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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts in Applied Fashion Retail 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119972  Bachelor of Arts in Applied Fashion Retail 
ORIGINATOR
FEDISA (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Design Studies 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0333/25  2025-07-10  2028-07-10 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-07-10   2034-07-10  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Bachelor of Arts in Applied Fashion Retail is to broaden access to tertiary education for those candidates that do not wish to pursue a career in Fashion Design but may prefer to contribute within the broader fashion retail context with a well-structured and meaningful qualification, while simultaneously enhancing their employability.

The qualification is designed to provide learners with fashion merchandising knowledge, skills, and capability to service and develop the occupational field of commercial fashion work in a broad range of fashion merchandising sub-fields, from product development and supply management to marketing, retail, and business management.
Through stakeholder engagements, it has been identified that both graduates and industry will benefit from exhaustive exploration and application of the relevant subject matter commensurate with the outcomes of the qualification. Numerous opportunities exist in the fashion industry that do not require the full scope of many skill and knowledge elements currently developed in a qualification.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will:
  • Demonstrate detailed knowledge of fashion theory, merchandising, marketing, and media, including the ability to synergise such acquired information and apply key terms, concepts, principles, rules, and theories from the field of study to unfamiliar but relevant contexts.
  • Demonstrate differentiated knowledge of how their area of specialisation (fashion theory, merchandising, marketing & media) relates to merchandising, marketing & media in a generalised context.
  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of different forms of knowledge and forms of explanation within the field of fashion theory, merchandising, marketing, and media, and demonstrate awareness of knowledge production processes within these fields.
  • Demonstrate the ability to evaluate, select and apply appropriate methods, procedures, and techniques in the investigation and applying processes within the contexts of fashion theory, merchandising marketing, and media.
  • Demonstrate the ability to identify, analyse and solve problems in unfamiliar contexts, gathering evidence and applying solutions based on evidence and procedures appropriate to the fields of fashion theory, merchandising marketing, and media.
  • Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the ethical implications of decisions and actions within the fashion theory, merchandising, marketing, and media context, based on an awareness of the complexity of ethical dilemmas.
  • Demonstrate an ability to evaluate different sources of information, such as primary sources (industry experts) and secondary sources (books, e-books, internet material, academic databases and academic texts and articles) to select information appropriate to the various tasks related to fashion theory, merchandising, marketing, and media and to apply well-developed processes of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation to such information.
  • Demonstrate the ability to present and communicate complex information reliably and coherently using appropriate academic and professional conventions, formats, and technologies in the context of fashion theory, merchandising, marketing, and media.
  • Demonstrate the ability to make decisions and act appropriately in familiar and new contexts specifically referring to Work Integrated Learning (WIL), demonstrating an understanding of the relationships between fashion theory,
    merchandising, marketing, and media and of how actions, ideas, or developments in one of the above-mentioned fields impacts on actions, ideas, or developments in any of the other fields.
  • Demonstrate the ability to evaluate performance against given criteria, accurately identify and address his/her task-specific learning needs in the Applied Fashion Retail context and provide support to the learning needs of others where appropriate.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a team or group context, and to take responsibility for his/her decisions and actions and the decisions and actions of others within the context of fashion theory, merchandising marketing, and media, including the responsibility for the use of resources where appropriate.

    Rationale:
    Over the past 16 years, the institution has delivered graduates to the broad fashion industry of an exceptionally high calibre. The influx of numerous industry bursaries to the institution attests to the high regard in which the graduates are held by this economic sector. Such bursaries include the 4.5 million Rand TFG (The Foschini Group) Bursary, now in its sixth year at the institution, several annual Truworths bursaries and the Creative Leaders Trust Financial Aid programme for learners.

    The qualification was developed in collaboration with numerous high-level fashion industries such as K-Way, Keedo, Cape Cobra Leather Craft, Cape Union Mart, Truworths, Markham, Universal Footwear, Old Khaki, and The Foschini Group. Learners graduating with the qualification are highly sought-after and frequently head-hunted for an array of career opportunities available in the fashion industry, both locally and internationally.

