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 home of fashion's next generation, 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.
*Please note, Level 4 Digital Marketing for Fashion is not eligible for 16–18 funding or government tuition fee loans for 19+ applicants.
- Fastest route into a fashion industry career - qualify in as little as 22 weeks
- The Fashion Retail Academy is rated Good by Ofsted
- Over 91% of our Level 4 graduates are in employment or continuing education after their course.
- Of those in work, 87% of Level 4 graduates are working over 25 hours per week
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 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 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 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 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 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 loan** to cover your fees or pay by Direct Debit if you're funding your course privately.
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.
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.
Find out more about fees and funding
*Fees for Level 4 diploma courses starting in 2027 are under review and may be subject to change.
**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.
APPLY NOW FOR our LEVEL 4 FASHION COURSEs IN LONDON
Apply now if you'd like to study a Level 4 diploma with us in September 2027!
LEVEL 4 INDUSTRY ENRICHMENT
At the home of fashion's next generation, 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
