Level 4 Diploma in Buying & Merchandising
The focus of this course is on fashion buying and merchandising, offering the prospective student the opportunity to study this stimulating fashion retail head office function. One of the unique characteristics of the course is the strong links with fashion retail head offices in London, which enables students to gain first hand experience. For entry to the Level 4 Diploma in Buying and Merchandising you should:
- be at least 18 by 1st September in the year of entry
- have 1 A Level Pass plus 3 GCSE’s including Maths and English at C grade or above or an equivalent qualification or an equivalent Level 3 qualification e.g. Level 3 Diploma in Fashion Retail, National Diploma etc
- show motivation to succeed on the course
- have equivalent qualifications or professional experience
Selection Process
To assess your suitability for the Level 4 Diploma in Buying and Merchandising, the selection process will include an application and if your application is successful an interview, where one or more members of the course team will watch you give a short presentation. This will allow us to gain a good idea of your self-motivation and commitment, as well as interest in the buying and merchandising industry. You will also be given the opportunity to talk about your retail experience and ask questions about the course.
Structure
The course is delivered using a range of techniques to ensure students gain a practical understanding of fashion business skills. It covers both theoretical and practical approaches relevant to current practice in the UK. The curriculum will address practical and professional skills in communication, negotiation, and presentation. Students are introduced to the complex integrated working of buying and merchandising functions. To begin with students will study the market context in which fashion buyers and merchandisers function along with the commercial implications for product ranges. Aspects affecting the supply chain are studied including product market strategies and implications of external forces.
Combined with work placements within a head office environment, students are able to gain a comprehensive view of fashion retail buying and merchandising, enabling them to enter this area of the industry.
Core Units
- The Buying Environment in Fashion Retail
- Understanding the Sourcing Environment in Fashion Retail
- Range Building in Fashion Retail
- Merchandising for Fashion Retail
- Developing Retail Relationships
Other subject areas covered on the course include: supply chain; sourcing and negotiating; planning and budgeting; and allocation. Students will undergo extended practical workshops combined with two head office work placement.
What next? With a Level 4 Diploma in Buying and Merchandising you will be able to enter MAA or BAA roles in head office with the aim to progress faster along their career path.
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