Course Overview
This BA (Hons) Fashion Management at Portobello Institute combines fashion business, branding, marketing, retail strategy and industry experience to prepare graduates for careers across fashion retail, buying, merchandising, brand management, fashion marketing and more diverse career paths.
Students benefit from career-focused practical learning, international fashion industry experiences, internships and professional development opportunities throughout the three-year programme.
In 2025, 100% of graduates from this programme progressed into employment, reflecting the career-focused nature of the course and the strong industry relevance of its learning outcomes.
This degree is awarded by the University of Essex and is equivalent to Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). The business and fashion focused qualification is recognised in Ireland, the UK and internationally.
The BA (Hons) Fashion Management at Portobello Institute prepares you for a dynamic career in the global fashion industry. This degree is designed for students who want to understand how fashion businesses operate and who may still be exploring which area of the industry they would like to specialise in.
You will study the commercial, creative and strategic aspects of fashion, including sustainability, garment production, fashion marketing, leadership, and financial decision-making. The programme combines business education with industry-focused learning so that graduates develop the commercial awareness and practical experience needed to succeed in fashion retail, brand management, buying, merchandising, and fashion marketing.
A defining feature of this programme is its strong industry focus. Students benefit from internships, industry projects, and international fashion experiences, including visits to major fashion events in London, Paris and Copenhagen. These opportunities provide real insight into how the fashion industry operates and help students build valuable professional networks before graduating.
Graduates of this programme have demonstrated strong career outcomes, with many securing roles in the fashion industry before completing their studies.
Who Is This Course For
This programme is ideal for students who:
- Want to build a career in the fashion industry
- Are interested in the business and commercial side of fashion
- Want to explore different career paths within fashion before specialising
- Are interested in fashion retail, branding, marketing, or fashion business management
- Prefer a practical, industry-informed degree with real industry exposure
The course suits students who are both creative and commercially minded and who want to understand how fashion brands grow, compete and succeed in a global marketplace.
Teaching, Learning & Practical Training
The programme is designed to reflect the realities of the fashion industry. Students learn through a combination of academic study, industry insight, practical projects, and professional development.
Teaching focuses on developing commercial awareness, creative thinking, and strategic decision-making, preparing students to contribute effectively within fashion businesses.
Learning Approach
Students engage with a variety of learning methods designed to develop both knowledge and professional skills, including:
- Industry-informed lectures and seminars
- Fashion business case studies
- Collaborative projects and presentations
- Retail and brand analysis
- Practical assignments reflecting real fashion industry challenges
This approach helps students understand how fashion businesses operate and how decisions around product, branding, sustainability, and retail strategy impact commercial success.
Practical & Placement Experience
Professional experience is a core element of the BA (Hons) Fashion Management degree.
Students have the opportunity to complete internships with leading fashion brands and retailers, allowing them to apply their learning in real industry environments. These placements contribute to the Professional Practice and Development Portfolio, which forms part of the final-year assessment.
The programme also includes a Fashion Research Project, enabling students to explore a topic relevant to their future career and demonstrate their industry knowledge.
By the time students graduate, they have developed both academic knowledge and professional experience, ensuring they are well prepared to enter the fashion industry.
Academic Support & Industry Expert Teaching
Students benefit from teaching delivered by experienced fashion industry professionals and academics who bring real-world knowledge into the classroom.
The teaching team includes specialists in fashion business, retail strategy, marketing, merchandising, and fashion production. Their industry experience helps students understand how theory translates into practice.
Portobello Institute is committed to supporting student success throughout the programme. Students have access to:
- Academic mentoring and guidance
- Career-focused support and professional development
- Small class sizes and personalised learning
- Support for internships and industry networking opportunities
This supportive learning environment helps students build confidence, develop professional skills, and prepare for successful careers in the fashion industry.
Apply Early – Conditional Offers Available
Students applying to this programme may be offered a conditional place ahead of the Leaving Certificate examinations, giving them early confirmation of their pathway into higher education.
Receiving an early offer provides peace of mind during the exam year. It allows applicants to approach their Leaving Certificate with greater confidence, knowing they already have a place secured, subject to meeting the required conditions.
