FdA Visual Merchandising (Hertford Regional College)
Key information
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Typical offer:
Entry requirements -
Fees: See below
Full details -
UCAS code: WN22
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Institute code: H36
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Work placement option
Find out more
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Entry requirements
The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.
Standard entry requirements
UCAS points A Level BTEC IB 48 DD PPP 48 points Additional requirements
GCSE: Grade 3/D in English Language and Mathematics
An interview or presentation of portfolio may be required.
Mature students with GCSE grade C or above English Language and Mathematics or equivalent, but lacking traditional Level 3 qualifications will be considered on the basis of relevant experience and an appropriate portfolio of work.
The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.
UCAS points A Level BTEC IB 48 DD PPP Additional requirements
GCSE: Grade 4 in English Language and Grade 3 in Mathematics
An interview or presentation of portfolio may be required.
Mature students with GCSE grade C or above English Language and Mathematics or equivalent, but lacking traditional Level 3 qualifications will be considered on the basis of relevant experience and an appropriate portfolio of work.
The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.
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Professional accreditations
The FdA Visual Merchandising programme is recognised by the British Display Society as a UK ‘Centre of Excellence’. Graduates may receive the award of ProDip.BDS upon successful completion of the course and have the benefit of membership of the British Display Society whilst studying at Hertford Regional College.
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- An emphasis on personal development and employability within the creative industries.
- Outstanding connections to industry, including high profile live briefs and work placements from leading retail brands such as Selfridges, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Tesco and IKEA.
- An opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification in two years of full-time study.
- Progression route to the final year of an appropriate honours degree programme at the University of Hertfordshire.
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Level 4
Module Credits Compulsory/optional WBL: Developing Professional and Employability Skills Part 1 (HRC) 15 Credits Compulsory The focus of this module, is planning your career and developing employability and professional skills. You will take a closer look at the creative arts industries to identify a route that reflects your strengths and preferences. You will prepare for progression by networking and producing self-promotion materials. You will also articulate your skills and knowledge to create an action plan for progression. Creative Skills Development (HRC) 30 Credits Compulsory This module is an opportunity for you to investigate and experiment with a wide variety of creative skills and techniques to inform and develop your own creative style. By researching and analysing the work and styles of specialist practitioners and then creatively experimenting in your own work, you will develop your individual creative practice and personal application of creative skills to support future projects and modules. Vocational Project (HRC) 30 Credits Compulsory During this module, you will gain an understanding of the professional practice and processes relevant to your discipline. You will work to a scenario and research the context as well as the intended audience and their expectations. You will then plan and complete the project to fulfil the vocational brief and manage the creative process from conception to final outcome. WBL: Developing Professional and Employability Skills Part 2 (HRC) 15 Credits Compulsory This module allows you to articulate your own personal and professional skills development along with the experiences gained through a range work based learning project(s). The project outcome will be a written report reflecting and evaluating on their work based learning activities with the effective use of written communication skills and the application of appropriate academic protocols. The report will include an action plan to support Work Based Learning Project: Professional Practice Level 5 progression. Contextual Studies (HRC) 30 Credits Compulsory This module gives you the opportunity to execute a variety of research methods and techniques, synthesising your discoveries and findings to demonstrate an understanding of historical and contemporary cultural influences in your creative discipline. You will closely examine the work produced by creative practitioners during some of the major movements and styles. You will thoroughly research historical and contemporary periods in your discipline and the contextual, cultural, technological, social, economic and/or political factors which have influenced creative work produced in these contexts. Students will be required to produce an essay (or negotiated equivalent) demonstrating subject knowledge, research and communication skills and adherence to academic writing conventions. -
Level 5
Module Credits Compulsory/optional WBL Project: Professional Practice (HRC) 30 Credits Compulsory It's a tough job market with intense competition within the creative industry. Therefore the Work Based Learning Project will give students an opportunity to expand, develop and apply their knowledge, understanding and skills learnt from their course of study with local/national employers, in a work based environment. This module exposes students to a number of potential employment and study opportunities to develop their future career. You are required to work with an employer on a project that meets their needs whilst allowing you to express and develop your own professional skills and understanding. The project will be shaped by negotiation between you, your tutors and your employer. It may be carried out on the employer's premises; however this will depend on the type of project that has been agreed. You may already have a specific idea that you think will prove commercially successful or you may seek to develop creative ideas with some of your fellow students. Working in teams, partnerships or as an individual you will develop the professional skills needed to undertake and communicate a project plan and present outcomes successfully to employers and/or potential clients. Critical and Cultural Studies (HRC) 30 Credits Compulsory This module will present you with the opportunity to examine your own discipline in relation to a personally chosen academic issue, theory or debate in your creative field. You will be required to develop your own substantiated perspective or argument and your lecturer will help you to decide on a suitable topic to explore, and then provide you with academic support in researching and writing an essay or negotiated equivalent. You will conduct substantial academic research, produce a literature review, the essay will have a persuasive argument or an equivalent and will adhere to academic protocols. Portfolio Development (Visual Merchandising, HRC) 30 Credits Compulsory This module enables students to explore, develop and apply the professional skills needed to build a strong portfolio of creative work to prepare for progression and/or employment. You will develop your understanding of professional practice, client/ audience needs and requirements and professional constraints in response to a vocational brief. Final Major Project (Visual Merchandising, HRC) 30 Credits Compulsory This final module represents the culmination of all previous modules studied and projects completed throughout the programme. It offers you the opportunity to synthesise all of your previously acquired knowledge and skills to create an ambitious, large-scale self-directed creative project showcasing what you are capable of. Students can select an appropriate platform/context for their work and target it towards specific audiences. Drawing on previous experiences, the final major project allows students to focus their creativity and work in the field to which they intend to progress or find employment in. -
Work placement
The engagement of students with industry through work placement is comprehensive on the programme with a dedicated work-based learning module that provides the opportunity to expand, develop and apply knowledge, understanding and skills learnt with local and national employers. Located just outside of the retail epicentre that is London allows opportunities for work placements and live briefs at some of the world’s most highly regarded locations; previous collaborations include Selfridges, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Tesco and IKEA as well as many smaller businesses. You are also encouraged to independently negotiate and organise your own work placement opportunities.