    With the arrival of international fashion retailers such as Topshop, ZARA, H&M, Gucci, Ted Baker and Tiger of Sweden, all of whom have met with the institution regarding recruitment and collaboration, it has become evident that, through these and other stakeholder engagements (professional designers, local retailers, stylists, forecasters and fashion media), as well as graduates and current learners, that future graduates and the fashion industry alike will benefit from exhaustive exploration and application of the relevant subject matter, commensurate with the outcomes of the qualification. Many opportunities exist in the fashion retail industry that do not require the skills and knowledge to conceptualise, create and manufacture new fashion products usually associated with this qualification, but is rather focused on the application of knowledge required in the merchandising, marketing and media applications, that include careers such as Fashion Buyers, Range Planners, Visual Merchandisers, Trend Analysts and Forecasters, Fashion Media Strategists, Fashion Journalists and Online Media Content Developers and many more, that drive the fashion product cycle from conception to consumer in the fashion retail environment.

    The qualification is designed to create a synergistic addition to the institution's current academic offerings. This synergy exists in the existing qualification, which develops the ability and capacity to conceptualise, create and manufacture fashion products, e.g., garments and accessories, while the new qualification will develop the ability and capacity to bring existing fashion products, e.g., garments and accessories to the point of sale through the application of various retail management and media processes.

    The qualification is intended to meet industry demand for graduates that possess formalised education in the fashion retail-related fields covered by the proposed qualification. The introduction of the qualification will also further contribute to the broadening of access to learners wishing to pursue their studies in fashion, without the technical requirements of conceptualising, creating, and manufacturing fashion products from inception. Having cemented the reputation for delivering highly competent graduates to the creative fashion industry over the past sixteen years, the institution seeks to broaden its academic offering to address the growing demand for highly qualified, competent, and strategic fashion retail management staffing in the fashion industry with its numerous interrelated disciplines, thereby addressing both the skills deficit and growing unemployment rate in South Africa. Moreover, the qualification will allow the institution the opportunity to broaden access to tertiary education for many candidates that wish to advance their undergraduate fashion retail studies to post-graduate levels, which also opens international employment opportunities for many graduates. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.


