International Fashion Promotion developed with industry

FOR graduates, it is vital to be ready for the workplace the moment you finish your degree.

That’s why Manchester Metropolitan University’s new International Fashion Promotion degree has been designed with the help of more than 50 industry partners to ensure that graduates have that all-important X factor that will help them get ahead.

Course leader Carly Wraeg asked for feedback from a huge range of companies, from ASOS to Chanel, and used their ideas to make sure the new course fulfilled the expectations of graduate employers.

Carly said: “We had carte blanche to develop the programme. We asked employers for the expected profile of an International Fashion Promotion graduate and what skills and knowledge they would expect from a placement student, and worked backwards from there.”

Industry praise

The course has been designed in four different streams to ensure balance between business and creativity – theory, industry, the creative and practical aspects and academic and professional practice. This was then sent back to the companies for a second round of feedback.

The approach has been praised by people working in the fashion industry, who have been particularly impressed by the focus on digital and multi-channel promotion, and the international approach taken.

Carly said: “We’ve focussed on the fact that the fashion industry is changing all the time and so the marketing portfolio has to do the same. There’s a real digital aspect and students are digital natives now – you’re not only a PR assistant, there’s an online or digital element too.

“When you talk about the fashion industry you’re talking about a global industry, so units have a crucial international element from the first year onwards.”

Dynamic programme

The approach has worked – the course received more than 400 applications for just under 150 available places, and the industry partners are clamouring to get involved in live projects, workshops and talks.

Carly said: “It is my belief that the course has been so successful already, due to the fact that we have designed and promoted a course so different from what has been done before. The enthusiasm and motivation of the team has shone through at open days and the response from prospective students and parents alike has been overwhelming.

“Our focus on employability and internationalisation comes through strongly in their feedback. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for this dynamic and exciting programme.