 5.5 overall with no sub-test below 5.5.

If you have not yet completed your current academic study and are interested in studying a pre-sessional course, you must hold an IELTS for UKVI (Academic) test certificate.

Career opportunities

Accrediting organisations