    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's degree studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's degree studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in Fashion, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels, 5, 6, and 7 totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules Level 5, 120 Credits.
  • Fashion History and Trend Analysis, 10 Credits
  • Communication and Social Studies, 10 Credits.
  • Fashion Buying and Sourcing, 20 Credits.
  • Fashion Retail Management, 10 Credits.
  • Store Layout and Display, 10 Credits.
  • Fashion Styling, 10 Credits.
  • Business Studies, 20 Credits.
  • Fashion Journalism, 20 Credits.
  • Computer-Aided Design, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 120 Credits.
  • Fashion History and Trend Analysis, 10 Credits.
  • Communication and Social Studies, 10 Credits.
  • Fashion Buying and Sourcing, 10 Credits.
  • Fashion Retail Management, 10 Credits.
  • Fashion Advising, 20 Credits.
  • Business Studies, 20 Credits.
  • Marketing and Consumer Behaviour, 10 Credits.
  • Fashion Journalism, 10 Credits.
  • Computer-Aided Design, 10 Credits.
  • Smartphone Photography and Videography, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 120 Credits:
  • Fashion History and Trend Analysis, 10 Credits.
  • Communication and Social Studies, 10 Credits.
  • Fashion Buying and Sourcing, 10 Credits.
  • Fashion Retail Management, 10 Credits.
  • Business Studies, 30 Credits.
  • Fashion Events Management,10 Credits.
  • Fashion Journalism, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate integrated knowledge of the central areas of one or more fields, disciplines, or practices, including the ability to apply and evaluate the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of that field, discipline, or practice; and detailed knowledge of an area or areas of Specialisation and how that knowledge relates to other fields, disciplines, or practices.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of knowledge as contested and the ability to evaluate types of knowledge and explanations typical within the area of study or practice.
    3. Demonstrate an understanding of a range of methods of enquiry in a field, discipline or practice, and their suitability to specific investigations; and the ability to select and apply a range of methods to resolve problems or introduce change within a practice.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to identify, analyse, evaluate, critically reflect on, and address complex problems, applying evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to make decisions and act ethically and professionally, and the ability to justify those decisions and actions drawing on appropriate ethical values and approaches within a supported environment, specifically related to fashion buying and sourcing, consumer studies, journalism, and advertising in fashion. industry, and in retail management contexts, based on an awareness of the complexity of ethical dilemmas.
    6. Demonstrate the ability to develop appropriate processes of information gathering for a given context or use; and the ability to independently validate the sources of information and evaluate and manage the information, such as primary sources (industry experts) and secondary sources (books, electronic books, internet material, academic articles, academic databases and fashion-related databases such as Worth Global Style Network (WGSN) - a trend analysis and forecasting site) to select information appropriate to the various tasks at hand.
    7. Demonstrate the ability to develop and communicate ideas and opinions in well-formed arguments, using appropriate academic, professional, or occupational discourse.
    8. Demonstrate the ability to manage processes in unfamiliar and variable contexts, recognising that problem-solving is context and system-bound and does not occur in isolation.
    9. Demonstrate the ability to identify, evaluate and address learning needs in a self-directed manner, and to facilitate collaborative learning processes.
    10. Demonstrate the ability to take full responsibility for own work, decision-making and use of resources, and limited accountability for the decisions and actions of others in varied or ill-defined contexts. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Analyse key roles within the retail business environment.
  • Evaluate key merchandising and marketing management drivers.
  • Analyse and evaluate key economic factors and influence on the retail business sector.
  • Assess various integrated operational models within the fashion retail business and related contexts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply a variety of consumer behaviour research tools to an integrated research project.
  • Research, process, and present subject-appropriate data within the Trend Forecasting field.
  • Evaluate a broad range of trend analysis tools and research methodologies.
  • Research presentations address specifically identified areas of the integrated fashion retail business environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Assess and evaluate information and the application of data within the fashion retail business environment.
  • Interpret and apply researched concepts in the fashion merchandising, marketing, and media field.
  • Synthesise new fashion retail strategies through the analysis and evaluation of economic retail sales data.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Explore problem-based solutions within the interrelated fashion management context.
  • Clearly articulate abstract and theoretical concepts and relate to identifiable considerations within the fashion retail environment.
  • Engage in a theory-driven argument within the fashion trend and marketing contexts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Conceptually synthesise information affecting ethical dilemmas.
  • Consider ethics and analyse broadly influencing factors within the economics of the fashion buying, sourcing, and retail sectors.
  • Explore and evaluate concepts of fashion marketing and media through an ethical/cultural lens.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Evaluate primary and secondary sources of knowledge and use data in the synthesis of new academic products.
  • Observe all academic, business and referencing conventions through digital presentations.
  • Effectively articulate research concepts through digital technology.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Explore and integrate entrepreneurship projects through digital/online media applications for the fashion retail
    environment.
  • Develop complex content by engaging multiple audiences with specific regard to digital media use.
  • Develop promotional collateral based on industry research and reflect the required knowledge assimilation
    appropriate to the field of fashion retail.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Devise integrated project management strategies with consideration of all areas of the learning programme.
  • Analyse the implementation outcomes of various integrated events with specific consideration to the various
    components of the learning programme.
  • Evaluate action research within a pre-set industry context with the aim of resolving identifiable economic challenges
    affecting the fashion retail sector (WIL).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Identify and analyse complex task outcomes within the context of self-directed learning.
  • Plan and assess the independent implementation of complex multi-dimensional projects.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Apply high-level interpersonal negotiating skills within large and small group tasks.
  • Identify various methodologies related to complex task implementation, with specific consideration of the integration between merchandising, marketing, and media in the fashion retail context.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Assessment opportunities for each level of study are evaluated in an integrated manner since module 'borders' are fluid, and the institution takes an interdisciplinary approach to assessing learners' work. For example, in the third year of study, learners' trend proposals will inform their individual brand campaigns, as well as their magazine/online editorials. Assessment practice considers both knowledge development and application across an array of module-specific outcomes of the qualification. Integrated assessment practice is premised on the historical knowledge developed in Fashion History and applied to future Trend Analysis. This interdisciplinary approach to assessment is
    accordingly based on combining, interpreting, and communicating knowledge from diverse modules within the qualification in such a way that an entire cause/effect chain of a problem can be evaluated from a synoptic perspective.

