Bachelor of Consumer Sciences in Fashion Retail Management

Purpose: The primary purpose of the four-year qualification is to provide graduates with a well-rounded, specialised education of the fashion retail management discipline of consumer sciences. This will equip them with an integrated knowledge base, theory and methodology of the aforementioned discipline of consumer sciences, business and communication modules to enable them to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in an academic as well as a professional context. In addition, graduates are also enabled to apply for enrollment into a postgraduate qualification such as a Master of Consumer Sciences. The specializations of this qualification, namely fashion supply and fashion communication, have specifically been designed to deliver graduates with the purpose of specializing in either side of the fashion chain. Students will be equipped with the necessary knowledge, as well as specific and specialized skills and other relevant competences required, to identify and investigate complex consumer issues and develop logical and innovative solutions for the consumer, retailers, manufacturers, and communities.

Rationale: South Africa is in many ways still a developing country in need of specialist professions that focus on the improvement of the quality of life of its citizens. In addition, there is currently a shift from a product focus to a consumer focus where in-depth knowledge about consumer needs and behaviors is required to provide the required products/services. Furthermore, the industry requires specialists in the field of fashion, retail management to be cognizant of the ever-changing consumer demands. This qualification will offer learners the opportunity to specialize in either fashion supply or fashion communication, the two sides of the value chain of fashion, thereby giving graduates the opportunity to enroll for a qualification with a specific career in mind. By offering the specialization in either fashion supply or fashion communication, graduates with different skills, competencies, and interests will be accommodated. This qualification with its two different focuses on fashion supply and fashion communication will provide candidates the opportunity to become specialists in the supply or communication of fashion retail products/services in congruence with South African consumer needs. Various role-players are involved whenever products/services directed at the complex needs of consumers. This value chain creates many different employment opportunities either closer to the manufacturing/supply side or more indirectly in the consumer side. This qualification is therefore necessary and will enable consumer specialists to be employed in the industry as specialists in the field of fashion retail management, thereby improving the lives of South African consumers and making an important contribution to the South African economy and development. Graduates will thus be able to enter into general employment of either the fashion retail sector or the fashion industry.