Level 2 Fashion Business and Retail Course in Ware. Classes run at Hertford Regional College Ware Campus, full-time during the day. The course runs for 35 weeks, from September to June. You'll cover the full fashion supply chain, from trend forecasting and design conception through to retail and online selling. Topics include buying, visual merchandising, branding, social media, sustainability, and specialist design software. Practical work covers prop-making, photography, and 3D scale modelling. Entry requires 136 GCSE points including English at Grade 3 or above, or a UAL or BTEC Level 1 Diploma at Merit with Functional Skills English Level 1, plus a portfolio review at interview.
Who this course is for
The level 2 in Fashion Business and Retail covers the whole process of retail; from trend forecasting identifying market levels research design conception sustainability and supply chains through to its end destination whether a retail environment or online shop. You will develop the skills required to offer creative solutions to an ever-changing selling environment gaining an overview of modern fashion business functions and retail practice its roles and basic business strategies. The course includes practical elements such as; prop-making photography and 3D scale model making to support a range of visualising skills creative problem solving and business presentation methods.Most jobs in fashion related industries are in the retail sale of clothing. This industry provides 75 percent of all fashion related jobs with 414 000 people working in the retail sale of clothing. https://fashionunited.uk/uk-fashion-industry-statistics/
Entry requirements
136 GCSE entry points including English at Grade D (Grade 3 of the new 16/17 GCSE grading structure)or UAL or BTEC Level 1 Diploma at Merit level with Functional Skills English Level 1 You will need to provide examples of art and design work at interview
What you will learn
You'll explore the fashion supply chain from design conception to retail and online destinations.
You'll study trend forecasting, style hunting, and market-level research.
You'll learn buying, merchandising, and visual merchandising principles.
You'll develop skills in branding, social media, blogging, and fashion journalism.
You'll examine sustainability within fashion and lifestyle retail.
You'll use specialist design software relevant to the industry.
You'll produce practical work including prop-making, photography, and 3D scale models.
How you will learn
You'll be assessed through practical, industry-based assignments. These include producing presentations of your designs and proposals for a range of products. Learning is classroom-based and hands-on, combining digital and creative tasks that reflect current retail trends. One unit includes an externally set component.
What you will need to bring
You'll need to bring examples of your art and design work to the interview before the course starts. The centre will confirm anything else you need before you begin.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Fashion retail assistant, supporting customers and managing stock on the shop floor.
Visual merchandiser, creating displays that drive sales in store or online.
Buying assistant, supporting product selection and supplier relationships.
Social media coordinator for a fashion or lifestyle brand.
Fashion stylist assistant, working on shoots or editorial projects.
Retail supervisor, overseeing a team in a clothing or fashion outlet.
What you could study next
UAL Level 3 Diploma in Fashion Business and Retail. The natural next step, deepening your knowledge of buying, branding, and retail strategy.
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Fashion and Textiles. Broadens into design and production alongside business skills.
Higher Education in Fashion Business, Retail, or Marketing. A Level 3 qualification opens routes to university study in fashion-related subjects.