    Formative and Summative Assessment:
  • A minimum of one written test in all modules.
  • A minimum of one practical assignment per module in Merchandising, Marketing and Media courses.
  • A minimum of one written assignment in Trend Analysis and Fashion History (respectively), in Visual Merchandising, Marketing and Media (with specific reference to Fashion Journalism blog writing) and Fashion Retail Management (with reference to Business Management).
  • A minimum of two Computer Aided Design assignments (promotional material and store layout) as part of the Merchandising, Marketing and Media courses.
  • Written tests may be small formal formative class tests or summative term tests.

    In addition to summative assessment opportunities, learner progress will continuously be assessed on a formal formative and informal formative basis. Detailed feedback will accompany every summative assignment, thus serving as formal formative commentary. Learners will be encouraged to consult with their lecturers frequently to obtain informal formative feedback.

    Work Integrated Learning:
    Learners will be assessed on their evidenced report of experience and knowledge gleaned from their engagement with the industry. These small reports will form part of the overall integrated assessment of the Business Studies modules.

    To ensure fair assessment procedures, internal moderation is conducted upon the completion of each assignment, whereas external moderation is conducted at the exit level by suitably qualified and appropriately experienced industry experts and academics. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification is internationally comparable to similar qualifications offered in the following countries.

    Country: France
    Institution: International Fashion Academy
    Qualification Title: Bachelor in Fashion Marketing
    NQF Level: Higher Education Framework (EQF) Level 6
    Credits: 180 ECTS (60 ECTS per year)
    Duration: Three years full time
    Entry Requirements: High school graduate or equivalent

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The Bachelor in Fashion Marketing has an innovative structure that enhances the possibility to have a robust business curriculum for fashion that stimulates creativity and talent while exploring the dichotomies between East and West in terms of strategies for marketing, communication, distribution, and branding. It counts on a common first year and is intended to be split into two different courses for the second and third years, to give a more profound and specific practical knowledge of the preferred specialization, ending with a specific award. The qualification is constructed in compliance with the Bologna Convention principles

    The qualification offers systemic training, a constant challenge for all learners pacing each specific ability through individual assignments, teamwork, and discovery of the industry. The practical application of the theoretical knowledge is warranted by field trips and workshops given by fashion, business, branding and marketing experts. This veritable educational melting pot allows the learners to benefit from different cultural perspectives which in turn stimulates their propensity to analyse and solve issues in creative and unconventional ways.

    Similarities:
  • The International Fashion Academy (IFA) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over three years of full-time study.
  • Both qualifications require learners who completed the high school qualifications.
  • The second-year level of the IFA qualification is comparable to the level of the SA qualification.
  • The following IFA qualification compulsory modules are comparable to the SA qualification modules and/or associated assessment criteria.
  • Garment Typology Product Development Color Theory and Design Fashion Trends compares with Fashion History and Trend Analysis of the SA qualification.
  • Digital Fashion and Office Pack Basic Internet Skills Graphic Skills compare with Computer-Aided Design of the SA qualification.
  • Contemporary Fashion History compares with Fashion History and Trend Analysis of the SA qualification.
  • Strategic Marketing: Media and Advertising Public Relations and Brand Communication Retail Management Buying and Merchandising Visual Merchandising compare with Fashion Buying and Sourcing, and Fashion Retail Management and Fashion Public Relations of the SA qualification.
  • Supporting Studies compares with Business Studies
  • Fashion Business compares with Business Studies of the SA qualification.
  • Basic Marketing Principles Segmentation, Targeting, and Positioning Consumer Behavior Basic Marketing Communication compare with Communication and Social Studies of the SA qualification.
  • While the SA qualification does not include a WIL module in the structure, the WIL component is included in the assessment. The Assessment criteria include the action research and integrated project which are similar to the Market Research module of the IFA qualification.

