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 so you can study entirely free*. We have six different Level 4 programmes that provide professional skills for specialisms including Digital Marketing, Fashion Retail (with Marketing), Fashion Buying, Garment Technology, Visual Merchandising and Fast Track Buying & Merchandising.
Over 93% of our students are in employment or further education on completion of their Level 4 Fashion Course.
WHAT IS A LEVEL 4 DIPLOMA?
A Level 4 diploma course is equivalent to the first year of a university degree and typically takes a year to complete. This means you can gain a higher education qualification without committing to a full 3 year course.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, there are 8 qualification levels. The higher the level, the more advanced the qualification is.
At the Fashion Retail Academy, our fashion courses are between Levels 2 and 7.
Our Level 4 Fashion Diploma Courses are an excellent alternative to a degree. They’re the equivalent of studying the first year of an undergraduate course.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO STUDY A LEVEL 4 DIPLOMA?
Level 4 Diploma Courses take 1 year to complete and offer one of the fastest routes into your dream career.
HOW MUCH 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!
Anyone aged 19+ qualifies 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 £27,250 a year.
LEVEL 4 FASHION DIPLOMA COURSES WE OFFER
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 BUSINESS (WITH MARKETING)
Studying Fashion Business (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.
APPLY NOW FOR LEVEL 4 FASHION COURSES IN LONDON
Apply now and start your Level 4 diploma with us in September 2025!
LEVEL 4 FASHION COURSE STRUCTURE
At the Fashion Retail Academy, we structure our timetables over two full days a week. This means you can save money on travel to the Fashion Retail Academy, and you’ll have plenty of time to complete homework, study or work part-time on your free days.
Alongside your academic learning, you’ll gain invaluable first-hand experiences from our industry partners and support in building your professional network. You'll benefit from a three-week Future Pathways Programme, to help boost your employability skills and gain invaluable job insight. You’ll also complete live projects set by brands and attend regular masterclasses from industry professionals.
We also offer 22-week Fast Track courses for adults 19+ wanting to retrain or boost their professional skills whilst working.
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
VISIT US OR GET IN TOUCH
Our friendly Applicant Services team is always happy to offer advice and answer any questions you have about studying with us. You can reach them by emailing applicant.services@fra.ac.uk or by phoning 0300 247 0039.
You can also visit us in person on one of our informative Level 4 and Undergraduate Open Days!
*As long as you are 18 and a UK resident at the start of your course
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.
