Online Buying & Merchandising

Learn how to plan and trade a successful fashion season, understanding how buyers and merchandisers work with other departments at a brand to create exciting ranges that maximise sales and profit. 

You'll have one live evening lesson each week, so you can study on your own schedule around your work and other commitments.

You’ll find out how to understand consumers, spot trends and make data-driven strategic decisions. You’ll explore the stages of supply chains (from sourcing to production), discover how to analyse consumer data, develop trend forecasting skills and learn about sustainability and ethical production within the fashion industry. You’ll also have access to industry databases such as WGSN and Edited to support your creative decisions. 

The course will be delivered in our bespoke online learning platform. You will have one live evening lesson per week, as well as access to pre-recorded materials to engage with at a time that suits you. In your weekly webinars, you’ll apply your newly acquired knowledge to practical industry scenarios and participate in group discussions. 

During the 39-week course, you’ll gain the knowledge you’ll need for an entry-level role in fashion buying or merchandising. 

Course duration

39 weeks (4 x 9-week units, plus reading weeks) 

TIMETABLE

Wednesday evenings: weekly webinar at 19:00-21:00 (UK time) 

Thursdays: learning content released every week. You’ll need to complete the work by the next webinar. 

Weekly study hours: 10 to 12 hours per week, a combination of online guided learning (including weekly webinar) and independent learning.   

Remote support: You’ll also have access to remote support through bookable sessions with your tutor, the FRA library and online learning support.  

In your weekly webinar sessions, you’ll take part in group discussions, building your learning community and giving each other feedback. 

Business Ecosystems for Fashion: Discover how retail businesses are structured and learn how to analyse factors influencing buying decisions, including trend forecasting and consumer behaviour. Learn about how the retail world is changing and discover the steps brands can take to futureproof themselves. 

Range Planning & Building: Learn how ranges are created, from initial idea to final product. Discover how buyers and merchandisers work with a development team to manage the design, production, quality, budget and marketing of a profitable range.  

Sustainable Trading for Fashion: Investigate the logistics of supply chains. Discover how fabrics and garments are sourced globally and learn about the ethical and sustainable considerations and challenges facing buyers and merchandisers. 

Industry Brief & Professional Development: Apply what you have learnt on the course to an industry buying brief. Develop your professional skills and create a plan for your next career steps. 

*This course is subject to validation. 

Throughout the course, you'll have regular seminars, talks and masterclasses from our brand partners. We’ll help you develop a strong industry network that will support you throughout your career. You’ll also take part in projects and challenges set by brands that help you to develop valuable, practical skills. 

After completing our online Buying and Merchandising course, you’ll be ready to progress into an entry-level role in industry. Popular roles include: 

• Buying Admin Assistant 
• Merchandising Admin Assistant 
• Allocator 
• Buying Clerk 

Accreditation: Accredited by OCN 

Qualification: Level 4 Diploma in Buying & Merchandising 

Minimum Age: 19+ 

Course Length: 39 weeks (36 weeks + 3 reading weeks)

Wednesday Evening Lesson: 19:00-21:00 (UK time) 

Assessment Methods: Include, but are not limited to, projects, practice files, essays, reflective logs, and productions of artefacts 

Course Fees: £2,100

Payment: 

When you sign up for your course, you'll need to set up a payment plan to secure your place. The first payment is due when you sign up.  

Payment Options: 

• Two payments of 50% each – 0% interest 
• Six equal monthly payments – 0% interest 
• Full payment upfront 

Tuition fees are subject to change - the fees due are effective at the time of enrolment. 

In the highly unlikely event that the course is cancelled, your payment will be refunded in full.

The full fee is to be paid prior to the end of the course. Please contact our Finance Team (finance@fra.ac.uk) if you have any payment queries. 

Equipment Required: You’ll need a laptop or computer with a microphone and camera to fully participate in this course. 

Recommended Entry Qualifications: 

• We welcome applicants with an undergraduate degree, A-levels or equivalent qualifications. We also encourage applicants with employment experience. 
• As a minimum, we recommend GCSEs including Maths & English at grade 4/C or above. 
• For international students, we require IELTS grade 5. 
• Buying & Merchandising (Online) is open to applications from international students. However, you must be able to attend one compulsory live lesson, one evening a week (UK time). 

Terms Dates for 2024/25:

Autumn Term 

Term starts: 24th September 2024

Half term: Week commencing 25th November 

Term resumes: Week commencing 2nd December 

Winter holidays: Week commencing 23rd December 

Spring Term: 

Term starts: Week commencing 6th January 2025

Half term: 17th February 

Term resumes: 24th February 

Spring Break: 14th April 

Summer term: 

Term starts: 28th April 

Half term: 12th May 

Term resumes: 26th May 

End of term: 14th July 

Teaching day = Tuesday 

Term Dates for 2025/26: TBC