    Differences:
    The IFA qualification is registered at EQF Level 6 while the SA qualification is registered at NQF Level 7.
    The IFA qualification has the following compulsory modules different from the SA qualification.
  • Marketing Foundations:
  • Basic Accounting and Statistics Human Resources Fashion Industry Cycle Fashion Distribution Panorama Fashion Branding
  • Fashion Environment:
  • Finance and Budget E-Fashion Global Social Economics and Emerging Markets Market Research
  • Textile Technology Garment Production and Quality Technical Files
  • Internship.

    The SA qualification consists of the following modules which are different from the IFA qualification.
  • Fashion Journalism.
  • Smartphone Photography and Videography.

    Under the framework of Higher Education, the first year of the IFA qualification corresponds to a Higher. Education (HE) Level 4. Learners are following core modules to discover the universe of the fashion business. They will acquire basic skills in marketing, communication, market research, human resources, and accounting to lay the pedagogical foundation of their learning curve. The second year corresponds to an H.E. Level 5. In this stage of their learning experience, learners are invited to specialize in Fashion Marketing. The focus is put on marketing communications with a perfect blend of business and creative modules. The third year corresponds to an H.E. Level 6. In the final process of their learning experience, learners will mobilize all the transferable skills previously acquired to overcome the challenges posed by the development of their personal projects. Learners electing the Fashion Marketing specialization will be required to produce a comprehensive marketing plan with a focus on branding and communication strategies. In conjunction, learners will have to complete a period of internship to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical context. On the other hand, the first year of the SA qualification is registered at NQF Level 5, the second year at NQF Level 6 and the third year at NQF Level 7.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: Richmond American International University
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Arts Honours in Fashion Management and Marketing
    NQF Level: RQF Level 6
    Credits: 120 UK credits
    Duration: Four years full time
    Entry Requirements:
  • A Levels: 96 UCAS points
  • US High School Diploma (or equivalent): 2.5 GPA minimum (on a 4.0 scale)
  • International Baccalaureate: 24 IB points (year 1)
  • BTEC National Diploma: MMM
  • Completion of Year 12-13 International equivalent secondary school qualification with a minimum grade average of grade of C including mathematics and English.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The Richmond American International University (RAIU) is tailored to give learners the latest insights from the fashion industry and retail businesses. This qualification allows learners to gain strong knowledge and expertise within other fields such as accounting, finance, marketing, and operations applied to fashion management. The qualification gives learners awareness and the know-how to conduct relevant market/consumer research and forecast trends. It also provides learners with the necessary tools to be able to compile insights into consumer and fashion buyer behaviour. The qualification offers modules in functional areas such as fashion communication, fashion retail and merchandising, fashion product development, and luxury brand management, giving learners the opportunity to broaden their knowledge of the industry according to their interests. This qualification ensures learners have an innovative and visionary approach as marketers. The academics and teaching methods support the mission to further develop learners' creative and analytical skills, to stand out in a competitive fashion marketplace. Graduates will acquire transferable skills such as teamwork and leadership qualities that will make them progress in their careers and gain access to top graduate schools worldwide.

    This qualification ensures learners have an innovative and visionary approach as marketers. The academic teaching methods support our mission to develop learners' creative and analytical skills, to stand out in a competitive fashion marketplace. Graduates will acquire transferable skills such as teamwork and leadership qualities that will make them progress in their careers and gain access to top graduate schools worldwide. On completing this qualification, learners will be able to apply for four exemptions (all certificate level) from The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), the world's largest professional body of management accountants, entering their Operational Level.

