Level 2 Fashion Business and Retail Course in Derby. Classes run at Derby College @ the Joseph Wright Centre, full-time during the day. The course runs for 36 weeks and covers the core knowledge and skills behind fashion business and retail. You'll explore branding, marketing, fashion photography, and selling environments, both in physical stores and online. Industry software including Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator is part of the programme, alongside social media marketing tools. Retail visits, guest speakers, and live client projects are built into the course. If you don't yet have GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 or above, you'll study those alongside the main programme.
Who this course is for
This Level 2 Diploma pathway has been specifically designed for students wishing to study Fashion Business and Retail alongside GCSE English and Maths [if required], work experience, tutorial and personal and professional development. If you don’t already have a grade 4 or above at GCSE in English and Maths, you’ll continue to study these elements which will form a significant part of your study programme.The pathway provides opportunities to gain an initial introduction to the Fashion Business world through its holistic design and provides complementary components to further aid your future progression and employability. The course includes visits to large retailers and brands, guest speakers and client-led live projects. In addition, you will undertake lots of practical activities including fashion photography, editorials, branding, marketing and exploration of selling environments - both physical and online platforms. You will be introduced to industry software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator as well as exploring new and emerging social media-based marketing tools. Development of your maths and English skills will continue, which will support your progress within the programme and help in your future career, allowing you to make commercial decisions and apply technical terminology associated with Fashion. The delivery and assessment approach ensures you have a fulfilling learning experience while developing personal attributes and the skills and knowledge to excel in the Fashion Business industry, from buying and merchandising to marketing, branding, promotion and visual merchandising (to name but a few career options). As identified by the sector, a career in Fashion Business represents a future of unlimited potential, responsibility, and personal development. The programme provides a unique opportunity to progress to the Advanced Level 3 Diploma.
Entry requirements
Typically, you will have GCSE English at grade 3, GCSE Maths at grade 2 or 3 and a minimum of two additional GCSEs at grade 3 or above. Alternatively, you may have equivalent intermediate qualifications at Pass grade or above. Additionally, it would be beneficial (but not essential) that you have a GCSE in a creative subject and/or business studies. Candidates will be invited to a telephone interview as part one of the application process. Following this, you will be invited to a taster session
What you will learn
You'll explore branding and how fashion brands present themselves to customers.
You'll practise fashion photography and create editorial content.
You'll study marketing techniques, including social media platforms and digital tools.
You'll use industry software including Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
You'll investigate physical and online selling environments.
You'll develop commercial decision-making skills and apply fashion business terminology.
You'll build English and maths skills in a fashion business context.
How you will learn
You'll learn through a mix of classroom sessions, practical activities, and live projects set by real clients. The course includes visits to retailers and brands, and sessions with guest speakers from the industry. Assessment is built into the programme through project work and practical tasks. A taster session forms part of the application process, and you'll have an initial telephone interview before you start.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Derby College @ the Joseph Wright Centre will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Fashion retail assistant, supporting customers and managing stock on the shop floor.
Visual merchandiser, creating displays that attract customers in-store.
Social media coordinator, running fashion brand accounts and content.
Marketing assistant, supporting campaigns for fashion brands or retailers.
Buying assistant, helping source and select products for retail ranges.
E-commerce assistant, managing product listings and online store content.
What you could study next
Level 3 Diploma in Fashion Business or Fashion Retail Management. A natural next step if you want to go deeper into the industry or move into a supervisory role.
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Fashion Design or Textiles. Useful if your interest shifts toward the creative side of the industry.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) or degree in Fashion Business, Marketing, or Retail Management. Opens routes into graduate-level roles in buying, brand management, or retail operations.
