APPLY ONLINE NOW - Fashion Retail Academy

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fashionretailacademy.ac.uk

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Welcome to the FRA

The next step you take could shape the rest of your life; we want to help you make sure it is the right one. We continue to be the first choice for young people across London, the Home Counties and beyond, who wish to enter the retail industry.

The courses we offer here at the FRA are designed to take you to where you want to be. We provide you with masterclasses with industry professionals, work placements and industry-led projects to ensure you are ready for a career in the industry. We constantly review and improve every course we offer, taking feedback from students and most importantly, from the industry itself to ensure their currency.

We can give you a student experience that you will find nowhere else; it is absolutely unique. Our superb facilities and dedicated staff enable us to deliver our programmes in an environment that is intimate and friendly. We endeavour to create an atmosphere where you can feel relaxed and comfortable, which allows you to really get to know your tutors and get the most from your study.

We are committed to providing you with the best learning experience possible and, whatever your age, background or qualifications, we are sure that we can help you to realise your aspirations. We welcome all students whether returning to study after a break or continuing your education direct from school or college. We welcome and encourage diversity at FRA, offering extensive support to all students with disability, special learning needs or other requirements.

At FRA we are passionate about teaching and learning and its ability to transform lives. Working closely with the industry is our business and so is providing learning opportunities for all.

We provide learning for every stage, up to employment level and beyond. This is excellent news for you because we can offer progression routes from the first step of the learning process to a university or employment.

Lee Lucas - Principal and CEO

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Full Time Courses

For anyone aged 16 and over we have a wide range of Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4 Diplomas on offer at the Fashion Retail Academy. Our courses are fully funded if you are under 19 with funding options available for those aged 19 and over. With a range of courses to choose from, you will be able to specialise in an area of your choice and benefit from work placements and projects set in conjunction with our retail partners to make you job ready for a career in fashion.

Fast Track CoursesFor anyone aged 19+ our fast-track L4 courses run for 22 weeks, 2 days per week and include 3 week work placement. These courses are ideal for anyone wanting to combine part-time working whilst studying.

Intensive Courses

For anyone 19+ we also offer intensive courses which run over 12 weeks, 5 days per week and include a 2 week work placement. Ideal for anyone wanting to go into employment in the shortest time possible.

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Course Study Options:• Full Time, 1 year, 2 days per week.

September start.

Focus on both the business and creative aspects of fashionLearn key creative skills needed for the industry

Progress on to a more specialist course

During this one year course you will study a broad range of fashion related topics to gain a greater understanding of the industry in both the business and creative fields. Subjects covered include styling, visual display and window dressing, trends through the decades and understanding roles within the industry.

Your day might include a trip to Carnaby Street to make notes on the latest trends to designing a range for a top fashion house such as Alexander McQueen and learning how to display these designs in your own shop window. At the end of the course you will have enough insight into the industry to enable you to confidently decide whether to continue your studies at the FRA with a Level 3 Diploma or go into employment.

“The facilities they have on offer are to the highest standard and the overall environment has a homely and friendly feel.” – Lucinda Crowhurst, Former FRA Student

L2 Fashion RetailEquiv

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Course Study Options:• Full Time, 2 years, 2 days per week.

September start.Includes work placement within the fashion industryOpportunity to work with industry through live projects and masterclasses

This full time, two year course explores all areas of the fashion retail industry. Students will be introduced to a wide range of key retail topics which will be delivered by lecturers with specialist expertise in industry such as PR, buying and supply chain.

The course will offer students vocational skills such as store retail management, styling and visual display and includes a work placement with a well-known high street retailer.

A typical day may include planning a retailer range, creating a website for a high street store and visiting flagship stores to collect photographic research to design a diffusion line for a major brand.

Most students progress from this course onto a more specialist Level 4 FRA course, go on to university, or into a career in fashion retail.

