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Date 13th May 2026
All information is accurate at the time of publication. Please check individual course pages for the most up-to-date information.
The Future Pathways Programme is a 3-week, full-time experience (5 days a week) designed to get you industry-ready.
During the time on the programme, you will:
For students planning to progress onto a university degree, we also offer a dedicated UCAS Pathway to support your application and future study goals:
UCAS Pathway: Focus on developing your professional skills and IT literacy while working on your application to higher education. You’ll build a strong portfolio, attend a university fair, complete an industry project, and take part in a networking event to grow your fashion retail connections.
If you want to go straight into work after your course, you can choose from two career-focused routes:
Placement Pathway: Qualifying students* can opt to apply for our Work Placement Pathway to take a full-time 3-week work placement. You’ll benefit from hands-on work experience, but placements may not always be directly related to your specific course.
* Students will be provided with qualifying criteria ahead of the September in the year of placement
Employability Pathway: Take part in activities to support your progression into employment. This includes:
These challenges are designed to push your creativity, teamwork and ability to work under pressure. Working in small groups, you’ll respond to real industry problems and develop original solutions within tight deadlines.
Your work will be reviewed by a visiting industry expert, who will assess it against professional standards and give you tailored feedback, giving you a real insight into how the fashion industry works.
During both the Level 3 Visual Communications & Styling Diploma and Level 3 Fashion Design Diploma, you’ll take part in the Level 3 mentor scheme and take part in industry projects.
Working in small groups, we'll assign you an industry mentor during your second year. Throughout your studies, your mentor will:
You’ll explore routes and opportunities in employment, as well as skills and attributes that will help you take active responsibility for the direction of your career.
You’ll be challenged to think quickly and creatively to solve real issues faced by brands. You’ll be supported by a masterclass to help guide your work, while building key skills like time management, teamwork and working to tight deadlines.
In your second year, your project will be set by a Visiting Industry Expert, with the chance to present your ideas to a panel and receive direct industry feedback.
Want to experience real industry projects, expert-led feedback, masterclasses and connections with leading fashion brands? Explore how our Level 3 Diplomas can take your learning beyond the classroom and prepare you for a future in fashion and retail.
We recently caught up with Archie Read, a student who has just completed the Level 3 Fashion Retail Diploma at the Fashion Retail Academy. He told us all about his impressive Final Major Project - how he came up with his idea, what the experience was like, and what he learned along the way.
21st August 2025
We recently caught up with Joshua Douglas, Level 3 Visual Communications and Styling Diploma student, to hear about his journey at the FRA so far. Here's why he chose to study with us and his experience getting started!
11th November 2025
Love fashion and want to experience it firsthand? Our trips at the Fashion Retail Academy give students real-world industry insights from exhibitions to Harrods and Selfridges. Join us and start your fashion journey today!
6th February 2025
