Reviews of Fashion Retail Academy. (University) in London (London).

Fashion Retail Academy

75 Reviews

40 Comments

University

College

15 Gresse St, London W1T 1QL, United Kingdom

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Information of Fashion Retail Academy, University in London (London)

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Reviews of Fashion Retail Academy

M. C.

I have recently studied the Level 4 Fast Track Diploma in Buying and Merchandising and my expectations for the course were exceeded! The FRA is such a fantastic place to study with extremely modern amenities, a state of the art careers team and amazing industry connections. I felt fully supported through my time at the FRA through both my learning and when applying for job roles. I am now pleased to say I am working for renowned British Brand, Marks and Spencer. Can't thank the FRA enough! Would highly recommend to anyone wanting to study fashion!

E. B.

I am currently studying the fast track Fashion Marketing and Comms degree at the FRA and it has been an amazing experience. Although a lot has been taught online due to the pandemic, the lecturers are always an email away and they are super helpful- not to mention how experienced they are within the industry. The FRA has also provided me with an industry mentor which has hugely benefited my learning and given me a lot of industry insight plus amazing contacts. The location of the college couldn't be better!

A. R.

I completed the level 3 fashion retail course and the buying and merchandising degree course. The trips were great, I went to Milan and Paris within my 4 years at FRA as well as fashion week shows, v&a visits, industry wide projects with converse, top shop and qvc. On the level 3 you get the opportunity to partake in a 3 week work experience and on on the degree course there is an opportunity to complete 2 lots of 3 week work placements although covid stopped my year from doing our last work placement so all in all I did work experience at M&S and Ted Baker which I absolutely loved and just confirmed how much I wanted to work in the fashion industry! Both courses gave me extensive fashion retail and business knowledge that I use in my job as a merchandising admin assistant. The careers adviser team are great and very helpful and helped me prep for interviews after my time at FRA came to the end.

A. P.

Absolutely adored my time at the FRA!! Couldn't recommend it more! I learnt all the skills I needed to progress into my Visual Merchandising career from studying the 'Level 4 Visual Display and retail branding' course. Every day I left encouraged and with motivation to further myself. The Tutors were all inspiring and knowledgable of the industry, always wanting their student to succeed. The building itself is wonderful and sat right near to Oxford Street so would always spend my free time researching and wondering around for inspiration. The library is an absolute treasure trove if you love fashion, you can find magazines from all over the world and all the crucial books you need! The masterclasses were the highlights for me, getting to listen to key people in the industry and hearing tgeir experiences and advice was the most valuable thing. If I could go back and do it all again I would in a heartbeat! If anyone is considering studying here, I say go for it, you will always remember your time there!

M. T.

I studied at the FRA for three years and completed 2 courses. I started fresh from Sixth Form with a background unrelated to fashion (and it is basically unheard of to be accepted into fashion uni's or colleges without any previous courses related - I actually got turned down from a university as I didn't study textiles at A-Level or College) but the FRA accepts candidates from most academic backgrounds which is such a stand out! I first completed the Level 4 Fashion Retail Marketing & Business course which I gained a Distinction in - and I gained a huge experience in this time which showed me the direction I wanted to go in. During this 1 year course I went to Berlin with the FRA, presented to Lesara (A Fashion brand which seems to have vanished but was an amazing experience) and we visited Zalando's H/O too. Through this I really bonded with some of the girls and we are still friends today. I also had Visual Merchandising work experience at House of Frazer - later helping me to get a Part Time job at the new Primark store in Bluewater as a VM. After umming and arring, I decided I would do the fast track degree. It was the best decision I made - I was worried if I was to complete a traditional degree I would finish much later than everyone else as I completed a 1 year course already. The fast track degree was the best option for me to 'not loose time'. Don't get me wrong - it is hard work. Traditional Universities have three years and this degree is condensed into two - but you pay 1 years less fees and you can finish quicker and start earning money before others too. I learnt so so much in my degree and I really miss the FRA. The tutors are amazing and I'd love to give a shout out to the following; Anthony who specialises in marketing, Omolara who really helped me with VM and careers later on, Anna who helped me through my final major project and Lucy for making all lectures engaging - if you have these tutors I can honestly say you're in the best of hands and you will learn so much from them. The best thing about the FRA is that most tutors come from the retail background and know the industry you're about to go into. I completed my degree in August 2020 through the pandemic - and managed to gain a 2:1. Through the FRA I managed to land an apprenticeship at the Estée Lauder Company in Junior Content Production and am really enjoying myself and continue to learn a lot.

