Master of Fashion Management

The Master of Fashion Management degree is often offered as a one to two-year industry-oriented postgraduate master's curriculum. It is organised on developing an in-depth understanding of the fashion industry, with an entrepreneurial and global focus. You will improve your creative and management abilities to become a dynamic business thinker, and you'll be pushed to 'think outside the box' and attempt new ideas. Furthermore, students are frequently involved in working in studio environments with common tools and procedures. Most Masters of Fashion Management programmes include a section on the history of fashion, which provides context for understanding how the industry has evolved to its current state. 

This degree could end with a dissertation, business project or other major research or consulting project, depending on the nature of the course. Full-time degree programmes typically last two years, whereas distance learning programmes last 2-4 years.

Admission to Master of Fashion Management programmes in India is based on merit and entrance exams. To study this course at a reputed and renowned college, aspirants must have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study with at least 50%-60% aggregate marks, as well as entrance exam scores (such as NIFT GAT, CEED, AIEED, NID DAT, CAT, MAT, GMAT, and so on), as well as other essential eligibility requirements as mentioned by different universities or institutes.

Some of the best colleges in India for this Master of Fashion Management programme include Amity School of Fashion Technology, International Institute of Fashion Technology, Indian Institute of Fashion Technology, Jaipur National University, National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), and others.

Furthermore, the scope and career opportunities of Master of Fashion Management courses in India are constantly expanding, providing aspirants with the option of pursuing a career from a pool of diverse job prospects such as Fashion Product Managers, Fashion Market Managers, Fashion Business Advisors, Entrepreneurs, Digital & Social Media Marketing Managers, Fashion Marketing Consultants, Fashion Brand Managers, Chief Merchandise Officers, and more.

On average, graduates can expect to earn between INR 4 and 12 lakhs per year. Learn more about the Master of Fashion Management degree here.

Here is a summary of some of the most important features and facts about the Master of Fashion Management course:

Creative and skilled designers are at the heart of the ever-expanding and dynamic fashion business, but it is run and driven by strategic and tactical talents. This is where the importance of a Master of Fashion Management degree becomes clear. This master's degree is designed to shape students into fashion professionals capable of driving the business of any fashion firm sustainably and strategically. 

The programme provides a deeper understanding of the industry, retail operations, supply chain, customer psychology, market trends, product expertise, and brand promotion, among other things, and gives students the information needed to run a successful fashion business. It also provides graduates with an understanding of retail operations, supply chain management, and consumer behaviour.

Having said that, the fashion industry in India and throughout the world is growing by the day, and as a result, career opportunities in the field are expanding as well. Working for big businesses, local brands, or even promoting your brand are all options. With the growth of the e-commerce business and the introduction of platforms such as Myntra, Ajio, Zara, H&M, and others, the Indian Fashion industry is today more than ever brimming with managerial roles.

Candidates for this master's degree in Fashion Management should have a strong interest in fashion and management, as well as a natural flair for aesthetics and business acumen. The courses in the Master of Fashion Management curriculum not only offer you a stepping stone into the industry but also shape you for long-term and high-flying professions in the fashion sector.

Since fashion management professionals are the entrepreneurial and tactical spirit of a fashion firm, the course trains you in strategic decision-making, leadership, and problem-solving abilities. Fashion marketing, merchandising, market research, global leadership, human resources, strategic management, and the legal environment of business are among the subjects covered in the programme.

MFM is a fashion management programme, whereas MFTech is a fashion technology programme. Both of these courses are among the most sought-after master's degrees in the field of fashion. The table below highlights some of the key distinctions between these two degrees:

To be admitted to a college or university of their choice, aspirants must be informed of the Master of Fashion Management course specifications and admission process too. The following is a step-by-step general admission process and admission prerequisites for students interested in studying Master of Fashion Management:

1. Those who want to pursue a Master of Fashion Management degree can apply to Indian colleges online or in person.
2. Candidates must submit a full application form in both circumstances.
3. Candidates must also meet the university's admission/eligibility requirements.
4. They will be needed to submit to the university all necessary documents and transcripts.
5. Furthermore, as a qualifying condition, candidates must submit their admission exam test scores.
6. Some universities will charge a non-refundable application fee in addition.
7. After completing the application process, candidates must wait for their offer letter from the university to appear in the mail.
8. If an applicant accepts the offer letter, he or she must pay the first year/semester academic expenses for the Master of Fashion Management programme.

Admission Prerequisites

• Entrance Examination: Entrance exams have rapidly become an important part of the admission process for not only management courses but also for other streams. To get admission to the Master of Fashion Management course, students need to clear an entrance exam, whose scores are accepted by their chosen college. These exams may be conducted at the. The entrance exam may be different for each college. 
• Group Discussions (GD): Students who manage to clear the cut-off score requirement of their chosen colleges, would have to submit an application for admission to the MFM course. This application needs to be submitted along with past academic records, like bachelor’s degree, mark sheets, CV, personal statement, entrance exam score transcript, and any other document required by the college. Then they get invited to attend GD rounds which are conducted in a group of 7-12 students at a time in front of the selection panel. They are given a topic to express opinions, debate, and argue upon.
• Personal Interview: After clearing single or multiple rounds of GD, only a few applicants are left from the original lot. These are then made to wait for their turn for a Personal Interview. During this interview, a panel reviews the application made by the student and their performance in preceding rounds. They also ask questions and conversate with students to assess their way of thinking and whether they truly have an aptitude for the MFM course or not.
• Final Selection: The final selection of the candidate is done keeping in view their performance in all the stages of selection. Rather than immediately informing the student of their decision, the panel takes their time to allot seats to all the candidates for personal interviews. It is in a one or two-week period that the enrollment offer is sent to the selected candidates via post or email.