Why choose this course?
This programme will provide you with:
What's the course about?
Whether it is in a physical or digital space, successful visual merchandising is a key part of the marketing strategy for all major retailers. It helps brands define their image, create positive customer experiences and ultimately drives sales through the creation of exciting displays, experiences and promotions.
Our FdA Visual Merchandising programme focuses on developing creative and technical skills which provide a strong foundation for a career in the creative industries. You will undertake a range of vocational projects, which blend creativity and business, understanding how to combine materials, graphics and equipment on one hand and promotion of concepts on the other. You will learn the fundamentals of visual merchandising including display design, spatial design, fashion promotion and styling, customer behaviours, graphic design, marketing, and product promotion and styling.
Ideas are at the heart of the course and there is a strong emphasis on practical experimental work. You will be challenged to respond to vocational based briefs in a creative and considered way, evaluating and analysing your work as you progress. This course will develop both your creative and technical skills and at all stages, you will be taught how to use established and emerging media through workshops, industry guest speakers, tutorials and seminars delivered by experienced industry professionals.
Through contextual studies and an ongoing seminar programme, you will be introduced to the issues of analysis, aesthetic and theoretical frameworks as used in this industry. Through the course's emphasis on work-based learning, you will be encouraged to find work placements and job shadowing with industry professionals. You will be working in teams to simulate industry practice across the two years and hone your presentation and communication skills. Through our excellent industry links, both local and national, you will be regularly visited and supported by leading members of the design community.
Where can I progress to?
All progression routes outlined below are currently valid; however available progression will be updated on an annual basis in accordance with changes in University of Hertfordshire provision.
Entry to Level 6 is contingent on successful completion of the FdA. Additional routes may be available to students at the time of FdA completion.
The FdA Visual Merchandising offers articulated progression into the final year of the following courses:
What will I study?
Teaching comprises a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, small group tutorials, course work and practical assignments. You are encouraged to undertake independent study to consolidate your learning and to broaden your knowledge and understanding of the subject. You will also experience working collaboratively on projects with other higher education courses. We have outstanding connections to industry, including high profile live briefs and work placements from leading retail brands.
You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities including a dedicated purpose-built display studio with display practice spaces and store-quality glazed windows. As well as workshops, Mac suites and industry standard resources. We have a Creative Enterprise Shop that stocks products designed by you. The shop also pops-up at local community events, shops, empty shop units, external exhibitions both local and inner London. The teaching team combines full-time teaching staff with part-time industry professionals, who split their time between teaching and working in the creative industries. Throughout the programme there is an international study trip, as well as national study trips and visits to businesses, agencies, museums and galleries.
You can visit our Instagram @creative_enterprise_hub and follow our current students creative exploits.
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What's next for my career?
The versatility of the course can lead to a wide range of career opportunities within the fields of visual merchandising, display design, event and exhibition design, interior designer, retail design, fashion promotion and styling, graphic design and product promotion and styling. Our graduates have also gone on to set up their own businesses or continue their professional practice on a freelance, self-employed basis.
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Key staff
Liliana Scibetta
Programme Leader for Creative Enterprise Foundation Degree -
Further information - includes assessment method
Course fact sheets FdA Visual Merchandising Download Programme specifications Foundation Degree in Creative Enterprise (Design Studies) - HRC Download Additional information Sandwich placement or study abroad year
n/a
Applications open to international and EU students
No Course length
- Full Time, 2 Years
Location
- Hertford Regional College
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How to apply?
2024
Start Date End Date Year Location Link 15/09/2024 23/05/2025 1 Hertford Regional College Apply online (Full Time) 15/09/2024 23/05/2025 2 Hertford Regional College Apply online (Full Time) -
Fees and funding
Fees 2023
UK Students
Full time
- £6165 for the 2023/2024 academic year
Fees 2024
UK Students
Full time
- £6165 for the 2024/2025 academic year
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.
View detailed information about tuition fees
Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet
Other financial support
Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students
Living costs / accommodation
The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.