s. m.

i had such an amazing time at the FRA, made friends for life, ready for uni and left with a confidence that fuels me still 4 years after graduating, (big thanks to Jacoob Kimmie)

K. J.

I had a wonderful experience at Fashion Retail Academy, the teachers really care and have a lot of experience in the industry. Coming from high school they give you a lot of freedom, and if you do the work its pretty easy to get a good grade. The central location is definitely a plus.

t. A.

First of all, going to Fashion Retail Academy was both exciting and an adventures journey for me while studying L3 Fashion Design. The whole experience that I have had at FRA has enabled me to fit into the university environment very well. I am so glad that I had a very supportive staff member that helped me get the right help I needed for my dyslexia going to university and also with my personal statement. Going into to the course, I did not know much about the fashion industry but know that I have finished college I have a better understanding of how the fashion industry works along with what opportunity are available. This course has allowed me to understand what kind of designer I am with the guidance of my tutors and this may be different for others.

R. B.

Great place to study in the heart of London. The uni provide you with so many opportunities to ensure you get where you want to go. Teachers are reliable and engaging. Bonus is the accelerated degree which saves time and money.

S. D.

I am in my final year of my degree and have had an amazing positive experience at FRA. It has the best industry contacts, the lecturers are all industry experienced and are very helpful. The degree is not only educationally focused but also extremely industry focused which for me is a perfect balance. During the lock down for covid 19 online learning has been a positive experience for me. Webinar, zoom and Microsoft teams are all working well on the whole and I'm getting used to online learning much more. Obviously I miss having face to face interaction every once in a while but that can't be helped in a time like this. The lecturer's and uni have been super supportive and I couldn't ask for more. I definitely recommend going to FRA 😊

R. A.

Dropping out of A-Levels and choosing to attend the FRA has completely changed my future. I never would have thought that I'd be able to acquire all of the skills needed to have a career in fashion, let alone in such a short space of time. I've just completed the Level 3 Fashion Retail course and couldn't recommend the academy enough - so much so that I'm going to be starting the Marketing and Communications degree in September. L3 Fashion Retail gave me an insight into the different job roles in the industry so I could find the right pathway to suit me. Not only has the academy taught me everything I know about the industry, but it has also set me up for life outside college and my future - we had a lot of lessons and workshops based around interview skills, CV making and applying for university which made the transition to HE a lot easier for me. I love being able to learn from all my tutors and peers too, all of the tutors and many of the students have had really interesting job roles and experiences in the industry already, so I love being able to learn and hear about them. There have been so many benefits from being at the FRA - the industry connections, industry weeks, placements, trip week, library/resources and location of the academy. I've had industry projects with Topshop and Converse through the academy which have both been really interesting and have built my confidence with presenting. I've also attended talks and workshops with brands like ASOS and Louis Vuitton thanks to the connections and industry weeks at the FRA. Trip week was a major highlight of my time at the FRA, I went to New York and got to go to places like the Fashion Institute of Technology. Being based right by Oxford Circus, atttending FRA has allowed me to travel into the city and have easy access to different retail environments for research; having a two day week timetable is beneficial too, it makes juggling education and a job possible, and meant I could work independently at home rather than having to travel into central London every day. I like to make the most out of the resources in the FRA too, access to WGSN and countless books and magazines have made my project research easier too. Possibly my favourite thing about the FRA is that they don't treat you like children - which has been the main difference between FRA and my old, local college. There's more of a professional, office vibe - the building being immaculate is also a plus, it doesn't feel like a boring old classroom. I also feel like because the college only has fashion related courses most of the students really want to be here and aren't just there because they have to be, the students and tutors have a real passion for the industry - which is a lot different from most of typical colleges too. The academy has taught me about the basic job roles of the industry, how to present, how to write a CV and personal statement, how to approach brands, how to use computers and programs like Excel and InDesign, how to do a bibliography in Harvard format, how to conduct and gather in-depth research, how to find news and updates about the industry and how to make my work aesthetically pleasing. I couldn't recommend the FRA enough, I wouldn't be where I am without them - especially all while being so young.