“Masterclasses were a great experience and listening to CEO’s and other influential names from the industry was inspirational.” – Faye Richards, Former FRA Student

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L3 Fashion Retail

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Course Study Options:• Full Time, 2 years, 2 days per week.

September start. Develop specialist design and garment production skillsPitch your work to industry in a competitive design project

This exciting two year course will give you the opportunity to explore many elements of garment design for fashion. It will cover areas such as clothing construction, use of textiles and leading technological developments such as digital print for fabrics. During your second year you will be challenged to explore your own creative instincts through a fi nal major design project set by industry leaders such as Top Man, Drapers and The Textile Forum. Including both theory and practical elements, this course will arm you with relevant current practices in the industryto enable your progression into fashion retail employment.

A typical day could be working on fl at patterns for a white shirt industry challenge, then moving to the digital design studio to create a range of motifs to decorate your shirt, then spending the afternoon working on construction of button detail and pocket design which will be presented to industry professionals for feedback. At the weekend you could have the opportunity to support The X Factor stylists on the live shows.

This course leads to industry roles in design and production, or progression on to a Level 4 course such as Garment Technology, Buying or Visual Merchandising.

Equivalent to:

3 A Levels;

max 420 UCAS pointsL3 Fashion Design

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Equivalent to:

3 A Levels;

max 420 UCAS points

Course Study Options:• Full Time, 1 year, 2 days per week with

term breaks. September start.Includes work placement within the fashion industryPreparation for a buying role within a head offi ce environmentAccess to excellent fashion and trend resources such as WGSN

This one year course will prepare you for a buying role within a head offi ce environment. Buyers work closely with merchandising teams to maximise profi t and ensure that stock is exciting, contemporary and sells well in a competitive market. You will balance practical and creative skills with theoretical studies to include communication, negotiation and presentation alongside supply chain, marketing and external factors which infl uence the development of a commercial product range.

Your day may include researching current

trends using industry websites such as WGSN and Stylesight in order to put together mood boards and working with current product to develop ranges for diff erent customer profi les. You could be out comp shopping on the high street in order to prepare a report of recommendations for an industry head offi ce team or listeningto exciting industry speakers to inspire your journey towards becoming a Buying Admin Assistant.

“The FRA made me career ready by enabling me to experience the job role in full. From the in-depth training I received, the hands on workshops I took part in and the valuable work placements I had in the buying offi ces at Marks and Spencer and ASOS.” – Emma Woodrow, Former FRA Student

L4 Fashion Buying

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term breaks. September start. Includes work placement within the fashion industryHuge industry demand for Merchandisers

Merchandisers and their teams ensure that the right products appear in the right place, at the right time, at the right price and in the right quantities. Merchandisers work closely with buying and store operations teams to maximise profit and ensure that stock is properly monitored and available. They ensure that underperforming lines are stopped and stock of popular products is increased. Merchandisers analyse information including sales figures and devise strategies to boost sales and maximise profits, including planning promotions with marketing and PR teams.

The course balances practical skills with theory based studies and includes a work placement to gain a comprehensive overview of the merchandising role.

A typical day on this one year course could be a master class with Sir Philip Green (Head of Arcadia) who may set you a mystery shopper project to analyse the competition. You may spend the afternoon looking at best sellers from a range of garments and using technology and systems used in the industry to forecast stock volumes and figures for a new line.

From this course you may choose to go straight into employment within the industry or further your knowledge with another specialist Level 4 course.

“I feel I have received an excellent specialist education at the FRA. I have had endless opportunities to learn from experienced tutors using industry standard resources and software.” – Dawn Sampson, former FRA student

L4 Fashion Merchandising

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Course Study Options: • Fast Track, 22 weeks, 2 days per week

without term breaks. September or February start.

