Designed for those aged 16–18 and fully-funded by government, our Level 3 two-year fashion diploma courses are the perfect way to kickstart your journey to higher education and a career in fashion.
At the Fashion Retail Academy, Level 3 fashion diplomas are some of our most popular courses for students wanting to explore the different roles available in the fashion and retail industry. Level 3 fashion diplomas are full-time courses that are equivalent to three A levels, and can earn up to 168 UCAS points for progression to university.
We offer three different Level 3 programmes that provide professional training in a wide range of fashion industry specialisms, and include unrivalled access to over 250+ major fashion brands through our industry enrichment programmes.
- Equivalent to 3 A Levels – earn up to 168 UCAS points
- The Fashion Retail Academy is rated Outstanding by Ofsted
- 94% of our Diploma graduates are in employment or continuing education after their course
WHAT IS A LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA?
Our Level 3 diplomas are the ideal next step for school leavers aged 16-18 to gain an insight into a wide range of career paths in the fashion industry including Design, Business, Buying and Merchandising, Marketing, Sustainability and much more. All Level 3 fashion courses at the FRA are assessed through 100% coursework – there are no exams!
A Level 3 diploma is equivalent to three A levels and offers up to 168 UCAS points to support your application to higher education. After you graduate, you could progress onto a Level 4 diploma or a degree – and if you achieve a merit or higher, you’re guaranteed a place on an undergraduate degree at the FRA.
Our Level 3 diplomas are two-year, full-time courses, and our timetables are structured over two full days a week, so that you save money on travel to the Fashion Retail Academy. You’ll also have plenty of time to complete homework, study or work part-time on your free days.
OUR LEVEL 3 FASHION DIPLOMA COURSES
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.
HOW MUCH DOES A LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA COST?
Our Level 3 fashion courses are fully funded for 16-18-year-olds, so you won’t need to pay course fees.
Level 3 Fashion Design has an additional fee of £99 to cover the cost of materials you’ll use during your studies, which is payable at enrolment.
LEVEL 3 INDUSTRY ENRICHMENT
Alongside your academic learning, you’ll gain invaluable first-hand experience from our industry partners and support in building your professional network. Throughout your course, you’ll complete live projects set by brands and attend regular masterclasses from industry professionals.
You'll also benefit from our Future Pathways Programme: a three-week, full-time schedule of industry engagement activities to help you take your next steps after graduating. For students aiming to progress onto a university degree, we offer a dedicated UCAS Pathway. If you want to go straight into work after your course, you can choose from two career-focused routes.
When you apply to the programme you can choose from the following routes:
- UCAS Pathway: Improve professional skills to support your UCAS application: build a portfolio, complete an industry project, and attend a university fair and networking event.
- Placement Pathway: Qualifying students* can opt to apply for a full time three-week work placement within a brand, providing hands-on experience in industry.
- Employability Pathway: A range of activities to support your progression into employment, such as an assessment centre, an industry project and working with a recruitment agency.
* Students will be provided with qualifying criteria ahead of the September in the year of placement
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
As soon as I saw the Fashion Retail Academy, I knew this was the place I needed to go! Everyone on my course is really friendly. We all help each other out and we’re like a big family. Being in the heart of London is so buzzy.
Daisy
Level 3 Fashion Retail
I loved the Fashion Retail Academy! It has taught me so much, and I’ve had lots of industry experience. The college is very welcoming and supportive. I feel comfortable speaking to my tutor about anything, and the wellbeing team is great. I would 1000% recommend the Academy to anyone.
Leah
Level 3 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
As soon as I saw the Fashion Retail Academy, I knew this was the place I needed to go! Everyone on my course is really friendly. We all help each other out and we’re like a big family. Being in the heart of London is so buzzy.
Daisy
Level 3 Fashion Retail
I loved the Fashion Retail Academy! It has taught me so much, and I’ve had lots of industry experience. The college is very welcoming and supportive. I feel comfortable speaking to my tutor about anything, and the wellbeing team is great. I would 1000% recommend the Academy to anyone.
Leah
Level 3 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
FIND OUT MORE
If you want to know more about any of our Level 3 fashion diplomas, you can visit us in person on one of our informative Level 2 and Level 3 Open Days. You’ll have the opportunity to hear from the Principal and tutors about the courses, 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
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.
