The level 2 in Fashion, Business and Retail covers the whole process of retail; from trend forecasting, identifying market levels, research, design conception, sustainability and supply chains through to its end destination, whether a retail environment or online shop.
You will develop the skills required to offer creative solutions to an ever-changing selling environment, gaining an overview of modern fashion business functions and retail practice, its roles and basic business strategies. The course includes practical elements such as; prop-making, photography and 3D scale model making to support a range of visualising skills, creative problem solving and business presentation methods.
Most jobs in fashion related industries are in the retail sale of clothing. This industry provides 75 percent of all fashion related jobs, with 414,000 people working in the retail sale of clothing. https://fashionunited.uk/uk-fashion-industry-statistics/
Career Destinations
- Buyer
- Style Influencer
- Fashion Marketing
- Visual Merchandiser
- Display person
What can I do next?
Students can progress to our UAL Level 3 Applied General Diplomas in Art and Design (Fashion, Business and Retail) or one of the alternative art and design pathways, a business-related level 3 Apprenticeship or employment.
What will I be doing?
Fashion and lifestyle retail is now predominantly online, with supporting mall-based 'experiential' retail, Pop-up shops, customer interactive events, and a reduction in traditional High Street stores. This course includes a digital, fashion and lifestyle-based approach that is related directly to newly established and emerging retail trends. Topics covered include:
- Buying
- Merchandising
- Visual merchandising
- Retail management
- Design
- Trend forecasting
- Style hunting
- Influence
- Sales
- Branding
- Social media
- Blogging
- Journalism
- Sustainability within fashion and lifestyle retail
- Specialist Design software
Added Extras
- Enrichment programme of trips and visits to London museums, galleries, and major retailers
- Employer engagement including live industry briefs and competitions
- Visiting speakers, including student alumni and practitioners from the creative and retail sector
- Development of communication and presentation skills
- Contribute to professional exhibitions in our purpose-built art gallery, studios and glazed displays
- Selling your own and other students' products and merchandising our Creative Arts 'Pop-Up' shop
- Charity Fundraising and community engagement opportunities
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed through practical work for a number of industry-based assignments, producing presentations of your designs and proposals for a range of products. One of the units will be externally assessed.
Entry requirements
A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 3, one of which must be English, or a Level 1 Diploma at Merit grade and Functional Skills English Level 1/ GCSE English grade 2/ 3
Applicants are asked to provide examples of art and design work at interview, or alternative work to demonstrate good presentation and an interest in the subject.
What do I need to bring?
You may be required to purchase your own equipment. You should expect to replace some materials as you progress on the course.
£90 is payable on enrolment as a contribution towards the cost of study trips and additional specialist materials.
Students at HRC who meet the eligibility criteria can apply to the Bursary Fund for support towards essential kit, visit and material costs. Please note - bursary funding is not guaranteed and is subject to availability at the time of application. For further information contact the Information Centre on 01992 411411 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Fee Information
Free to Home students under 19 on 31st August 2023.
If you are a Home student aged 19 or over on the 31st August 2023, you may be liable to pay approximately £2,500 tuition fee for a Level 2 qualification and approximately £5,000 for a Level 3 qualification (these were the tuition fees for 2022/2023 and could be subject to change for 2023/2024).
If you are aged 19-23 you may also be entitled to free tuition if the course you choose is on a government-approved list and the qualification is your first full Level 2 or Level 3 qualification.
If you are aged over 24 and you have not achieved a full Level 3 qualification you may be entitled to free tuition if the qualification is listed on the Government Free courses for jobs list. Similarly, if you already hold a Level 3 qualification (or above) and meet the Adult Education Budgets definition of unemployed or are in receipt of low wage, you may also be entitled to free tuition.
You may also be required to pay an administration fee, exam fees, kit fee and an Awarding Body Registration fee if applicable.
These fees are indicative of the 2024-25 costs and may be subject to change
