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
- Explore different design and business roles within the industry
- Perfect for progression to a Level 3 or an apprenticeship
| Level | Level 2 |
| Entry Requirements | 4 GCSEs all at Grade 3 incl. Maths & English |
| Funding | 16-18: Fully Funded |
| Duration | 1 Year |
| Location | On Site |
Level 3 Fashion Business
- Explore the fashion retail environment from head office to store
- Course equivalent to 3 A-Levels and worth up to 168 UCAS points
| Level | Level 3 |
| Entry Requirements | 4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above incl. Maths & English |
| Funding | 16-18: Fully Funded |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Location | On Site |
Level 3 Fashion Design
- Learn key skills including fashion illustration, pattern cutting and garment construction
- Course equivalent to 3 A-Levels and worth up to 168 UCAS points
| Level | Level 3 |
| Entry Requirements | 4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above incl. Maths & English |
| Funding | 16-18: Fully Funded |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Location | On Site |
Level 3 Visual Communications & Styling
- Learn how to use styling to create compelling visual stories for customers
- Discover how to transform fashion products into must-have trend pieces
| Level | Level 3 |
| Entry Requirements | 4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above incl. Maths & English |
| Funding | 16-18: Fully Funded |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Location | On Site |
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, most of our Level 4 courses (excluding Level 4 Digital Marketing for Fashion) are fully funded by the government for 18-year-olds, and if you're over 19, you can take out a government loan to fund your tuition fees.
Level 4 Digital Marketing for Fashion
- Discover how modern marketing strategies are created
- Learn how marketing increases sales and maximises profits
| Level | Level 4 |
| Entry Requirements | 1 A-Level & 5 GCSEs |
| Funding | £4,220 (private funding only) |
| Duration | 1 Year |
| Location | On Site |
Level 4 Fashion Retail (with Marketing)
- Master business management skills in a fashion context
- Explore how brands and retailers function around the world
| Level | Level 4 |
| Entry Requirements | 1 A-Level & 5 GCSEs |
| Funding | 18: Fully funded. 19+: £4,220 (Loans Available) |
| Duration | 1 Year |
| Location | On Site |
Level 4 Fashion Buying
- Create exciting range plans that meet consumer needs, maximising sales and profits
- Learn forecasting skills to accurately predict future market trends
| Level | Level 4 |
| Entry Requirements | 1 A-Level & 5 GCSEs |
| Funding | 18: Fully funded. 19+: £4,220 (Loans Available) |
| Duration | 1 Year |
| Location | On Site |
Level 4 Garment Technology
- Only diploma of its kind in the UK
- Huge industry demand for garment technologists
| Level | Level 4 |
| Entry Requirements | 1 A-Level & 5 GCSEs |
| Funding | 18: Fully funded. 19+: £4,220 (Loans Available) |
| Duration | 1 Year |
| Location | On Site |
Level 4 Visual Merchandising for Fashion
- Discover the key methods for effective shop window design
- Create exciting retail spaces that encourage customers to buy
| Level | Level 4 |
| Entry Requirements | 1 A-Level & 5 GCSEs |
| Funding | 18: Fully funded. 19+: £4,220 (Loans Available) |
| Duration | 1 Year |
| Location | On Site |
Level 4 Fast Track Buying & Merchandising
- Learn to plan, build and manage ranges to maximise sales
- Master the skills you need for an entry-level role in just 6 months (22 weeks)
| Level | Level 4 |
| Entry Requirements | 1 A-Level & 5 GCSEs |
| Funding | £4,220 (Loans Available) |
| Duration | 6 Months |
| Location | On Site |
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*, fees for our Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4 courses (excluding Level 4 Digital Marketing for Fashion) are fully funded by the government.
*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. Fees for Level 4 courses are currently under review and may be subject to change.
Please note, if you are 19+, you are ineligible to study a Level 2 or Level 3 at the Fashion Retail Academy.
Government loans are available for students aged 19 or over* to fund your tuition fees for Level 4 courses. The funding mechanism is changing for students starting certain courses after January 2027. For more information about how this is changing, please visit the government website.
*Please note: Level 4 Digital Marketing for Fashion is not eligible for funding for 18-year-olds or government tuition fee loans for 19+ applicants, and must be privately funded.
ENRICHMENT FEE
A £75 enrichment fee is due at enrolment to cover the cost of activities throughout your course. This includes educational visits, guest speakers, specialist equipment and materials, and access to careers fairs, UCAS events, and other progression-focused opportunities.
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 if you'd like to start a course with us in September 2027!
