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Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design and Marketing

The Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design and Marketing is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in fashion design and marketing. The programme falls under the Business & Economics category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers Fashion Design and Marketing, Fashion Design, Textile Science, Fashion Marketing, Brand Development, Fashion Business. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in Advertising, Business Process Modeling, Data Visualization, Entrepreneurship, Financial Analysis. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.

Throughout the programme, students study Fashion Design, Fashion Technology, Fashion History, Textile Science, Strategic Management. The teaching approach combines lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials, assignments and independent research projects. This blend ensures graduates can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems in their field.

The programme offers specialisations in Brand Development, Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing. Students can focus their studies on areas of particular interest, allowing them to tailor their degree to specific career goals. The flexibility enables graduates to pursue diverse professional paths within the sector.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design and Marketing pursue careers as Fashion Designer, Brand Manager, Creative Director, Fashion Consultant. They find employment in various sectors including government agencies, private companies, research institutions, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions. The degree opens doors to both local and international opportunities.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and offered at recognised universities across Kenya. Students benefit from industry attachments, fieldwork and practical training that complement classroom learning and enhance employability upon graduation.

Duration
4 years
Public, up to
Ksh 240,000
Private, up to
Ksh 105,000
Job market
High

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode
Full-time
Attachment
6 months
Average class
30 students
Award
Bachelor

What you study

6 subjects
  • Fashion Design and Marketing
  • Fashion Design
  • Textile Science
  • Fashion Marketing
  • Brand Development
  • Fashion Business

Modules

12 in the programme
  • Communication Skills

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Communication Skills: Academic writing, presentation skills, and professional communication. Develops practical skills for academic and professional contexts.

  • Foundations of the Discipline

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Foundations of the Discipline: Introduction to core concepts, theories, and principles of the field. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Research Methods

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques.

  • Information Technology Fundamentals

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Computer applications, data processing, and digital literacy for academic and professional use.

  • Fashion Design

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Study of fashion design, covering design principles, fashion illustration, pattern making, and garment construction.

  • Textile Science

    Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore

    Examination of textile science, covering textile materials, textile properties, fabric technology, and textile testing.

  • Statistics and Data Analysis

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Statistical methods, probability, and data interpretation for research and practice.

  • Professional Ethics

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    Ethical principles, professional conduct, and regulatory frameworks in the field.

  • Project Management

    Year 3Semester 16 creditsCore

    Project Management: Project planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation techniques. Covers project lifecycle, resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.

  • Fashion Technology

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    Study of fashion technology, covering CAD for fashion, digital design, fashion software, and technology applications.

  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Business planning, venture creation, and innovation management. Equips students with practical skills for venture creation and business management.

  • Fashion History

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    Examination of fashion history, covering fashion evolution, cultural influences, fashion movements, and contemporary fashion.

Specialisations

  • Brand Development

    Focus on brand strategy, brand positioning, and brand identity. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

  • Fashion Design

    Focus on design principles, pattern making, and garment construction for fashion design careers. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

  • Fashion Marketing

    Specialization in fashion branding, fashion retail, and consumer behavior. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

  • General Practice

    Broad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

  • Research and Analysis

    Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

  • Research and Analysis

    Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

A day as a student

Students attend lectures, conduct fashion design, participate in case studies, and engage in marketing campaigns.

The trade offs

In its favour

  • Growing fashion industry in Kenya with increasing demand for fashion designers and marketers.
  • Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
  • Fashion design and marketing offer diverse career opportunities in fashion houses, retail, and creative agencies.
  • Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding.
  • Fashion design and marketing campaigns provide hands-on experience with brand development and creative work.

Against it

  • Limited programme specialisation options may be available.
  • Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking.
  • Fashion industry is highly competitive with pressure for creativity and trend awareness.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 331 business courses
Public204k to 240k
204k at Kenyatta University240k at University of Nairobi
Private105k to 105k
105k at Mount Kenya University105k at Mount Kenya University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

KU 204.4K/yr, UoN 240K/yr (Schedule II). MKU 105K/yr (mku.ac.ke).

