Master Programme in Textile Value Chain Management
The main subject area covered by variety of courses included in the programme is textile management. Textile management is a multidisciplinary area with a foundation in social science research fields such as business administration, industrial economy, fashion studies and related areas that addresses phenomena important for the textile and fashion industry. Within textile management, phenomena related to different parts of the textile value chain are studied. These include development of alternative business models, sustainable trade and distribution with safe and effective systems for textile value chains and product flows. This master programme offers a good mix of theoretical and practical courses, where scientific foundations of textile management are applied within the courses for addressing complex research and company challenges in a more profession-oriented way. Sustainability runs as a golden thread through all courses in the programme.
This two-year Master's programme in Textile Management, with specialization in Textile Value Chain Management, is comprised of four terms of full-time studies. The courses offered are strongly rooted in current issues in the textile and fashion industry as well as current research in textile management with a focus on sustainability and digital transformation. During the first year, the educational programme provides in-depth knowledge of theory development, issues, methods, and current research in textile management with a focus on sustainability and digital transformation. The first year ends with the course ‘Field Study in Textile Management’. This course opens up for classical internships in a company but also for internships as research assistant with one of the research groups in textile management.
During the second year, the knowledge and skills in textile management obtained during the first foundational year of the programme are deepened with a focus on the management of textile value chains. In this regard, theoretical approaches introduced in the courses on the supply chain management from the first year are transferred into an applied context. Areas in focus in the second year are e.g. risk management, traceability, demand forecasts, and how innovative management of textile value chains and product development can contribute to competitive advantages and reducing negative sustainability impacts. The programme ends with a 30ECTS credit thesis in which the student is able to further specialize in a topic of choice that is related to the textile value chain management.
This programme serves to supplement an existing education with competences related to textile value chain management. The career paths thus dependent on the background of the student in terms of undergraduate study. Previous students have found employment as for example CSR manager, sustainability strategist, assistant buyer, product development assistant, quality assurance coordinator, strategic procurement manager, supply chain and production team leader, business developer, material development manager, business controller, as well as established their own business.