Level 3 Fashion Business and Retail Course in Nottingham. Classes run at Nottingham College Adams Building, full-time during the day. If you're 16 to 18 years old, tuition fees may not apply. If you're 19 or over, you may still be eligible for funding. This two-year fashion business and retail qualification covers marketing, buying and merchandising, sustainability, visual merchandising, styling, and production and supply chains. You'll work on digital and practical projects using industry platforms including WGSN, Mintel, and Adobe Suite. The course also earns up to 168 UCAS points, opening routes into university.
Who this course is for
This course is perfect if you have a passion for fashion, trends, marketing and styling as well as an interest in working within the retail/business side of the industry.
Entry requirements
You'll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C), including English Language and Maths - both of these must be grades 9-4 (A*-C) or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths, or a relevant Level 2 vocational qualification with English and Maths GCSE grades 9-4 (A*-C).
What you will learn
You'll study marketing strategies used across fashion brands and retail environments.
You'll explore buying, merchandising, and how products move from production to sale.
You'll learn about sustainability in fashion and its impact on the industry.
You'll develop visual merchandising and styling skills for retail contexts.
You'll work with industry-standard platforms including WGSN, Mintel, and Adobe Suite.
You'll gain insight into the future of fashion retail through guest speaker sessions and store visits.
You'll build an understanding of global production and supply chains.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom study combined with hands-on digital and practical projects. Assessment is through coursework and project-based work rather than formal exams. You'll attend guest speaker sessions and store visits as part of your studies. Tutors bring industry backgrounds to the classroom, and you'll use professional platforms to produce real project outcomes.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Nottingham College Adams Building will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Fashion buyer, selecting products and ranges for retail brands
Visual merchandiser, designing in-store displays to drive sales
Fashion marketing assistant, supporting campaigns across digital and print
Retail buyer's assistant, supporting purchasing decisions and supplier relations
Fashion stylist, working with brands, media, or individual clients
Merchandising coordinator, managing stock levels and product placement
Fashion retail manager, overseeing sales, staff, and store performance
What you could study next
BA (Hons) Fashion Marketing or Fashion Buying and Merchandising. The UAL Extended Diploma earns up to 168 UCAS points, making it a strong route into a university degree in fashion business or a related subject.
Level 4 or 5 qualifications in Business, Marketing, or Retail Management. These shorter higher-education courses suit those who want specialist knowledge without a full degree.
Degree Apprenticeship in Fashion or Retail Management. Combines work and study at degree level.
