Home > Full Time Courses > Higher Certificate in Fashion Retail (Merchandising)
This course is part of the portfolio of courses in the School of Management and Science at the London College of Fashion, and the University of the Arts, London is the Awarding Body. All study is based at the Fashion Retail Academy, with input from LCF specialist academics for some units.
The Cert HE Fashion Retail Merchandising course is designed to prepare students for a career in fashion retail merchandising. Retail merchandisers and their teams ensure that the right products appear in the right place, at the right time, at the right price and in the right quantities. Merchandisers work closely with buying and store operations teams to maximise profit and ensure that stock is properly monitored and available, and that underperforming lines are stopped and stock of popular products is increased. Merchandisers analyse information, including sales figures, and devise strategies to boost sales and maximise profits, as well as planning promotions with marketing and PR teams. The course balances practical and creative skills with theoretically based studies, together with broader academic studies which allow you to see the context of your particular study in the wider perspectives of fashion, society and the environment. Work experience opportunities and industry-led projects are features of the course.
1 year
Term One
Introduction to Study in Higher Education
Principles of Fashion Retail Merchandising
Term Two
Introduction to Cultural and Historical Studies
Fashion Retail Merchandising Skills
Term Three
In the third term you will undertake the Negotiated Individual Project unit. This will give you the opportunity to work on an individual project. The specific topic and nature of the project will be negotiated with your tutor. The project will include practical and theoretical aspects, and will be directly related to a fashion retail merchandising scenario where the challenges faced by fashion merchandisers can be explored, together with the close working relationships with buyers and other departments. You will have opportunities for fieldwork and research, as well as product handling and demonstration of presentation skills. Your project will have an operational focus and you will begin to look at the industry from a commercial viewpoint.
Student Selection Criteria
Entry to this course is highly competitive: applicants are expected to achieve, or already have, the course entry requirements detailed below.
One ‘A’ level pass (80 UCAS tariff points required) PLUS five GCSE passes in other subjects at grade C or above
OR
BTEC National Diploma in a fashion related subject
OR
NVQ level 3 in a related subject
OR
A one year Foundation Diploma in Art and Design PLUS five GCSE passes at grade C or above
OR
Access course in a relevant subject
OR equivalent awards
Preferred subjects include English, Maths, Art and/or Business.
This course requires a minimum 80 UCAS tariff points.
Exceptionally, applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered if the course team judges the application demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence.
All classes are conducted in English. If English is not your first language you will be asked to provide evidence of your English language ability when you enrol.
The level required by the University for this course is IELTS 5.5 with a minimum of 4.5 in any one skill.
Applicants who will need a Tier 4 student visa in order to study in the UK will have to achieve a minimum of 4.5 in each skill, which is line with the University requirements.
International Applicants
For specific details on how to apply as an international applicant please click on the following link:
http://www.fashion.arts.ac.uk/lcf-international.htm
What We Look For
The course team seeks to recruit students who can demonstrate: knowledge of and enthusiasm for merchandising for the fashion industry a potential to achieve a high standard in the strategic, functional and operational aspects of fashion merchandising a potential to achieve a multi-disciplinary approach to merchandising and buying functions in a fashion retail business
This might, for example, be demonstrated by: related academic or work experience; the quality of the personal statement, a strong academic or other professional reference; or a combination of these factors.
Interview Advice
Applicants will be expected to demonstrate the following at interview: an understanding of merchandising for the fashion industry; relevant work experience; the ability and motivation to succeed on the course; and a vocational focus towards fashion retail merchandising.
How to Apply
You apply online through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) at http://www.ucas.com
Go to ‘Apply’ from the UCAS home page, where you will be able to register and create a password that gives you unique access as you complete your application form.
The University code is U65.
The UCAS code for this course is WF13.
The deadline for equal consideration of your application is 15 January 2012.
Future Careers and Graduate Prospects
This course leads to employment in the fashion retail merchandising sector. Recent graduates have gained employment with, for example, Topman, House of Fraser, Karen Millen, Mulberry and Tesco Online.
A Merchandising Admin Assistant would work closely with the Assistant Merchandiser to plan and forecast department sales and stock movement. They must display an insight into the company, the customer profile and retail trends.
