Combining theory and practice, this Luxury Brand Management course gives you a broad understanding of the global luxury industry. You’ll study how brands operate across fashion, beauty, hospitality, property and lifestyle, and how luxury is changing in response to new consumer expectations.
This is a dynamic, industry-led course designed to prepare you for a successful career in luxury. You’ll develop the skills to think creatively, act strategically and understand the cultural, ethical and commercial forces that shape luxury today.
What you’ll study
On this course, you’ll explore the history of luxury and how it continues to evolve. You’ll study:
luxury brand strategy and consumer behaviour in high-value markets
strategic luxury marketing, service management, technology and innovation
sustainability and ethical issues in luxury
digital transformation and sensory branding
second-hand, upcycled and resale markets, alongside traditional values of craft, quality and longevity
the future of luxury experience design
You'll benefit from access to facilities such as computer-aided design (CAD) suites and other digital resources, balancing critical thinking with creative development.
Throughout your studies, you’ll be taught by experienced academics and industry professionals, including the programme’s author and Professor of Luxury Marketing. Guest lectures, workshops and mentoring from industry leaders will give you valuable real-world insight. You'll also have the chance to work on projects across the programme, developed with our breadth of luxury partners.
Immersive international field trips
2 international field trips are covered in your course fees. These provide an exciting and valuable feature of this course, giving you first-hand exposure to global luxury markets, heritage brands and innovative practices. You’ll see luxury culture in action and develop an international perspective that employers value.
A creative, cross-disciplinary and supportive learning environment
To reflect luxury's expansion beyond heritage and status as customer values incorporate more inclusion, sustainability and transparency, you’ll take part in cross-disciplinary projects that encourage you to think about luxury in new ways and apply your learning to different industries. Market trends also show an increase in lifestyle spending, with luxury defined by time, experience and wellbeing as much as by material goods.
At Winchester School of Art, you’ll join a vibrant and supportive community of students and staff. You’ll have opportunities to work with peers from different creative and business disciplines, expanding your perspective and developing collaboration skills.
Career and future opportunities
By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to start a career in a wide range of sectors including fashion, beauty, automotive, tourism and hospitality, technology, wellness, and health and lifestyle.
We’ll support your entrepreneurial ambitions too, whether you want to start your own venture or take on freelance opportunities.
Graduates emerge as confident, forward-thinking professionals, ready to take on roles in global luxury organisations or create their own businesses in this fast-changing, experience-driven sector.
Get in touch
If you have any questions about the course or your application, you can contact the programme lead, Amanda Bragg-Mollison, at A.Bragg-Mollison@soton.ac.uk.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. ¸£Àû×ÅÆ¬ out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Our standard offer is BBC at A-level or equivalent qualification, we also consider grades of comparable value.
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: BCC and grade A in the EPQ.
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is: CCC from 3 A levels.
or
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 28 points overall with 14 points at Higher Level
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
or
BTEC
RQF BTEC
Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC National Extended Diploma.
Distinction, Merit in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in an A level.
Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus BC in two A levels
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
QCF BTEC
Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC Extended Diploma.
Distinction, Merit in the BTEC Diploma plus B in an A level.
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus BC in two A levels
BTEC contextual
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
or
Show more entry requirements
Access to HE Diploma
Irish Leaving Certificate
Scottish Qualification offers
Cambridge Pre-U
Welsh Baccalaureate
T Level
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 18 must be at Distinction and 27 credits at Merit
Access Offer Contextual
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H2 H3 H3 H3 H4 H4
Irish Offer Contextual
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
M2 M2 M1 in three principal subjects
Cambridge Pre-U Offer Contextual
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Welsh Baccalaureate
BBC from 3 A levels or BB from two A levels and C from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
T-Level
There are no T Levels accepted for this programme.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.
If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:
IELTS score requirements
overall score
6.5
reading
6.0
writing
6.0
speaking
6.0
listening
6.0
If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. ¸£Àû×ÅÆ¬ out more about:
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
We welcome applications from learners of all ages. Students who are aged 21 and over at the start of their undergraduate course are defined as mature by the University of Southampton. We take a holistic assessment of the application looking for academic ability and commitment to study. Typical entry requirements, which may vary from discipline to discipline, includes for example, evidence of recent formal academic qualifications or professional qualifications, relevant work experience or volunteering. You may also be invited to attend an interview with an Admissions Tutor. For some degree programmes, there may also be a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirement. We accept many different academic qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
This is a full-time course taught over 3 years. Each year is made up of core and compulsory modules which build knowledge, understanding and skills progressively each semester.
Modules in years 1 and 2 introduce you to the luxury business, markets and consumers. In the third year you'll apply the knowledge and skills you've gained to a live industry brief.
Year 1 overview
Compulsory and core modules introduce the concepts of:
the luxury consumer
luxury contexts
sustainable luxury business
luxury branding
You'll look at how social and economic systems have shaped the luxury industry, providing you with the theoretical frameworks to analyse luxury from a critical perspective.
Year 2 overview
In the second year you'll have the opportunity to work with students from other disciplines on a research-based project or live industry brief.
Compulsory and core modules cover themes such as:
luxury brand management
innovation and technology
luxury collaboration and industry partnerships
luxury service marketing and brand management
Year 3 overview
You’ll use your third year project to design your own research question and explore a part of the luxury industry that interests you. This work will build your portfolio, helping you apply for jobs or further study.
In addition, core and compulsory modules focus on preparing you for employment in the luxury industry including:
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. ¸£Àû×ÅÆ¬ out why, when and how we might make changes.
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, , is open to every student.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams. The cost of field trips to global luxury hubs, exhibitions and businesses is also included, including 2 overseas trips. Note that expenses relating to travel to/from airports/rail stations, plus any spending money on the trip is not included for as part of the course.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. ¸£Àû×ÅÆ¬ out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
predicted grades
academic achievements
personal statement
academic reference
We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.