    Qualification structure:
    Learners will commence this qualification with a broad-based liberal arts approach in Tools for Change and Visual Thinking, along with foundations of business to give learners a thorough grounding in a range of subjects. In the second year, learners will move on to more targeted topics for business management including managerial accounting, marketing, entrepreneurship, and microeconomics. From corporate finance to celebrity and fan culture, the third year will be equally diverse, taking in topics such as the psychology of fashion and luxury goods, research methods and principles of marketing. The final year will focus on topics such as sustainable strategic management, digital marketing, and social media, which will prove invaluable in the workplace and enhance employability. Potential electives in the final year include luxury brand management, and lean start-up, giving learners the opportunity to broaden their knowledge of the industry according to their interests.

    Similarities:
  • The Richmond American International University (RAIU) and the South African (SA) qualifications require applicants who completed Year 12 secondary school qualification or equivalent.
  • The RAIU and SA qualifications provide learners with knowledge and skills for conducting relevant market/consumer research and forecast trends.
  • Both qualifications also provide learners with the necessary tools to be able to compile insights into consumer and fashion buyer behaviour.
  • The following RAIU qualification compulsory modules are comparable to the SA modules and/or associated assessment criteria.
  • Fashion Marketing and Retail compares with Fashion Buying and Sourcing, and Fashion Retail Management and Fashion Public Relations of the SA qualification.
  • Advertising, Public Relations and the Media compare with Fashion Buying and Sourcing, and Fashion Retail Management and Fashion Public Relations of the SA qualification.
  • History of Fashion and Foundations of the Business of Fashion compare with Trends compares with Fashion History and Trend Analysis of the SA qualification.
  • Sustainable Strategic Management.
  • Digital Marketing and social media compare with Fashion Buying and Sourcing, and Fashion Retail Management and Fashion Public Relations of the SA qualification.
  • Ethical Fashion and Sustainability compares with consider ethics and analyse broadly influencing factors within the economics of the fashion buying, sourcing, and retail sectors of the SA qualification.
  • Fashion Product Development.
  • Senior Project in Marketing.
  • Foundations of Computer Applications compare with Computer-Aided Design of the SA qualification.
  • Principles of Marketing.
  • Psychology of Fashion and Luxury Goods compare with Marketing and Consumer Behaviour of the SA qualification.

    Differences:
  • The RAIU qualification takes four years full-time to complete whereas the SA qualification takes three years of full-time study.
  • The RAIU qualification is registered at RQF Level 6 whereas the SA qualification is registered at NQF Level 7.
  • The RAIU qualification is weighted 120 UK credits whereas the SA qualification carries 360 credits.
  • On completion of the RAIU qualification, learners may apply for four exemptions from CIMA while the SA qualification does not allow for exemptions from CIMA.
  • The RAIU qualification consists of both compulsory and elective modules while the SA qualification consists of only compulsory modules and no electives.
  • The fourth year of the RAIU qualification consists of an internship in which the SA qualification does not include the internship.

    The RAIU qualification consists of the following modules which are different from the SA qualification.
    Compulsory Modules:
  • Foundations of Business.
  • Functions with Applications.
  • Tools for Change.
  • Research and Writing I.
  • Visual Thinking.
  • Narratives of Change.
  • Managerial Accounting.
  • Introduction to Microeconomics.
  • Introduction to Management.
  • Research and Writing II.
  • Change in Practice.
  • Probability and Statistics I.
  • Entrepreneurial Theory and Practice.
  • Corporate Finance.
  • Governance and Sustainability.
  • Research Methods and Data Analysis.

    Integrated Internship:
  • World Internship in Economics.
  • Internship in Economics.

