Chatham University

What you'll study

The programme combines core marketing fundamentals with fashion‑industry specialist subjects to give students practical and strategic understanding of global fashion markets. You will study marketing theory and practice—brand management, consumer behaviour, marketing research and digital marketing—alongside fashion‑specific courses such as fashion merchandising, retail buying, visual merchandising, international sourcing and sustainable fashion systems.

Typical modules and learning experiences include:

• Principles of Marketing – foundations of marketing strategy, segmentation and positioning.
• Consumer Behaviour – psychological and sociological drivers of purchasing in fashion and retail.
• Fashion Merchandising & Retail Buying – assortment planning, trend forecasting and supplier negotiation.
• International Marketing – adapting brand and channel strategies across markets and cultures.
• Digital & E‑commerce Marketing – online retail, social media strategy, UX for fashion sites and digital analytics.
• Visual Merchandising & Brand Presentation – store and window design, storytelling and brand environments.
• Sustainable Fashion & Supply Chain – materials, ethics, lifecycle thinking and responsible sourcing.
• Marketing Analytics – data‑driven decision making, metrics and reporting for fashion businesses.
• Capstone Project / Internship – a year‑long portfolio project or industry placement with a fashion brand, retailer or marketing agency.

Learning is delivered through a mix of lectures, studio workshops, case studies, group projects and applied placements. Students are encouraged to take study‑abroad or exchange options to deepen international market understanding.

Entry requirements

Admission typically requires a completed secondary education credential recognised by the university, academic transcripts and a personal statement outlining interest in marketing and fashion. Applicants may be asked to provide one or more academic references. For the fashion concentration, a short creative portfolio or examples of prior project work can strengthen an application but is not always mandatory.

Standard entry considerations include evidence of numeracy and written communication skills; some experience in retail, creative projects, internships or student organisations is advantageous. International applicants must meet the university's English language proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue roles across fashion houses, retail groups, online fashion platforms, brand consultancies and creative agencies. Typical career paths include:

• Fashion buyer or merchandise planner
• Brand manager or product manager for apparel and accessories
• Digital marketing or e‑commerce manager
• Visual merchandiser or store concept developer
• Retail operations or store management
• Marketing analyst specialising in retail and consumer insights
• Supply chain and sourcing coordinator with a focus on ethical sourcing
• Public relations and communications for fashion brands
• Entrepreneurship — starting a label, showroom or online retail venture

The programme’s emphasis on internships, portfolio work and industry collaboration is designed to help students build professional networks and practical experience sought by employers in local and international markets.

Why study at Chatham University

Chatham University offers a smaller‑scale learning environment with cross‑disciplinary options that suit fashion marketing students who benefit from close faculty support and hands‑on learning. The university's emphasis on sustainability and ethical practice complements contemporary fashion curricula and prepares students to address environmental and social challenges in the industry.

Students gain access to practical learning through industry partnerships, internship opportunities in the regional retail and creative sector, and multidisciplinary collaboration with programmes in design, business and communications. The campus setting and connections to a mid‑sized metropolitan area make it feasible to combine classroom study with real‑world placements and networking opportunities.