Garment Technology for Fashion Retail - Level 4 Diploma (UAL)

This course is accredited by the University of the Arts London (UAL).

This course is FREE for those aged 18 at the time of enrollment.

The course is designed to provide you with an overview of the role of the garment technologist and to equip you with specialist knowledge and skills to understand how a garment technologist operates within a broader retail context. This includes production techniques, innovation in digital technologies, product development processes and quality assurance practices.

The qualification offers broad yet in-depth knowledge and skills for work in the fashion retail sector. It has been designed to balance practical and creative skills with theoretical studies.

Work placement opportunities and industry-led projects are strong elements of studying for these qualifications. They will allow students to gain a comprehensive understanding of fashion retail work, enabling them to enter this industry.

For information on our Higher Education policies, including admissions, fees, and student contracts, please see the links below:

• Complaints Policy
• Fees Policy
• HE Admissions Policy
• HE Student Contract
• HE Student Protection Plan

For our complete list of policies, governance and fees, please see our website’s policy page.

You will learn about the following:

• Unit 1: Understanding past, present and future contexts in fashion retail
• Unit 2: Preparation for progression
• Unit 3: Production processes and techniques for fashion retailing
• Unit 4: Quality assurance of materials for fashion retailing
• Unit 5: Product development for fashion retailing
• Unit 6: Individual negotiated retail project

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification. However, it is recommended that students have a minimum of 5 × GCSEs grade 4 or grade C, including English and Maths, and one A Level (or equivalent Level 3 qualification), preferably in a related subject.

International students are expected to demonstrate a good level of written and spoken English, with a recommended minimum IELTS (or equivalent) score of 5.0.

This qualification is assessed through five internally assessed and internally verified units (units 1-5) that are subject to quality assurance by the Awarding Body. Units 1– 5 are graded Pass/Fail only.

One internally assessed and internally verified unit (Unit 6) is graded by the centre and externally moderated by the Awarding Body. Unit 6 is graded as Fail, Pass, Merit or Distinction.

AGED 16 - 18

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31st August 2025 before the start date of the course, and you have the legal right to remain in the UK for the duration of your course then your study with us will be free.

Please see here for the documents you need to show us.

Some courses have additional costs, such as specialist materials and trips.

Many of our students are eligible for financial support. See here for details.

Adults - Level 4

This course may be free or reduced-cost for you if you meet certain conditions:

• If you are not working or have a low income. You need to show proof of your income or benefits.
• Residency rules apply. You need to show you have permission to live, work and study in the UK without conditions.
• There are some exceptions, such as certain visa types.

Check here which documents you need to show us, and which visa types are allowed.

If you do not meet the residency rules, you can still enrol on the course but you may have to pay some fees. All applicants are fee-assessed during enrolment.

If you are not eligible for a free or reduced-cost course, you need to pay the full fee yourself, or apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.

Some courses have additional costs, such as for specialist materials and trips.

Many of our students are eligible for financial support. See here for details.

You will be expected to buy art materials to support your project work.

This course has been designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to progress to degree-level study or employment in the fashion retail industry.