Fashion Buying & Management - Conversion Course - Aungier St

What is a Postgraduate Conversion Programme?

A conversion programme enables graduates of one discipline to acquire a qualification in a different discipline at Postgraduate Diploma and Masters Level. Having studied a particular degree you may decide that you wish to change your career path and consider undertaking a conversion programme at TU Dublin.

What is... Fashion Buying & Management?
Please note due to the great demand for our programmes early applications are assessed when received and dealt with promptly. Therefore it is advisable to make early applications for an early response. If you do not yet have your final degree results this will not hinder your application as we are happy to issue conditional offer letters in such circumstances.
To make a full and complete application for this programme you must include a current CV along with a cover letter stating why you are applying for this postgraduate diploma and outlining your suitability to the course.

TU Dublin's innovative MSc Fashion Buying & Management is to date, the only programme of its kind being offered in the Republic of Ireland. This one year, full-time programme is designed for graduates seeking to break the exciting and fast-paced fashion buying industry.

Click here for our dedicated TU Dublin Fashion Buying & Management website and discover the top 6 reasons to study fashion buying and management with TU Dublin.

Other Information
What subjects does the MSc in Fashion Buying and Management include?

The first semester introduces participants to the principles of Fashion Buying I. Materials and Fabrics, Sociology of Fashion, Finance for non-financial Managers, and Marketing Luxury Brands and Retail Merchandising Analytics.

In the second semester students study a more specialist area with Fashion Buying II, complemented by modules such as Store Environment, Fashion Public Relations and Communications, Retail Operations Management and International Fashion Retailing.

Throughout the year, a series of Fashion Seminars will be delivered. These seminars will allow for the students to interact with key industry figures and be kept informed of the latest industry developments. International travel will also be an important feature of the programme. In February, students will travel to a European fashion capital, in March the students will visit a fabric mill in Ireland as part of the Materials and Fabrics module of semester 1.

A work placement will feature as key to the successful completion of the programme, and will take place at the end of Semester 1, for 6 weeks during Summer break.

What is the duration of the programme?

The programme runs for one year full-time, with a work placement element included in the duration, an additional five months is allowed for the submission of the major research project.

Does the course have industry links?

The MSc in Fashion Buying and Management is very closely aligned to industry, in order to offer the best and most relevant education in this field. The Industry Advisory Panel is made up of key industry figures and organizations, both local and international. Experts from key institutions around the world also offer important support, from the London College of Fashion to Mod Art International in Paris. Support from the Industry will be evident in the line-up of speakers for the Fashion Seminar series.

What are the learning outcomes of the programme?

Students will be able to understand and appreciate the diversity of fabrics available for use in their product / garment construction, their general properties and variations in the methods of assembling them into products.

Students will demonstrate an understanding of the principles of ranging and merchandising in the context of overall category management and relate these to overall business of the retailer.

Students will understand how buying and merchandising interacts with the other key business functions, in particular: Design, Garment Technology, Marketing, Finance and Retail Operations.

Students will demonstrate a specialised knowledge of the range of concepts, models and processes relevant to the study of fashion buying and management.

Students will develop a comprehensive awareness of the significant concepts and processes of consumer behavior.

Students will exercise an ability to review secondary research material, interpret multiple arguments on the subject matter, followed with the capacity to present logical critical explanations.

Students will take responsibility for one's own learning and actively participate in team and group based opportunities to develop leadership and initiative.

Students will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the nature of fashion distribution channels and the changing balance of power therein.

Students will be able to analyze the nature and power of brands in building fashion brand equity and appreciate the particular case of luxury brands.

Students will develop an understanding of the key media involved in the fashion industry and an ability to describe the media in relation to types, styles, power and influence.

Is there a single contact for the course ?

Yes, the MSc in Fashion Buying and Management at the Technological University Dublin has a Programme Coordinator. Decisions in relation to course content and development are made by the course team and course committee in line with general TU Dublin policy.

More detailed information on course syllabi is contained in the Programme Document that is updated each year. This is available from the library, TU Dublin Aungier Street. General information on the industry is available from published and other industry sources.

Course Content
The first semester introduces participants to the principles of Fashion Buying I. Materials and Fabrics, Sociology of Fashion, Finance for non-financial Managers, and Marketing Luxury Brands and Retail Merchandising Analytics.

In the second semester students study a more specialist area with Fashion Buying II, complemented by modules such as Store Environment, Fashion Public Relations and Communications, Retail Operations Management and International Fashion Retailing.

Throughout the year, a series of Fashion Seminars will be delivered. These seminars will allow for the students to interact with key industry figures and be kept informed of the latest industry developments. International travel will also be an important feature of the programme.

The trip to Paris takes place in February, the learning outcomes of this trip our examined by continuous assessment.

Conversion Programme
The programme is aimed at honours bachelor degree graduates (minimum 2.2 Honours) of universities or similar third level institutions who have a strong desire to succeed in the fashion industry. Holders of equivalent professional qualifications, by examination, will also be considered.

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants for this programme should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6.5 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.

Note: Due to the considerable competition for our postgraduate programmes satisfying the minimum entry requirement is not a guarantee of a place. Depending on the programme of study applications will be assessed based on your academic grades and your work/life experience. Applicants may also be required to attend for interview for specific programmes.

How to Apply
Applications will open on 6th April 2022 and will close on 22nd October 2022

1 Year Full Time

Method of Delivery Classroom

Schedule
While the timetable is obviously yet to be finalized there are normally circa 20 to 25 contact hours per week. Given the intensive nature of the postgraduate programme and the fact that subjects are new, students are advised to keep a clear working week and to minimize other commitments in order to participate in the programme. Students are also advised to be aware of time commitment needed to complete the work placement element of the programme.

What are my career opportunities?
A career in fashion buying can offer a lifestyle that is fast-paced and exciting with opportunities to travel and see the world, a great way to combine creativity and commerce.