UAL Level 2 Diploma in Fashion Business and Retail

This Level 2 Diploma pathway has been specifically designed for students wishing to study Fashion Business and Retail alongside GCSE English and Maths [if required], work experience, tutorial and personal and professional development. If you don’t already have a grade 4 or above at GCSE in English and Maths, you’ll continue to study these elements which will form a significant part of your study programme.

The pathway provides opportunities to gain an initial introduction to the Fashion Business world through its holistic design and provides complementary components to further aid your future progression and employability. The course includes visits to large retailers and brands, guest speakers and client-led live projects.  In addition, you will undertake lots of practical activities including fashion photography, editorials, branding,  marketing and exploration of selling environments – both physical and online platforms. You will be introduced to industry software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator as well as exploring new and emerging social media-based marketing tools. 

Development of your maths and English skills will continue, which will support your progress within the programme and help in your future career, allowing you to make commercial decisions and apply technical terminology associated with Fashion. 

The delivery and assessment approach ensures you have a fulfilling learning experience while developing personal attributes and the skills and knowledge to excel in the Fashion Business industry, from buying and merchandising to marketing, branding, promotion and visual merchandising (to name but a few career options). 

As identified by the sector, a career in Fashion Business represents a future of unlimited potential, responsibility and personal development. This programme provides a unique opportunity to progress to the Advanced Level 3 Diploma.

Typically, you will have GCSE English at grade 3, GCSE Maths at grade 2 or 3 and a minimum of two additional GCSEs at grade 3 or above. Alternatively, you may have equivalent intermediate qualifications at Pass grade or above. Additionally, it would be beneficial (but not essential) that you have a GCSE in a creative subject and/or Business Studies. 

Candidates will be invited to a telephone interview as part one of the application process. Following this, you will be invited to a taster session at the start of summer to give you an insight into the working methods, environment and subject context of the course.

The Level 2 Diploma in Fashion Business and Retail will:

• introduce you to the basic principles, skills, techniques and attributes required for employment within the Fashion Retail industry
• encourage progression by assisting in the development of knowledge, understanding and skills that you will need to access further Level 2 or Level 3 Fashion Business and Retail qualifications or to enter employment or an apprenticeship
• encourage an evaluative approach to personal and professional development

During the programme, you will develop your knowledge in:

• customer service, roles and responsibilities and selling environments
• marketing and branding techniques
• contextual research
• fashion photography and graphic editorial design

This course will be delivered on-site with city visits plotted in throughout the year. Additionally, regular visits to the local high street will form part of your classroom activities to visualise and research what is happening in industry.

A can-do attitude and the willingness to immerse yourself in all things Fashion Business will stand you in good stead for all sessions. Typical stationery will be required and at times your project work may require additional investment into outcomes (printing, materials etc).

You must successfully complete:

• All eight mandatory units – the final unit of the year determines the Diploma achievement (Fail / Pass / Merit / Distinction)

Assessment will be carried out using a variety of methods. You are expected to produce a portfolio of evidence for each unit. This will vary dependent on the project pathway.  Assessment will include presentations, practical activities, discussions and assignments. It is important to note that we run a flexible programme of study and are eager to celebrate individuals and their preferred working methods and areas of interest. 

Further Study 

You can progress to the Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Fashion Business and Retail. 

Careers 

You can pursue a career in many roles in the Fashion Retail environment, including industry-related apprenticeships.

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk or follow the course Instagram account: @ual_fbr_derbycollege.