Level 3 Extended Diploma in Fashion Business

The Level 3 Extended Diploma in Fashion Business and Retail pathway has been specifically designed for students wishing to study Fashion Business and Retail alongside work experience, tutorial and personal and professional development.

The qualification is designed for students aged 16 years or over who have five GCSEs at grade 4 and above (to include Maths, English and preferably Business and/or a creative subject). The Fashion Business pathway provides opportunities for integrated learning through practical, creative application and commercial academic activities that replicate industry. 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. The programme provides a unique opportunity to progress within the sector or into higher study (to a HNC or honours degree) and a fulfilling career within Fashion Business.

The Advanced Fashion Business and Retail course has been designed holistically and provides complementary components to further aid your 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 become confident in using 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. 

Typically, you will have a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths.

Alternatively, you may have achieved a relevant Level 2 qualification at Merit grade or above, together with GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths at grade 4 or above.

A GCSE in a creative subject and/or Business Studies would be beneficial but is not essential.

Applicants will be invited to attend an interview to discuss their interests, aspirations and suitability for the course. You may also be invited to attend a taster session to gain an insight into the course, learning environment and industry focus.

As this programme prepares learners for higher education and professional employment, applicants should demonstrate:

• Good attendance and punctuality
• A strong commitment to learning and personal development
• A positive and professional attitude
• Creativity and an interest in fashion, branding and retail
• Effective communication and teamwork skills
• The ability to work independently and manage their workload
• Commitment to meeting deadlines and producing work to a high standard
• A willingness to participate in work experience, employer-led projects and enrichment activities

Students considering progression to university should be aware that many higher education providers require five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Maths.

The Level 3 Fashion Business programme develops the knowledge, skills and professional behaviours required to progress into higher education and employment within the fashion industry.  

You will develop your understanding of:

• Principles of Fashion Business and Retail
• Communication for Fashion Business and Retail
• Contextual Research
• Fashion Production and Supply Chains
• Buying and Merchandising
• Visual Merchandising
• Marketing, Promotion and Branding
• Sustainability and the Future of Fashion
• Consumer Behaviour and Market Research
• Fashion Photography and Content Creation
• Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign

Throughout the programme, you will also develop:

• Professional communication and presentation skills
• Project management and organisational skills
• Creative thinking and problem-solving
• Leadership and teamwork
• Commercial awareness
• Digital and employability skills
• Research and analytical skills
• Sustainability awareness and ethical business practices

As part of your study programme, you will participate in:

• Work experience opportunities
• Employer engagement activities
• Live briefs and industry-inspired projects
• Educational visits and retail research activities
• Guest speaker sessions
• Personal and professional development activities

Students who have not yet achieved a grade 4 in GCSE English or GCSE Maths will continue to study these qualifications alongside their main programme.

This course is delivered on-site through a combination of practical workshops, classroom-based theory sessions, industry projects and educational visits.

You will learn through:

• Practical fashion business and branding projects
• Marketing and promotional campaigns
• Photography and content creation activities
• Tutor-led lessons and demonstrations
• Industry-focused assignments and live briefs
• Retail and brand research activities
• Work experience and employer engagement opportunities
• Educational visits to retailers, brands and relevant industry events
• Independent study and portfolio development
• Online and remote learning activities that support classroom learning, research and digital skills development

As a Level 3 learner, you will be expected to demonstrate the professional standards required in higher education and the fashion industry. This includes maintaining excellent attendance and punctuality, meeting deadlines, communicating effectively, taking responsibility for your own learning and demonstrating professional conduct in all activities.

As well as a can-do attitude, you will need:

• Basic stationery for note-taking and project work
• Access to digital learning platforms to support independent study
• A positive attitude and willingness to engage fully with all aspects of the programme

Some projects may require additional expenditure for printing, materials, presentation outcomes and trips. Financial support may be available through the College’s Student Financial Support Fund for eligible students.

You must successfully complete:

• All eight mandatory units within Year 1 (Diploma) – the final unit of the year determines the Diploma achievement (Fail / Pass / Merit / Distinction)
• All five mandatory units within Year 2 (Extended Diploma) – the final two units of the year determine the Extended 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. 

Higher Education

Successful completion of this programme can lead to a range of higher education opportunities, including:

• Fashion Business
• Fashion Marketing
• Fashion Buying and Merchandising
• Retail Management
• Branding and Promotion
• Digital Marketing
• Business Management
• Fashion Communication and Styling

Apprenticeships and Employment

This course also provides a strong foundation for progression into apprenticeships and careers within the fashion, retail and creative sectors, including:

• Fashion Buying Assistant
• Merchandising Assistant
• Fashion Marketing Assistant
• Visual Merchandiser
• Retail Management Trainee
• Social Media and Content Creator
• Brand Marketing Assistant
• Customer Experience and Retail Operations

Students will continue to develop their English and Maths skills where required to support progression into higher education, apprenticeships and employment.

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.