A candidate aspiring to pursue MFM needs to fulfill the eligibility criteria set up by the colleges or institutions for whom they have applied. The majority of these eligibility requirements are set on the basis of the qualification level of the degree and the admission process of management courses. Listed below are the minimum eligibility criteria for MFM that an applicant must meet when applying for admission to the chosen college:

• A candidate must be a graduate with an undergraduate degree or its equivalent degree from any stream.
• They must have an aggregate score of at least 50% in their bachelor’s degree.
• They must have attempted the recommended entrance exam.
• They must have enough marks in the entrance exam to clear the cut-off score determined by the college for MFM course admissions.
• They must satisfy any additional requirements of the college they are applying to.

Note: The eligibility criteria for MFM may vary from college to college.

Master of Fashion Management may be a unique course, but just like other management courses, students need to clear the three-step selection process to get into colleges offering the course. Some of the entrance exam scores accepted for the admission process of the MFM course are:

• Common Entrance Test (CAT)
• Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED)
• National Institute of Fashion Technology’s General Ability Test (NIFT GAT)
• All India Entrance Examination for Design (AIEED)
• National Institute of Design’s Design Aptitude Test (NID DAT)
• Management Aptitude Test (MAT)
• General Management Aptitude Test (GMAT)

Note: GMAT and MAT scores are often accepted at colleges offering MFM degrees, however, they are not preferred. It is, hence, recommended to opt for design-specific entrance tests.

Master of Fashion Management (MFM) is a unique course. It merges the concept of management and technology with the fashion industry. This allows the industry and artists to turn their ventures into fruitful and economic concerns. While there are many Indian colleges known for their MFM course, it is still among some of the rare courses in the country.

Here is a list of some of the most well-known and prestigious universities in India that provide Master of Fashion Management programmes to students:

The following are some world-class institutes where students and hopefuls can pursue Master of Fashion Management programmes or related degree programmes abroad:

Applicants should be aware that Master of Fashion Management course fees in India varies depending on a number of factors, including the type of university (whether public or private), the duration of the course, location, course curriculum, ranking, reputation/goodwill, and more.

The chart below depicts the expected annual average fees for Master of Fashion Management programmes at some of India's most respected institutes:

As we all know, the Master in Fashion Management is a two-year full-time programme split into four semesters of six months each. It implies that you will study many core and elective subjects over four semesters, following the patterns established by the university of your choice. However, the Master of Fashion Management degree syllabus differs from university to university. However, the general syllabus for this course is as follows:

First Year 

Second Year 

In India, the fashion and retail industries are highly fragmented. The unorganised sector vastly outnumbers the organised one. The amount of disorganisation has decreased in recent years, but much work remains to be done in the organised sector. To assist the retail industry, investor-friendly legislation, ease of doing business in India, and easy local sourcing with a focus on apparel and textiles are required for a long period of time. The next fashion revolution will occur in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, providing a significant boost to fashion management positions and fashion careers.

Graduates of Master of Fashion Management programmes can either pursue higher education or pursue their careers in this sector.

Scope for Higher Studies 

Graduates with a Master of Fashion Management degree can always pursue higher studies in the same profession. Following completion of this master's level course, they can pursue the following postgraduate or doctorate degrees:

• PhD in Fashion Management
• PhD in Fashion Design
• PhD in Fashion and Textiles
• MPhil in Fashion Management
• MBA in Fashion Management

Career Opportunities & Job Prospects 

The curriculum of a fashion management course is meant to provide you with a comprehensive and 360-degree picture of the industry, as well as a thorough understanding of the intricacies of the fashion sector. Graduates can then focus their search on a specific career that matches their abilities and interests. Fashion Product Manager, Fashion Market Manager, Fashion Business Advisor, Chief Merchandising Officer, Retail Manager, E-commerce Entrepreneur, Digital & Social Media Marketing, Buyer, Sourcing Agent, Sales and Distribution Manager, and others are among them. Let us take a look at these professions in detail:

For most fashion management job profiles, the average income after a Master of Fashion Management degree is between INR 4.8 and INR 12 lakhs per year. Based on your performance and switching prospects, you can easily earn INR 7 to INR 15 lakhs per year after 5 years of job experience. A double-figure wage of roughly 15 lakhs per year is attainable in ten years. Some SMEs' salaries may be lower. Average wages in fashion jobs and careers have increased in recent years. They have increased from an average of INR 3.6 lakhs per year in 2010-12 to INR 4.8-6 lakhs per year.

Although university placement for a Master of Fashion Management degree is not guaranteed, there are off-campus opportunities for fashion management careers.

Growth in the early stages of the fashion management profession is slow to moderate. Patience is what will get you through this phase without changing your industry. Salary and advancement opportunities expand with work experience. One must persevere and seize every possible opportunity. If you pursue a professional education, such as a Master of Fashion Management from a reputable institute, your chances of advancement increase. 

A Master of Fashion Management postgraduate must have a number of skills in order to be successful in their career. Some of these skills include the following:

• A keen eye for detail.
• Desire to work in the fashion sector.
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office software.
• Data analysis skills. The ability to work well with numbers and graphs is a must.
• Capability to perceive the big picture in terms of a category's or product's long-term value.
• A keen sense of where trends are likely to go in a given season. You should be willing to go to numerous areas if necessary.
• Strategic thinking and competitive analysis. In the fashion management profession, innovative thinking is a significant asset.
• Strong interpersonal skills are required because you will be working with fashion management industry stakeholders.
• The ability to talk in a variety of local and other languages is a huge asset.
• Patience is also a valuable asset in the fashion industry.