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Course

Advanced Certificate in Sustainable Fashion and Consumer Involvement

Explore sustainable fashion consumption, consumer behaviour, systems thinking, and strategies to increase engagement with sustainable products.
Impact Score
Estimated Duration
14 Weeks
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These estimates are provided as a guide and will vary based on learning style, prior knowledge, and depth of exploration.
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Level
Format
Delivery Method
Online Cohort
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Our courses are self-paced allowing you to learn from anywhere, any time. They are delivered through a mixture of written materials, videos, and knowledge checks to create a dynamic learning experience
National Rank
Achievement
PACE Advanced Certificate
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A shareable certificate will be provided on successful completion of the assessment
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Duration Overview
10 - 12 hours per week

Week 1 - 12 | Learning
6 units, released every 2 weeks.

Week 13 - 14 | Assessment
Completion and submission

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Upcoming Cohort Dates
Coming in 2026
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Course Overview

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.

 

Units

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  1. Sustainability: A global perspective 
  2. Systems Thinking: Management Perspectives 
  3. Sustainable Fashion: Consumer Perspectives 
  4. Sustainable Fashion: Consumer Behaviour and Product Literacy 
  5. Sustainable Fashion: The Theory of Fashion Involvement 
  6. Sustainable Fashion: The Management Challenge 

Assessment

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The assessment comprises of a final report based on an editable model to recommend strategies for increased consumer involvement with sustainable fashion.  

2,500–3,000 words 


Certification

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Upon successful completion, participants will receive an advanced certificate from the University of Leeds, a globally recognised institution ranked among the top 75 universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024) .


Duration Breakdown and Time Commitment

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The learning will average about 10/12 hours per week. 

Week 1 – Welcome Webinar – 30 minutes  

Week 1 – Unit 1  

Week 2 – Unit 1 Webinar   

Week 3 – Unit 2  

Week 4 – Unit 2 Webinar  

Week 5 – Unit 3  

Week 6 – Unit 3 Webinar  

Week 7 – Unit 4  

Week 8 – Unit 4 Webinar  

Week 9 – Unit 5  

Week 10 – Unit 5 Webinar  

Week 11 – Unit 6  

Week 12 – Unit 6 Webinar  

Week 13 – Assessment Completion  

Week 14 – Assessment Completion   

Week 14 – Assessment Submitted   

  

*Marks will be provided 4 weeks after submission (week 18) 


Delivery Method

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Our courses are delivered through online flexible learning, supported by optional live webinars.

You'll engage with various learning materials, including readings, videos, interactive activities, and knowledge checks, to enrich your experience and reinforce your understanding throughout the course.

Upon completion, you’ll gain access to our PACE alumni network and have opportunities to attend exclusive on-campus events.



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.

Course Prerequisites

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

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

Course Lead
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Dr. Joanna Blanco-Velo
Lecturer in Fashion Marketing, Strategy and Innovation
Specialism Lead: Design Strategy and Management

Joanna Blanco-Velo is a Lecturer in Fashion Marketing, Strategy, and Innovation at the School of Design, serving as the PACE Specialism Lead for Design Strategy and Management. In these roles, she ensures that PACE’s assessment strategies align with quality benchmarks and sector standards while providing guidance and advice on the development of assessment strategies.  Joanna also delivers academic leadership for the team of academic subject matter experts who contribute to the design and development of courses for the specialism Design Strategy and Management.

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