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Level 3 Fashion Business and Retail Course in Derby

Cost£4,170.00
Duration36 weeks
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyUAL Awarding Body
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About this course

Level 3 Fashion Business and Retail Course in Derby. Classes run at Derby College @ the Joseph Wright Centre, full-time over 36 weeks.

The course covers buying and merchandising, marketing, branding, promotion, and visual merchandising. You'll also complete work experience alongside your studies. Entry typically requires five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Maths. A creative subject or Business Studies GCSE is helpful but not essential.

You'll finish with a Level 3 Diploma in Fashion Business and Retail.

Who this course is for

The Level 3 Extended Diploma in Fashion Business and Retail pathway has been specifically designed for students wishing to study Fashion Business and Retail alongside work experience, tutorial and personal and professional development.The qualification is designed for students aged 16 years or over who have five GCSEs at grade 4 and above (to include Maths, English and preferably Business and/or a creative subject). The Fashion Business pathway provides opportunities for integrated learning through practical, creative application and commercial academic activities that replicate industry. 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 within the sector or into higher study (to a HNC or honours degree) and a fulfilling career within Fashion Business.The Advanced Fashion Business and Retail course has been designed holistically and provides complementary components to further aid your 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 become confident in using 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 y

Entry requirements

Typically, you will have a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English Language and Maths. Alternatively, you may have equivalent intermediate qualifications at Merit grade or above, along with GCSE grade 4 in English Language and Maths. Additionally, it would be beneficial (but not essential) that you have a GCSE in a creative subject and/or Business Studies. Importantly a university application will probably require five GCSEs graded 4 or above, including both English Language

What you will learn

  • You'll study fashion buying and merchandising principles.
  • You'll explore fashion marketing, branding, and promotion.
  • You'll develop skills in visual merchandising.
  • You'll gain experience through a work placement in the industry.
  • You'll build personal and professional development skills alongside your studies.
  • You'll apply commercial and creative thinking to real fashion business scenarios.

How you will learn

You'll learn through a mix of practical and academic activities in the classroom. Assessment is integrated throughout the course, combining coursework, projects, and applied tasks that reflect industry practice. You'll also take part in work experience and industry visits as part of your programme.

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 buyer, sources and selects products for retail brands.
  • Visual merchandiser, designs in-store displays to drive sales.
  • Fashion marketing assistant, supports campaigns and brand promotion.
  • Retail assistant, works on the shop floor in a fashion environment.
  • Merchandising assistant, manages stock planning and allocation.
  • Brand coordinator, supports brand identity and communications.

What you could study next

  • HNC in Fashion or Business, a one-year higher-level qualification and a natural next step after this Diploma.
  • BA (Hons) in Fashion Business or Fashion Marketing, a full degree for those wanting to specialise further.
  • BTEC Higher National Diploma in Fashion Management, combining business and creative study at Level 5.
Apply on derby-college.ac.uk →
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