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Key details

Course area
Fashion and Textiles
Student types
16 - 18 coursesCourses for 19+ students
Course type
Full-time Further Education course
Course level
Level 3
Available options

Course introduction

The Level 3 Extended Diploma in Fashion Business and Retail is a full-time course designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and understanding needed to advance to further study and training in various fashion business and retail disciplines.

You’ll learn about

  • Marketing
  • Buying and merchandising
  • Sustainability in fashion
  • Styling
  • Visual merchandising
  • Production and supply chains
  • The future of fashion retail

Join our exciting Level 3 Extended Diploma in Fashion Business & Retail and immerse yourself in the dynamic world of fashion! You'll work on both digital and practical projects designed to market products and boost sales for a variety of brands. Our tutors, with their extensive industry backgrounds, will provide you with invaluable insights into the real-world of fashion business. You'll have hands-on experience with industry-standard platforms such as WGSN, Mintel, and Adobe Suite, allowing you to create innovative and professional outcomes.

Enhance your employability skills through engaging sessions with guest speakers and inspiring store visits. This comprehensive course not only prepares you for a successful career in the fashion industry but also offers the opportunity to earn up to 168 UCAS points, paving the way for further studies at university. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to launch your fashion career!

You can expect to learn in our dedicated fashion business retail spaces, which include creative studios, computer suites and our own mock window display. You will develop your employability skills through placements and live projects, plus you’ll go behind the scenes at independent and big brand stores, with visits to Birmingham and London.

You will complete 90 credits in Year 1 and gain a standalone qualification. On successful completion of this, you will progress into Year 2 to gain the full Extended Diploma.

2 Course options

16-18

Start Date:

Tuesday 1st September 2026

Location:

Adams Building Stoney Street, Nottingham, NG1 1NG

Course Code:

Parent course code:C027741 Child course code: Q027740

Apply now

19+

Start Date:

Tuesday 1st September 2026

Location:

Adams Building Stoney Street, Nottingham, NG1 1NG

Course Code:

Parent course code:C000284 Child course code: Q001658

Apply now

Course information

2 years

UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Fashion Business and Fashion Retail

You’ll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A*–C), including English Language and Maths – both of these must be grades 9–4 (A*–C) or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths, or a relevant Level 2 vocational qualification with English and Maths GCSE grades 9–4 (A*–C).

Choose to follow with further study at degree level, including Nottingham College’s own foundation degree in Fashion and top-up degree in Art & Design. You will also be ready for an apprenticeship in the industry, either at head office or in a store.

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.

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