Professional Diploma in Fashion Buying & Merchandising
Course Overview
Ready to advance your career in the fashion industry by sharpening your skills in trend forecasting, customer profiling, fashion buying, and merchandise planning?
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.
The course is certified by Griffith College. This course focuses on the development of professional skills and does not sit on the national framework.
Why Study Fashion Buying & Merchandising at Griffith College?
This course is designed to equip individuals with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills tailored for success in the dynamic world of fashion.
- Provide a comprehensive understanding of the fashion buying and merchandising process, including trend analysis, product assortment planning, and inventory management.
- Ability to upskill in your current role, enhance your knowledge with practical experience and essential tools vital for achieving career success.
- Develop skills in making strategic buying decisions, considering factors such as market trends, consumer behaviour, and financial considerations.
- Foster creativity and innovation in the development of fashion collections and product assortments.
- Cultivate a sense of professionalism and ethical responsibility in the fashion buying and merchandising profession.
Intake Dates
- Dublin - Part-Time - October 2025
- Dublin - Online - October 2025
What students say
“I learned so much with amazing support from our lecturer Neil throughout. I was lucky enough to land my dream job in Fashion Buying and I owe it all to what I learned and all the help I received throughout. I couldn’t recommend studying Fashion Buying enough for anyone thinking of pursuing a career in this area as everything you learn is truly used in the day-to-day working world.”
Trainee Buyer
“My experience with Neil’s teachings was nothing but amazing. I have learned so much from Neil, and it has helped me grow into the role I am currently in. There is so much to learn in Fashion Buying, and it continues to spark my interest!”
Menswear Buying Assistant
Course Details
Course Content
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Year 2025
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.
Timetables will be made available closer to the course start date. Please contact professionalacademy@griffith.ie for further information.
How to Apply
Entry Requirements
All applicants should have basic IT skills and their own laptop.
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.
For further information, please contact a member of the Griffith College Professional Academy team by email at professionalacademy@griffith.ie or by phone at 01-4150429.
Fees
Please note that not all study modes may be offered at all times; for confirmation, refer to the Intake dates on the Overview tab.
Tuition Fees
Study Mode: Part-Time
Dublin Main Campus
EUR 3290.00
Flexible Payment Options
Students wishing to avail of an instalment plan should contact professionalacademy@griffith.ie
Sponsorship
Is your company paying for your course?
They will need to complete a Griffith College Sponsorship Form and send this to professionalacademy@griffith.ie
Progression
What further study can I do?
Graduates from this programme may develop their skills further by completing the BA in Fashion Design.