• Intensive, 12 weeks, 5 days per week without term breaks. June start. Includes an internship with a high street retailer

70% of graduating FRA students go into jobs within the fashion industry20% go on to further study in Higher EducationSupported by over 135 High Street RetailersBuild your own interview portfolio

The Level 4 Diploma in Buying and Merchandising will lead you to your first position in a Head Office role, providing you with the opportunity to build a portfolio for prospective employment or build on existing experience to establish your career aspirations in this specialist area of retail.

The focus of this course is to offer you the opportunity to learn about fashion retail Head Office functions. The course is delivered using a range of techniques to ensure students gain a practical understanding of fashion business skills.

You will be introduced to the buying and merchandising functions, studying the market context in which fashion Buyers and Merchandisers function along with the commercial implications for product ranges. Delivered in both a theoretical and practical way, you will also learn a variety of professional skills including communication, negotiation and presentation.

One of the unique characteristics of an FRA course is our strong links with fashion retail, enabling us to provide you with a three week Head Office internship

A typical day on this course could be working on a project set by a high street retailer to analyse the competition in the morning, then spending the afternoon looking at best sellers from a range of garments using technology and systems used in the industry to forecast stock volumes and figures for a new line. No one day is the same at the FRA.

L4 Buying and Merchandising

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term breaks. September start.• Fast Track, 22 weeks, 2 days per week


• Intensive, 12 weeks, 5 days per week without term breaks. June start. Includes 3 week work placement within the fashion industry

Full access to mock shop facilities

This one year course is designed for students who wish to progress in to a career in visual merchandising. In department stores and fashion multiples, the Visual Merchandiser ensures windows and interior displays promote the company’s brand values.

They are responsible for understanding floor layouts and fixture requirements, managing in-store graphics, signage and designing and commissioning displays and windows.

“The FRA is hands down the most exciting place for people who are young, inexperienced yet confidently creative. It is a place for talented people who want to ignite their own career path into the exciting world of fashion retail.” - Daniel Swanepoel, Former FRA Student

L4 Visual Merchandising

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term breaks. September start. Highly specialised and sought after skillOnly specialist course in the country - exclusive to the Fashion Retail AcademyHuge industry demand for Garment Technologists

On this one year course you will work as part of a team focusing on product development for mass production. It will guide you on how to suggest modifications to garment designs, advise on fabric suitability, source new technology fabrics, ensure the most appropriate construction methods are used to keep production within budget, oversee fabric testing and fit sessions. You will develop team working and negotiation skills and have an in-depth understanding to prepare you to work and communicate effectively with factories, pattern cutters, graders, buyers and design teams. You will study the implications of globalisation and the affect this has on how retailers operate. You will take part in extended practical workshops and projects combined with work placement to gain invaluable industry experience.

Your day may include researching different retail markets and clothing products to look at how their designs and fit differ, going to trade shows to source new fabrics and visiting factories to understand capabilities, limitations and the ethical issues surrounding production methods.

“The FRA’s relationship with the fashion industry and the specialised nature of the courses on offer make it different to other colleges. The enthusiasm of the staff reflects the vibrancy of the FRA and the students that go through its doors.” – Alex Murray, Former FRA Student

L4 Garment Technology for Fashion

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Includes work placement within the fashion industryIndustry project set by a high street retailerCovers a range of business disciplines in fashion retail

This one year Level 4 course explores all of the internal and external factors influencing today’s fashion retailers and offers an overview of store operations and management functions. It also examines consumer behaviour such as disposable income and popular culture and how retailers are responding to the ever changing environment.

You will gain valuable knowledge of the industry with both work placement and industry set projects, as well as master

classes from renowned successful retail experts.

A standard day on this course could include a trip along Oxford Street to experience cutting edge retail including store tours to introduce and inspire you to a fashion retail environment.

