Program Overview

Professional Diploma in Fashion Buying & Merchandising

Overview

This course caters to individuals seeking entry into or progression within the realm of fashion buying. It offers indispensable skills such as trend forecasting, customer profiling, and range planning.

Course Details

Course Content

• Introduction to Fashion Buying: This module covers essential topics in fashion retail, including the buying cycle, seasonal planning, merchandising strategies, trend analysis, brand positioning, target market evaluation, competitor analysis, market data gathering, fashion product range planning and development, and effective communication of findings and range proposals.
• Fashion Trend Forecasting and Customer Profiling: This module covers trend forecasting and market research methods in fashion, including trend development processes, data gathering from sources like WGSN, analytical frameworks, effective presentation techniques, customer profiling fundamentals, and industry applications for informed decision-making in product development and target market identification.
• Principles of Buying: This module delves into the fundamental principles and strategies of fashion buying, encompassing range planning, product assortment development, and the role of Excel in inventory management. Participants learn to interpret brand data and market research, integrate sustainability practices, and create comprehensive shop reports using visual tools like Canva. These skills enhance participants' ability to make informed buying decisions and analyse market trends effectively within the fashion industry.
• Garment Technology and Textile Materials: This module covers textiles, garment structures, and manufacturing techniques, including different textile types and properties, garment construction, and manufacturing processes. It also explores the role of technology and sustainability in fashion design and production while providing practical skills in Adobe Illustrator for creating fashion flats and range plans. Participants learn about fashion range planning principles, including market trend analysis and financial forecasting, ensuring efficient resource utilisation and cohesive brand development in garment production.
• Principles of Buying – Live Project: In this module, participants tackle authentic industry challenges presented in live briefs, analysing goals and constraints before crafting evidence-based solutions with creative and strategic flair. They apply buying and merchandising skills to develop comprehensive product ranges, considering market trends and target audiences. Finally, participants deliver professional presentations that effectively communicate project outcomes and recommendations, adhering to industry standards.
• Professional and Portfolio Development: This module assists participants in self-assessment and skills review for the fashion industry, including professional development planning and the use of social media platforms like LinkedIn for networking. It focuses on generating innovative solutions aligned with emerging trends and utilising software tools for effective communication. Emphasis is placed on presentation and communication strategies for showcasing portfolios effectively, while also refining portfolios and enhancing self-promotion and branding strategies to boost employability within the fashion industry.

Timetables

• Online delivery: Classes will be delivered live online using Zoom and will commence in October 2025. This part-time evening course will run 2 evenings per week, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 6.30 pm - 9.30 pm, over 26 weeks.
• On-Campus Delivery: Classes will commence in October 2025. This part-time course will run one day per week from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm, over 26 weeks.

How to Apply

Entry Requirements

• Mature Students (Over 23 Years): Direct entry
• Under 23 Years: e.g. 5 O6/H7 grades in the Irish Leaving Certificate or equivalent award. OR FETAC Level 5 Full Award
• English Language: It is recommended that applicants have a good understanding of both written and spoken English. Non-native English speakers are not required to submit a copy of IELTS test results or take an English-level test as part of the application process.

Fees

Tuition Fees

• Irish/EU Living in Ireland: EUR 3290.00
• Flexible Payment Options: Students wishing to avail of an instalment plan should contact the college.
• Sponsorship: Is your company paying for your course? They will need to complete a Griffith College Sponsorship Form (PDF file) and send this to the college.

Progression

What further study can I do?

Graduates from this programme may develop their skills further by completing the BA in Fashion Design.