Age
19+
Start Date
February 2025
Entry Requirements
1 A-Level & 5 GCSEs
Duration
6 Months
Funding
£4,220 (Loans Available)
Industry Enrichment
Includes work placement
STUDY LEVEL 4 FAST-TRACK BUYING & MERCHANDISING
By studying Level 4 Fast Track Buying & Merchandising, you’ll develop the essential skills you need to start in an entry-level buying or merchandising role.
In just two days a week over 6 months (22 weeks), we'll teach you how to plan and trade a fashion season from concept to consumer.
- Learn to plan, build and manage ranges to maximise sales
- Design collections that satisfy customer demands and reach profit targets
- Master the skills you need for an entry-level role in just 6 months
96%
IN WORK OR HIGHER EDUCATION
96% of our students are employed or continuing their studies within 6 months of completing Level 4 Fast Track Buying & Merchandising.
100%
WORKING 25+ HOURS A WEEK
All of our Fast Track Buying & Merchandising students who opted to the industry are now working 25+ hours a week.
22
WEEKS TO FINISH
Be ready for an entry-level buying or merchandising role in just 22 weeks (6 months)
My first career was in banking, but I always knew that I wanted to work in fashion. After a brief career break, I found the Fashion Retail Academy. My overall experience has been really great, everyone was really welcoming. I’ve not quite finished my course yet, but I’ve already started my first full-time job in fashion as a Merchandising Admin Administrator for Whistles!
Lena, Level 4 Fast Track Buying & Merchandising and MAA at Whistles
Any time is the right time to change your career. Studying at the Fashion Retail Academy has shown me I’m really passionate about fashion and it’s the industry I want to work in long-term. I just had a call from ASOS offering me a job as a Buyer's Admin Assistant - that’s the reason I enrolled at the Fashion Retail Academy!
John, Level 4 Fast Track Buying & Merchandising and BAA at ASOS
Studying at the Fashion Retail Academy helped me transfer my skills from buying to wholesale. In my current role, I meet buyers from brands regularly and help them plan for their season. I recently hosted my own appointments at a trade show in Birmingham! I’m very thankful to the FRA and how quickly the course enabled me to progress in my career.
Lauren, Level 4 Fast Track Buying & Merchandising alumni and Wholesale Sales Executive at Radley and Co.
Choosing the Fashion Retail Academy was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The work placement opportunities were a highlight for me, as I gained invaluable knowledge that set me up for a career in retail. There is nothing I would change about my time at the FRA. I wish I could have stayed longer!
Amy, Level 4 Fast Track Buying & Merchandising
I chose the FRA because of the direct links with the industry. I thought it was great that I would be able to have that one to one experience with people in the industry and it really pushed me.
Claudia, Level 4 Fast Track Buying & Merchandising
The Fashion Retail Academy gave me a great opportunity to explore both buying and merchandising. The support from all the tutors in each class was incredible, and the course was very easy to manage around a part-time work schedule.
Joseph, Level 4 Fast Track Buying & Merchandising
Course details
After just 6 months, our Level 4 Fast-Track Buying & Merchandising graduates are prepared to start their career – take a look at where some of our students now work!