Free Level 3 Fashion Business and Retail Course in Liverpool. Classes run full-time at The City of Liverpool College Arts Centre. This University of the Arts London qualification gives you a broad understanding of the fashion retail industry and prepares you for employment within it. The course runs over one year. You'll need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, or a Level 2 qualification at Merit or above, including at least one GCSE in Maths or English at grade 4 or above. Learners aged 19 or over with a strong portfolio may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Who this course is for
This programme is designed to provide you with a broad experience and understanding of the breadth of career opportunities available within the Fashion Retail Industry, and prepare you for employment.
Entry requirements
Designed for all learners with 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above and/or a level 2 qualification at grade Merit or above. You must have at least one GCSE in Maths and/or English at grade 4 or above. Learners aged 19 and over with an outstanding portfolio of artwork will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
What you will learn
You'll explore the range of career opportunities available across the fashion retail industry.
You'll develop knowledge of how fashion businesses operate, from buying and merchandising to marketing and sales.
You'll study consumer behaviour and how it shapes retail strategy.
You'll learn how fashion trends are identified, developed, and brought to market.
You'll build an understanding of visual merchandising and how products are presented to customers.
You'll examine the commercial and financial aspects of running a fashion retail business.
How you will learn
You'll study in a classroom setting at The City of Liverpool College Arts Centre. Learning is delivered through a mix of taught sessions, project work, and industry-focused assignments. Assessment is coursework-based, with projects and assignments that reflect real fashion retail scenarios. There are no written exams. Your work builds into a portfolio that demonstrates your skills and knowledge across the qualification.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. The City of Liverpool College Arts Centre will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Retail buyer's assistant: supporting buying teams in fashion businesses
Visual merchandiser: planning and creating in-store product displays
Fashion retail manager: overseeing sales, staff, and stock in a store
Merchandising assistant: analysing sales data and managing stock levels
Fashion marketing assistant: supporting campaigns and brand promotion
Personal stylist: advising customers on clothing and style choices
E-commerce assistant: managing online product listings and sales
What you could study next
BA (Hons) Fashion Business or Fashion Retail Management: a degree-level route for those wanting to specialise further and move into senior roles in buying, merchandising, or brand management.
BA (Hons) Fashion Marketing: builds on the commercial knowledge from this qualification with a focus on brand strategy and digital marketing.
Higher National Diploma (HND) in Fashion: a two-year higher education route that can lead directly into industry or top up to a full degree.
