Ideal for those aged 18+, our Level 4 fashion diploma courses, taught in the heart of London, are one of the fastest routes into the fashion industry.
At the Fashion Retail Academy, our Level 4 fashion courses are some of our most popular courses for students wanting to work in the fashion industry. Unlike a degree, they are fully funded by the government for 18-year-olds (loans available for 19+) so you can study entirely free.
We have six different Level 4 programmes that provide professional skills for fashion specialisms, and include unrivalled access to over 250+ major fashion brands through our industry enrichment programmes.
- Fastest route into a fashion industry career - qualify in as little as 22 weeks
- The Fashion Retail Academy is rated Outstanding by Ofsted
- Over 93% of our Level 4 graduates are in employment or continuing education after their course.
WHAT IS A LEVEL 4 DIPLOMA?
Designed for those aged 18 and over, a Level 4 fashion diploma course at the Fashion Retail Academy is equivalent to the first year of a university degree, and is an excellent alternative to university for those who want to take the fastest route to a career in fashion.
On these courses, you can build on your existing knowledge to pursue a career in specific areas, such as Digital Marketing, Garment Technology or Fashion Buying.
Our Level 4 diplomas take one year to complete, with the exception of Level 4 Fast-Track Buying & Merchandising which can be completed in just 22 weeks. This means you can gain a full qualification without the time and cost commitment of a standard three-year undergraduate degree course.
Level 4 course 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 4 FASHION DIPLOMA COURSES
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 DOES A LEVEL 4 DIPLOMA COST?
Our Level 4 Fashion Courses are fully funded for 18-year-olds, so you won’t need to pay course fees.
If you’re 19 or older, your course will cost £4,220 - much less than an undergraduate degree! You can apply for a government-funded Advanced Learner Loan to cover your fees. These work in the same way as student loans for university tuition fees, and you won’t need to repay them until you’re earning over £25,000 a year.
Level 4 Visual Merchandising and Level 4 Garment Technology have an additional fee of £99 to cover the cost of materials you’ll use during your studies, which is payable at enrolment.
LEVEL 4 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 three-week Future Pathways Programme: a three-week, full-time schedule of industry engagement activities to help you take your next steps after graduating. You’ll connect with industry professionals and build a range of employability skills and job insights to improve your career prospects.
When you apply to the programme you can choose from the following routes:
- 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
I chose to study at the Fashion Retail Academy because I knew other people who'd studied here and had a really good experience. I liked the idea of studying in London as well!
I really enjoyed my course. I got to experience all different sides of fashion retail: buying, merchandising, visual merchandising, business. My tutor also put me forward for the 'Women in Dior' sustainability programme. It's quite exclusive so I was super excited to get on to it!
Any advice for new students?
Take every opportunity your tutor gives you! They can be so helpful getting you industry links and opportunities you didn't even think you could get.
Olivia
Level 4 Fashion Retail (with Marketing)
The course content has combined all of my interests into one, I made the right decision to attend here. My time at the Fashion Retail Academy has been great. The industry talks and instant access to so many connections has been beneficial to my progression.
Ruben
Level 4 Visual Merchandising
I chose the Fashion Retail Academy because it was the only fashion college that offered a Level 4 course like this - I knew I didn't want to do fashion design.
I feel like I really flourished at the Fashion Retail Academy; I enjoyed every topic. My favourite was our industry project with COS - my group won that one!
Any advice for new students?
Don't think you need to know everything before you start - I didn't know anything about marketing before I did my course!
Opeyemi
Level 4 Digital Marketing
FIND OUT MORE
If you want to know more about any of our Level 4 fashion diplomas, you can visit us in person on one of our informative Level 4 and Undergraduate 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
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.