Award
Graduates of the BA (Hons) Fashion Management degree are prepared for careers across fashion retail, brand management, product development and fashion marketing.
This degree is awarded by the University of Essex and is equivalent to Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). The qualification is recognised in Ireland, the UK and internationally.
*CATS Credits Displayed. 2 CATS points = 1 ECTS point.
What You Will Study
The curriculum combines fashion industry knowledge with business and management skills.
Key areas of study include:
- Fashion business and management
- Fashion marketing and brand strategy
- Sustainability in the fashion industry
- Garment production and product development
- Retail and consumer behaviour
- Leadership and business management
- Financial decision-making for fashion businesses
- Fashion industry research and analysis
This broad curriculum gives students a strong understanding of how fashion companies operate and prepares them for multiple career paths within the industry.
Learning Outcomes of this module are:
- Demonstrate ability to evaluate and plan for development of study skills and monitor achievement.
- Reference other people’s work in a precise and systematic way.
- Demonstrate ability to source appropriate information and reference.
- Reflect on learning and personal experiences as a student to foster a professional identity.
- Use digital tools to complete and submit assessment components.
- Summarise key developments in fashion from the early twentieth century to the present, outlining major shifts in style, silhouette, and industry practice.
- Identify and critically analyse a range of primary and secondary sources on the history of fashion and textiles, situating them within their cultural, economic, and political contexts.
- Articulate and critically discuss the relationship between fashion, culture, and power, drawing on relevant theoretical perspectives and historical examples.
Upon completion of the module the students will be able to:
- Define the key elements in trend forecasting, interpret trends and utilise data in product range development processes.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the major principles and techniques of gathering information about consumer behaviour.
- Apply knowledge about specific consumer behaviours and buying habits to the decision- making process of fashion buyers, merchandisers, and managers.
The Learning Outcomes of this module are:
- Analyse the business environment for fashion organisations, considering local and global perspectives.
- Describe and constructively critique major marketing principles and concepts.
- Design marketing strategies for organisations operating in the fashion industry drawing on major theoretical perspectives.
The Learning Outcomes of this Module are to:
- Articulate the roles and responsibilities of buyers and merchandisers in fashion industry organisations.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the buying cycle and factors influencing it.
- Identify customer profiling strategies used by fashion organisations.
The Learning Outcomes of this Module are to:
- Evaluate and apply correct textile materials, equipment and mathematics required in apparel manufacturing.
- Measure and record a variety of garments: blouses, pants, skirts, jackets, dresses, intimate apparel, and evaluate different methods used to measure garments in the industry and create garment specifications.
- Scrutinize in the context of garment design; fit and appearance, properties of materials, and cutting techniques involved in the creation of a garment
LO4. Evidence and illustrate considered reflection on appropriate industry processes and applications within their personal creative and intellectual practice
The Learning Outcomes of this Module are to:
- Articulate the role of supply chain management in implementing the business strategy of companies.
- Identify decision phases within the supply chain management and describe the main stages in the planning and coordination processes.
- Examine commercial practices and supply chain networks strategies used by companies in the fashion industry.
- Analyse the impact of disruptive technologies and sustainability concerns on global management of supply chains.
The Learning Outcomes of this module are to:
- Critically analyse examples of innovation in the world of fashion by drawing on theoretical perspectives and models.
- Apply innovative approaches to solving problems in the fashion industry using available models and tools.
- Demonstrate knowledge of major research methodologies and select appropriate research tools taking into account ethical issues.
The Learning Outcomes of the Module are:
- Evaluate the properties and performance of textile fabrics and materials in garment construction and select appropriate materials for the assembly and construction of garments.
- Interpret and analyse manufacturing and engineering problems in garment production and propose innovative and viable solutions for wholesale and large-scale production.
- Identify and use appropriate and emerging information sources and technologies to gather relevant data on garment manufacture, from design and sampling through to wholesale production within the fashion industry.
The Learning Outcomes of this Module are:
- Utilise analytical and numerical skills to plan, prepare, and execute merchandise plans that support agreed buying strategies and commercial targets in fashion retail contexts.
- Justify the importance of lead times and explain the use of the critical path model in the product development process and supplier management.
- Evaluate merchandising decisions using relevant performance data, planning tools, and cross-functional inputs to support stock, sales, and profitability objectives in fashion retail contexts.
