At the Fashion Retail Academy, our fashion diploma courses are designed to take a highly specialised approach to developing key skills in your area of interest.
These courses provide one of the fastest routes into the fashion industry, with no prior experience needed! Our specialist fashion diplomas are ideal for those wanting to explore different aspects of the industry.
All our fashion diploma courses include unrivalled access to over 250+ major fashion brands through our industry enrichment programmes.
- Diplomas support progression to higher education or starting a career in fashion
- Level 3 graduates can progress onto a Level 4 course or an undergraduate degree
- Level 4 graduates can progress directly into industry, or are guaranteed a place on a FRA degree with a merit or above
OUR LEVEL 2 & 3 FASHION DIPLOMA COURSES
For school leavers aged 16–18, our full-time Level 2 and Level 3 fashion diploma courses are fully funded by government. Our one-year Level 2 course is equivalent to five GCSEs, and you can progress onto one of our Level 3 courses. Our Level 3 diplomas are two years long and equivalent to three A Levels, earning up to 168 UCAS points.
Level 2 Fashion Retail
Level 2 Fashion Retail introduces you to a wide variety of roles within fashion, from head office to store. It's a great first step for a career in the creative or business sectors of the fashion industry. Maths and English GCSE resits are included if required, but spaces are limited.
Level 3 Fashion Retail
Level 3 Fashion Retail introduces you to the many career opportunities available within the fashion industry, teaching you the essentials of fashion retailing from head office to retail. You'll graduate prepared for further education or an entry-level position in the creative or business branches of industry.
Level 3 Fashion Design
Level 3 Fashion Design teaches you the fundamentals of garment creation. In this challenging and inspiring course, you’ll develop your skills in research, drawing, pattern-cutting and garment construction. We’ll help prepare you for your next step towards an undergraduate degree course or a career in fashion.
Level 3 Visual Communications & Styling
You'll learn how to create on-brand communications through creative design and styling, as well as how to tell a cohesive and compelling story to your target audience.
OUR LEVEL 4 FASHION DIPLOMA COURSES
For those aged 18+, our Level 4 fashion diploma courses are one of the fastest routes to a fashion industry career - you can qualify in as little as 22 weeks! Unlike degrees, these courses are fully funded by the government for 18-year-olds, and if you're over 19, you can take out an Advanced Learner Loan which you won't pay back until you're earning over £25,000.
Level 4 Digital Marketing
Studying Level 4 Digital Marketing, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of how marketing strategies are developed and implemented at different levels. Learn about the different areas of digital marketing, and how to combine these to effectively target an audience profile to deliver successful results.
LEVEL 4 FASHION RETAIL (WITH MARKETING)
Studying Fashion Retail (with Marketing), you’ll follow the fashion retail industry from initial garment design to purchase, exploring the product lifecycle from head office to stores. This course is perfect if you aren’t sure which fashion career path you’d like to take: marketing, merchandising, buying, operations or production.
Level 4 Fashion Buying
Master the essential skills and abilities needed to start work as Buyers Admin Assistant. Learn how to source fabric, garments and suppliers across the globe, and how to collaborate with merchandisers to design range plans that maximise sales.
Level 4 Garment Technology
Study the UK's only Level 4 Garment Technology Diploma, and master the skills you need for a successful career as a garment technologist. Discover the entire lifecycle of a clothing product, from initial development with designers through to mass production. Working closely with Designers and Garment technologists help to bring their vision to life.
LEVEL 4 VISUAL MERCHANDISING FOR FASHION
Master a wide range of digital and design skills for visual display and branding. Learn to create dynamic physical and digital assets for omnichannel retailers, from window displays to social media content. Develop trend forecasting and digital design skills to support your ideas.
Level 4 Fast Track Buying & Merchandising
Develop the essential skills you need to start in an entry-level buying or merchandising role. In just 22 weeks, we'll teach you how to plan and trade a fashion season from concept to consumer.
WHAT ARE fashion DIPLOMAS?
Designed for those aged 16 and over, our fashion diplomas are Further Education courses offering one of the fastest routes to a fashion career.
All of our diplomas are full-time courses, taught over two days a week at our Central London campus, Electra House, leaving your other days free for self-directed study or part-time work.
