Fashion Communication Marketing (Social Media) BA Hons

You are viewing Course summary

Course Summary

We deliver 21st century learning for the 21st century fashion industry. With 75% online and 25% face-to-face learning, our course mirrors the current and future working environment of the fashion communication marketing industry.

This is Internship Education, providing industry experience and the opportunity to build networks alongside a solid academic underpinning, with smaller fees than a traditional three-year degree.

As our course is delivered by contemporary industry specialists, we are able to reflect what is happening in the fashion industry. Influenced by innovation within the fashion industry and following discussion with contemporary industry professionals, you will be prepared for the technological advancements that have shaped contemporary fashion communication, and be ready to react and respond to the requirements of the future potential of the industry, developing connections with new and established social media audiences.

Comprising of just six modules, taught sequentially over six trimesters within a social media platform and with dedicated industry mentors, you will gain high-level social media skills. You will also develop highly sought after transferable skills, so you can reach your full potential and succeed no matter which direction you wish to take following graduation.

If you love fashion and have the drive and ambition to be a social media influencer, content creator, stylist, campaign designer or brand developer this is the course for you.

Why you'll love it

Industry Speakers: Helen Price, Tony Green, Christopher Shannon, Tala Surface

Become Industry Ready in Just Two Years

The Placement

BA (Hons) Fashion Communication Marketing (Social Media)

Fashion Communication Marketing (Social Media) at the University of Chester

Trimester 1 - Fashion Darling. This module introduces you to the amazing world that is fashion and its communication methods, the fashion fundamentals. In Trimester 2 - Brand X. You will be investigating and developing brand collaborations building on communication for the LUX Streetwear Market supported with marketing theory. Industry related project.

Module content:

Students will study the fundamentals of contemporary fashion communication, visual research and contextual studies (Fashion Marketing) they will begin to develop their personal visual Fashion Signature. They will be encouraged to develop creative ideas through experimentations and visual storytelling (analogue), whilst acknowledging the values of traditional skills, and the introduction to application of new technologies. This module, helps to develop the creative process and problem-solving abilities. Students will also be introduced to:

The Method - Part One [introduction]:

Where to look - Being Miss Marple – Research Methods (finding the clues- joining the dots) Why and Who and How
Analytical reflection – what to take forward and why diary (Reflection)
Development of visual story
Analytical reflective marketing report – Joining the dots (The Whys)

Module aims:

Module aims are:

To develop an understanding of the fundamentals of communication marketing
To encourage confident communication methods both verbally and physically
To support, and encourage outcomes which work physically or in virtual space
To enable the student to question and critically assess their decision making (problem solving)
To introduce students to Fashion Marketing Theory & Fashion Markets
To introduce a research process The Method – Part One

Module content:

This module introduces students to the Industry Brief. Students’ investigations will be focused directly at consumer marketing, both traditional and virtual. The module provides students with the opportunity to explore contemporary fashion branding collaborations and build on communications marketing theory from It’s Fashion Darling!

Students will analyse and critically reflect on research outcomes, within the context of the fashion industry, they will examine consumer behaviour and profiles in relation to branding and communication. Students will also examine all the tools in the marketing communications mix and how fashion brands use this mix to maximum effect to successfully communicate with their specific target markets through social media platforms and build brand awareness and brand advocacy.

The Method - Part One [further development] building on the learning of The Method - Part One [introduction] students will apply this process to an Industry Brief:

Being Miss Marple: finding the clues, why and who
Analytical reflection: what to take forward creating the “Why diary”
Developing the visual story
Analytical reflective marketing report: Joining the dots

Module aims:

Module aims are:

To develop an understanding of fashion brands utilising the Marketing Mix
To develop an understanding of the consumer and consumer profiling
To gain an understanding of the professionalism needed to work within an Industry context
To develop presentation skills needed to communicate with industry partner
To expand research, analytical and problem solving skills
To expand students understanding of The Method – Part One

During Trimester 3 - Influence ME! You will be exploring new social media conversations, looking at storytelling and brand influencers with industry Mentors. Trimester 4 Planet 204 - Work for Planet 204 AGENCY engaging in industry placements, live briefs or editing our Planet 204 MetaZine.

Module content:

Image & Stories: Social Media Marketing & Communication

Telling stories via fashion/ lifestyle product is an important aspect of marketing and communication within the fashion industry, this module explores how the fashion image targets the consumer and communicates brand identity within their chosen market level. The module asked students to explore their understanding and critical reflection of telling stories via the fashion images and how they are used as a direct to the consumer marketing tool. Students will gain an understanding of image at all levels of the fashion markets within a social media environment, and how it conveys a message to the targeted consumer enabling them to develop innovation in storytelling for fashion.

