Fashion Business & Retail – Level 3

Course Type
Adult Learning, School Leavers
Subject Area
Art, Design & Fashion, Business Management
Location
Bridgwater College
Start date
01/09/2026

Course Overview

This course explores the creative, global and innovative fashion industry and enables you to gain a foundational understanding of a range of topics and develop a workplace skillset before tailoring your project work to a specific area of the industry that appeals to you. The projects are designed to support your digital skill development through use of industry software to realise your design and communication ideas.

You will learn about careers available in this sector by working through projects that consist of research and investigation, plus enable core practical and creative skill development to develop ideas and produce exciting, professional outcomes.

You will be taught by subject specialist lecturers with wide ranging industry experience and receive input from current employers. You will learn about opportunities and current practice within the fashion industry including trend forecasting, garment manufacturing, styling and promotion.

You will have access to facilities including a photography studio and Mac suites, a sewing and textiles studio and other media equipment to learn key creative presentation techniques. These facilities will allow you to build a strong portfolio of visual and theoretical work in preparation for your personal progression. The course also focuses on key transferable skill development such as building confidence, communication and presentation skills.

Topics may include:

  • Fashion retail interior design
  • Styling and photography
  • Fashion industry news and business case studies
  • Buying and merchandising
  • Visual merchandising
  • Marketing and brand management
  • Social media communication
  • Fashion design and range planning
  • Production techniques and supply chain
  • Environmental and ethical approaches
  • Progression for future study and careers.

Assesment Methods

There is a mixture of practical, academic and work experience sessions on the course. Assessment is through a portfolio of reports, presentations, creative projects and a Final Major Project (FMP) at the end of the year.

Progression Options

On successful completion, you could progress to a university course such as Fashion Business, Marketing or Design. You could also progress to our Foundation Diploma in Art & Design to develop a practical portfolio of work in support of your application to university the following year.

Alternatively, previous students have pursued a Higher Apprenticeship, employment in the fashion industry, and self-led business/entrepreneurial activities.

Our alumn include students who have secured jobs in marketing, visual merchandising, and buying roles. We regularly welcome back graduates from the course to share their experiences of university life and the workplace, lead practical workshop activities, and provide valuable industry insights to our students.

Entry Requirements

You need five GCSEs in the 9 to 4 range including maths and English, or a relevant Level 2 qualification at Merit grade. Entry will also be subject to a successful interview and a portfolio of examples of your work.

Frequently Asked Questions

We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.