Dartmouth University

What you'll study

The programme blends core marketing theory with fashion-specific modules and practical projects. In the early years you build a foundation in marketing principles, consumer behaviour, statistics for business, and international business environments. Specialist fashion modules introduce fashion history and culture, retail buying and merchandising, trend forecasting, brand and luxury management, and fashion communications.

Later stages emphasise applied skills: digital and social media marketing for fashion, e-commerce and omni-channel retailing, supply chain and sourcing for apparel, sustainability and ethical practice in fashion, and pricing and assortment strategy. Project work includes industry briefs, a live client project or placement, and a final capstone such as a research dissertation or integrated marketing campaign for a fashion brand.

• Core marketing: principles of marketing, consumer behaviour, marketing analytics
• International business and cross-cultural management
• Fashion-focused modules: merchandising and buying, trend forecasting, fashion branding, luxury brand management
• Digital skills: social media strategy, e-commerce platforms, digital advertising and analytics
• Operational modules: supply chain management, sourcing, production planning, sustainability in fashion
• Practical elements: industry placements, studio projects, internships and an undergraduate capstone project

Programme structure

The degree is structured over multiple academic years with progressive specialisation. Early years focus on breadth across marketing and business. Middle years allow selection of optional fashion and international modules. Final year centres on advanced electives, an industry-focused capstone and an optional long placement or study abroad term. Assessment combines essays, case studies, group projects, presentations and practical portfolios.

Entry requirements

Typical entrants will have strong secondary-school qualifications with a focus on analytical subjects and evidence of interest in fashion or marketing. Requirements commonly include:

• Upper secondary qualifications (e.g. A-levels, International Baccalaureate, or recognised national equivalents). Typical offers expect passes in three substantive subjects; a quantitative subject such as mathematics, statistics or economics is often recommended.
• For IB applicants, a competitive total diploma score with higher-level courses in relevant subjects is usually expected.
• Non-standard applicants may be considered on the basis of relevant work experience, an employer reference or a portfolio demonstrating creative and commercial projects.
• International applicants must meet the university's English language requirements; qualifications such as IELTS or equivalent are acceptable.
• All applicants should submit a personal statement outlining interest in fashion and marketing; those with industry experience or extracurricular projects in fashion, retail or creative disciplines are viewed favourably.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to a wide range of roles across the fashion, luxury and retail industries as well as in broader marketing functions. Common career paths include brand management, product buying and merchandising, fashion marketing and communications, digital and social media management, e-commerce strategy, retail management, trend forecasting, and visual merchandising.

Other opportunities include roles in supply chain and sourcing for apparel, PR and influencer relations, wholesale account management, retail analytics, and consultancy for fashion businesses. Many graduates also join graduate schemes at global retail and luxury groups, or launch their own fashion or lifestyle ventures.

Why study at Dartmouth University

Dartmouth University combines a strong liberal-arts undergraduate experience with opportunities to engage with business and entrepreneurship resources. Students benefit from small seminar sizes, cross-disciplinary teaching, and access to career services and alumni networks that support internships and industry placements. Practical learning is emphasised through live industry briefs, internships and collaboration with local and international brands.

The institution encourages interdisciplinary study—students can complement marketing and fashion modules with courses in economics, design, sustainability or foreign languages to strengthen international career readiness. On-campus resources such as business incubators, digital labs and career-centre employer events help bridge academic study and professional practice in the global fashion sector.