Our one-year Level 2 courses are equivalent to five GCSEs, and offer the opportunity to progress to a Level 3 course, which is equivalent to three A Levels and up to 168 UCAS points. Our Level 4 courses are just one year (22 weeks for Level 4 Fast-Track Buying & Merchandising) and are equivalent to the first year of a university degree.
My time at the Fashion Retail Academy was amazing. My teachers moulded me into an independent, creative, free-thinking individual and gave me the confidence to go out into industry. I would do it all over again, it was the best time of my life!
Alex
Level 2 Fashion Retail
The Fashion Retail Academy provides the best environment for students who want to work in the fashion industry. The teachers are so caring. They’re always there to help with your work, or just to chat if you’re having a bad day. I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for the FRA. The best decision I ever made was coming here!
Cameron
Level 3 Fashion Design
Studying at the Fashion Retail Academy was an amazing experience. I made so many friends and learnt a lot about industry. I started an internship I found through the FRA Careers Platform. My confidence has improved massively!
Danielle
Level 4 Digital Marketing
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Fashion Retail Academy exploring all things fashion and finding my niche in the industry.
Charlotte
Level 3 Fashion Retail
All our fashion diploma courses include include unrivalled access to over 250+ major fashion brands through our industry enrichment programmes. You'll build connections with our fashion industry partners throughout your course, and touchpoints could include:
- Masterclasses by brands such as SilkFred, Stella McCartney and New Era
- Industry projects - recent examples include Dr Martens, LookFantastic and ASOS
- Mentorship from an industry professional offering guidance on your future career
- Work placements for up to three weeks full-time with one of our brand partners*
- Trips, careers fairs, assessment centres, recruitment advice and more!
Find out more about industry masterclasses and projects on our blog!
* Qualifying students can choose to apply for a placement; students will be provided with qualifying criteria ahead of the September in the year of placement
HOW MUCH DOES A DIPLOMA COST?
16 TO 18 YEARS OLD
If you are between 16 and 18 years old on 31st August before starting a course in September, and you’re a UK national or a Home student*, your course fees are fully funded by the government.
If you choose to study Level 3 Fashion Design, you will need to pay a £99 fee at enrolment to cover the cost of materials you'll use during your course.
*For more information on the definition of a Home student please visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs website.
19+ YEARS OLD
If you are 19+ at the start of your Level 4 Diploma course, your fees are £4,220 per year. Please note, if you are 19+, you are ineligible to study a Level 2 or Level 3 at the Fashion Retail Academy.
Advanced Learner Loans are available for students aged 19 or over, and you don’t need to have your income assessed to be eligible. You’ll only start paying it back once you’re earning over £25,000 – you’ll pay back 9% of anything you earn over this amount.
For more details about the Advanced Learner Loans and to apply, please visit the government website.
If you choose to study Level 4 Visual Merchandising or Level 4 Garment Technology, you will need to pay a £99 fee at enrolment to cover the cost of materials you'll use during your course.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO STUDY A DIPLOMA?
Our Level 2 course takes one year, and Level 3 diploma courses take two years to complete.
Our Level 4 courses are one year, with the exception of Level 4 Fast-Track Buying & Merchandising which is completed in 22 weeks.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE?
If you want to know more about any of our fashion diplomas, you can visit us in person on one of our informative Open Days. You’ll have the opportunity to hear about all the courses from the lecturers, tour the campus with current students, and speak to our Finance and Wellbeing teams.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Our friendly Applicant Services team is always happy to offer advice and answer your queries. You can reach them by emailing applicant.services@fra.ac.uk, by phoning 0300 247 0039 or by starting a live chat* on our website.
You can also download our Course Guide here.
*9am-5pm Mon-Fri
APPLY NOW FOR our FASHION DIPLOMAS IN LONDON
Apply now and start your course with us in September 2025!
WE’RE OFSTED OUTSTANDING
Don’t just take our word for it – Ofsted has rated us as an officially outstanding college. Their report identified six areas of excellence.
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Learners develop the highest-quality, industry-relevant skills.
EXPERIENCE
A rich, varied curriculum and superb learning facilities.
TEACHING
Teaching is of the highest quality.
OUTCOMES
Progression into employment is exceptional.
INDUSTRY LINKS
Outstanding partnerships with employers and the fashion retail industry.
ACHIEVEMENTS
The achievement of learners is very high and for adult learners is exceptional.
