SQA Advanced Certificate/Diploma in Fashion Business at SCQF Levels 7 and 8

SQA Advanced Certificate and SQA Advanced Diploma qualifications provide practical skills and theoretical knowledge that meet the needs of employers.

The SQA Advanced Certificate in Fashion Business (SCQF level 7) covers areas such as fashion merchandising, fashion range planning, public relations, and retail buying. 

The SQA Advanced Diploma in Fashion Business (SCQF level 8) builds on the knowledge and skills of the SQA Advanced Certificate and covers areas such as fashion forecasting, sourcing decisions in the apparel industry, store design, market research, brand management, and business management.

This qualification is available through a growing number of colleges, training providers and universities around the world. Typically, an SQA Advanced Certificate takes one year to complete and an SQA Advanced Diploma takes two years.

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Why deliver this qualification

SQA Advanced Certificates and SQA Advanced Diplomas have been developed by SQA in partnership with colleges, universities and industry — so employers recognise that they provide sound evidence of ability.

The unit-based structure supports flexible delivery. A unit is typically 40 hours of timetabled learning.

There is a wide choice of optional units which will enable centres to offer courses tailored to meet local needs.

The SQA Advanced Certificate/Diploma provides progression routes to further study (see Progression).

Who does this qualification suit

The SQA Advanced Certificate/Diploma in Fashion Business is suitable for a wide range of candidates including:

  • school leavers
  • adult returners to education
  • individuals in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects
  • people who wish to start their own business

Entry requirements

As with all SQA qualifications, entry is decided by the college or learning provider. As a guide, the college or learning provider will look for:

  • school-leaving qualifications equivalent to Level 3 or SCQF level 6, meaning the student has the ability to study at the higher level
  • a centre-devised test which shows the student’s ability to study at SQA Advanced Diploma level
  • relevant work experience

Progression

Candidates who complete the SQA Advanced Certificate in Fashion Business can progress to the SQA Advanced Diploma in Fashion Business.

The SQA Advanced Diploma in Fashion Business can provide advanced entry to related degree-level study.

How to assess

Each individual unit specification gives detailed information on the evidence requirements and approaches to assessment for each unit.

Ongoing course assessment will apply.

Qualification structure

SQA Advanced Certificate in Fashion Business

Group award code: GV3M 47 (96 SCQF credit points)

SQA Advanced Certificate Fashion Business at SCQF level 7 consists of 8 mandatory units (80 SCQF credit points) and one to two optional units (16 SCQF credit points).

SQA Advanced Diploma in Fashion Business

Group award code: GV3N 48 (240 SCQF credit points)

SQA Advanced Diploma in Fashion Business at SCQF level 8 consists of 17 mandatory units (192 SCQF credit points) and three to six optional units (48 SCQF credit points).

For further information on the structures and units of these qualifications please refer to the group award specification.

Group award specification

Unit Specifications