Sectors

 Higher Certificate Fashion Retail (Merchandising)

This course has developed in response to an industry shortage of graduates with appropriate merchandising and business skills. The course benefits from support throughout the fashion retail industry, and our graduates are much sought after, working for companies such as Arcadia, Marks and Spencer, Next, Tesco, Monsoon, New Look, Jaeger, Hugo Boss, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and many more.

All of our teaching staff have had successful careers in retailing and understand the crucial role of merchandisers within the decision-making hierarchy. Merchandising is not to be confused with visual merchandising or retail management.

Course Duration
1 year

Course Content
You will develop a good understanding of the retail industry and the key responsibilities of the merchandiser, as well as receiving an introduction to skills applicable to the wider business. You will also develop your personal skills, learn to write a targeted CV, and practice your interview techniques.

Your work placement is organized by our Retail Liaison Section with increasing numbers of high street retailers we are currently working with. You will learn the maths used by merchandisers, and how to research and write a business report.

Modules include:

• Merchandising and calculations
• Commercial Skills - (finance and accounting)
• Retail Law and business experience
• Buying, cycle and Range Planning in the fashion industry
• Multi-channel Merchandising and supply chain management
• Role of design, Global Sourcing
• Textiles and Manufacturing
• Historical and Cultural Studies

Application & Selection Process
You need to apply through the UCAS online application system. This can be completed anywhere that has internet access. Applications are monitored by London College of Fashion once you have submitted your application to UCAS.

• The course code is: WF13
• The institution name is: UAL
• The institution code is: U65
• There is no campus code

For entry to the Higher Certificate in Fashion Retail (Merchandising) you should have:

• Be at least 18 by 1st September in the year of entry
• 1 A Level grade C or above in related subject or
• BTEC National Diploma at Level 3 or Advanced GNVQ in Business or related subject or
• Fashion Retail Diploma Level 3 at grade Merit or above or
• Related Access course with 48 credits and
• Any of the above plus passes in a minimum of 4 GCSE subjects (including English and Maths at grade C or above)
Selection for interview will be based initially on your academic qualifications and / or previous experience, references and your personal statement.

Teaching and Assessment
Teaching methods include formal lectures, activity-based seminars, discussions, debates and tutorials. A feature of the course is the high number of guest speakers from industry who share their knowledge and expertise. Assessment is predominantly through written reports and presentations.

What next?
Once you have completed the Higher Certificate in Fashion Retail (Merchandising) you will be ideally suited to take up employment as a Merchandising Administration Assistant or join a graduate management programme.

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