“The FRA enabled me to understand the retail industry as a whole. When I was provided with the opportunity to have my work placement, I was able to physically experience the content of my course and put everything I’d learnt into context. By having the opportunity to connect with retailers by being set an industry project, gave me a taste of making my own decisions in the work place. When I won an award for the best industry project, it really encouraged me and made me feel confident that I was ready to pursue my career in fashion retail. - Tiffany Stanton, Former FRA Student

L4 Fashion Retail with Marketing and Business

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Delivered in our brand new Digital Hub with the latest tech and softwareHuge industry demand for digital skillsIncludes unrivalled three week work placement to gain invaluable experience with a major fashion brand

This specialised 22 week course, delivered two days per week has been developed to give you the skills and knowledge needed to secure employment in a digital role within the Fashion Retail sector. The course is ideal for anyone who wishes to combine a part-time job with a nationally recognised qualification and offers the opportunity to gain new skills, or to upgrade your current expertise.

It covers a broad range of topics, focusing on the marketing skills needed to generate and maximise online sales through marketing via website and social media.

You will learn how to create and implement a marketing strategy, understand your audience profile and how to develop a suitable promotional mix to reach them and evaluate analytics to increase profitability. You will learn about the digital marketing channels available to you and how to measure their impact on profitability.

The course combines theoretical learning with practical experience and includes a three week work placement with a high street fashion brand to cement your knowledge and give you an insight into the real life challenges currently facing the industry.

L4 Digital Marketing for Fashion

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Designed to secure employment in a digital roleIncludes unrivalled three internship with a high street fashion brandMasterclasses and workshops from leading Digital agencies and employers

This 22 week programme delivered two days per week is intended for students who wish to gain an entry level position in a digital role. The course is ideal for anyone who wishes to combine a part-time job with a nationally recognised qualification. The diploma offers a unique programme providing you with the opportunity to gain or build on previous experience to establish your future career aspirations.

This brand new and exclusive course has been designed in partnership with Accenture and the FRA, in conjunction with leading Digital agencies and retailers. The course will equip you with the skills and knowledge to secure employment in the growing digital retail sector.

With the increasing use of digital technology, the retail environment continues to evolve. Changes in consumer behaviour are ongoing and the course will ensure that you are aware of the current technology trends and developments to prepare you to join the digital workforce.

L4 E-commerce for Fashion

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This 6-week course provides a unique and in-depth insight into the retail business covering subjects such as:

• Analysis of retail organisations and business models

• Brands and image

• Retail roles and responsibilities - buyer, merchandiser, manager

• Buying and range-planning

• Merchandising

• Consumer behaviour

• Management and professional skills

• Technology and the future of retail

• Core skills: interview, negotiation, presentation, team building, and networking

• Targeted CV preparation and career planning

• Retail store, head office visits contacts and business networks.

To find out more visit: fashionretailacademy.ac.uk/short-courses

Start date April 2016

Postgraduate Fashion Retail Programme: Buying, Merchandising & Retail Management

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Intermediate Buying and MerchandisingA 5 day intensive course which provides a more in-depth study of the practical realities of buying and merchandising in the fashion retail business.

Advanced Buying and MerchandisingA 3 day intensive course which provides advanced study of the practical realities of buying and merchandising in the fashion retail business.

Our range of Short Courses

Retail MathsA 1 day workshop of what, how and why analysis and statistics are used by fashion buyers and merchandisers to maximise commercial success.

Introduction to Buying and Range Planning A 3 day course which provides an introduction to the role of a fashion buyer within a central buying office, working for a multiple retailer or department store business.

Introduction to Buying and MerchandisingA 5 day intensive course which explores the roles of a Head Office Buyer and Merchandiser and includes the study of different aspects of buying and merchandising operations in retail organisations.

Excel for RetailA 1 day intensive workshop which demonstrates why excel is vital to fashion retail and how to use it. The course is structured around real-life scenarios to put the theory into context.

Introduction to Fashion PR and MarketingA 3 day course which provides an insight into the role of public relations, marketing, social media and blogging in the context of the fashion mix.

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Our range of Short Courses

Introduction to Personal StylingA 3 day course providing an introduction to the world of fashion and styling from subjects such as personal shopping to celebrity styling.