J. N.

I recently completed the Level 3 Fashion Retail Course and couldn't recommend it enough! The decision to do this instead of A-Levels is one I don't regret, if you know that you want to work within the Retail industry, then FRA is the best way to get in, they have amazing contacts, work placements and lecturers who all have past industry experience. From level 3 I progressed onto one of the FRA's new 2 year degree courses which is what I am currently doing and am enjoying it immensely.

S. M.

I have just completed the fast track L4 fashion buying and merchandising course, and it was one of the best experience in my life. The school was everything i hoped for and more, everyone was lovely, and helpful when needed. I made lot of friends, we had lot fun but also learned a great deal about fashion. Shout out to my teachers: Debbie Taylor, Michaela Clements, Sharon robinson, and helen, they were absoluetly amazing in teaching us , always supportive ( and sometimes strict when needed haha) . The fashion RetaiL Academy has an excellent industry reputation, if you want to work in fashion, having the FRA on your CV will certainly help you A LOT!

Y. L.

Teaching and Learning - As a teacher who has worked in state education for 10 years I can recommend FRA to any person wishing to study any element of fashion. The courses provided are unique to the industry and are delivered by professionals who have worked in all areas themselves including Buying, Merchandising, Styling, Production.... Go and study there if you have an interest in working in fashion and want an insiders advantage.

E. L.

I would like to say that studying at the FRA has been a crazy roller-coaster (in a good way). At first, I had trouble starting and had little knowledge about the Fashion industry. After studying here for 2 years, I gained so much knowledge and understanding from my supportive and incredible tutors. Shout out to Jacoob who has been honest and supportive through my years of studying. He has given me such courage and has challenged my mind and my artistic ability to view the world of fashion in a distinctive perspective. I would also like to thank Suzanne for encouraging me to be free and authentic in illustration. I have learnt new skills and techniques which has further enhanced my drawings in a greater level. Since studying here, I have become more attached in the subject of illustration. Overall, I am entirely greatful and found purpose studying at the FRA 😊

A. T.

Attending the Fashion Retail Academy taught me all i needed to know about the industry. I gained invaluable experience from my tutors as well as several regular talks from experts within the industry. I would definitely recommend the FRA to anyone keen for a career down the fashion path.

M. H.

The FRA is an amazing place for anyone looking to go into the fashion industry. All the students and teachers are so friendly and it’s a really nice, supportive environment!

C. B.

The FRA was incredible and I know I wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t spend my time studying there. Having tutors who had worked in the industry I was looking for get into inspired me endlessly, being surrounded my like minded peers really confirmed that I was on the right path and the contacts I made through the work experience and industry events the FRA organised helped me get my foot in the door and land my first buying job. If you want to be a buyer, this is the place for you!

H. O.

Great college! Studied Level 3 Fashion Retail there. Really loved it. About to go into my second year. Great location right in the middle of central London and close to all the popular retail and shopping locations. I studied a large range of different subjects as part of my course and now know what I would like to specialise in. Overall a great experience!

R. C.

One of the best fashion colleges by far, teachers are very welcoming, lots of fun work to do and students are very nice. Currently in level 2 fashion retail (teacher Phillip Bosley who is a great teacher) and soon progressing onto level 3 fashion retail, Would recommend.

f. h.