    Elective Modules (Select one of the following):
  • Service Learning: Digital Collaboration
  • Service Learning: Leadership in a Changing World
  • Service Learning: Environment and Society
  • Service Learning: Global Citizenship and Migration
    And
    Elective Modules (Select one of the following):
  • Luxury Brand Management
  • Lean Start-up

    The SA qualification consists of the following modules which are different from the RAIU qualification.
  • Fashion Journalism.
  • Smartphone Photography and Videography.
  • Store Layout and Display.
  • Fashion Styling.
  • Communication and Social Studies
  • Business Studies.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: Fashion Retail Academy
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Fashion Business
    NQF Level: Level 6
    Credits: 120 UK credits
    Duration: Two Years
    Entry Requirements:
    Offers are usually between 104 and 120 UCAS points for undergraduate courses, from Level 3 equivalent qualifications such as:
  • A levels
  • BTEC Extended Diploma
  • Foundation Diploma

    Purpose/Rationale:
    With an emphasis on practical skills, this in-depth qualification will equip learners with all the commercial and analytical skills and knowledge they will need to succeed in a career in merchandising. Merchandisers are key to every life cycle of a garment, and this field is a varied, pivotal, and exciting one to be in. Learners will be sitting right at the heart of the action, at the intersection of business and creativity, deciding how to sell products to customers. It is a Merchandiser's job to boost sales and maximise profits, and this can include making sure that stock is monitored and available, working with Buyers to advise on successful lines, working with Operations to agree on production stock levels, and much more. The independent study and research skills will be improved by an individually negotiated fashion retail project and a work placement with a recognised high-street fashion brand.

    Graduates from the qualification will allow learners to pursue a wide variety of job roles, including:
  • Fashion Retailer Manager.
  • Fashion Business Manager.
  • Brand Strategist.
  • Fashion Stylist.
  • Buying Admin Assistant.
  • Merchandising Admin Assistant.
  • Other learners have gone on to start their own successful fashion businesses.

    Qualification structure:
    The Fashion Retail Academy (FRA) includes five specific fashion business modules Leadership and Management Principles, Business Economics, Fashion Retail Management, Product Development, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Common modules across the qualification: Cultural and Contextual Studies, Consumer Behaviour, Fashion Retail Landscape and Environment, Internalisation and Globalisation, Data and Analytics in Business, Professional Strategies. Learners will have an industry work placement with one of the partner brands.

    Assessment methods:
    The following assessment methods are employed to support the integrated achievement of the qualification exit-level outcomes.
  • A wide variety of methods are employed including blogs, essays, portfolios of work, reports, reflections, examinations, peer assessments, team and individual presentations, self-evaluation, business planning and a final major project which can take the form of a dissertation or practice-based project (e.g., business plan) or Industry Project.

    Similarities:
  • The FRA and SA qualifications require learners who completed secondary school qualifications.
  • The FRA and SA qualifications will allow learners to explore the impact of historical, social, and cultural factors on fashion retail, the merchandising environment on a global scale, and the impact of globalisation on the industry. Learners will gain a solid understanding of the importance of financial data and how to use this to forecast future trends and will also be taught to use a range of systems to prepare them for future merchandising job roles.
  • Both qualifications also offer several broad and transferable skills; in various modules, learners will develop collaborative, presentation, and critical thinking abilities.
  • Both qualifications share similar modules such as Fashion Retail Management, Consumer Behaviour, Fashion Retail Landscape and Environment.
  • Both qualifications employ formative and summative assessment methods.

    Differences:
    The FRA qualification takes two years full-time to complete whereas the SA qualification takes three years of full-time study.
    The FRA qualification is registered at Level 6 and is weighted 120 UK credits while the SA qualification is registered at NQF Level 7 and carries a weighting of 360 credits.

    Conclusion:
    The international comparability analysis shows that the SA qualification compares favourably with the above international qualifications in terms of entry requirements, duration, purpose/rationale, and qualification structure. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Fashion, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Fashion, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Marketing, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Marketing Communication, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Brand Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Fashion, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Marketing and Advertising Communications, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Fashion, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Retailing, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Brand Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Fashion, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. FEDISA (Pty) Ltd 


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