MC6164 - Contemporary Sustainable Fashion (2026/27)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2026/27, but may be subject to modification | ||||||||||||
| Module title | Contemporary Sustainable Fashion | ||||||||||||
| Module level | Honours (06) | ||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||||
| School | Guildhall School of Business and Law | ||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
| Assessment components |
|
||||||||||||
| Running in 2026/27(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
|
Module summary
This module fosters an engaging and collaborative learning environment, encouraging the exploration of challenges arising from the global fashion industry. It offers a comprehensive perspective on the apparel sector, examining both production and consumption within economic, environmental, and ethical contexts. Designed to complement the other core module in the program, it equips students with essential expertise in dealing with rising issues such as global competition, counterfeiting, waste, recycling, circular economy, legislations, imposed tariffs, and stakeholder engagements for careers in fashion marketing and management.
The key objectives of the module include:
1. Developing critical reading and writing abilities
2. Cultivating innovative research methodologies
3. Strengthening analytical thinking skills
4. Enhancing presentation and communication techniques
5. Expanding sector-specific knowledge in fashion
6. Increasing awareness of professional career pathways
Prior learning requirements
N/A
Available for Study Abroad? YES
Syllabus
Sustainable Production: Corporate social responsibility, ethical design practice, garment worker welfare, offshore vs. domestic production, garment life cycle, environmental issues such as waste, pollution and circularity (LO1)
- Sustainable Consumption: Emerging markets and the global consumer, consumer culture theories, ultra-fast fashion, cycle and apparel disposal, traceability, slow fashion movement, fashion activism (LO2)
- Contemporary Issues in Fashion Culture: Entrepreneurship, (citizen) journalism, fashion representation, celebrity culture, social media, counterfeiting phenomena (LO3)
- Legal and global trade: Copyright concerns, tariffs , legislations, certifications, product passports (LO4)
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
The module runs over 15 weeks, combining lectures, workshops, and seminars with three hours of contact time per week. Seminars encourage case study analysis and group discussions, incorporating flip-learning for peer interaction. Independent study is supported through WebLearn, providing access to lecture notes, readings, coursework briefs, assessments, and external resources, all aligned with the university’s feed-forward initiative. Learning materials are posted in advance, enabling students to plan their contributions as part of a blended learning approach.
Reflective learning is integrated, with students encouraged to maintain a journal tracking personal development and learning effectiveness. Personal Development Plans allow customization through negotiated topics of interest, adapting assessments to emerging learning opportunities. Engagement is fostered through online forums, where students interact with peers and tutors. Guest speakers deliver master classes and explore career opportunities, embedding employability throughout the module by linking industry roles to the skills developed.
Learning outcomes
Upon successfully completing the module with full attendance, students will be equipped to:
LO1. Conduct a critical evaluation of sustainability challenges in fashion production and propose innovative solutions to address identified issues.
LO2. Critically examine sustainability concerns in fashion consumption and develop original strategies to mitigate these challenges.
LO3. Construct well-founded theoretical analyses of socio-political trends in contemporary fashion culture, articulating their influence on design, production, and distribution strategies.
LO4. Assess and interpret the potential impact of technological advancements and disruptive innovations on the fashion industry.
Bibliography
Burbidge, R. (2019) European Fashion Law: A Practical Guide from Start-up to Global Success. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing.
Fletcher, K. (2008) Sustainable Fashion and Textiles: Design Journeys. London: Earthscan.
Rosati, E. and Calboli, I. (eds.) (2025) The Handbook of Fashion Law. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Solomon, M.R. and Rabolt, N.J. (2004) Consumer Behavior in Fashion. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Thomas, D. (2019) Fashionopolis: The Price of Fast Fashion and the Future of Clothes. London: Penguin Random House.
Yurchisin, J. and Johnson, K.K.P. (2010) Fashion and the Consumer. London: Berg Publishers.