The Method – Part Two [a] builds on and introduces students to…

Being Miss Marple building on The Method - Part One
Visual collection - The Keys
Extended understanding of The Clues - mind mapping
20 x 20 [mind mapping an extension]
Visual analytical storytelling

Module aims:

To enable students to gain an understanding of social media trends
To facilitate students in the development of an understanding of and the ability to generate fashion narrative (The Method – Part Two)
To advance the need for students to look to the future of online digital platforms in order to be prepared for future job markets
To introduce students to fashion content creation for fashion social media
To introduce students to influencer marketing for fashion
To equip students with the tools to develop a conceptual approach to consumer targeted campaigns

Module content:

Planet 204 Creative Agency

This module offers students a variety of work placement opportunities, working within the “Planet 204 AGENCY” an industry simulated environment offering the opportunities for industry placement both remote and physical which could include, but is not limited to:

Editor of the Planet 204 Zine,
Live fashion projects
Local, national and international Fashion competitions
Local community projects
Work Placements

As preparation, students will undertake self-diagnosis and critical reflection in respect of their interests, hard and soft skills, strengths, weaknesses and career ambitions. Students will prepare themselves for a chosen fashion- sector in a way that is relevant to local, national and international markets. Students will evaluate their personal brand and develop organisational skills as well as personal presentation skills.

Students will create personal social media promotional materials using a variety or tools, techniques and platforms that are relevant to their career aspirations.

The Method – Part Two [b] further extend and builds on

Being Miss Marple building on The Method - Part One
Visual collection - The Keys
Extended understanding of The Clues - mind mapping
20 x 20
Visual analytical storytelling

Module aims:

To facilitate students in the development of a sophisticated and critical awareness of development in relation to industry career paths
To introduce students to the areas of professionalism required when representing a brand within an industry based setting
To enable students to develop an understanding of individual reflection in order to identify future direction and support career planning (The Method – Part Two)
To promote the transferability of discipline skills within a diverse and ever-changing work place
To enhance student employability by creating an understanding of target market content, for the fashion communication marketing industry
To further develop professional presentation skills in the communication of final developments and outcomes.

Trimesters 5 and 6 - Are dedicated to Marketing you! Aimed at your chosen industry, you will be given an industry mentor who has skills within your chosen career path, concluding in a launch to industry exhibition and industry engagement evening.

Module content:

Personal and professional development and critical reflection are embedded throughout the course and this module builds on students learning to compete in the Fashion Communication Marketing Industry. This module focuses on the development and building of a professional personal brand identity (BRAND ME) planning and 360 interrogation to identify a gap in the market, in the development of a personal fashion campaign, which will enable the student to launch into their chosen area of the industry. This module supports students to create a thoroughly researched and developed pipeline into their chosen pathway of industry, developing an in depth knowledge and understanding of the market sectors. This module builds on experience from the Planet 204 Agency to further investigate current and future industry needs and technologies needed to launch a career or apply for further study.

This module builds on The Method - Part One, (from Being Miss Marple to Joining the Dots) and The Method Part Two (from The Keys to visual analytical storytelling)

and introduces students to the Method Part Three

Personal brand forecast

Module aims:

To introduce students to key concepts and ‘practice’ of personal brand concept development and direction
To develop students' awareness of the possibilities and limitations of influence upon fashion brands / markets through concept/art direction
To encourage students to explore the interlinking relationship between research, critical analysis, critical thinking and appropriate market communication solutions for a concept
To facilitate the development of advanced skills in exploiting contemporary fashion marketing and promotional communication strategies
To provide opportunities for students to develop the skills to produce creative marketing and promotion solutions in response to challenges set by the fashion brand and the concept
To encourage advanced skills in collaborative working, time management, task management and management of professional finishing skills.

Module content:

Industry Preparation Project & Launch & Industry Virtual Mentor Program

This module builds on It’s ALL About ME! Students are asked to further interrogate a final Fashion sector outcome. The focus of the module is the research, development and experimental processes that underpin a self-directed project. Students explore how the Fashion Communication Marketing industry uses new technologies and new social media platforms to reach identified target audiences. Students will explore current industry practices and evolving marketing techniques to create a fusion between the physical and digital worlds. Students will look closely at the variety of paths available to them and consider a range of targeted career outcomes and/or academic options.

Students will be supported by the Pay It Forward Network a virtual industry mentor online incubation space.

Module aims:

To develop students who are able to view, with a critical perspective, the different strategies utilised in relation to fashion communication marketing and promotion practices for industry
To provide opportunities for students to develop an understanding of the relationships between fashion brand management and theories of marketing, branding and promotion
To facilitate students to expand their awareness of the fundamental concepts of fashion brands and markets, specifically in relation to future proofing of brands.
To encourage students to build on and expand their skills to create a targeted, promotional, analytical campaign, to a targeted fashion market
To provide the opportunity for students to develop a live promotion of their brand specifically aimed at their target audience

75% of the course is taught online, utilising online platforms to facilitate learning, communication, collaboration and sharing of content. 25% of the course is taught face-to-face, providing access to specialist facilities and resources.