The Learning Outcomes of the module are to:
- Evaluate different models and theories of leadership and relate these to ethical dilemmas of leadership within a global context in the 21st century.
- Outline the equality legislation and justify the importance of inclusive working environment for organisations within the fashion industry.
- Employ reflective learning skills to relate models of leadership, change management and ethical issues to personal learning and practice.
The learning outcomes are:
- Examine fundamental financial theories relevant to financial decision making and governance in the business of fashion.
- Analyse and critically evaluate retail financial information using various analytical tools to support strategic financial decision making
- Evaluate elements of risk, return and value in strategic operational financial decisions.
The Learning Outcomes for this Module are:
- Design marketing research tool to gather information, analyse and evaluate insights from fashion consumers data.
- Demonstrate application of creative thinking skills to practical problems by developing an effective integrated marketing communications plan.
- Apply the key elements of the marketing system known as the marketing mix to fashion products.
The Learning Outcomes For this Module are:
- Compare various economic markets within the fashion industry and identify micro-and macro-economic factors which influence them.
- Apply the PESTLE framework to evaluate the context of firms.
- Demonstrate knowledge of contexts and aspects of business and economic environments which have impact on business practices and decision-making processes.
- Discuss the role of stakeholders in shaping business and economic environments.
The Learning Outcomes of this Module are to:
- Identify and analyse the complex process of developing sustainable fashion products, the manufacturing processes involved
- Summarise and demonstrate critical awareness of business development within the context of Fashion and CSR
- Apply analytical tools to assess sustainability practices in a wide range of contexts and situations in the fashion Industry
The learning outcomes of this module are to:
- Make critical connnections between learning across modules within the professional context of the fashion industry.
- Reflect constructively on their personal and professional learning and set targets for the future development of knowledge, skills and competencies.
- Produce an e-Portofolio as a tool to support personal and professional development throughout the programme and beyond.
The Learning Outcomes of this Module are to:
- Constructively critique and relate major strategy management theories, frameworks, concepts to delivery of strategic change in a Fashion organisation
- Evaluate current strengths and weaknesses of Fashion organisations, the external threats and opportunities and create context-specific proposals for organisation’s strategy direction
- Apply strategy tools and techniques to analyse organisations within their specific contexts
- Appraise influence of organisational culture on the strategic decision-making process
The learning outcomes of this module are to:
- Formulate research questions and set clear and realistic research aims related to the areas fashion business, management, marketing, buying, or merchandising.
- Apply ethical frameworks throughout the research process.
- Draw on a wide range of sources to conduct a literature review into a specific area to describe, analyse and constructively critique theoretical perspectives and contexts relevant to the research question.
- Demonstrate competence in research skills through selection of appropriate tools for data gathering consistent with the chosen methodology.
- Draw on theory to analyse data and discuss research findings to develop credible arguments and generate appropriate conclusions/recommendations
Anne Marie McAuley
“I absolutely love what I do and genuinely embrace supporting a person to develop and grow. I encourage and promote people at all levels to maximise their potential and hopefully instil a sense of purpose.
The are many careers one can pursue when completing a Portobello Institute fashion course. Part of my role is to help and support you to find the best path.”
About Anne Marie McAuley
After graduating from college in the USA with degrees in Business and Psychology, I initially worked as a milieu counsellor with young adults presenting with social and developmental difficulties – I was all about saving the world and think I still can – which was fantastic and the insights I gained in that role have helped me through my own journey to this day.
I always loved fashion, when I was small and then through my teenage years. I always wanted the latest trendy gear, constantly adapting my clothes myself to be a bit different. I was the first of my friends to have a pair of drainpipe jeans (known as skinnies these days!). I always had a part-time job in retail through school and in college at stores like Macy’s and Lord and Taylor.
My first job in a department store was at Christmas time and I was tasked with selling cashmere sweaters, the only section that the full-time and staff with tenure would allow me to work in as I was the ‘blown in college student’. I soon figured out that my best customer demographic was the panicked husband looking to purchase a gift for his wife and willing to spend ‘whatever to make her happy’ and of course who does not love cashmere – Cha-Ching! I did more in sales than anyone in the department and as we were commission-based, I was a very happy student. I was destined for a career in retail and fashion and I never forgot the importance of knowing your customer.
