Fashion Business & Retail

With our online Level 4 diploma in Fashion Business and Retail, you’ll learn about the business structures and processes of the fashion retail sector. You’ll discover the roles and careers available in the fashion industry and how they work together to achieve business success. 

You'll have one live evening lesson each week, so you can study on your own schedule around your work and other commitments.

You’ll explore marketing, operations and production in fashion, as well as investigating visual merchandising in modern retail. You’ll discover how technology is disrupting the traditional fashion industry and look at sustainability and ethical practices as you plan a capsule range and create a marketing plan. You’ll look at global supply chains and sales performance, and learn about making data-driven decisions. 

The course will be delivered in our bespoke online learning platform. You will have one live evening lesson per week, as well as access to pre-recorded materials to engage with at a time that suits you. In your weekly webinars, you’ll apply your newly acquired knowledge to practical industry scenarios and participate in group discussions. 

During the 39-week course, you’ll gain the knowledge you’ll need to succeed in fashion business, having learnt how to make data-driven decisions and be confident in your skills. 

Course duration

39 weeks (4 x 9-week units, plus 3 reading weeks) 

TIMETABLE

Wednesday evenings: Weekly webinar at 19:00-21:00 (UK time) 

Thursdays: Learning content released every week. You’ll need to complete the work by the next webinar. 

Weekly study hours: 10 to 12 hours per week, a combination of online guided learning (including weekly webinar) and independent learning.  

Remote support: You’ll also have access to remote support through bookable sessions with your tutor, the FRA library and online learning support.  

In your weekly webinar sessions, you’ll take part in group discussions, building your learning community and giving each other feedback. 

Throughout the course, you'll have regular seminars, talks and masterclasses from our brand partners. We’ll help you develop a strong industry network that will support you throughout your career and you’ll also take part in projects and challenges set by brands that help you to develop valuable, practical skills. 

After completing the course, you’ll be ready to progress into an entry-level industry role, such as: 

• Sales Associate 
• Visual Merchandising Assistant  
• Merchandise Coordinator 
• Social Media Assistant  
• Fashion Marketing Assistant 
• Fashion PR Assistant  
• Buying Admin Assistant 

Accreditation: Accredited by OCN 

Qualification: Level 4 Diploma in Fashion Business And Retail 

Minimum Age: 19+ 

Course Length: 39 weeks (36 weeks + 3 reading weeks) 

Wednesday Evening Lesson: 19:00-21:00 (UK) 

Assessment Methods: Include, but are not limited to, projects, practice files, essays, reflective logs, and productions of artefacts 

Course Fees: £2,100

Payment: When you sign up for your course, you'll need to set up a payment plan to secure your place. The first payment is due when you sign up.  

Payment Options: 

• Two Payments of 50% each – 0% interest 
• Six equal monthly payments – 0% interest 
• Full Payment upfront 

Tuition fees are subject to change - the fees due are effective at the time of enrolment. 

In the highly unlikely event that the course is cancelled, your payment will be refunded in full. 

The full fee is to be paid prior to the end of the course. Please contact our Finance Team (finance@fra.ac.uk) if you have any payment queries. 

Equipment required: This online course requires a laptop or computer with an up-to-date operating system (Windows 11 or Mac OS 14/15), plus a working camera and microphone for participation. 

Recommended Entry Qualifications: 

• We welcome applicants with an undergraduate degree, A-levels or equivalent qualifications. We also encourage applicants with employment experience. 
• As a minimum, we recommend GCSEs including Maths & English at grade 4/C or above 
• For international students, we require IELTS grade 5 
• Fashion Business & Retail (Online) is open to applications from international students. However, you must be able to attend one compulsory live lesson, one evening a week (UK GMT). 

Term Dates for 2026:

September 2026