Each week consists of nine hours of focused timetabled activities, with a further 30 hours of guided independent activities.

As a fast-track 2-year programme, teaching for this degree starts earlier than a typical 3-year course.

Assessment is based on coursework, including:

Written / spoken – reports, editorial articles, Vlogs, YouTube content.
Visual – social media content, presentations, show reels, TikTok content.
Both individual and group work is undertaken for assessment.

Beyond the classroom

You will undertake one or more industry relevant placements giving you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in an industry context, gaining experience of contemporary working practices.

This is your chance to prepare for your chosen fashion sector in a way that is relevant to local, national and international markets.

You will undertake one or more industry relevant placements giving you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in an industry context, gaining experience of contemporary working practices.

This is your chance to prepare for your chosen fashion sector in a way that is relevant to local, national and international markets.

The Nest – Virtual Incubator Experience

THE NEST: Your Virtual Incubator! A year of unmatched support. Embarking on a transformative journey, graduates of our course now have the exclusive opportunity to spread their wings through our incredible incubator program – THE NEST. 🚀

Providing support to establish your Brand or Agency after your degree, THE NEST incubator awaits to nurture your ambitions. You'll be paired with a seasoned Industry Mentor, guiding you through the twists and turns of entrepreneurship with their invaluable expertise.

As a part of this extraordinary journey, you'll gain access to software and facilities, all at your disposal for an entire year. This opportunity is at no cost to you for an entire year post-degree.

Entry Requirements

112UCAS points

UCAS Tariff	112 points
GCE A Level	Typical offer – BCC-BBC Please refer to the Extra Information section below.
BTEC	BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM
International Baccalaureate	26 points
Irish / Scottish Highers	Irish Highers - H3 H3 H3 H3 H4 Scottish Highers - BBBB
Access requirements	45 credits at level 3, of which 30 must be at Merit or above
T Level	Merit
OCR Cambridge Technicals	OCR Extended Diploma: DMM
Extra Information	Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. We are looking for passionate enthusiastic students seeking to develop their personal visual signature / content creation / campaign approach, to social media, film, styling, marketing or branding for fashion. At the University of Chester, we believe creativity knows no bounds and welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to join our vibrant family of artists and designers. Our art and design courses are designed to nurture creativity, foster innovation, and develop the skills necessary to excel in the creative and cultural industries. We understand that creativity is a talent that can be cultivated and honed, regardless of prior qualifications. If you have a passion for creativity and a desire to learn and grow in the world of art and design, we encourage you to apply to our courses, regardless of your qualification subjects.

Fees and Funding

£11,000per year (2024/25)

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2024/25 are £11,000 a year.

Tuition Fee Loans are limited to £9,250 for students from Wales, and they will be expected to self-fund the remaining fee of £1,750 per year.

The University may increase these fees at the start of each subsequent year of your course in line with inflation at that time, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals.

Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.

Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

While the course is delivered predominantly online with online and digital outcomes, some print costs may be incurred for print publications. In addition, materials to be used in campaigns for styling and as props may need to be purchased. You are expected to provide your own sketchbooks, notebooks and associated materials when/if required.

A Smart Phone is essential and a Laptop is recommended. You will have free access to Adobe Creative Cloud and LinkedIn Learning while you study with us. While you will predominantly work with free Apps, there will, from time to time, be the requirement for some in-app purchases, website hosting costs and online publishing subscriptions.

If you chose to live at home you should be prepared to pay for the cost of travel and/or (when necessary) overnight accommodation in order to attend face-to-face sessions or access specialist workshop/studio spaces.

Where you'll study Creative Campus, Kingsway, Chester

Join our Creative Community

Connect with Experts

Specialist Studio and Workshop Spaces

Art and Design female student in art studio workspace with various art materials.

Music Rehearsal and Recording Facilities

A group of music students performing on stage.

Contemporary Art Space Chester (CASC)

A man looking at photography printed artwork in gallery space

Equipment Loan Provision

Your future career

Job Prospects

Our programme gives you the opportunity to develop career paths to a wide range of fashion-related communication marketing roles. With the emphasis on contemporary and future focused creative outputs and the acquisition of key transferable skills, you will be equipped to succeed both within and outside the creative industries.

Progression options

Digital Marketing MSc
Marketing Management MSc

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.

Related courses

Fashion Design BA (Hons)

Fashion Communication Marketing (Social Media) BA (Hons)

Course Summary

Why you'll love it