I then secured a job in Saks Fifth Ave as an assistant – really just running around New York picking up samples for photos, answering telephones, dressing mannequins, and doing whatever I was told to do, all the time absorbing and learning as much as I could. Back then being around designers like Michael Kors, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Ralph Lauren was an everyday occurrence.
I worked hard and soon became a junior buyer and then a senior buyer, I loved my job. I moved into the retail operations at Saks as I wanted to develop my skills and I found that leading, coaching, and developing people to also do well was one of my favourite parts of the job. I soon was heading up new store opening teams and one of my greatest achievements was the opening of the San Fran Store. It takes a huge team effort to train several hundred new staff and merchandise the store for opening. I travelled all over the country and enjoyed every day at Saks.
I moved back to Ireland where I secured the role of Retail Operations Manager of The Body Shop Ireland. I had always loved the product and admired their business ethos and not testing on animals. It soon became clear that there were huge challenges within the group around staff training and development which I embraced and was thrilled to be able to use my American experience to influence major decisions in changing the direction of The Body Shop. I also attended any training sessions that the company had for senior management to consistently develop my own skills in leadership and management. While at The Body Shop, I looked at how we could develop the business and came up with a body shop concession concept for pharmacies. We started with one and now there are 150 and the concept has been copied across Europe.
I decided to step away from the role when we were adopting my beautiful girl from Vietnam. For the next few years, I worked as a consultant in retail, so my schedule was flexible and partnered with companies like Claire’s Accessories, New Look, The Health Store Group, I also became a qualified trainer because helping, teaching, and supporting people were always top of my list.
I applied for the role of a tutor at Portobello Institute and started with delivering QQI level 6 business planning and then an opening came up in the fashion department to teach the buying and merchandising module. Wow, to be able to combine my qualifications, my fashion and business experience with my love of helping people to become successful while still being there for my daughter – fantastic. Of course, because it is in my nature to be a leader, yet still embrace inclusivity, I became the programme manager and have developed the fashion programme to be the number one course in the country. I am also on the panel of mentors of Enterprise Ireland, and on the panel of trainers with the Education Training Board.
Why did you choose to work in education?
I understand that to be a teacher is truly a calling of not just the mind, but the heart as well. I believe that great teachers are good at explaining content, are patient, yet firm with students, are always fair, set high expectations, know how to motivate, and use humour appropriately. Being an excellent communicator who has a command of the subject matter is really important. I have forged my own style of teaching that draws on my strengths, knowledge, skills, values, and experiences yet fully realise I still have much to learn and develop and I am always learning from my peers and my students.
I have chosen education as a career because I believe that education is perhaps the most important function performed in our culture, or for that matter, any culture. I believe that teachers individually and collectively can not only change the world, but improve it, and in the process find personal and professional renewal. I love being to be part of this noble profession and hope to continue to inspire all the students I meet.
Empathy is of huge importance to me and understanding that no matter how someone presents themselves to you there are always things going on behind the scenes. I know this from experience and have learned the importance of understanding that everyone learns differently while at the same time, a tutor must balance that with the demands of the professional industry that the students want a career in.
The fashion industry is demanding and challenging. It is my role to fully prepare students for the reality of those challenges.
Your experience as a Programme Manager
As a Programme Manager, I can develop the course content, so that it remains up-to-date and relevant. I can utilise my connections in the industry to connect our students with the best companies to fulfil their dreams of a career in fashion. I can ensure we have the best team of tutors who are all on board with our philosophies, and I can share my experience and learn from everyone on the team. I get to inspire and I enjoy every day that I am part of Portobello.
Why Portobello?
I chose to work at Portobello because it allows me the opportunity to bring my unique style into the classroom. I get to work with a super team of individuals. I am respected and valued for my input. Yes, we have policies and procedures like any strong organisation has but I get to have fun at work.
We have smaller classes in Portobello which allow us to connect with each student as an individual. We have a holistic approach to education and can balance the academic content required while putting our students’ emotional and psychological needs to the fore.
