One of our most frequently asked questions is whether prospective students should choose to study one of our Level 4 diplomas or an undergraduate degree.
27th March 2025
Back
Date 28th October 2025
Disclaimer
All information is accurate at the time of publication. Please check individual course pages for the most up-to-date information.
Ever wondered what studying the Level 4 Garment Technology Diploma is really like? We recently caught up with Joe Watts, a Level 3 Fashion Retail and Level 4 Garment Technology diploma alumni, to find out about his experience at the Fashion Retail Academy.
Choosing the FRA
Joe decided to study the Level 3 Fashion Retail diploma at the Fashion Retail Academy as he saw it as the perfect stepping stone to work in the fashion industry.
Throughout the course, he discovered the many exciting career paths available in fashion, from fashion retail management and communications to visual merchandising and buying.
Taking the Next Step
After completing the Level 3, Joe decided to continue his studies with the Level 4 Garment Technology diploma. He loved the design and production aspects of the Level 3 Fashion Retail course and wanted to dive deeper into how clothes are made and how brands manage their production lines. The strong employability rate for garment technologists was another major factor in his decision.
Joe also loved that the Level 4 structure allowed him to specialise quickly:
A level 4 gives you the opportunity to learn a new subject, from scratch, within a year and come out with a qualification which can enable you to go straight into industry. In my opinion, the outcome of a degree is very similar to a Level 4! - Joe Watts, Level 4 Garment Technology Alumni
Course Highlights
One of Joe's favourite parts of the course is the Future Pathways Programme - a three-week, full-time schedule of industry engagement designed to prepare students for life after graduating. Whether you choose a professional placement or an employability pathway, it's all about gaining hands-on experience and connecting with industry professionals.
Joe chose the placement pathway and completed a three-week industry placement at Marks & Spencer, working in menswear tailoring.
It was my favourite part! I learned so much over those few weeks, which ensured that I chose the right course. - Joe Watts, Level 4 Garment Technology Alumni
What You'll Learn
Throughout the Level 4 Garment Technology diploma, students develop a mix of creative and technical skills that are highly valued in the industry. Joe learned how to:
- Make garments on both a small and large scale
- Understand fabrics and their properties
- Cut and sew garments, and design items digitally
- Communicate garment specifications with factories
You learn a huge amount within a year! - Joe Watts, Level 4 Garment Technology Alumni
Joe's Advice for Future Students
When asked what advice he'd give to those considering the course, Joe said:
If you're creative and you like fashion design, it’s a great course for you. It’s one of the most underrated roles in the fashion industry. - Joe Watts, Level 4 Garment Technology Alumni
Are you creative and love fashion design? The Level 4 Garment Technology diploma could be your perfect fit - explore the course and apply today!
Latest News
Our Level 4 Diploma students take part in our Future Pathways Programme, which is a three week schedule of industry enrichment activities. Here's a breakdown of what they get up to, the benefits it has and advice from one of our expert tutors.
29th May 2025
We recently spoke with Ella Carvey, who completed our Level 4 Fashion Retail with Marketing Diploma. Here’s a look into her experience, her advice for future students, and what she’s doing now.
21st October 2025
