Study merchandising abroad

Merchandising is a vibrant and exciting discipline that combines elements of art, advertising and business. Most merchandising programs are closely linked to the fashion industry, and often incorporate elements of fashion buying and textile science.

As a merchandising student, you’ll develop strong business acumen, covering areas like accounting, finance, HR and marketing. You’ll learn how to interpret and forecast trends in the industry and often get the opportunity to learn on the job in real-world placements.

Merchandising is an international discipline where global trends can play a huge role. By studying merchandising abroad, you’ll get to experience firsthand how fashions and consumer attitudes vary in different countries, at the same time as broadening your personal horizons and having the adventure of a lifetime.

Merchandising is offered a range of degree levels including undergraduate and postgraduate. It is possible to study diploma or certificate programs, but a bachelor’s is the most common undergraduate degree.

It’s possible to study for a BA or BSc in merchandising over three or four years. There is little difference between the two programs, but the BSc may include more business and finance modules.

If you already have a bachelor’s degree in a related field and want to expand your knowledge or improve your employability, you can study for a master’s in merchandising. MAs in merchandising are rare, and will often be focussed in a specific area like fashion promotion.

As a student, your days will mostly be made up of lectures and small-group seminars, and you’ll also be expected to spend a lot of time doing independent study. What you’ll study will be unique to each university, but there are some core areas most programs will cover, including:

• Introduction to merchandising
• Marketing and management
• Brands and branding
• Understanding consumers
• Sustainability
• Supply chain management
• Business finance
• Human resource management

Many merchandising programs are designed to prepare you for an exciting career in the fashion industry. However, you will also develop a range of transferable skills in communication, business, and analysis that all employers value.

Some of the most popular careers for merchandising graduates include:

• Fashion buyer
• Retail merchandiser
• Brand manager
• Creative director
• Merchandising manager
• Fashion director
• Product developer
• Advertising executive

If you need help working out exactly which career path is right for you, make use of your university’s career services. They’ll be able to guide you through your options and help you make the right decision.