Fashion Business and Retail Level 2 (24/25)

Are you are interested in fashion but not necessarily from a designing perspective? This course will introduce you to many pathways available in a career in the sector. These include designer, creative director, buyer, stylist, photographer, blogger, visual merchandiser or fashion promoter. You will research brands and discover the social media marketing secrets they use to engage with their target audience. In this wide-ranging course you will also learn how to set up your own blog and website and create and manipulate images using Adobe software. You will be assessed throughout the year on various projects, culminating with a final major project where you choose your own outcome which could be a shop window design, blog, creating and designing marketing material for your own brand. At the end of the programme, you can progress onto several Level 3 courses at the college, with a focus on Fashion, Business, or Media. Students who complete Level 3 often move onto university; however, you may prefer the employment path.

Predominantly for 16-19 year olds and the requirements are 4 GCSEs at grade 3/D or above and a willingness to try new skills and techniques is important.

There may be some additional costs to cover course trips, these will be discussed when you start the course. You may also need to purchase some materials as you progress through the curriculum.

This Level 2 Fashion Business and Retail programme provides you with an understanding of fashion business and retail through a broad diagnostic experience that prepares you for the reality of the sector and the progression paths available. On successful completion the course, you will be awarded a nationally recognised Level 2 qualification.

This full-time course will cover the whole process of the supply chain, from design conception, trend forecasting, research, identifying market levels, and sustainability, through to its end destination, whether retail environment or online shop. External visits and trips will enhance your understanding of the fashion retail environment; these will include: Graduate Fashion Week, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, and the Mulberry Head Office, as well as regular visits to local shops in Bath. The Victoria and Albert Museum visit will form the research for a photo-shoot where you will collaborate with the Photography and Hair and Media Make-up department. You will come into contact with industry professionals who will offer guidance on the visual merchandising project. As part of the course you will engage in a part-time work placement in the fashion retail environment (this can be paid or voluntary) - our work placement team will be on hand to provide support and guidance. You will also set up and run a pop-up shop as part of their Buying and Selling project. Assessment is regular and ongoing throughout the year; you will produce several sketchbooks and PowerPoints which will be marked as a pass or referral.

You can progress onto a number of Level 3 courses at the college, with a focus on Fashion, Business, or Media. Students who complete Level 3 often move onto university, however you may prefer the employment path - many of our students continue to develop their career at the company providing their work placement. Alternatively, you may want to become a freelancer or work on building your own business after the course.