We have a team of people here at Portobello who all want our student base to succeed, from the academic team to the support team in the office. We are always thrilled to share great news stories about our students, especially those who have overcome many obstacles before they arrived at Portobello and during their time with us.
A student should choose to study with us because they will have the journey of their lives while being supported the whole way through and beyond.
Anne Marie is the Programme Manager for Portobello Institute’s BA (Hons) Fashion Buying & Merchandising, and BA (Hons) Fashion Management
What Students Say
Stephanie Burns – Fashion Buying & Merchandising
“Anne Marie has the rare ability to make learning both interesting and enjoyable. Through the amazing stories of her first-hand experience in international business and her unique and fun teaching methods, she was able to inspire me in a way of wanting to be the best student that I could be. I was scared of going back to education after a long absence, but Anne Marie made the transition so easy. She encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, helped me recognise my strengths, and gave me the confidence that I needed to go forward and pursue my dream career in the fashion industry. She is both encouraging and inspiring, and I feel so lucky to have been one of her students. She truly changed my life.”
Mpho Morwaeng – Business Planning
“Being a student of Anne Marie’s has been the best experience in my tertiary education. I enjoyed each and every single class with her. Being an international student, coming all the way from Botswana to be in her class was worth it and it’s an experience I will cherish forever. She was always supportive, positive, and patient with me, in and out of class she was available to assist me with my studies. She did not criticise, she encouraged. She motivated and inspired me to do my best. She treated us equally in class and it made me feel free to ask questions and participate in class. Not only did she teach theory, but she was also very practical and demonstrated how everything applies in the real world. I will carry with me the knowledge and skills I gained from her forever.”
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree Psychology
- Bachelors Degree Business
- QQI Level 6 Train the Trainer
- QQI level 6 Supervisor
- Currently completing MA in Counselling
Research / Industry Participation
- Developed the Student Internship Programme partnered with Industry leaders Primark, Brown Thomas, Arnotts, Pamela Scott, Lifestyle Sports, Diesel etc.
- Mentor for Enterprise Ireland
- Mentor for Meath Partnership
- Panellist of Trainers for ETB
Course starting 28th September 2026
The Autumn academic year of this degree commences on 28/09/26. A provisional class schedule for year 1 is available here. A provisional schedule for year 2 is available here. These are subject to change.
This course is delivered in person on weekdays, which means 12 to 16 hours of in-person lectures per week.
The course timetable is condensed to be delivered with onsite classes 2-3 days per week over two semesters for 3 academic years.
Timetables are considerate of students’ travel and accommodation arrangements, part-time working and study-life balance.
SMART assessments – we use a range of assessments for each module designed to support a broad range of learning styles, giving you the opportunity to excel.
A defining feature of the BA (Hons) Fashion Management at Portobello Institute is its strong focus on industry engagement and practical learning.
Alongside academic study, students gain exposure to the fashion industry through international fashion events, employer engagement, industry projects, guest speakers, internships and professional development activities. These experiences help students understand how fashion businesses operate in practice and develop the commercial awareness valued by employers.
International Fashion Industry Experience
Students have opportunities to attend major fashion events and trade shows in leading fashion capitals including London, Paris and Copenhagen.
These experiences allow students to observe how fashion brands present collections, identify emerging trends, engage with buyers and retailers, and respond to changes in the global fashion market.
By experiencing the industry first-hand, students gain valuable insight into the commercial and strategic decision-making that drives fashion businesses.
Internship and Industry Opportunities
Students may have opportunities to undertake internships and placements with leading fashion retailers and brands, subject to application, availability and employer selection processes.
An optional paid internship opportunity with Primark may also be available following Year 2 through a competitive recruitment process.
Industry partners and employer links have included:
- Primark
- Brown Thomas
- Arnotts
- Dunnes Stores
- River Island
- LVMH brands
- Pamela Scott
- New Balance
These opportunities allow students to gain practical experience, develop professional skills and build a deeper understanding of the fashion industry.
Industry Projects and Professional Development
Throughout the programme, students engage with industry-informed projects, case studies and professional development activities designed to reflect real-world fashion business challenges.
Students explore areas such as retail performance, brand strategy, consumer behaviour and fashion business management while developing research, presentation and problem-solving skills relevant to the workplace.
