Skip to the main content
Go to the search page

Key details

Course area
Fashion and Textiles
Student type
16 - 18 courses
Course type
Full-time Further Education course
Course level
Level 2
Start date
Tuesday 1st September 2026
Location
Adams Building Stoney Street, Nottingham, NG1 1NG
Course code
Parent course code:C059496 Child course code: Q059497
Apply now

Course introduction

This course is perfect if you are passionate about fashion and want to learn how the fashion retail industry works. It is ideal for students who enjoy creativity, trends, and working with people, and who are interested in developing skills in styling, merchandising, marketing, and customer experience within the fashion business.

You will learn about fashion trends, visual merchandising, styling, fashion promotion, and customer experience. The course will help you develop creative and practical skills used in the fashion retail industry.

You can expect a mix of creative projects, practical activities, and research into the fashion retail industry. You will develop skills in styling, visual merchandising, marketing, and customer experience while building your understanding of fashion trends and retail environments.

Course information

1 year

UAL Level 2 Fashion Diploma in Business and Retail

You’ll need 4 GCSEs at grades 9–3 (A*–D), including English Language and Maths – one of English Language or Maths must be grade 9–4 (A*–C). Functional Skills Level 1 can be used as equivalent to GCSE grade 3 (D) and Functional Skills Level 2 can be used as equivalent to GCSE grade 4 (C) or above.

Assessment is continuous and will consist of a portfolio of reports, presentations and creative projects plus a final major project at the end of the year.

Choose to follow with further study on a Level 2 Higher Fashion and Creative Study Skills course or Level 3 programme in fashion business.

Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.

If you are aged 19 or over you may still be eligible for funding. Check out our Financial Help pages to find out more!

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.

Careers related to this course

Select career:

Visual Merchandisers and Related Occupations

Potential Earnings

£40,813.45

Average Earnings

£21,107.72

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Marketing and Sales

People in these occupations conduct market research, create advertising content, sell goods, services, or property, and provide customer support.

Retailing and Wholesaling

People in these occupations sell goods and services to customers or businesses.

Skills

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.
View more about this career

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.

Fashion (Level 2 BTEC Diploma) - Full-time

Fashion and Creative Skills (Level 1 Higher Diploma) - Full-time

Fashion and Creative Study Skills (Level 2 Higher) - Full-time