My first year at FRA has been amazing such a great place to study, a unique college which specialises in retail fashion. The teachers have been amazing, always supportive and willing to help. I am looking forward to my second year a 2 year course which will then allow me to follow my career in this specialised field. Thank you for a great, fun year. Finn

L. B.

Overall i think the Fashion Retail Academy is a brilliant college. I am a student so i have witnessed what it's like inside the classrooms and i can tell you now that it has excellent teachers and a great atmosphere to learn in. Very very satisfied with the college.

J. R.

Okay so firstly I never leave reviews on sites period. But felt the need to do one for the Fashion Retail Academy A) because I loved my time here and it got me the job I wanted which not have been possible otherwise and B) some of the recent reviews are just plain stupid. I studied here for 3 years and completed Level 3 and then a level 4. The course tutors were mostly amazing, great facilities (in comparison to most colleges or unis the place has everything you need), industry placement was great as was the industry project. You’re only in two days a week, and I worked part time the rest of the week, and had some decent down time, to spend my hard earned cash! If anything I wish my time was longer. I got my dream job and if I hadnt I would probably have studied for a degree here also. My friend is currently studying the Marketing Fir Fashion. Some of our others mates are doing similar degrees elsewhere and they can’t believe the contact he is getting with industry does sound proper amazing. I don’t agree with the other recent reviews. Being sour about your grade, well hey it’s life, work harder. Being sour because someone else got an award and you didn’t, well hey it’s life, don’t concern yourself with others just focus on being the best you and where you want to be. Complaint that some people didn’t attend well and still got a better grade than you? Hey, that’s life, be happy for them that despite not being there they still did well! When work is getting marked I doubt they mark on attendance. Complaining about the “type” of student in your classes? OMFG are you kidding that’s just crazy and slightly racist, hey it’s life, in work you’re gonna be surrounded by all different types of people, some you will like others you won’t, just like studying. You think it’s not immature or inappropriate to slate them? Well the world of work is going to be a real eye opener for you! Only one lecture theatre?! Your point? How many can you sit in at one time!? Teachers aren’t qualified you say? What and you ARE qualified to make that judgement are you?! Jokers! Personally in my time here whenever I had an issue I went and spoke to someone and it did get sorted. I have studied at other places before. Some I dropped out of, some I didn’t. This was the first place I felt actually worked for me to just focus on where I wanted to get. It wasn’t about grades, passing a course or just turning up for the sake, I could literally see the end in sight. Best money I spent on myself. Overall, like I said, I don’t ever leave reviews but I loved my time here as did almost everyone else I know. It taught me lots, gave me lots of experience and i got a job. Not sure what more you can ask for from an education!

C.

FRA is a great college to start any career in the fashion and retail world. FRA is located just off Tottenham Court Road and is ideally placed for students to travel in via trains and tube. The staff are helpful and knowledgeable, and I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending the FRA to anyone who sees themselves with a career within this industry. 5 stars are well deserved.

P. w.

I have almost come to an end with my studies at the FRA, studying BA Marketing and Communications ( one of the degree programmes) I've enjoyed it because it has given a true and realistic insight into the industries that I am interested in. The FRA teaches you to be self-sufficient and confident, ready for the working world

A. S.

A fantastic institution that get's you fully ready for working in the fashion industry. The tutors are extremely knowledgeable, you will not get experience like this in any other place!

S. T.

One of the best fashion college's by far, teachers are really welcoming, lots of fun work to do and students are really nice.Currently doing Level2 Fashion Retail (teacher Phillip Bosley, who is an amazing teacher) and soon to be progressing onto Level3 Fashion Retail.Would Recommend

S. J.

Students have a lots of opportunities and experience, trips and adventure

L. d. B.

I really enjoyed my time here, I have learnt so much from the tutors and have made some great friends too

m. p.

The college is great. I have been doing level 2 retail this past year and it has been great experience especially having a teacher like Phil Bosley teaching it

Z. P.

Studied a Level 4 course here and couldn't recommend it more to those who are wanting to get into the industry!

E.

Decent facilities and excellent teaching. Great environment to make connections

L. C.

B. P.

c. h.

S. K.

J. S.

C. S.

M. B.

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