How Does This Prepare You For a Career in Fashion?
The programme combines academic learning with practical industry exposure to help students build commercial awareness, professional confidence and a strong understanding of how fashion businesses operate.
By engaging with fashion events, employer networks, industry projects and professional development opportunities, students graduate with both academic knowledge and valuable insight into the realities of the fashion industry.
Industry Events
Real World Fashion Industry Experience
Fashion Industry Events & Trade Shows
Portobello Institute organises visits to major fashion events, trade shows and industry locations, providing students with first-hand exposure to the global fashion industry.
Industry experiences may include:
- Première Vision, Paris
- White Show, Milan
- Source Fashion, London
- Moda, Birmingham
- Ireland’s Eye Knitwear Factory, Dublin
- Fashion City, Dublin
- Copenhagen International Fashion Fair (CIFF)
These visits allow students to experience trade shows, trend forecasting, networking opportunities and the commercial side of the fashion industry.
International Fashion Industry Exposure
International industry exposure forms an important part of the learning experience at Portobello Institute.
Students have opportunities to attend fashion events and trade shows in leading fashion capitals including London, Paris and Copenhagen. These experiences provide valuable insight into how fashion collections are presented, how brands position themselves in the market, and how trends move from concept to consumer.
Learn from the Industry in Action
By attending industry events, students gain a greater understanding of how fashion businesses operate in practice. They have opportunities to observe buyer behaviour, retail trends, brand strategy and the commercial decision-making that drives the global fashion industry.
These experiences complement classroom learning and help students develop a broader understanding of the industry they may enter after graduation.
What Careers Can a Fashion Management Degree Lead To?
The BA (Hons) Fashion Management at Portobello Institute prepares graduates for careers across fashion retail, brand management, marketing, buying, merchandising and fashion business management.
The programme develops commercial awareness, strategic thinking and industry knowledge, helping graduates understand how fashion businesses operate in a rapidly changing global marketplace.
Graduate Career Opportunities
Graduates may pursue careers in areas including:
- Fashion Buying
- Fashion Merchandising
- Fashion Marketing
- Brand Management
- Retail Management
- Product Development
- E-commerce
- Fashion Business Management
- Retail Operations
- Customer Experience Management
Graduates may work with fashion retailers, global brands, luxury businesses, independent labels and fashion-focused organisations in Ireland and internationally.
Skills Employers Value
Throughout the programme, students develop a combination of commercial, analytical and professional skills that are highly relevant across the fashion industry.
These include:
- Fashion business knowledge
- Consumer and retail insight
- Brand and marketing strategy
- Commercial decision-making
- Communication and presentation skills
- Research and analytical skills
- Teamwork and project management
- Professional development and reflective practice
These transferable skills support career opportunities across both the fashion sector and wider business environments.
Industry-Relevant Learning
Students benefit from industry-informed teaching, employer engagement opportunities, professional development activities and exposure to real-world fashion business challenges.
These experiences help students develop an understanding of how fashion brands, retailers and fashion businesses operate, while building the professional confidence needed to progress into graduate employment.
Further Study Opportunities
The programme also provides a strong academic foundation for postgraduate study.
Graduates may choose to continue their education in areas such as:
- Fashion Marketing
- Luxury Brand Management
- Retail Innovation
- Business Management
- Design Management
- Supply Chain Management
This flexibility allows graduates to further specialise as their career interests develop.
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1Complete the online application form.
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2Review of application and confirmation of eligibility criteria and entry requirements.
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3An "Offer" issued based on meeting criteria or a "Conditional Offer" issued based on successful achievement of LC requirements
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4Confirm acceptance of a place and pay deposit as detailed
Course: €5,395 + Exam Body Reg. Fee: €335.00
Option 1
40% deposit payment (€2,410.00), followed by 6 scheduled payments on the first of each month, commencing the 1st of the month after the start date of the course. Includes one off instalment fee of €295.
- €602.50 due in month 1
- €602.50 due in month 2
- €602.50 due in month 3
- €602.50 due in month 4
- €602.50 due in month 5
- €602.50 due in month 6
Option 2
40% deposit payment (€2,292.00) due on application of your course. Final balance (€3,438.00) due before the course start date.