Introduction to Visual MerchandisingA 3 day course which covers all the essential information to fully understand the role of visual merchandising within the content of fashion retail. This practical course will demonstrate how effective visual merchandising will increase sales and improve the overall image of a store.

Start up and run your own businessThis intensive 5 day course will provide you with all the tools necessary to start your own fashion retail business. The course includes the study of the element involved in the start-up process including brand positioning, shop and stock selection, finance and forecasting, market research, display and customer service.

Adobe: Photoshop & InDesign for BuyingThis evening short course will provide anyone working in a buying-related role a solid foundation in the creative and technical skills required to produce professional buying presentations. This workshop is conveniently organised around work commitments running two evenings a week for a month.

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What is the Application Process?

• Apply online via our website at www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk

• You will receive an email acknowledgement advising that we have received your application

• If you meet the course requirements, you will receive a letter/email inviting you to interview – we try to give 2 weeks notice

• Those not meeting course requirements will be contacted by phone or email

• Following your interview you will receive an offer or rejection letter within 10 days of your interview

• You need to confirm acceptance of your place within 14 days

• You will receive an e-card advising your confirmation of acceptance has been received

• You will receive in the post general information such as term dates, fees & funding and travel information from May onwards

• You will receive a letter advising enrolment details closer to the commencement of the course

• Information about induction will be given at enrolment

• Timetables are issued upon enrolment; you will need to be available Monday-Friday for all our full time courses

Do I need to meet the entry requirements when I apply?

You do not need to have every entry requirement when making your initial application. However, you will need to be sure you can attain all requirements before you enrol and your course starts. If you are studying or re-taking a qualification, you should show these as “pending” on your application form.

I needed particular grades to enrol on my course but I haven’t achieved them. Will I still be able to do my course?

Please get in touch as soon as your exam results are published. You may still be able to do that course with some conditions and we may be able to help or advise you.

How to apply

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Tuition fees are payable for each year of the course. Fees are as follows:

16-18 years of ageIf you are under 19 on the 31st August 2016, and you are a home or an EU student, your course is free and there are no fees to pay.

19-23 years of ageIf you are aged 19-23 your course fees will be £4220 (TBC).

If you are in receipt of certain benefits or if this is your first full Level 2 / Level 3 qualification you may be eligible for a concession fee and study for free. Please contact Student Registry on 0300 247 4000 for more information.

Flexible payment plans are available. Please contact Student Registry on 0300 247 4000 for more information.

From 1 August 2016 Advanced Learning Loans will be available for anyone aged 19 or over. The first FRA courses to which this applies will be the September enrolment in 2016. More details will be published on our website as they become available.

24 and over

All courses are £4,220 per year if you are 24 or over before the start of the course.

You may qualify for a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan. These loans help you to pay the course fees. Most learners aged 24 and over, studying at Level 3 or Level 4 will qualify for these new loans from the UK government. It’s easy to apply, your household income isn’t taken into account and there’s no credit check. You won’t have to pay anything back until your income is over £21,000 a year.

International StudentsIf you are an international student your course fees are £7,000. The FRA accepts international students on Level 4 courses with approval from the UK Visas and Immigration.

There is a range of government funding and bursaries that can support you with your tuition fees as well as the cost of travel and study. Please contact Student Registry on 0300 247 4000. We aim to do our best to ensure courses are accessible for all and cost is not a barrier.

Course Material ContributionA course materials contribution of £99 will apply to the following courses:

Level 3 Fashion DesignLevel 4 Visual MerchandisingLevel 4 Garment Technology for FashionIntensive and Fast Track Courses

Fees and Funding

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Fashion Retail Academy15 Gresse Street, London W1T 1QL

Tel: 0300 247 4000Email: [email protected]

fashionretailacademy.ac.uk

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APPLY ONLINE NOW - Fashion Retail Academy