HELB loans available for eligible students. Some universities offer scholarships based on academic performance.

Funding options

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)

Scholarships

3 recorded
  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan

    LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan

    Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities demonstrating financial need.

  • Higher Education Fund (HEF)

    Government fundingKenyan

    Kenyan students in public universities under the new funding model based on financial need assessment.

  • County Government Bursaries

    BursaryKenyan

    Kenyan students from respective counties demonstrating financial need.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade
C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE
Alternative entry
Diploma holders in Fashion Design, Textile Design, Business Administration, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.
  • English/Kiswahili

    C

  • Mathematics

    C

  • Art and Design/Business Studies

    C

  • Any Group II subject

    C

How you are assessed

5 components
  • Research Project

    Project100% of the mark

    Independent research project on fashion or marketing topic, demonstrating mastery of fashion design and marketing theory and practice.

  • End of Semester Examinations

    Exam70% of the mark

    Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester testing understanding of fashion design, textile science, and fashion marketing.

  • Continuous Assessment Tests

    Cat30% of the mark

    Regular tests, assignments, and fashion exercises throughout the semester evaluating fashion knowledge and practical skills.

  • Practice Assessments

    Practicum100% of the mark

    Evaluation of fashion design skills, creative work, and practical applications through fashion design and case studies.

  • Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments

    Coursework30% of the mark

    Written tests, assignments, and practical exercises throughout the semester.

Accreditation

Accredited by Commission for University Education (CUE).

Accredited by

  • Commission for University Education

    NationalRequired

    Mandatory accreditation for all university programmes in Kenya.

  • Commission for University Education (CUE)

    Academic accreditationRequired

    CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

8 roles
  • Graduate Trainee

    High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 60,000

    Entry-level position applying academic knowledge in a professional environment.

  • Research Assistant

    Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 65,000

    Supporting research projects through data collection, analysis, and reporting.

  • Project Officer

    High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 80,000

    Coordinating and implementing projects in public, private, or NGO sectors.

  • Analyst

    High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 90,000

    Analysing data, trends, and patterns to support decision-making.

  • Fashion Designer

    High demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 110,000

    Design fashion collections, develop fashion concepts, and create innovative fashion products and garments.

  • Brand Manager

    High demandKsh 54,000 to Ksh 120,000

    Manage fashion brands, develop brand strategies, and oversee brand positioning and brand equity.

  • Creative Director

    Medium demandKsh 62,000 to Ksh 140,000

    Lead creative teams, develop creative strategies, and oversee fashion design and brand development.

  • Fashion Consultant

    Medium demandKsh 54,000 to Ksh 120,000

    Provide fashion expertise, consult on fashion strategy, and support organizations in fashion improvement.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work in fashion design and marketing across Kenya's fashion and creative sectors.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • Google Workspace

    Cloud

  • Power BI

    AnalyticsPrimary

  • QuickBooks

    Accounting

  • SAP

    Enterprise

  • Adobe Illustrator

    SoftwarePrimary

    Vector graphics software for fashion illustration and design.

  • Adobe Photoshop

    SoftwarePrimary

    Image editing software for fashion presentation and marketing visuals.

  • Canva

    Software

    Graphic design platform for fashion marketing materials and social media content.

  • CLO 3D

    Software

    3D fashion design software for virtual garment visualisation and prototyping.

  • ChatGPT / Claude

    Ai

  • Microsoft Excel

    SpreadsheetPrimary

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

  • This programme has limited career opportunities.

    Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.

  • The programme is only for top-performing students.

    While academic excellence is valued, the programme accepts students meeting the minimum KCSE requirements and supports diverse learners.

  • Graduates cannot find employment in Kenya.

    Kenya's growing economy creates demand for qualified graduates across public, private, and NGO sectors.

  • The degree is not recognised internationally.

    The programme is accredited by CUE and is recognised under regional and international qualification frameworks.

Related courses

Further reading

Keep this

Fees and entry marks for Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design and Marketing are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.