Fashion Systems: practical pathways into the fashion industry

Fashion Systems offers flexible, industry-aligned pathways into fashion product, operations, and commerce careers. Whether you want a full foundation or a focused entry point, these programs are designed to help you build practical skills and take a realistic first step into the industry.

You don’t have to have it all figured out

Some students know exactly what they want to focus on. Others are still exploring—or want a program that keeps their options open.

Fashion Systems is designed for both.

Instead of asking you to commit to one narrow role upfront, we offer multiple entry points that reflect how fashion careers develop. An Admissions Advisor can help you explore which pathway fits your goals, timeline, and experience—now and over time.

What Fashion Systems teaches

Fashion is creative, but it’s also operational. Careers are built inside systems where products move through:

01
Design

02
Fit

03
Production

04
Buying

05
Branding

06
Commerce

Fashion Systems introduces you to these areas—whether through full or focused pathways—so you understand how the industry functions and where you fit within it.

Choose your pathway

Business of Fashion & Design Diploma

18 months—full pathway

Our most comprehensive fashion program—designed to give students a complete view of how products, systems, and brands come together across the fashion industry.

This diploma focuses on:

  • Fashion history, industry context, and trend forecasting essentials

  • Fashion operations, supply chains, and production flow

  • Buying, merchandising, and strategic planning

  • Branding, marketing, and digital commerce execution

  • Product development, fit, and design translation

Ideal for students seeking a broad foundation in fashion before choosing a more specialized path.


Core Design Certificate

7 months—focused pathway

A hands-on, design-led program focused on how fashion products are conceived, constructed, and refined from concept to final form.

This certificate focuses on:

  • Garment construction, sewing, and material exploration

  • Pattern making, fit, and silhouette development

  • Technical product development and design translation

  • CLO3D workflows and production-ready communication

Ideal for students drawn to making, fit, and the technical craft behind fashion design and production.


Fashion Business & Creative Arts

11 months—focused pathway

A business-led fashion program that explores how brands operate, communicate, and scale—through visual systems, strategy, and digital execution.

This diploma focuses on:

  • Fashion systems, supply chains, and production flow

  • Costing, line strategy, and brand-led decision making

  • Digital commerce, content, and visual storytelling

  • Clear communication across product, production, and brand teams

Ideal for students interested in business, merchandising, digital commerce, and brand-side roles within fashion.

One important thing to know

These pathways are designed to stand alone—or be combined over time.

You can start with a focused program or commit to the full pathway. An Admissions Advisor can help you understand how these options connect and which starting point makes the most sense for you.

Career Progression in Fashion

Fashion careers typically build through experience, increasing responsibility, and continued learning.

Most people begin in assistant or coordinator roles, then grow into more specialized positions as they gain industry experience.

Fashion Systems programs are designed to support that first stage—with skills that translate across teams and roles.


Graduates are prepared for roles such as:

  • Product Development Assistant

  • Design or Technical Assistant

  • Buying or Merchandising Assistant

  • Production or Operations Coordinator

  • Ecommerce, Brand, or Marketing Assistant

These roles focus on learning how fashion teams work, building core skills, and gaining exposure across functions.

Early Career Roles


With Experience

With time and on-the-job experience, professionals may move into roles like:

  • Product Developer or Technical Designer

  • Assistant Buyer or Merchandiser

  • Production or Supply Chain Coordinator

  • Brand or Marketing Coordinator

  • Ecommerce or Digital Merchandiser

At this stage, work typically involves more ownership, specialization, and decision-making.


Longer-Term Paths

Over time, some professionals progress into senior or leadership roles, while others pivot, specialize, freelance, or continue their education. There’s no single path—careers in fashion are shaped by experience, performance, and industry conditions.


Multiple start dates throughout the year

Fashion Systems programs offer multiple start dates throughout the year, depending on the pathway. Rather than waiting for a single intake, students can begin when they’re ready—with the same curriculum standards and expectations.

Not sure which pathway fits?

Fill out the form below to connect with an Admissions Advisor.

You’ll receive a text and email with options book a call or visit the campus.