Level 4 Diploma in Buying & Merchandising

One of the unique characteristics of the course is the strong links with fashion retail head offices around the country, which enables students to gain first hand knowledge & experience of buying and merchandising.

Selection Process

To assess your suitability for the Level 4 Diploma in Buying and Merchandising, the selection process will include an application. If this is successful an interview will follow, where one or more members of the course team will see you. This will allow us to gain a good idea of your self-motivation and commitment, as well as interest in the buying and merchandising industry. It will also give you an opportunity to ask questions about the course.

Structure

The course is delivered using a range of techniques to ensure students gain a practical understanding of fashion business skills. It covers both theoretical and practical approaches relevant to current practice in the UK. The curriculum will address practical and professional skills in communication negotiation, and presentation. Students are introduced to the complex integrated working of buying and merchandising functions. To begin with students will study the market context in which fashion buyers and merchandisers function along with the commercial implications for product ranges. Aspects affecting the supply chain are studied including product market strategies and implications of external forces. Combined with work placements within a head office environment in both Buying and Merchandising functions, students are able
to gain a comprehensive view of fashion retail buying and merchandising, enabling them to enter this area of the industry.

Core Units

• The Buying Environment in Fashion Retail
• Understanding the Sourcing Environment in Fashion Retail
• Range Building in Fashion Retail
• Merchandising for Fashion Retail
• Developing Retail Relationships
• Pixel Based Image Manipulation

Other subject areas covered on the course include: supply chain; colour theory; sourcing and negotiating; planning and budgeting; allocation and key skills in ICT and Comms. Students will undergo extended practical workshops combined with one extended head office work placement.
Students will be required to complete a final major project in the last term of the academic year.

What’s next after the Level 4 Diploma?

With a Level 4 Diploma in Buying and Merchandising you will have every advantage to enter MAA or BAA roles in head office with the aim to progress faster along their career path.