Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the FRA? How do I get there?
The Fashion Retail Academy is located at 15 Gresse Street, London W1T 1QL which is close to Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road, in the heart of London’s fashion retail district. The nearest tube stations are Tottenham Court Road (Northern Line & Central Line), Goodge Street (Northern Line) and Oxford Circus (Central Line, Bakerloo Line & Victoria Line).
What kind of institution is the FRA?
The FRA is classed as a Further Education provider to deliver the Diploma courses but is classed as an Higher Education provider in association with London College of Fashion to deliver the Foundation Degree.
What is the average age of a student attending the FRA?
The majority of our students that attend the Diploma courses are aged 16 – 18. The average age of the Foundation Degree students is currently 18-25 years old.
Is the FRA a private or publically funded?
The FRA is funded by the government organisation the Learning Skills Council and sponsored by M&S, Arcadia Group, Tesco and Next.
How do I join the college?
There are two ways to apply for a course at The Fashion Retail Academy. If you go to
www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/jointhefra/apply you can fill in and submit the form online
(available from Feb). Alternatively you can download the form, print out, fill in and send
to: Applications, The Fashion Retail Academy, 15 Gresse Street, London W1T 1QL. Please
note only one application is required and multiple applications will not be accepted.
When should I apply?
You can apply for the 2010/2011 intake now.
How long after I submit my application will I hear whether I have been successful for interview?
Generally speaking you will hear from the Student Registry Team no later then 10 working days after you have submitted your initial application. At certain periods throughout the year this office will be busier then normal; please understand that the team will contact you at the first opportunity.
Do I need to have met my entry requirements when I apply?
You do not need to satisfy your entry requirements when making your initial application. However, you will need to meet the requirements before courses start. You may be given a conditional offer which means you must gain all the necessary qualifications stated in your offer before starting your studies at the FRA. Alternative qualifications and experience will also be considered.
Who completes the reference for my application?
Each applicant will need to obtain a reference to support their application. If you are in full time education you can ask a member of staff from current education provider to complete your reference. If you are currently employed, you may ask your employer to complete the reference for you. Please note that no application will be complete until a satisfactory reference has been received.
Will I be interviewed?
If your written application is successful, you will be invited to come in for an interview at the FRA building and this will be organised with you after a complete application has been submitted. Interviews for this year will start in January. The FRA aims to interview all potential students who apply to assess their suitability.
What is the qualification equivalent to?
- Level 2 Diploma - 5 GCSE’s
- Level 3 Diploma - 2 A Levels
- Level 4 VM Diploma - First year of a degree post A Level
- Level 4 BM Diploma - First year of a degree post A Level
- Foundation Degree - First two years of an Undergraduate Degree
How long are the courses?
Each of the Diploma courses is 1 year full time study. The Foundation Degree is 2 years full time study. The courses may not be completed part time however we do have a short course programme – please see www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/shortcourses for more information.
How many hours will I study per week?
As a general guide our full time students normally have an average of 17 - 20 hours per week ‘contact time’ (i.e. taught sessions) spread over five days. You will also be expected to complete further hours of independent study. Some of this study requires you to be in the Academy using facilities and resources or project work with other students. Timetables will not be finalised until the first day of the first term.
How long will the work placement be?
Each course has a work placement as part of the Work Placement Scheme. Each student must complete this work placement to complete the course. Details of each level are below:
- Level 2 - Store based opportunities - Two weeks in the spring term
- Level 3 - Store/ Head Office opportunities - Three weeks in the autumn term (store based) and three weeks in the summer term (store based with the opportunity to attend Head Office on the merit of outstanding studentship)
- Level 4 VM - Head Office / Field opportunities - 2 x three week placements with a VM creative team or a area based field team
- Level 4 BM - Head Office opportunities - 2 x three week placements in a Buying or Merchandising team
- Foundation - Store & Head Office based opportunities 1 x extended placement in the second year of study
The majority of our placements are London based however some of the head office opportunities may require students to travel. Store based students that request to will also have the option to be placed in a store near to their home, although the majority of the store based placements are in Central London (Zones 1 & 2).
How much will a course cost?
The fees for the Academic year 2010/2011 will be:
- Level 2 Diploma in Fashion Retail - Home/EU students: £1450 - International students: £7300
- Level 3 Diploma in Fashion Retail - Home/EU students: £1450 - International students: £7300
- Level 4 Diploma in Visual Merchandising - Home/EU students: £1450 - International students: £7300
- Level 4 Diploma in Buying & Merchandising - Home/EU students: £1450 - International students: £7300
- FdA in Fashion Retail Management - Home/EU students: £3225 - International students: £11900
Diploma students must pay fees in advance, during enrolment. We accept credit/debit cards and personal cheques (with cheque guarantee card) but we cannot accept cash. In certain circumstances we may offer an installment scheme. Please contact us for further details.
How can I get funding for my course?
Some students, particularly those who have high travel or accommodation costs, or who are from low income families, may be eligible for a grant from the Academy’s Learner Support Fund. Application forms will be available at enrolment and students who qualify can expect to receive between £300 and £1500 to assist with the costs associated with studying. We also run the nation wide EMA scheme. For more information on this please visit http://ema.direct.gov.uk/
In addition the FRA has a small number of bursaries available to students. More information and application forms will be available on induction to the FRA. For further information please speak to a member of our Admissions Team for more information regarding this on 0207 307 2345.
Am eligible to receive a loan from the Student Loans Company?
Unfortunately Diploma courses are not supported by the Student Loan Company. Please see above for information regarding what financial support you can receive whilst studying at the FRA.
How can I contact the Academy or find out which course is most suitable?
You can contact The Fashion Retail Academy during normal working hours on 0207 307 2345 or by email: info@fashionretailacademy.ac.uk
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