Advanced Certificate in Sustainable Fashion and Consumer Involvement

Informed consumer decision-making plays a pivotal role in shaping the global fashion industry’s response to a range of social & environmental challenges, as well as the drive towards responsible fashion production and consumption. Using case studies and the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this course introduces learners to the complexities of sustainable fashion systems. It examines the impact of consumer involvement on the industrial shift towards sustainable fashion.

Through structured learning and applied activities, participants will explore the SDGs, systems thinking, the circular economy, and consumer behaviour. Course content will help learners to evaluate both the barriers to and opportunities for sustainable fashion-consumer decision-making. Key topics include consumer involvement, the attitude–behaviour gap, product literacy and the role of brand and media communication in promoting sustainability across diverse fashion markets.

By analysing real-world scenarios and developing strategic recommendations, learners will gain insight into the knowledge and tools required to drive meaningful change. This course teaches professionals to assess sustainability challenges, inform managerial decision-making and influence sustainable fashion markets across design, product development, marketing, and consumer education

What will you learn?

  • The core concepts of sustainable fashion consumption and their connection to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
  • How systems thinking applies to the fashion value chain and consumer behaviour.
  • The drivers and barriers influencing consumer decision-making in sustainable fashion contexts.
  • The attitude–behaviour gap and its impact on sustainable consumption.
  • How to analyse consumer product literacy and its role in shaping purchasing behaviour.
  • Communication strategies that effectively promote sustainable fashion products.
  • How to develop evidence-based recommendations to increase consumer engagement with sustainable practices.

What skills and benefits will you gain?

  • Gain a robust theoretical foundation in sustainable fashion systems and consumer behaviour.
  • Apply systems thinking to assess sustainability challenges across the fashion value chain.
  • Develop evidence-based strategies to influence consumer engagement with sustainable products.
  • Critically evaluate barriers to behaviour change using behavioural and marketing frameworks.
  • Strengthen your ability to communicate sustainability effectively across diverse consumer segments.
  • Build confidence in translating sustainability insights into actionable business recommendations.
  • Enhance your strategic thinking and decision-making in sustainable product development and marketing.

Who is this course for?

This course is ideal for anyone working in or transitioning to roles where sustainability, consumer insight, or fashion strategy are key. Whether you’re looking to deepen your expertise or expand into sustainable practice, this course will strengthen your ability to drive consumer engagement and inform responsible business decisions.

 

It’s particularly relevant for:

  • Fashion designers
  • Design managers
  • Product developers
  • Buyers and merchandisers
  • Sustainability managers
  • Brand and marketing professionals
  • Trend forecasters and insight analysts
  • Entrepreneurs in the fashion and lifestyle sectors
  • Consultants in sustainable fashion strategy
  • Professionals in e-commerce or fashion retail

As organisations and consumers increasingly demand responsible fashion solutions, there is a growing need for professionals who can connect sustainability goals with meaningful consumer action. This course may also be beneficial for professionals aiming to:

  • Strengthen their strategic and systems-thinking capabilities
  • Influence sustainable change within their teams or businesses
  • Enhance career prospects in sustainability leadership roles
  • Translate insight into real-world recommendations across global markets

Prerequisites;

A bachelor's degree in any subject, or relevant professional experience in fashion or sustainability.

Dr. Joanna Blanco-Velo

Lecturer in Fashion Marketing, Strategy and Innovation

Joanna Blanco-Velo is a Lecturer in Fashion Marketing, Strategy, and Innovation at the School of Design.

Joanna’s academic foundation includes a PhD in Consumer Behaviour and Product Literacy from Manchester Met University, an MSc in Design Management from the University of Salford, and degrees in Printed Textiles. Her professional journey spans freelance textile design, roles as a designer and fabric sourcing manager, and introducing marketing to textile education. With 24 years of higher education experience, Joanna has contributed to quality assurance, curriculum design, and industry-focused mentoring, emphasising sustainable and innovative design practices.

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Price: £2,800.00

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